Purie 4 Kenya

Older people in Africa demand for their rights

2011-10-03T07:06:00.000-07:00

As the world prepares to mark the UN InternationalDay for the Older People, the aged in six African countries will take action inseeking the right to better social protection policies, health care and for anopportunity to engage in development of their respective countries.

Older people remain amongst one of the poorest andmost vulnerable groups in society, with 100 million older people living on lessthan $USD1 a day. According to HelpAge International, of the current totalworld population of over 6.9 billion, 793 million people are aged 60 and over. By2050, the over-60 population is predicted to be just over 2 billion. Everymonth, one million people in the world turn 60. By about 2015, the number ofpeople over 60 will have overtaken the number of children (0 to14).

Age Demands Action (ADA), the worldwide grassrootscampaign jointly organised by HelpAge International and older people, for olderpeople, will also be marking the international celebrations. ADA has spent fiveyears making positive changes for older people who are often marginalised fromsociety. “We older people have been removed from a very dark pit and put on thesurface where there is light,” says Ms. Rhoda Ngima, 75, an ADA activist fromKenya.

ADA activists are this year calling on allgovernments and international donors to put older people higher up ondevelopment priority lists. Age Demands Action is the first global campaign ofits kind, launched in 2007 by HelpAge International, the global networkfighting for the rights of older people. Visithttp://www.helpage.org/get-involved/campaigns/age-demands-action/

The campaign is supported by figures such asArchbishop Desmond Tutu; the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Rowan Williams; Dr.Sarah Obama, the step-grandmother of President Barack Obama; and ProfessorMiriam Were, the Hideyo Noguchi Africa prize laureate.

People can say no to age discrimination and supportthe Age Demands Action campaign by signing an open petition athttp://www.helpage.org/get-involved/campaigns/age-demands-action/sign-the-ada-petition/

Somali refugees need your help now!

2011-07-25T02:39:00.000-07:00

Tens of thousands have fled their homes, walked for weeks in search of food. Many young children have died along the way. And all of the Somali refugees arriving in Kenya and Ethiopia are exhausted. Between 40 per cent and 50 per cent of the children are acutely malnourished.

Please give whatever you can afford. You will save lives; give protection. And you will offer hope to people who are in an extremely desperate situation.

UNHCR is already scaling up work on the ground.

For more information visit: www.unhcr.org/emergency/somalia/global_landing.html

New Report on Police Reforms to be launched

2011-01-25T07:36:00.000-08:00

A new report of a Simplified Version of the Report of the National Task Force on Police Reforms (Ransley Report) will be launched tomorrow January 26, 2011 at 8:30am at Hilton Hotel in Nairobi.

The launch is part of a series of activities towards sustaining the demand for a comprehensive and meaningful reform of the police force that will include eight regional forums and road shows.

According to Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), since the promulgation of the new Constitution, there is little to show that accounts for a meaningful cultural shift by the police or even a broad acknowledgement of the new domain of rights as enshrined in the new constitution.

The KNCHR is calling for swift response and all Kenyans to be more involved in the reforms of the police.

“The violation of Kenyans is still common place with casual and/or audacious illegalities that informs an unweathering culture of impunity within the Police Force. This is in part evidenced by the Rendition of Kenyans to Uganda and the continued spat of extrajudicial killings,” says KNCHR.

“Sadly, the police “play” on public fear, attempt to manipulate public opinion in a bid to win public sympathy and support for heinous acts of murder and/or extrajudicial killings and the numerous other violations of human rights. How can any decent, civilized nation excite fear and sympathy to win support for any killings under the circumstances.”

The rights organisation is calling on Kenyans to stop this heinous act. “We have a responsibility to empower every Kenyan to appreciate the veracity and illegality of these crimes not matter the magnitude of the challenges,” says KNCHR.

The organisation says that there is a need to discourse and build a national understanding that extrajudicial killing and the commission of crimes by the Police and public officer is unacceptable and must be punished.

Body Concerned with Recent Spate of Violence by Police

2011-01-25T07:02:00.000-08:00

The Usalama Reforms Forum is alarmed by the increasing spate of violence involving uniformed
officers and civilians. Recent shocking actions involving assault of police officers by civilians
and extra-judicial killings by the police are particularly concerning.
The execution of three people by police officers last week has shown the world what Kenyans
know is still happening all too often in their country that impunity still reigns particularly
among the law enforcement agencies. It has shown that the arrival of the new Constitution and
the moves made so far toward police reform are not nearly enough to put a stop to extra-judicial
killings and the system that allows police to act outside the law. It has shown that, even since the
call from the UNs Philip Alston and the Ransley Commission in 2009 for moves to bring an end
to these kinds of actions by security forces in Kenya, not much has changed on the ground.
Certainly not enough to make sure that police do not behave like this, and that if they do,
certainly not enough to make sure that there are swift and definite processes and consequences.
The results are all evident. When police officers are increasingly conducting their affairs outside
of the law, demand bribes and block the publics quest for fair administrative action, restiveness
and violent reaction by citizens towards the police become the norm rather than the exception.
The Usalama Reform Forum condemns all acts of unlawful violence and extrajudicial killings by
police officers in this country the same way it condemns violence by citizens directed at officers
on duty.
Usalama supports the actions of the police service and the government in ensuring that the
officers in question in this incident were immediately identified and suspended from duty. This is
however not sufficient. Usalama demands that an immediate and open inquiry be launched and
these officers be immediately arrested pending further investigations.
Usalama will be watching this case and urges the government to follow through on its promises
to properly an promptly investigate this slaying and prosecute those responsible.
Further, Usalama calls on the government to immediately and urgently work with the Police
Reform Implementation Commission and Parliament to ensure that the Independent Policing
Oversight Authority is brought into being.

China's Gateway Into Africa

2011-01-25T03:06:00.000-08:00

Following 13 years of diplomatic ties, it is becoming more evident that trade between China and South Africa is gaining momentum and for those companies who may have ignored this growing trade relationship in the past, are now forced to recognize the potential for doing business with China. Not only is there room for growth in trade between South Africa and China, but China is viewing the well-developed infrastructure South Africa provides as the key to unlocking the gateway into the rest of Africa.
In 2009, China surpassed the United States, to become South Africa’s largest export destination. This emanated from major exports in raw materials to fuel the booming Chinese economy. Trade between China and South Africa reached USD 16 billion in 2009 and is expected to grow year on year, with the signing of various cooperation deals in August 2010, by President Zuma during his State visit to China. These deals focus on the mineral resources sector, railway development, construction industry as well as the mining sector and finally power transmission and nuclear power.

Scope for trade with the rest of Africa is also being given added impetus by the Asian country’s capacity to innovate as well as currently China enjoys an enviable fiscal situation and has the demand to invest in infrastructure. As China is moving up the development ladder it is prudent that other emerging economies explore and develop trade relations with this country, currently listed at the top of the list of 28 developing economies globally.

Kobus van der Wath, Founder and Group Managing Director of The Beijing Axis, with offices in Johannesburg and Beijing, stressed the importance of understanding this developing market for the benefit of trade for both South Africa and Africa, “To ignore China would be a fundamental mistake for any business seeking growth in a world limited with expansion opportunities as a result of the economic meltdown in recent years in developed markets. China provides the platform to harness increased trade, develop new markets as well as given China’s growing household and industrial consumption, the demand for exports from South Africa and Africa is rising rapidly. Business has the opportunity to grow by developing partnerships with China.” concluded van der Wath.

Being located in Beijing, van der Wath has realized the importance of understanding how to do business with the Chinese. He has subsequently supported Siyenza’s founding of the first China Inc meets SA Inc Business Forum, which will be taking place in South Africa at the Sandton Convention Centre on the 16th February 2011, aimed at assisting South African and African business to evolve to expand trade relations with China.

“Our desire is to help business understand the culture of the Chinese business market and to fully embrace this immense trading partner available to our companies. The Chinese have the capacity to invest in major infrastructure projects on this continent, to provide finance for developments and are keen to source raw materials and products to service their growing needs.” stated van der Wath.

The China Inc meets SA Inc Business Forum will address key trade issues amongst others, including the following:

• The Game in Africa: Key Players and Strategic Interests;

• Formulating a China Strategy: Planning and Implementation Issues during Corporate Engagement;

• Unlocking Opportunities in the Resource Sector;

• Strategic Considerations and Business Dynamics in Asia;

• Does Culture Matter?; and

• As well as - Panel Discussion: Strategy, Implementation and South Africa Inc Cases

Can South Africa and Africa take the risk and ignore the Chinese? “Any business doing so, would be doing so at their peril.” said van der Wath who encouraged business to attend this forum to gain valuable insight into how to do business with China.

"I CARE" Campaign

2010-12-14T05:28:00.001-08:00

RNW is launching a campaign themed on HIV and Children, dubbed ‘I care’. The campaign, with a strong focus on new media and social media will kick off with a blog competition that will involve the media, journalism students, and bloggers, who will write stories and post them on a mini-website for an international audience. Visitors to the website can react and vote for the best written stories that make the biggest impression on them. The competition will attract prizes to the tune of 1600 euro.
The objective of the competition will be to create awareness on HIV/AIDS and children through blogs. It also aims at partnerships with the Kenyan media as the central point to disseminate information to the masses.
The campaign will be officially launched on Wednesday 15th 2010, at the Intercontinental hotel, from 08:30 AM – 10:00 AM.
In attendance to launch this campaign will be Radio Netherlands Worldwide’s Africa Desk Manager, Herman Van Gelderen.

2010-06-09T05:23:00.001-07:00

2010-06-09T05:22:00.001-07:00

May 2010

2010-06-09T05:21:00.000-07:00

Guys are going Down!

2008-11-13T00:57:00.000-08:00

I will be the happiest Kenyan if the Waki report is implemented and the perpetratorts of the post-election violence punished.
There is a Kiswahili saying that goes, malipo ni hapa hapa tu duiniani.()The perpetrators are cornered. There is no way out for these guys. Many Kenyans suffered and are still suffering because of some ruthless hungry power idiots who thought they would escape the hand of law.
Those politicians and business elites had their laugh and now the families of those who lost their loved ones and the displaced are having theirs now. He who laughs first laughs last!
I wish i would speed up the implementation myself and ..

Can you believe it!

2008-11-13T00:44:00.000-08:00

Our members of parliament have armtwisted the acting finance minister John Michuki to throw away the proposal asking them to pay taxes according to news reports.
Kenyans these are the leaders you voted for. Are you willing to vote them back to the office?
Are these mps being fare to Kenyans who put them in those offices?
Our mps are the best well paid in the world, drawing a monthly salary and allowances of about KSHs 850,000. Only a basic salary of 200,000 attacts tax amounting to 53,000.
So in 2012 think twice before you vote.
Who is supposed to pay taxes anyway the poor who live from hand to mouth or the rich. If you ask me let the mps be the first to pay taxes and the rest to follow.
Kenyans must stand up to these people and demand that they pay taxes or else no Kenyan should be taxed.

2009

2008-11-12T07:09:00.000-08:00

As we usher in the new year 2009, lets pray to God to keep us safe and forge ahead with our goals.
HAPPY 2009!!

Nairobi Museum

2008-11-12T05:18:00.000-08:00

God's Image

2008-07-14T05:24:00.000-07:00

20 year old Riyo Mori is this year's beauty queen. She is Japan's first Miss Universe in 48 years.
However, what impact does these pageants have on our teenagers?
Beauty contests attract significant controversy, particularly for how they present women. Many feminists regard beauty contests for women as "cattle markets", degrading to both viewer and contestant, which enforce society's objectification of women. Critics have particularly objected to swimsuit rounds, in which contestants wear only swimwear and high-heeled shoes. In addition, the common view of "beauty" in these pageants as represented exclusively by unusually thin women has been questioned.
Beauty contests attract significant controversy, particularly for how they present women. Many feminists regard beauty contests for women as "cattle markets", degrading to both viewer and contestant, which enforce society's objectification of women[1]. Critics have particularly objected to swimsuit rounds, in which contestants wear only swimwear and high-heeled shoes. In addition, the common view of "beauty" in these pageants as represented exclusively by unusually thin women has been questioned.

Contests regularly attract demonstrators, particularly if they violate local religious or cultural practices. In Nigeria, for example, many Muslims viewed Western-style beauty contests as immoral, because the female participants are typically not dressed modestly. In 2002, the journalist Isioma Daniel wrote an article criticising Nigerian Muslims for their objections to the 2002 Miss World contest, which was to be held in Nigeria, and suggesting that the prophet Mohammed would not have objected to the contest, and "would probably have chosen a wife from one of them". Public rioting in response to this article killed 200 people, and a fatwa was issued against Daniel. Consequently, the event was relocated to London.[2]
After the murder of JonBenét Ramsey in 1996, concerns have been raised about the propriety of beauty pageants for children, and the psychological effects they may have on young contestants. Critics see the "Little Miss..." genre as a possible lure for pedophiles, although there is little documented evidence of this. In reaction, there has been a surge in more age-appropriate pageants for children, without provocative costumes, flashy décor, and heavy makeup. HBO aired a documentary about child beauty pageants titled Living Dolls: The Making of a Child Beauty Queen in 2001, which won an Emmy. In 2006, the film, Little Miss Sunshine was released, portraying a dysfunctional family on a road trip taking the youngest member of the family to a beauty pageant. The film earned critical acclaim all over the world, earning plenty of awards and nominations, including four Academy Award nominations and winning two.
Partly because of this criticism, beauty contests have declined in popularity in the Western world since the 1960s—for example, the Miss New Zealand pageant is no longer televised, as public interest in it is too low. However, in some areas in which beauty contests were long discouraged, such as Eastern Europe and parts of Asia and Africa, they have flourished since the 1980s as restrictions were relaxed.

Are we going back to Moi's Regime?

2008-07-14T05:11:00.000-07:00

Muthoni Wanyeki, executive director of the Kenya Himan Rights Commission (KHRC) feels that kenyans have a right to protest without being harassed by the police.
She says,"Freedoms of assembly. asociation and expression continue to be severly compromised several months into the poilitical settlement. Not a single publicdemonstrationhas occured without interference from the police since the signing of the political agreement."
A protesting against the size of the grand coalition cabinet was broken up as the protesters tried to march from Freedom Corner to parliament.
A demonstration againg rising food prices was also prevented and some arrested and charged in court. Last week, colleagues intending to protest against former fincance minister Amos Kimunya were not only arrested and charged, they were beaten and assaulted while in the custody of police, Wanyeki said.
The police has a capacity to understand that protest, if expressed peacefuly, is entrely legitimate.

Zimbabwe is crying out for help

2008-06-17T06:07:00.000-07:00

The situation in Zimbabwe is critical. Robert Mugabe is ready for anything at all costs. Activists from Zimbabwe are appeling for international organisations to intervene and help protect the peopel of Zimbabwe.
The activists said this at aNairobi hotel today at a press conference at 10.00am.

Activists Campaign, Women Reproductive Health

2008-06-12T01:39:00.000-07:00

Reproductive activists have launched a campaign recently and want any existing legal or informal barriers that prevent women from accesing affordable sexual health care removed.
The campaign was launched last week in NAirobi by Grace MAingi Kimani of Coalition on Violence Against Women-KEnya (COVAW).
A report by The KEnya MEdiacl Association, KEnyan chapter of the Federation of Women LAwyers (FIDA-K), Ministry of HEalth and International Projects Assistacne Services (IPAS), a United states based organisation that lobbies for women's reproductive rights indicates that about 300,000 abortions are performed in the country each year, causing 20,000 women and girls to be hospitalised with related complications.
This translates to daily abortion rate of about 800 procedures and the death of 2,600 women every year.
Attempts by activitsts to legalise abortion as a contraceptive measure have always faced restistance in the country.
Pro-life organisations claim that preventing unwanted pregnancies is a better way of reducing these deaths, Chairman of the Protecting Life Movement of KEnya JEan KAggi said.
She said advocating for utilisation of family planning facilities and making sure they are accessible to every woman or girl who is sexually active.

Day of African Child

2008-06-12T01:28:00.000-07:00

The Day of African Child is coming the 16 of this June. It is encouraging to see that the government has launched a free toll number helpline 116 here in Kenya for children in distress. According to reports by the Child line Kenya and Department of Children Services cases of abused children is increasing.
In report by the Tuesday's Daily Nation June 10, 2008, cases of incesty are on the rise in the Nyandarua North district with at leats five reported cases of fathers who have defiled their daughters. Statistics in Nyandarua Law court show that hardly a fortnight passes without a case of defilement of rape involving blood relatives being filed with the police.

Blanket Amnesty

2008-06-09T00:40:00.000-07:00

US Ambassador, Michael Ranneberger has said that those that committed serioius crimes such murder, arson during the post election violence should face the law to discourage impunity.
He also said that both President Mwai Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga are not divided on this matter as potrayed by the media.

New Constitution

2008-06-09T00:29:00.000-07:00

Cardinal John Njue of Catholic Church in Kenya has said amnesty debate and other divisive arguments are undermining the quest for a new constitution within a year.
He said this in Nyeri at Our Lady of Consolata Cathedral during the farewell party hosted for him by the Catholic Men Association.

IDPs

2008-06-06T05:31:00.000-07:00

Yesterday i was saddened by what i saw at one of the IDPs camps, Waithaka. Listening to their stories really made me wish i had the capacity to help them relocate and start life afresh.
All i can do is just pray for them and highlight their plight in those camps.

Journalism Tips

2008-05-09T06:37:00.000-07:00

Editorial Requirements for TEXT: Tips and Trics
Written by Peter Vlam, www.africanews.com
A good news article needs to meet these requirements:
- Simple and direct writing is key. Use short sentences and simple structures.
- Use an active voice. A good news story is not too long. In max. 600 words you should be able to do the trick. 400 words is good too.
- Do not start by explaining the background. Start with the news.
- Regarding a news article: Start by asking yourself: what has happened? Then continue: When, Who, Where, How and Why. To make your article bright, you add context, history and a future perspective if possible.
- Do not start with names and full credits of that person. Start with the news.
- Don't plagiarise other people’s work.
- Use the enter button, please no blocks of text more than five lines. Keep your text readable.
- Use quotes. Quotation brings your article to life. When you do so, make sure you do so accurately. Quote people exactly. Do not rephrase too enthusiastically. Write quotes down immediately or tape the conversation.
- Share your sources. How do you know all this, your readers want to know.
- Write your news in an objective, neutral tone of voice. Be original and distinctive. Try to write in ‘helicopter view’ style (looking at things from a distance, with detachment). Keep distance. Do not be arrogant or biased.
- Sensitive subjects need special approach and handling. Get experts involved in your work when you think you do not have full control of the subject.
- An anonymous source is not a source at all. Three anonymous sources, might be trustworthy. Contact the editorial team.
- News is True. A reporter has great responsibility. When you are not sure of a fact, do not write it down as a fact. When in doubt, leave it out. Check your facts! Double check names. Try to be as informed as you can be. Be aware of the internet as a valuable –though also dangerous - source of information. Do no believe everything you read on the net!
- Be very careful with internet sources. Authoritativeness is key.
- Use a spelling check when ever possible.

Editorial Requirements for PHOTO’s: Tips and Trics
A photos often meet these requirements:
- Take sharp pictures, hold the camera steady
- Be original
- For portraits, come close to the portrayed person. Ask for permission
- Put The Sun Behind You. A photograph is all about light so always think of how the light is striking your subject. The best bet is to move around so that the sun is behind you and to one side.
- Get Closer, the best shots are simple so move closer and remove any clutter from the picture. If you look at most 'people shots’ they don't show the whole body so you don't need to either.
- Use the beauty of morning and evening light.
- Be reluctant with flash
- Include People
- Add Depth
- Search For Details
- Position The Horizon. Where you place the horizon in your shot affects what is emphasized. To show the land, use a high hhorizon. To show the sky, use a low horizon. Be creative.
Three websites full of ‘tips and trics’ about digital photography.
- http://www.1milliondollarphoto.com/
- http://www.popphoto.com/howto/
- Ten tips by Kodak: www.kodak.com/eknec/PageQuerier.jhtml?pq-path=317&pq-locale=en_US&_requestid=5926

Where is Kenya in terms of Press Freedom?

2008-05-05T05:50:00.000-07:00

A report on freedom of the press 2008: A Global Survey of Media Independence shows that Freedom of Press in Kenya is under threat. The report said that political conflict and misuse of libel laws were key factors behind decline of press freedom in sub-saharan countries.

World Press Freedom Day

2008-05-05T05:36:00.000-07:00

"A free, secure and independent media is one of the foundations of peace and democracy," said UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon on the world Press Freedom Day marked on May 3, 2008. The World Press Freedom Day is designated by by the UN to raise awareness of the importacne of freedom of the press. It was proclaimed in 1993 by the UN General Assembly.
It is intended to remind governemnts of their duty to respect and uphold the right to this freedom as enshrined in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

2008-05-05T05:32:00.000-07:00

2008-05-05T05:28:00.000-07:00

2008-05-05T05:22:00.000-07:00

My Husband Peter In Rome

2008-05-05T03:01:00.000-07:00

2008-05-02T06:41:00.000-07:00

Mombasa, Likoni Ferry

2008-05-02T06:30:00.000-07:00

shimoni caves where african slaves were traded by the Arabs

2008-05-02T06:16:00.000-07:00

To Marsabit

2008-04-30T00:40:00.001-07:00

To Marsabit

2008-04-30T00:28:00.000-07:00

The road to Marsabit

2008-04-30T00:15:00.001-07:00

NORTH COAST MOMBASA, Likoni Ferry

2008-04-29T01:07:00.000-07:00

SAMBURU LADY, picture taken in Marsabit by Purity

2008-04-28T23:16:00.000-07:00

TROUBLES OF THE NEW COALITION GOVERNMENT

Kalonzo downplays protocol standoff with premier, Coalition will crumble says Assistant Minister, PNU is facing rebellion from affiliate parties who feel short-changed in the recent government appointments…….
KANU leaders from Rift Valley last week announced their decision to quit the coalition to protest an alleged mistreatment by PNU.
Nevertheless, the Kenya National Dialogue and Reconciliation Committee has agreed to come up with a new coalition agreement to check dissent.

HIS GREAT WILL TO SEEK JUSTICE

2008-04-28T01:28:00.000-07:00

Photo Journalist Dies
Wallace Gichere a phototjournalist who before the fateful accident 1991 had a bright fututre with Kenya Times has died. He will be remembered for his great will to seek justice for harm dealt onhim at the height of the country's dark years of the Moi Regime which destroyed innocent lives and careers of thos who dared to speak out against it or were associated with its opponents.
The media and human rights organisations supported him well making his case among the most highly publicised in the Moi era.HE died without winning the compensation that he sought from the state.

PRESENT KENYA

2008-04-26T05:20:00.000-07:00

PORNOGRAPHY ON DISPLAY
What kind of Environment are we creating for our children?
Yesterday I was shocked on watching an episode in the 7.00 o’oclock news on pornography Compact Disk (CD) being sold on the streets of Nairobi City. They were impounded by the City Council Askaris and the owners arrested.
I was totally scandalized. Can the authorities concerned urgently address the issue and take stern action or else our society will become of filth minds.
TUSAMEHEANE NA TUPENDANE “LET US FORGIVE AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER”
Tusameheane Na Tupendane, dubbed the new Kenya message declared by President Kibaki while on a tour with the Prime Minister Raila and Vice-President Kalonzo. The leaders urged communities to live in harmony during their three-day visit in the IDPs camps. Conditions at the camps have been worsened by the rains.
SHOCKING REVELATION
A new report has revealed that major political parties in Kenya spent approximately Kshs 5.6 billion in campaigns for last year's elections.
A local lobby group, Coalition for Accountable Political Campaign Financing, report indicates that some of the money came from: multi-million shilling pyramid schemes rip-off, inflated cost for services to public institutions, donations from parastatals and extortion targeting wealthy businessmen. Can you believe it?
The money was Kshs 800 million more than the cash raised by PNU, ODM, ODM-K and smaller political partiesduring the 30 day official campaign period.
LOCAL SCIENTISTS SAY HIV REASEARCH HAS HIT DEAD END
Local reaserchers like many others in the world, have stopped work on HIV vaccines. The Kenya trials and many others around the world, were based on a similar concept as the failed candidate which was stopped late last year by its sponsor. Merck & Co after some volunteers became infected with HIV the experiemtn called STEP began December 2004 and had enrolled 3,000 volunteers around the world.
Kenya AIDs Vaccine Initiative (KAVI) reaserchers had registered major successes in the phase one trial, however they say they cannot continue in phase two using a concept that might not work.
Ray of Hope
Nevertheless, what is keeping hopes of many vaccine scientists alive are new observations on how certain individuals are able to control the virus wihtout using drugs. There are high expectations that research within this area is likely to lead to the development of an effective vaccine.
MERGING CARDS
Merging Voters Card with ID
Merging the voters card with national identity card is it really a n urgent issue to be addressed? Are there not far more urgent issues to put in place like the dilapidated roads in Nairobi city? The issue of cards will be a mammoth task and a very expensive undertaking. Besides owning a voters card is by choice not a mandate like an ID.
ANSWER TO FOOD CRISIS
Re-settle the IDPs.
Most IDPs are farmers in the Rift Valley Province, that holds the country's grain basket.
According to the Minstry of Agriculture preliminary report on the impact of post-election violence, 98,900 farming families were displaced.
CENTRAL REGION COULD FACE PANGS OF HUNGER
Depsite Mt Kenya region being a higly productive area, it is staring at a looming food shortage. It being the major suplier of agricultural products to several towns, the riogions failure to produce enough food during the short rains season could worsen the matter.

EXPERTS CONCERNED ABOUT FOOD INSECURITY
Agriculture experts in Kenya worried
Agruculture expeters are concerned about the unfolding food insecurity and are warning Kenyans to brace up for harder times ahead.THey are saying the main staple food, maize is running out of stock. Dr Romano Kiome PS in the Ministry of Agriculture has raised concerns that only 15 to 50 percent of land in the Rift Valley has been prepared compared to 50 to 80 percent of land that is usually prepared by the end of February in readiness for planting. According Kinyua M'Mbijiwe of a leading seed marchant company, Monsanto Commercial Acceptance Lead, Africa painted a grim picture that the sales made are only 50 percent of what was sold last year. He attributes the low sales to post-election violence that made it impossible to access to seed markets.
NGO SAYS 14 MILLION FACE FOOD SHORTAGE IN THE HORN OF AFRICA
Care International has said that an estimated 14 million people in the Horn of Africa face an impending food shortage. Steve Wallace, Care International's Regional Director for East and Central Africa, said increases in global food prices and recent escalation of conflict in Somalia and Kenya have contributed to the vulnability. He said however, the aid system has also contributed in failing to tackle the underlying causes of food emergencies.

UN WARNS OF FOOD SHORTAGE
The UN agency, World Food Programme (WFP) has said that more than 100 million people world face hunger.
High global food prices have increased poverty and vulnability, WFP has said.
WFP Executive Director, Josette Sheeran said more people in every continent were faced with hunger and nutrition losses which will hurt children for a lifetime.
In Kenya Post-election Crisis cause of poor production
In Kenya, poverty, low economic growth, arid lands, drought and high population growth are factors affecting food insecurity not to mention the post-election crisis which has displaced most farmers from their farms.
Prices have shot up
Since the post-election crisis food prices have shot up. MAize and beans have become scarce. The fuel prices have also doubled. The World Bank also estimates that about 100 million people have been pushed deeper into poverty by the high food prices have been supported by the WFP.
Sheeran called for a comprehensive approach where all parties from governmetns to UN agencies and NGOs worked together.
KENYA COULD FACE FOOD SHORTAGES THIS YEAR
Food Crisis
The agruiculture minister, William R uto has warned of a looming food shortages in the next few months. Ruto has said that the food reserves could only last for the next four months up to August this year. Speaking at a hotel in Nairobi to launch this yerar's 'Freedom from Hunger Walk' schedudled for May 17, the minister said, "Unless we move with speed, we will experience a situation where more people will depend on releif food."

MOTHER TERESA OF KAWANGWARE
She has little to her name, but she’s given it all, by Jayne Rose Gacheri
This story touched my heart. It made me understand that there is noone who is so poor that they have nothing to give. Martha Njeri Macharia has lived in Kawangwere for over 25. years.
A dingy one-roomed mabati hut in the sprawling Kawangware slums is the home that Martha shares with six infants, two young children and five adults. The astounding story is that the children are not hers biologically, nor her relatives. They have either been abandoned or homeless. Most of them physically or mentally challenged.
She says, “There are several such people in the slums and my own challenges growing up pointed me in this direction to serve the less fortunate in my own small way.”
Martha has helped tens of destitute children and adults offering shelter, food and love until they can fend for themselves or find a home or a good samaritan to take them in. She has also helped many elderly and physically challenged people.
This humble woman says, “For most of these people and children, it is not only a matter of financial help but also love. Everyone wants to be showered with love irrespective of their environment or who they are,” she adds.
More than two decades ago Martha lived in Kangema, Murang’a with her 16-member family. Her family hardly had enough land to till and she and her siblings lived in abject poverty. She dropped out of school in standard two and had to look for work as a domestic worker. “Unfortunatley at the age of 15 I got pregnant and had to go back to my poverty-ridden home,” she says. After delivering my daughter, things got worse. I was forced into early marriage by my father.”
If her fathers home was misery, her marital home was hell. Five years and three sons later, just when she thought the poverty and suffering could not get any worse, her husband and his family did the unbelievable-they threw her and her children out saying she was a curse for bearing children with disabilitites. She found herself back home. Martha has courageously raised her five children three of whom have diverse special needs the best way she could. In unforgiving society Martha tried her best to give her children the best.
MATTERS AFFECTING US
Kenya is getting back on its toes after the violence and insecurity that griped the country following the post-elections violence that left more than 1000 dead and more than 350,000 displaced.
Currently there are 170,000 IDPs still living in camps in different parts of the country.
Now just when the violence was calming, the illegal 'Mungiki' sect is threatening the security of the citizens. The dreaded sect is on the rampage and is thirsty for blood. Just when Kenyans thought that few! Peace at last The so called Mungiki, a group of terrorist that is keeping every Kenyan away from enjoying their freedom of socializing in clubs and theatres at night comes to destroy their comfort. Who will stop the Mungiki? Is the government ready for dialogue with Mungiki? What does the group demand? This are among many other issues affecting this fascinating and nation that has been the shelter for many neighboring countries like Somalia, Ethiopia and Sudan.
Another major issue is the Food Crisis. Of late the prices of food have exceedingly shot up. According to reports it is believed that food crisis is going to affect even the super powers in the world. What is going to happen to the already poor who cannot even place a plate on the table? Who survive below a dollar?

MISUSE OF STATE RESOURCES

2008-04-24T04:01:00.000-07:00

A report has revealed that State Resources were misused in 71 constituencies during the 2007 general elections. This was prevalent among the incumbent politicians who used GK vehicle in their campaigns, governement premises. The report by CAPF reveals that media coverage was good however, Kenya Broadcasting Cooperation (KBC) was accused of bias. Party of National Unity (PNU) according to the report received the best coverage therefore failing to fulfil the minimal legal obligations required of it as a public service broadcaster.