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.

SIGHTS and SOUNDS

From top to bottom: Local residents offloading sacks of fertilizers to be distributed to all farmers in Marenyo

Jerusa Luhano addresses a crowd.



Gem MP Jakoyo Midiwo.











Gem Junior MP George Maugo.



A farmer tends to his maize field. Over 700 farmers in Marenyo got free maize seeds and fertilizers.

Okoth Owiro is gone, who shall pick up his gauntlets?

Arthur Okoth Owiro was a prominent son of Sagam and a Professor of Law at the University of Nairobi. A sad loss.

This was featured in the East African Standard

By Dominic Odipo

The other week, the country and the University of Nairobi, in particular, lost a giant. Arthur Okoth-Owiro, the man who had taught Private Law at the university for quarter a century and who had served as the first secretary of the Constitution of Kenya Review Commission (CKRC), finally left us.

For those among us who knew him so well, Okoth’s death was a singular and devastating event. We take solace only in the fact that that is the way of all of us and that the Good Lord will receive him with open arms on the other side. May his soul rest in eternal peace.

Arthur Okoth-Owiro was the only man of his kind in this country. You can search the length and breadth of the entire country, but you will not find another quite like him.

His birthplace of Ahono, Gem in Siaya District combined with Sawagongo Secondary School, Alliance High School and the University of Nairobi to produce a unique human species. There are very few people who ever met Okoth-Owiro and forgot the experience. His impression, like that of all strong men, always remained behind, sometimes favourable and sometimes highly unfavourable. Here was a man whom neither his friends nor foes could totally ignore.

Okoth was a giant not only in the physical sense, but also in the social and intellectual sphere. He lived his half century to the full, ignoring the vaunted moderation of the ancient Greeks and testing life’s limits like few among us could dare. Very often, he pitted his intellectual arsenal against the very best Nairobi University could offer and came out tops. As it has been well put elsewhere, Okoth was a man who had all the characteristics of the human race.

Turbulent and often unpredictably spontaneous, he was selectively generous, often lavishing full attention and the fruits of his many labours on a select few and denying them completely to others. That Okoth drank the full measure of his glass of life, no one who knew him can deny. He loved his red wine and his Johnny Walker and would often consume enormous volumes of both. He loved the company of his fellow human beings, both male and female.

He loved African music, especially the big band sound of Congolese maestro Franco and his TP OK Jazz. He adored the solo vocals of Carlito Lassa (Affaire Kitikwala), Sam Mangwana, Malage de Lugendo (Testament ya Bowule) and the superb duets of Franco and Youlou Mabiala (Infidelite Mado) and Franco and Sam Mangwana (Cooperation, Toyeba Yo.)

On the local scene, he reserved a special place in his musical soul for Okatch Biggy, like him, a native of Gem. After Okatch passed on, he transferred his affection to those musicians who had learned at Okatch’s feet. As if in reciprocation of his love for their art, these musicians generously included his name in their lyrics.

Those of us who knew Okoth well will remember him, not for his red wine or generous love of humanity, but for his withering wit and for what we used to call his cut-throat intelligence. With one quick, pithy retort, Okoth could cut down any man or woman in an intellectual exchange. He could do this to students, fellow lecturers, professors and journalists alike.

Unfortunately, this cut-throat wit was not always doled out judiciously. Many of his friends and university colleagues often ended up at the sharp end of it. So it happened that, often, when he needed the backing of his friends or colleagues, he found it vapourised by some defunct, but devastatingly witty remark long gone from his own memory.

When, during the mid-1980s, the University of Nairobi found itself with a vice chancellor and a law dean who were both Kamba, Okoth suddenly found the university "too Kambasome". Commenting on the standard of the lawyers being produced by the university, he said: "You know most of the students who later become lawyers in this town only manage pass degrees. That means they only know about 40 per cent of the law."

There are many of his former colleagues who will swear that Okoth was incorrigibly arrogant. That he had a rather inflated opinion of himself. Are they correct? Indeed, they are. But this arrogance and highly inflated sense of self-esteem turned out to be one of his greatest assets.

In a huge, public university setting in which one must publish or perish, a huge intellectual ego can be very useful indeed. You must prove by what you publish and do that you are indeed superior to your peers. In the end, what starts out as a vice becomes the engine through which you develop all your potential and end up dominating your colleagues even more.

And this, in effect, is what happened to Okoth towards the sunset of his life. Believing deep within that he was inherently superior to his colleagues, he put in his name for secretary of the CKRC and, without canvassing, promptly got the job. Arrogance, whether intellectual or not, had clearly paid off.

Unfortunately, this hour of his greatest triumph also turned out to be the beginning of the end. Hardly six months into the job, he lost the support of virtually all his fellow commissioners.

When he was finally forced to resign, deep within, he knew that having reached the top of his mountain he would never actually see the Promised Land.

And so when the cruel hand of fate struck the other week, Okoth knew it was coming. He had certainly adjusted himself for the consequences, so far as it is humanly possible to do so. He fought the unequal battle with courage and fortitude to the very end, refusing to capitulate meekly to this mightiest of the forces of Providence.

It is on this note that we say farewell to our brother and friend of so many memorable years and wish him the very best that there may be in the world beyond the grave.

Good bye, Rabet.

RABUOR – SINAGA AREA (RSA) DEVELOPMENT TRUST (RSA-DT) MEETING HELD 25TH FEBRUARY, 2006 AT REINSURANCE PLAZA – NAIROBI

In attendance

1. Ambrose Rachier – partly attended – Chairman
2. Gedfrey Nyandera Abwao – Chairing
3. Eng. A. O. Rogo
4. Walter Odallo
5. Ombaka Ogolla
6. Regina Opundo
7. Geoffrey Ochieng’
8. Godffrey Omolle
9. Margaret Ooko
10. Evans Okelo Siguru
11. Samuel Otieno Siguru
12. David Oduor Oluoch
13. Ouma Ojenge
14. Charles Ooro
15. Ezekiel Odhiambo Ohando
16. Maurice Araka Sogo
17. Bon Ouko

Apologies: -

1. Margaret Radier
2. Christine Okwirry
3. Nelson Rogo
4. Isaac Okoth
5. George Sewe
6. J. M. Okinda
7. George A. Omollo
8. John N. Otiende

The meeting started at 10.45 a.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
• Welfare of RSA individual members and general membership development agenda
• AOB

The Chairman Mr. Rachier having partly attended the meeting could not chair and therefore Mr. Nyandera Abwao was to chair the meeting session in the absence of Mr. Rachier.

The Secretary Eng. Rogo took the meeting through the minutes.

1. RABUOR SINAGA AREA (RSA) COMMUNITY WATER PROJECT

1.1 Funding

UNESCO

UNESCO had compiled a report on RSA Development Activities and the Report Magazine is in circulation. With such a comprehensive report from UNESCO, funding is highly expected on various development projects within RSA. The meeting received the report very positively and there are good future prospects on such reports.

LAKE VICTORIA SOUTH WATER SERVICES BOARD (LVSWSB)

The meeting appreciated the work that is going on through the above funding. RSA Water Project Phase II that was funded by the above is on course and the work is being done under the supervision of the Water Project Committee who are the recipient of the grant and the Engineers from the Ministry of Water Resources. The meeting however noted with concern over the routing of the water trenching, which is observed in particular areas and also a concern on neglect that was raised by Mr. Nyandera Abwao. The Secretary Eng. Rogo was to address this concern with the branch Chairman and the Project chairlady such that the distribution can be even in the areas around.

LAKE VICTORIA ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME (LVEMP)

The RSA Community Water Project Committee should keep on following on any possible funding from LVEMP. LVEMP had previously shown good prospects on funding and with a vigorous follow-up they would be willing to do more to RSA and the surroundings.

1.2 PROGRESS

The only concern that was noted at the meeting is the level of water that has gone down at the source though the pumping to the storage tanks had not been interrupted.

The trenching that had delayed the work in particular areas was still and issue and had hampered completion of the 2nd phase and this was agreed to be an issue that could be sorted out by the Water Committee and the RSA local office.

2. ROADS

The meeting was informed that the District Roads Board would sit and discuss on the repairs on the Rabuor-Yala road that was used as a diversion when the main Yala road was under construction. The meeting was also made aware that the Ministry of Roads should be able to undertake the repair of the diversion road if a proper follow up is done, Eng. Rogo was still encouraged to take a tireless effort to follow up on these repairs.

Those in the meeting were also encouraged to continue with the monthly roads levy of Kshs.20/- to allow for manual repairs to the roads that are fast deteriorating.
3. ELECTRICAL POWER SUPPLY FOR RSA

The meeting learnt that the contractor who had been assigned the power installation in RSA had been strike off due to the long delay and other technicalities. The KPLC had taken over the installation and they have already promised to complete the project that was left incomplete.

4. TREE PLANTING IN RABUOR SINAGA AREA

Tree planting was an area of concern to the region though has not been given the emphasis it deserved. Those in the meeting were reminded to lead by example and take tree planting as serious as any other agricultural activity in the area.

The Viagroforestry and Icraf have always shown a desire to work with an organized group to achieve a goal in tree planting within RSA. This is an opportunity that should be taken seriously by the locals for their own benefit.

5. SECURITY IN RABUOR SINAGA AREA (RSA)

Security in the area has not improved so much and security being everybody concern, the Local Administration were asked to do all that they can to improve security in the area. The RSA Nairobi office is still following up the Gazettement of the Sinaga Police Post and the Sagam A.P Base. The Chairman Mr. Rachier should be able to report back on the progress of the Gazettement of the above post.




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

Having been a big concern to the Development Trust, the meeting fixed a date for the Education Committee Meeting on Thursday 2nd March 2006 at 5.30 p.m. This meeting would discuss the application received earlier from RSA Residents who had requested assistances in paying school fees for their children. The RSA members who did not meet the harambee target during the harambee were also reminded to top up their contributions being that each member has a minimum target of Kshs.3000/-

7. ACQUISITION OF PLOT FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE

The plot acquired at Sinaga was still an issue at the meeting because Mr. Ernest Were to whom correspondences had been done regarding this plot has not communicated back. The meeting reminded Mr. Were to give back a report as to the position with this plot such that arrangements for the final settlement of the same can be made urgently. The Secretary should report in the meeting

8. RABUOR SINAGA AREA COMMUNITY FUND
(MICRO FINANCE)

The meeting learnt of positive performance of the Community Fund and the same was really encouraged. It become evident that the community fund has improved the living standard of local residents and there was still need for more funding to the community fund. The members who had not opened up an A/C with the Community Fund were encouraged to do so to support the fund achieve its core business of saving and lending to the local peasants.

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 meeting expressed disappointment that the Polytechnic had not opened its doors for learning to start. In the deliberations, the meeting requested that the Polytechnic Committee should do an accounting for the funds that were raised in the RSA organized harambee that was done at the site of the Polytechnic. The meeting also asked the RSA Chairman Mr. Rachier to speed up the arrangements he had for periodical reports on the developments at the polytechnic committee were further urged to be furnishing the meeting with development reports on the ground.


10. RSA CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT GROUP (RSA – CDG)

The group that produces (Community Times) Newsletters has consistently produced their quarterly editions and has enlightened the community on various issues affecting their lives directly. The meeting reminded the Editor Mr. Okinda to be availing copies to the meeting in Nairobi whenever a new edition is produced.

The Editorial was reminded to keep the youth updated on the role they should play in Community Development.

11. TELECOMMUNICATION FACILITIES IN RSA

The meetings encouraged RSA residents to continue applying for telephone lines and for those who had earlier applied were asked to follow up with the Kisumu Telecom Officer. It was still emphasized that distance was not a barrier as others had earlier been told, the whole RSA area could be covered regardless

12. INSURANCE POLICY COVER FOR RSA – DT MEMBERS

Having been informed that the cover had lapsed, the meeting emphasized the need for a very urgent renewal at a premium of Kshs.1550/- per person. The meeting went further to set a deadline for renewing the policy as next meeting date, which was set for 25/3/06.


13. PROPOSAL FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF RSA COORDINATION OFFICE

The level at which RSA Development Trust has been ranked, called for a co-coordinating office. This has not been possible due to limitations of resources and the trust has had high hopes of establishing the same in the future.

The meeting having decided to contribute towards footing the office expenses, encouraged members to give donations to aide the running of RSA office on a monthly basis.

Those in the meeting contributed as below:
1. 1 Eng. Rogo 100.00
2. Geoffrey Ochieng’ 100.00
3. Regina Opundo 100.00
4. Margaret Ooko 100.00
5. David Oduor Oluoch 50.00
6. Walter Odallo 100.00
7. Ombaka Ogola 50.00
8. Nyandera Abwao 50.00
9. Godfrey Omolle 50.00
10. Ezekiel Ohando 50.00
11. George Apiyo Omollo 50.00
12 Evans Okelo Siguru 50.00
13 Ouma Ojenge 50.00
Total 900.00

Members were encouraged to continue with this spirit such that the officials can meet the office expenses without a lot of hassle by the officials.

14. YOUTH DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES IN RSA

Youth Development activities within RSA were stills a matter of great concern to the trust. The Trust has noted that our areas have youths who have failed to leave with matters of development amongst themselves as a priority.

The Trust was therefore willing to work with any serious youth groups/organization in the area that has development agendas as a priority.

The meeting still encouraged the need for collective responsibility among the youth to enhance faster growth in the areas interns of development.

15. RSA WELFARE CLUB

The meeting launched the RSA Welfare Club that would be geared towards addressing individual RSA members Welfare in terms of investment or individual development. The purpose or the objective of the Welfare Club is to pull resources for serious individual member development within RSA.

A sub committee was elected to run the affairs of the Welfare Club as follows: -

Chairman – Walter Odallo
Secretary – Ouma Ojenge
Treasurer – Regina Opundo

Members were asked to register for the Welfare Club at a registration fee of Kshs.100/- and 14 members registered in the meeting.

The Welfare Club would receive contribution of Kshs.500/- minimum from individual members as value for one share in the Welfare Club.

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

The Welfare Club would operate in a manner to benefit the individual members who have invested in the club and would pay out dividends at declared periods of time.

Mr. Abwao who was chairing the meeting welcomed the introduction of a Welfare Club and encouraged members to join for their individual investment needs.

Eng. Rogo invested in the Welfare Club by buying a share in the club worth Kshs.500/- and that he became the 1st Shareholder in the club.

16. AOB

 RSA Sales of DVD & VHS

All those who had not paid for DVD and VHS were reminded to try and pay in the next meeting.

 Education Harambee

All the RSA members who did not meet the harambee target of Kshs.3000/- were equally reminded to top up their contributions.

The Secretary Eng. Rogo encouraged members to register and buy shares with the RSA Welfare Club that would address their individual members development on various activities.

The Secretary also requested that when the minutes are distributed, several copies should be sent home undressed so that the Peace Corps in the area can get access to the copies.

Mrs. Margaret Ooko invited RSA members in Mutumbu her home on 13th April for the unveiling of the cross and 2nd anniversary of her late husband Hilarious Ooko

16. DATE OF NEXT MEETING

The next RSA meeting will be Saturday 1st April 2006 starting at 10.00 a.m. Venue, Reinsurance Plaza 7th Floor (Rachier & Amollo Advocates Offices) Nairobi.

"An Age-Old Salt Lake May Yield a Washday Miracle" - The New York Times

"'How to write about Africa' by Binyavanga Wainaina" - Granta

This is written by a Kenyan. I would expect some number of people in Sagam Village and elsewhere to have reactions!

"Drought Comes Again to East Africa" - The Associated Press

"Duke class aids Kenyan student by paying bride price"

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?