Redefining Kibera Slums, Part 1
23 May 2012 2 Comments
in Uncategorized Tags: Adventure Pride Centre, Compositions, Gonzag Odero, Insha, Kennedy Ouma, kenya, Kibera Informentors, Kibera Slums, Nairobi, poverty, primary pupils, primary school, slum dwellers, volunteer teachers
Kibera Slums
I want to believe I have made the right decision as far as this is concerned. My evenings have never been this interesting. I look forward to sitting down so as to go through the many Insha’s (compositions) I receive from students at Adventure Pride Centre in Kibera.
Slum life
In March, we visited Kibera slums on a tour together with a Norwegian friend. As most of us know, many tourists visiting Kenya want to take time to see this part of our country. Some actually define it as poverty exhibition. I totally understand them; many mzungu’s are not used to this extreme life. Once they are in Kenya, they are quite enthralled by the slum life.
Kibera Slums
This particular afternoon, it is scorching hot. Gonzag Odero, one of my friends in Kibera, a member of the Kibera Informentors Foundation is taking us around. Within a few minutes, we get to one of the Primary Schools.
Big part of the school is constructed using iron sheets. There are only four classrooms but the school has all the eight classes conducted here. Some of the teachers are seated outside the classrooms as they wait for the other teachers to finish their sessions.
Lower Primary pupils at Adventure Pride Centre
As we peep through the windows, we notice something strange. One of the classrooms; looks quite crowded, it hosts class one to class four pupils. All the teachers teach at the same time and the only thing that differentiates one class to another is the sitting arrangement. We stay glued, still in shock. How is it possible that they have class one to class four pupils being taught from the same room? It puzzles me, I almost shed tears. Many questions go through my mind but I know for sure this is not the time to sympathize with the teachers and the pupils. I am challenged and inspired by their spirit, from the volunteer teachers as well as the students who really want to get education despite the limited resources. I inquire from one of the teachers, instead of having 4 classes in one room, why couldn’t they teacher some of the students from the outside?
“As you can see, it is quite sunny and hot. We tried it before but it didn’t work, these are children, they cannot stand such heat. They will not concentrate and being outside distracts them,” he replied.
A section of the class shared by 4 teachers
I was moved
The teachers through our friend Gonzag, invite us to say a word to the students. We oblige and make very quick remarks so that we do not distract them from their afternoon lessons. One thing that is obvious is the way they these students are disciplined. It took me back to my primary school days. When I said,“Good afternoon class,” they all stood from their desks, and then they uniformly answered back, “Good afternoon madam, you are welcome madam, thank you madam.” Oh my God, how sweet of these little ones. They remained standing until I told them, “You can sit,” and this was also replied with a lot of respect, “Thank you madam, you are welcome.” I keep saying it over and over, little things; little gestures excite this girl, Patience Nyange. I was moved.
I tried to find out more about the school, how and why they ended up in such a situation? Are there no alternatives so as to help class 1-4 pupils get their own classrooms? Class 5 and 6 also share a class. What could be their pressing needs; is it books, blackboards, desks, school fees? Most of these questions have been answered over time and I will definitely write more about this school.
Two of the volunteer teachers on session
We were then granted permission to take photos before we left. On our way home, we engage in discussing what can be done to help such a school. I am convinced that on my own, I cannot do much, but I know for sure I can be of help. We quickly think of various ways, either mobilize my friends so that we can buy a few things for the school, books, black board, chalks or even pay school fees for some of the very needy students. All this is possible but most of the time I realize it becomes hard to make people understand your course and it can be very frustrating trying to ask people for money to support some worthy causes when they cannot see it from your point of need.
Saturday Swahili lessons
Most of my friends have never been to Kibera and know nothing about it part from the hearsay. So before I engage anyone, I decide to challenge myself and do something on my own. I fell in love with these students at first sight and I was moved by how they received us. I love Swahili and I know I can help the students in Swahili and at the same time try to mentor them.
Some of the pupils on their way back home
Shortly, we meet the head teacher, Kennedy Ouma. Gonzag introduces us to him and I immediately ask him if I could volunteer to help the students with Swahili classes. He immediately accepts my suggestion and we later met to plan on this. As schools opened two weeks ago, I was granted a chance to assist the class 8 students. I look forward to my Saturday mornings, to meet these great students who seem excited and with great ambitions concerning their future. This is what motivates me. Unlike many Saturdays before, this time round my alarm rings at 6.30 am and I am headed to the bathroom.
A section of the Kibera slums
When I get to class, we have lots of fun together. It has been a learning session for me, they teach me new things and remind me of some of the things I forgot long time ago. I actually realize it has been 14 years since I cleared my primary schooling.
“What makes the universe so hard to comprehend is that there’s nothing to compare it with” Ashleigh Brilliant.
Like this:
On Corrupt Journalists and Media Houses!
15 May 2012 7 Comments
in Uncategorized Tags: Ashleigh Brilliant, brown envelopes, campaigns, Charity Ngilu, corruption, Daystar Univeristy, editors, elections, field reporters, freebies, General elections, intergrity, journalism, journalism values, journalists, kenya, Kenyan media, media ethics, media houses, Nairobi, newspapers, newsworthy, radio presenters, radio stations, reputation, sub-editors, TV stations
Young Aspirants at a workshop
It’s that time of the year again; general elections are around the corner. Whether you are listening to news, watching news or even reading the newspapers, it is evident that there is so much about political news that being reported from all the 47 counties of my beloved Kenya.
Monetary Targets
While this is happening, I gather that some journalists have set very strict monetary targets that have to be met before this campaign period comes to an end. But, how are they doing this? It is very sad and makes me sick knowing that journalists are now making it clear that they are not covering stories without being paid up front.
Then I ask myself, why are they demanding money to cover stories? Honestly, if a journalist leaves the newsroom under the editor’s instructions from a given media house, my assumption is that this journalist has salary at the end of the month. In most cases, the transport to and from the function is also catered for.
Aspirants discuss how to deal with the media
Therefore, their mandate is simply to go to the field, cover the story and immediately rush back to the office and file the story. But what is happening in Kenya, journalists actually camp at the end of a function and wait, wait and wait to be paid before they head back to their offices. I am informed that some actually make it very clear that this specific story will not go on air if they are not paid. Now, I don’t get it very clear, is this supposed to be a tip or are we as Kenyans paying journalists to cover stories?
I will start by saying this, if any of you pays a journalist to have their stories covered, you are doing so out of ignorance and stupidity. A month back I was attending a workshop with some of the Kenyan aspirants and the media discussion got out of hand. What I heard was extremely disappointing. “The Kenyan media is so corrupt and expensive. The journalists ask for money and yet they never air our stories,” remarked an aspirant, who has definitely been lied to before.
Arnold Maliba explains how the media works
Many of them narrated their sad stories on how they have had to deal with journalists. “Some of us will never get any media coverage even if we have newsworthy stories. Only the rich and the affluent will get the prime time coverage because they are able to pay for that,” retorted another one.
When it got heated, the aspirants actually mentioned some of the journalists who have asked for money to cover specific stories and to say the least, it was very shameful and I stopped respecting some of those journalists. They went ahead to say so and so from this particular media house. One of the female aspirants narrated how she had to pay two breakfast presenters before she got an interview with them. It was at this time that I got really agitated and actually had to stand up and asked her, “Where was this? How did you get these presenters? What was the agreement between you and them? At what time did you pay them?”
I had to defend the journalists
Presenters Misbehaving
“I was introduced to them by a mutual friend and I told them that I would like to be interviewed on air and they told me that I had to pay a given fee, and that I had to pay this before the interview, which I did and then I was given an appointment.” She narrated. Sad as it was, this is among the biggest radio station in Kenya; I lack respect for these two presenters.
It is very sad that as journalists we have become very unprofessional and we embrace pauper tendencies. From the editors all the way down to the field reporters. I attended a function last week and again I watched some of these journalists hang around waiting to be paid. This is not a tip, is it?. While we sat down to discuss about it, I was reprimanded for behaving as if I don’t know that this cheap behavior has been in existence forever. “It is very evident that most reporters have been living out of such habits. They actually demand a given fee for every story they air or publish. Many are living out of this cash they make by exploiting politicians in the name of giving them coverage.” Remarked a friend.
Aspirants discuss about Kenyan Journalism
Reputation and Integrity is Key
Talking to other media consultants, they agree that this kind of behavior has been happening and it is time we put a stop into this. So I ask, is it possible to stop this? “Yes, it is possible. Many people don’t bother knowing how the media works, they imagine you have to pay to have your story covered. Many stories have been dropped because the journalists were not paid as they covered the stories and it does not just happen in Kenya, it secretly happens in many parts of this world” said Jean Kamau, a media consultant in Nairobi.
Years back, my communication lecturer at Daystar University Mrs. Nyaga, taught us on media ethics and warned us against this. “Freebies, brown envelopes, free gifts and quick money will compromise your integrity as a journalist.” She said. For me I keep saying this, journalism is a calling, do it because you love to do it and do it well but don’t see it as a means to get rich quick by exploiting innocent Kenyans. As a journalist guard your integrity, your reputation, if at all you want to maintain a clean and a professional identity when your name is mentioned. As for those seeking publicity, care to ask and understand how the media works. Know your media contacts; know when to call the media to cover your functions. Not all events are newsworthy so do not fall prey of being conned into paying so as to get media coverage when all you need is just communication by word of month.
Journalists interview MP Charity Ngilu
Know the key elements into a good story. Journalists are guided by news values as they go out to cover a story. Some of these values include timeliness (being the first with the story) human interest (such as Nyeri women biting their husbands), proximity, “consequences” of an event and prominence. Therefore, package your press releases such that they attract media coverage, most of these journalist have a pay check at the end of the month.
” The surest way to remain a winner is win once and then not play anymore!” Ashleigh Brilliant
Like this:
My journalistic experience in Norway was a chance of a lifetime!
08 May 2012 Leave a Comment
in Uncategorized Tags: AMWIK, API, Autumn, exchange program, farewell, FK, Germany, goodbye speech, GSJC, journalistic experience, kenya, kenyans, kristiansand, media school, Norway, norwegians, NRK, Olso, Poland, Rødrus, spring, summer, Sweden, Trekant, vikings, winter, winter depression
- By Patience Nyange, Nairobi – Kenya
www.africanpress.me/ Patience Nyange – a Kenyan journalist
When I got a mail from African Press International asking me to write about my stay in Norway, I went blank. This is because I tend to imagine I have so much to write about concerning my 16 months stay in Norway, the land of the Vikings.
“Let There be Light, Please”
03 May 2012 5 Comments
in Uncategorized Tags: assignments, disrespect, electricity, frustrations, God, kenya, kenyans, KPLC, monopoly, Nairobi, Norway, pre-paid, social media, The Kenya Power, Traffic jam, will smith
Frustrations!
The electricity company has decided to frustrate me. Yesterday, I met one of my friends working for this company and I asked her, “My friend, what is happening with Kenya Power and Lightning Company?” She laughed and said, “For your information, while you were away, it was changed, it is now, The Kenya Power.” Then I asked, “So why can’t you live up to that new title, “The Kenya Power?”
Honestly, I feel like I demand some explanations on what has been happening of late. For four consecutive nights, I do not have electricity. What is happening and why is it happening?
Can someone really explain this to me and those of us who have been affected by this. Reading from the social media platforms, I see all the insults being thrown at the Kenya Power. I think it is time this monopolistic company did some explanations to Kenyans.
As I moved into my new apartment, I was very happy to realize that now I have pre-paid power, all I thought was, as long as I had some units, I will never experience black-outs. Forgive my naivety! I have therefore, tried my best to ensure that I have more than enough units and when the units reduce to 20, I am always on the run to top up my account again.
I demand explanations
So having done my part, I expect to have some explanations when I am spending all nights in the darkness. On Monday night, after I spent more than three hours on the traffic jam, I looked forward to getting home and relaxing. On arriving at the gate, I could tell, again, I do not have electricity. This pissed me off! I went straight to bed. As I set my alarm, it read “This alarm is set for 10 hours and 44 minutes from now.” “This is very bad,” I remarked.
As this week comes to an end, I have so many pending assignments, workload that I had planned to do at night, only to get home and I am forced to sleep for 10 hours. I enjoy working at night, I love it, but The Kenya Power has decided to let me down. I use the electricity for so many things, for my internet, to charge my computer, to see around, to read, to cook and even shower. So when it decides to disrupt my life and cares less about making any explanations, I imagine this is disrespecting me as a client.
Thank you for asking, why haven’t I posted a blog post this week. I had really planned to do so but the so-called Kenya Power messed me up. I honestly feel at a loss bigtime, and I only wish to ask “The Kenya Power” to give Kenyans some explanation, at least show some concern, and care to illustrate that it might be beyond your control, but please say something. Give me a schedule and let me plan with it, I just don’t want to get home and there you are, you surprise me with a black-out. When will I ever accomplish my tasks?
In my understanding, a good company regardless of the fact that it enjoys a monopolistic advantage, knows for sure that a client is always the boss and seeks to ensure that it gives the client the very best. For one and a half-year in Norway, I never experienced a black out at all and when it happened, I actually blogged about it. Then I realized it was not a black-out after all and actually there was a message to that effect. So why can’t the only Kenyan power company do the same?
“Throughout life people will make you mad, disrespect you and treat you bad. Let God deal with the things they do, because hate in your heart will consume you too.” Will Smith. And for this reason, I forgive you The Mighty Kenya Power!
Like this:
For Young Aspirants, There is a challenge ahead!
25 Apr 2012 4 Comments
in Uncategorized Tags: 2013, Accra, Amkeni Wakenya, Barak Obama, elections, Ghana, IEBC, Jean Kamau, kenya, Kenyan politics, Kenyan Youth, kenyans, Maanzoni Lodge, moral support, Nairobi, political campaigns, political parties, politics, post election violence, Resource mobilization, Status quo, Susan Kariuki, the affluent, the rich, The Youth Agenda, young aspirants
Susan Kariuki addresses the youth Aspirants
Talk to any Kenyan and they are quick to point, if we only manage to change the existing leadership, then we will have a new Kenya. But what kind of change is this? How can we achieve and sustain this change? Many imagine that the most workable solution will be to replace all the existing leaders and we have a NEW Kenya. Is this really the case? The President of the United States in America thinks otherwise and somehow I concur with him. “Africa needs strong institutions not strong men” he said so during his African tour in Accra, Ghana in 2009.
“I once said a prayer and asked God to forgive me. I prayed if only a terrorist came and bombed the whole 10thParliament, then we will be closer to getting somewhere as Kenyans. I hate these guys. These corrupt leaders, who care less for the ordinary Kenyan like me.” Said a Kenyan friend.
Youth Aspirants at a discussion group
Attending a 3 day workshop with 60 young aspirants from all over the country at Maanzoni Lodge a week ago, this was a clear indication that the Kenyan youth is ready for the race. The conference, budded “Get informed, Get involved, Initiative Youth in Political Parties” was organized by The Youth Agenda and Amkeni Wakenya.
Many of these youths have a clear vision of why they really want to be part the leadership in Kenya. “Apart from the fact that I really want to lead Kenyans, I am not ruling out the fact that just like many of us, I also want to maintain status quo.” Said one of the aspirants amidst huge laughter.
“As youths we really need to consider the agenda that we want to pursue for this country. What is it that we are really passionate about? The future belongs to the youth, but we have to prove fit of the task ahead,” remarked Susan Kariuki, the Chief Executive Officer at Youth Agenda.
Youth Aspirants at a discussion group
I sat down and wrote some of the challenges, so that once we know them; we can help these youths who yearn to be the change agents in our country. Some of these are our brothers, sisters, relatives, friends and even our opponents. They need our support in one way or another, please be there for them and give them all the support they want.
Moral Support
Many of the aspirants were quite young, some in their early 20s and they indicated that some of their family members were not happy when they announced their decision to get into politics. “Kenyan politics, is a dirty game, please stay away from this.” Remarked an aspirant. He lamented that this was so discouraging, coming from his parents a clear indication that they were not ready to support him in his pursuit. “Mine is a calling and I have decided I am going to push on.” He said.
Resource Mobilization
Hussein Mohammed explains a point
Hussein Mohammed who is the Board Chairman at Youth Agenda led the aspirants through a very crucial and important aspect of political campaign. He talked about Fundraising and Resource Mobilization for Campaigns. Most of the aspirants looked discouraged because the trend in Kenya has been, politics is only for the mighty, the rich, the affluent, the well-off and for starters, it has always been, “Please wait until you have money.” He encouraged the aspirants to look beyond their financial capabilities, instead focus on ways in which families, relatives and friends could come in and assist them. Over to you, some of the fresh blood we may be eager to see in our leadership might not have the resources, but they have a burning desire, help them realize this dream.
Societal Expectations
Aspirants at a discussion with Mohammed
Kenyans are funny, yes we are. Ask me, I know it quite well, when you are of my age and you are not married, the society doesn’t think much of you. The question will be, “Why are you not married, why don’t you have a family of your own, how can we trust you with our resources yet you cannot even manage a family?” I am informed that this is one key aspect Kenyan voters will be looking for as they listen to your manifestos as an aspirant. “Since I declared my interest for the political race, my parents back at home, my relatives and even close associates of my grandmother, called me and told me it was time that I got married.” He says it was made clear to him with evidence that the people from his area never elect unmarried men. “ Let’s plan for a wedding soon. You will need your wife by you as you go for these political campaigns. That way they will consider you a serious candidate. That was in June last year and by November, I got married. Ask the rest of the people here, many are getting married before October this year.” Whispered one of the aspirants. “When you have children, you even stand a better chance.” Said another one.
Political Aspirant Fazul makes a presentation
So what happens to those without even girlfriends and boyfriends? I see a money-making opportunity for me, I will soon declare an advert… “Wife for hire only for political aspirants.” This means, you hire me all the time you go out for your political campaigns and rallies, just to show the people you have a wife and I will support you as your wife, you only need to make me understand your manifesto and I will cram it a night before the event. Come on let’s face it, I see there might be a need for fake husbands and wives, if this will add to your success. I am just thinking aloud!
The Role of the Media
“Media is very expensive. Media is very corrupt, how do we deal with the media? Media is very bias on some candidates. Dealing with the Kenyan media has been our greatest challenge.” There was a huge discussion on media and how to deal with the media. Sitting at a corner, as a journalist, I felt sad, I was burning and I was depressed. At one point had to stand up and defend the media. “I feel sad, deep within me, my heart aches when I hear all these stories about the corrupt journalists and media houses you have mentioned. It is a sad state and the truth is, as bad as it is, you will need the media. You need to know how to deal with the media.” Jean Kamau a media consultant had a rough time trying to explain how these aspirants can deal with the media. While women were cautioned about shying away from the cameras, it was also important to know how the media operates.
Julius Mbeya facilitating a session
“Know your media contacts well, know when to ask the media people to cover your story. Not all stories are newsworthy, so make sure you package your story in a way that it attracts some media coverage. Make it relevant,” Advised Jean. Next week, I will blog, “On Corrupt Journalists and Media Houses in Kenya.” It is very sad to hear some of these big reporters mentioned as corrupt journalist in such a big conference. However, while we want to blame it all on the journalists, we as Kenyans have failed in our part. “When you pay or bride working journalists such that your story gets featured on either TV, Radio or on the print medium, blame it on your ignorance and stupidity.” This has always been my take.
Political Parties
Kevin Osido and Hussein Mohammed (R)
In Kenya, many political aspirants are will be judged based on the political parties they associate with or political parties they are in. This is the reason we have had a long debate on who is joining which party and leaving which party and what implication does the same have to these political aspirants. Political parties are out to sell their manifestos, using all the best words possible to entice the aspirants to join them and vie for these political seats as members of given political parties. Many will be confused. If you have a clue, kindly do advise them, you might not decide for them, but you can give them some direction.
Politicians and diapers should be changed frequently and all for the same reason. ~José Maria de Eça de Queiroz.
Like this:
On Drinking and Taita Men..Final Part!
17 Apr 2012 14 Comments
in Uncategorized Tags: Choke, churches, Citizen TV, Coast province, counseling, decision makers, family influence, football, G7, giving back, government offices, illict brew, investments, Jim Goebel, kenya, kenyans, lobby tactics, Mbangara, Mike Tyson, Mombasa, Mwatate, politics, Taita, Taita Hills, Taita Ladies, Taita Men, Taita Taveta County, touristic areas, Tsavo East, Tsavo West, Voi, Wundanyi
With all respect that I have for Taita men and Kenyan men at large, I have no choice but write the third part of my story. Thank you for all the feedback I have received following my blog posts. I realize that alcoholism and drinking of illicit brews is an issue close to Kenyans’ hearts.
Women as bread winners
“I come from Taita, whether we like it or not Taitas have a drinking problem. It’s such a major problem at my place to an extent that women are the ones who look for casual jobs to fend for the families while a man will wake up in the morning and head to those drinking dens!
And worst of all Taita men brag that drinking is a habit passed on from our great grandfathers; they don’t see that this is ruining their lives! Commented Josphine Chanya.
Kenyans sipping local brew
My thinking this far is, we are in denial. We are in denial as Taitas and we are in denial as Kenyans. We do not want to accept that we have a problem and the longer we continue bickering, the longer we will take to achieve any progress in solving this problem.
Once we accept there is a problem, this is the day we will create avenues to correct it. As for me, Patience Nyange, I acknowledge that there is a problem in Taita, it might not be a time bomb, but yes we have to tackle it. The only advantage Taita men have is that, Taita women are decent, we are not violent, but if we were, then we would have had similar stories like those from the Central part of Kenya. Men in those areas, Nyeri to be precise, have suffered under the bitter hands of frustrated women. In Taita, women converge and pray for their husbands. (Shetani Ashindwe!)
Alcoholism is rampant in many countries and has adverse effects, not just in Kenya but the world all over. Many women in Taita continue to complain on how difficult it is for them to live with drunkard husbands and men who have neglected their family responsibilities. “It has not been easy, but I am trusting God for a miracle. He comes home everyday after 2am, drunk and very violent.” Remarked a Taita woman.
Choke, Mbale
Lack of father-figures
A quick look at issues at hand, let’s face it. Some of the children in Taita lack father figures. These fathers are never home when their children return from school and they have no time to even follow their school progress. There has been a reverse shift in family roles, women through women empowerment are slowly by slowly becoming the bread winners and some are solely in charge of their families.
When these men come home at night very drunk staggering their way home, they are not able to cater for their wives conjugal rights. I am told this is not a big issue in Taita. “We should be happy we still have kids being sired by these drunkard Taita men, in other parts, women cannot get their conjugal rights and getting a child had become mission impossible.” Remarked Mwawasi.
Alcoholism impairs rational judgement. Judgement in all aspects of life and there is a need to deal with it. The responsibility to change Taita lies in our hands. We might not do it overnight, but where there is a will, there is a way.
The Hilly Taita Land
Here are some suggestions on how we can curb it.
Civic Education
Leaders in all areas, be it in church, in the villages, in chamas, in schools have a responsibility to educate the locals concerning the demerits of excessive drinking and the adverse effects it has on their immediate families and the community at large. The many corporate campaigns in the city centers concerning responsible drinking should be extended to the rural areas as well. Let’s deal with it and make it our responsibility before it goes out of hand. “I was at home (Mbale) for Easter and I observed that there are more bars than there are general shops and I also noticed that more churches are mushrooming. Does it mean that everybody is trying to escape from harsh realities of life, (because some philosophers say that religion is an opium of the poor), commented Mwamburi.
Kenyan Police raid local dens.
It is campaign period, political mood is fast rising, as we talk about our political manifestos, lets talk about developing one another and lets create avenues of engaging our voters, telling them the truth that this drinking disease is silently killing Kenyans.
Making Investments back at home
Let’s face it, as young people we are all saturated in the city centers. We have huge investments, businesses and many other worthy courses we are engaged in, in towns. How many of us have investments back at home? (Hands down.) When I ask my friends about doing the same, their response has always been, “What is there to be done in Taita, Patience?” With this kind of mentality, we will not initiate any projects back at home, and therefore, Taitas will have no jobs and this idleness is what keeps them going for illicit brews. Let’s come together and challenge ourselves and think outside the box and see what projects we can do back at home. I am personally open for ideas.
Willingness to Change
The Greeny Taita land
Let’s agree as Taita’s we have great potential to be the change agents. There are Taita’s who are top cream decision makers, holding some of the top offices in Kenya and even abroad. But what does it mean when we gain all these and we cannot translate it to benefit our communities? As we try to help our people back at home, the first task will be to try to engage our tribesmen to see their willingness to change. Why we are so defensive about this drinking, why are we in denial about its existence? “On the problem solving part I think we need to realize how this habit continues to impact on our society. In my opinion, the mentioned must show the willingness to change then we can now help in the ability part. It is not too late, but they must be willing to change.” Commented Julius Maghanga.
Recreational Activities
Boys playing football at Mbale
Football is one great game that is greatly played to ensure that the young turks make use of their time wisely. Why can’t we organize football for the older men, you know, it is possible. Imagine our fathers playing football and the whole family is cheering. By the end of the day, they are tired, all they want to do is go back home and relax. This means they will not go to the drinking dens and instead, they will get time to bond with their families. “Same factors apply to all other regions of Kenya. Drinking is a national wide problem, in fact it’s a hobby, a past time activity, a way to bond with peers, an excuse to be out there with friends. An escape from domestic and national politics. There is a need for the government to help the rural forks. I am sure women are not against their husbands drinking as long as they are performing in bed and meeting their financial obligations at home,” commented Oliver Ommoto.
Mbale residents taking a walk
Counseling and rehabilitation
One of my friends commented, “ As much as we drink as Taitas , religion and God is always part of us. You will find us going home, staggering and singing a Gospel song, preferably Rose Muhandos – Nibebe. Very rarely will you find drunk Taitas singing ” Manyake, all sizes, juala ndio wahitaji” I laughed. So if this is the case, this is a very good starting point. Let’s try and bring our addicted fathers, brothers and uncles to church, and introduce them to people who can give them counseling and if need be, take them for rehabilitation. Some of these are great addicts and they need help. Just like many drunkards never admit that they are drunk, some of these addicts will never accept they have a problem, but we can help them.
Anti -illicit brew campaigns
Ngilinyi, Mbale
I am ready to try to make this happen. I am willing to put my brain into use and see if as Kenyans we can do intensive campaigns against the use of these illicit brews especially in our rural areas. This is a huge problem experienced in almost all parts of Kenya. Civic education based on this will ensure a reduction if not a stop on these brews.
I am quite optimistic that we can do something, not just in Taita but in Kenya as a whole. This is my 2 cent, kindly let me know if you have more suggestions or even let me know if your community had the same problem and how did you manage to sort it out?
Readjusting is a painful process, but most of us need it at one time or another.~Arthur Christopher Benson~
Like this:
On Drinking and Taita Men, Part 2!
10 Apr 2012 20 Comments
in Uncategorized Tags: campaign, Choke, Citizen TV, Coast province, Easter, family influence, G7, illict brew, Jim Goebel, K.C.P.E, Kalenjins, kenya, kenyans, lobby tactics, Mbangara, Meru, Mike Tyson, Mombasa, Mwatate, politics, Taita, Taita Hills, Taita Ladies, Taita Men, Taita Taveta County, touristic areas, Tsavo East, Tsavo West, Voi, Wundanyi
Choke, Mbale
My greatest hope is that you had a fabulous Easter holiday. I did. I travelled to my rural home. As I said before, there is something I love so much about Taita, the people, its scenery, the atmosphere, the fresh air outside the hustle and bustle of the city.
My apologies, for not posting the second part of the Taita Story last Friday. One, I brought with me a modem, unfortunately it couldn’t work in Taita. Secondly, I thought I needed to do more research as far as this story is concerned, so I decided to engage the Taitas themselves, from different parts just to find out, what are their thoughts on this drinking habit. Therefore, I have had to restructure my story altogether. Here are my findings, some of the reasons as to why Kenyan people drink as they do.
Escape from Realities of Life
Taita hills
I am informed that many people just like in many parts of the world, one major reason for excessive drinking, is to escape from the realities of life. Life can be full of stress, frustrations and therefore, the only way to get out of such, many imagine will be through alcohol. “Come and spend some more time in Taita Patience, don’t just come visiting, you will understand what kind of suffering we go through. It is not easy. We have land, but nothing grows here, there are no rains, and the family expects food at the end of the day, it can be very frustrating. So a drink a day, keeps the frustrations away,” Remarked Mwakio, a Taita man from Wundanyi.
Too much time to Waste
Police destroy illicit brew.
“Life in our villages is not the same as life in Nairobi. This is a fact. After a long day at work, all I want to do is to go home and relax.” Said Mike, a Taita man living in Nairobi. He continues to tell me, that in Nairobi many people are working 2 to 3 jobs to make ends meet, meaning there is no time left to just sit down and even grab a drink. “But in Taita, there is nothing much to be done and you know many people find solace in this drink. If they were busy like we are, they will don’t be drinking at 7 in the morning.” Commented Mike.
Family Influence
Kenyans sipping local brew
If I was going to write this story on my own, you can be sure, I was never going to mention family influence as one of the reasons as to why some Taitas over drink. “This is a huge problem. Many people here are addicted to this not because they want to, but because it is a family problem. You will find very many educated youngsters’ staggering their way home with their brothers and even fathers, all coming from the same drinking den.” Said a Taita man from Choke.
Unemployment
Many of the people I talked to mentioned lack of employment as one key reasons that has continued to champion for drinking of the local brew. It is at this point I ask, why can’t people work even on volunteer basis? Take an example, many of us from my village, cannot drive to our homes, reason being, there are no roads, instead we have pathways. If we had people ready to work on volunteer, for the benefit of the whole village, then we wouldn’t be talking about lack of roads today. When we have sick people, funerals, and other emergencies, this is the only time people talk of how important it is for us to have roads in our villages. All the energetic people are in town, so we cannot make roads in our villages, and those that are at home are busy complaining of how life is frustrating and that there are no jobs. So, what do they do? Drinking alcohol becomes their only way out.
Kenyan Police raid local dens.
Women Empowerment
This was also one reason that I found very interesting. I was informed that with the women empowerment, many men now feel out-of-place in their own homes. Women are now involved in many women groups and therefore, make it easy for them to access money and hence, change of roles. Women are slowly by slowly, becoming the bread winners. Just like in towns, many women are now part of various merry go rounds, women chamas and sister-sisters. I am informed that many men have problems with women earning more than them, it makes them feel intimidated and that it robs them of their position as the head of the family. So drinking becomes the better option, it gives the men a ballooned ego to be able to maintain authority over their families. (Very shallow way of thinking, I am sorry to say).
Catch up with the rest of the world
Mbale, Taita
I am challenged to go out and find out how many business ideas came into being. I am told many of these were done over a drink. “Patience, at the bars, at the drinking dens, many people are very adventurous and very creative. This is where people think, build castles and think outside the box.” So many men are out drinking, not just a reason to escape from realities, no, many want to know what is happening in the world around them, many want to feel like they belong somewhere. (This is the need to cater for the intimidation encountered at home, because the wife is slowly becoming the head). The political temperature in Kenya is fast rising, left, right, center, Kenyans are discussing politics, so many will be out drinking as a way to catch up with the latest politics and lobby for their favourite aspirants.
Cheap Alcohol
The greeny Taita Land
“Imagine for only Ksh. 50, you are able to get half a litter of M’bangara. Where can you get the same in Nairobi, you can’t. In Nairobi, that is not even enough for fare, from the house and back, so we can’t drink as they will do back at home.” Said Mike. Many of the people in Taita, just need Ksh. 50 to get a drink, and if you are loyal customer, you can get it at 30 shillings. “And there are many ways of getting such little money. Casual jobs, borrowing from friends and relatives, from people like us, who are now going home for Easter, there will be a lot of, “Abaaa nitesie na 50 bob nikwane na wambenyu”, remarked Samson*(Please assist me with 50 bob, so that I can get a chance to catch up with my people.) “Patience, what is 50 bob, you actually give this poor fellow 200 shillings, hoping that he will buy something for his family too, because he is your neighbor at home.
Masherere, Mbale, Taita
Then I ask a question, these are the people who complain that they have no money for their family/ house responsibilities, where does all this money come from on a daily basis?
“Patience, many women don’t believe this, but you can have zero shillings in your pockets and drink for a whole week. Just visit these dens, the level of brotherhood that exists there, its unbelievable. Men will always buy for each other, so if you don’t have money today, you can be assured that others will buy for you, of course with the expectation that when you have money, you will also buy for others, that’s just how we operate.” Said Mwachofi.
The Sunrise
Now I know, at least I know the factors that make these Kenyan men drink as they do. This means I have to write another blog post on this topic, try to explore some of the effects when this drinking goes overboard. I will also try to highlight some of the channels we can use to restore our lost brothers. Let me know if you have any suggestions.
“You own yourself, so if you want to do something that destroys yourself, go ahead. Just don’t harm others when you do.” Jim Goebel
Like this:
On Drinking and Taita Men!
03 Apr 2012 11 Comments
in Uncategorized Tags: Citizen TV, Coast province, Easter, G7, illict brew, K.C.P.E, Kalenjins, kenya, kenyans, Mbangara, Meru, Mike Tyson, Mombasa, Mwatate, Taita, Taita Hills, Taita Ladies, Taita Men, Taita Taveta County, touristic areas, Tsavo East, Tsavo West, Voi, Wundanyi
Norwegians visiting Taita
I hail from Taita land in the Coastal Province of Kenya and I am particularly proud of this area. Taita is probably among the most scenic areas in Kenya endowed with beautiful hills and very pretty landscape. Whenever I have visitors, I ensure that they get a chance to see this side of Kenya. The rural setting is quite adventurous, plus I have to mention that Tsavo East National Park, Tsavo West, Taita Hills are some of the spectacular touristic areas that are quite something, just so that you know if you haven’t been there yet.
Eating Guavas in Taita, Kenya
Taita Men and M’bangara
For those who know me quite well, know for sure that News is my favourite TV program. I stay glued on the TV with the TV remote on my hand so that I can flip through the various channels available. Last Friday, at 9pm, I am seated with my younger brother and sister watching News. The three of us are all born and raised up with both parents who are typical Taita’s meaning we are all typical Taita’s.
At this specific time I am watching Citizen TV and guess what comes on TV? News about Taita men and their drinking manners. The News about some Taita men becoming very irresponsible as a result of addiction to this local brew famously known as M’bangara is really not news to me. I frequent Taita whenever I can, (God willing, I will be there for Easter), so I pretty know much about their addiction to this local brew.
Girraffe in Kenyas park.
The News item shows some of the men being whisked away from the local dens and within the clip is a plea from this female chief who says, time has come for Taita women to take action against such irresponsibility. Immediately after this, we start a discussion with my siblings. My brother, just like many Taita men tells me, “Come on, this is just a fraction of the Taita men. Many of us are quite responsible, and you will never find the responsible ones being whisked away like the ones you have just seen on TV.”
What a Shame?
I am still supporting my point that this is such a shame to the Taita community. I go to my village and as I take an evening stroll, I see how many men are wasting their lives by drinking M”bangara, day in day out. Some of these are people I know quite well, brothers and fathers of my friends and even relatives. The worst scenario is when you spot your former teachers staggering their way home after classes. This of course explains why Taita Taveta County was number 45 out of the 47 counties in the Country after the release of the 2011 Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (K.C.P.E) results.
Mbale, Taita, Kenya
This explains why it becomes so hard to get students with at least 400 marks out of the possible 500 marks in the K.C.P.E results. With the many sponsors who want to help students pursue further education, Taitas’ will continue to suffer and complain that we have been marginalized in many development projects in Kenya. We take all the blame to our leaders and blame them for everything that goes wrong in this beautiful land in Kenya. Last year, I took the initiative of looking for students with over 400 marks in Wundanyi Division and I will tell you for sure, there was none. How is this possible?
So when I posted this status on my Facebook wall, I knew I had started a war and I was ready to deal with it. “Taita Men you are such a shame to the Taita Community.” I wrote. Of course I had the option of saying “Some Taita Men”…But I intentionally chose not to. Within an hour, there was a huge discussion with at least 117 comments, Taita men flaring up and others still sending me messages demanding for an apology to all Taita men. As it is now, I promise that I will NOT apologize, not at all. I have 101 reasons to support my statement.
Kenyan roads, Mwatate-Voi
“Patience, don’t forget that your father and your brothers are also men from Taita. Despite the fact that we drink a lot, what can say about men from the slopes of Mt. Kenya where women decide to become the Congestina Achiengs and Mike Tysons, and the KBL trophy always in Meru, and not forgetting our G7 brothers (kalenjins). What can you say about them? Commented Erik Maghanga.
Kindly do read this link as well, get to know how this drinking has gone overboard.
You will find the second part of this story on my blog this Friday. In the meantime, I wish you a Happy Easter and for those who will be traveling, I wish you journey mercies, stay well and God bless!
Like this:
Know Kenya through Films!!
01 Apr 2012 2 Comments
in Uncategorized Tags: a small act, assasination, Germany, Hilde Back, J.M Kariuki, kenya, Kenyan films, Kenyan politician, kenyans, Kimya, love triangle, Lupita Nyongo, Nairobi, National Museums of Kenya, Nyayo House, Roadside, torture, Willy Owusu
Last Wednesday evening, was a moment I longed for. I looked forward to going to the National Museum for what I will term as time well spent in a bid to get to know more about my country Kenya through films. The last time I was at the National Museum situated along Waiyaki way was in January, attending the film screening of “Small act” under Hilde Back Education Fund which was nominated for the Best Documentary 2011.
I am informed that since its premiere, $750,000 has been donated to the H.B.E.F, allowing them to expand from a village-wide program to nationwide. Joined by two friends Naisula and Jaymo, this time round we were at the National Museum to watch Kimya (Quiet) & The Roadside which are two short, excellently produced films by Willie Owusu (the Director of “Me First”, which received an award at the prestigious International Short Film Festival Oberhausen in Germany).
Being the good time keepers we are (wink) we made it at the Museum, 15 minutes to 7pm. A short networking with those waiting to watch the films, then we finally made it to Dr. Leakey Auditorium.
Very Painful
A short introduction concerning the movies and then lights off! Kimya starts us off. I take my time to understand it. There is so much pain in the film and at one point I couldn’t stop waiting to see the next scene. The narration throughout the movie helped most of us stay focused even as we occasionally threw blank gazes at each other in the dark.
This is a 2 cast film with narration and the whole story centered around torture, stress and oppression that some of our political leaders went through during our 1st and 2nd presidential regime. 20 minutes later, the film was over. Credits running up the screen. Silence engulfed the auditorium. “Mmmm, is the showing over?” I asked Naisula, who looked blank. “I guess so!” She replied with a smile.
I later try to understand the concept and I realize, many of us couldn’t handle much of what was showing. So the shorter the better. Actually , if you ask me, I still feel it could have been shortened even further. The screams, the shouting, the pain, the torture……I think it was a bit prolonged. But the message was on point. This is the pain that people went through. It was mentioned that the film could not have been made, lets say 5 years ago. This immediately reminded me of the documentary on the life of J.M Kariuki. The witnesses make you feel the pain. It makes you sad as a Kenyan to know that this is what some human beings went through in this country.
“Nyayo House, at the basement, this is where it all happened. All these were revealed when the present government came into power. Just like most of you will not believe what you see, family members, relatives and even friends did not and still do not believe this.” Revealed Willy Owusu.
Love Triangle-Roadside
He added that the narrations within the film were pure narrations from one of the torture victims. And this is the reason as to why you should make a point of watching this short film. Then, we watched the second film (ROADSIDE). Before it started, we made fun about what to expect,…”The whole film will be by the roadside, I can bet on this” Said Naisula.
True to her words, yes, this is a love story, a love triangle, typical humorous story which if you ask me, is a reflection of the relationship status in Kenya. The film which Willy tells me was done without any script, is purely entertainment. It revolves among two Kenyan great actors and an actress Lupita Nyongo. The story is about an odd couple who tries to find each other. They decide to go for a in the countryside as we watch the story unfold. *(You need to watch it). Gives you a clear picture of how people fall prey of ” mpango wa kando” at any given opportunity.
“It is so refreshing to see a real film maker, to be able to understand his concept, one who is not brainwashed by soap operas. To be able to understand the sophistication of using fresh thoughts” said one of the audience at the auditorium .
Willy Owusu was quick to let us know of what is in store for this great film maker, “We are doing films in different styles, action, drama detective kind of shooting which should be ready in 2 to 3 months time.” I have personally made it a priority to be attending these film screening at the National Museum of Kenya. It is definitely a great way to unwind after a long day and a chance to get to know more about Kenya, for residents and non-residents as well.
Enjoy your week ahead, remember “Happiness should be key, success is simply the icing on the cake.”
Like this:
Stay the course….
27 Mar 2012 Leave a Comment
in Uncategorized Tags: 2012, depression, discouraged, Erica Jong, kenya, kenyans, life skills, marriages, Mavuno Church, Nairobi, Ouma Oduor, quitting, relationships, Resolutions, Robin Sharma, sucess
Congregation at Mavuno church
Stay the course… do not quit too soon. This was the message at Mavuno Church in Nairobi last Sunday. I love this kind of encouragement especially when 2012 is almost four months old. Many of us by now do not remember the resolutions we set for the year, if at all we did, some cannot even track them down and many people seem lost of their life’s track.
Seated somewhere at the middle of this huge church, I had a great view of the congregation. Pastor Linda Oluoch, the bubbly and energetic woman alluded to the fact that many of us seem to be losing it when it comes to pursuing our life’s passion. As the year starts, we look very focused with great ambitions, but how long does this last?
“By quitting too soon, we lose out on the opportunity to get to reach our goals and know what God has in store for us, we rarely get the chance to see the conclusion of the matter,” she said.
At one point she asked the congregation to raise their hands if any of us were secretly waiting for an opportunity to quit. She mentioned different categories, those who want to quit their jobs, quit relationships, marriages and those that seem stuck in life challenges. I was not surprised, there were many hands raised in each of these categories.
We are stuck in Life
I realize indeed most people are stuck in life. Many things seem to stop us from living life to our best. We recently had a discussion with a group of my friends and the conclusion is, many of us, feel very unmotivated in life, many of us seem to be living uncontented life, trying to meet the pressures of this life. Unknowingly, we drain from ourselves the precious gift of living our life to our best. Bills, friends, family and societal expectations seem to be taking the centre stage in our lives.
This is my opinion, we are to blame. We are to take total blame for leading the kind of lives we do. Some of my friends have a problem with me reading all manner of things, (my wisdom literature as I call it), motivational books and self-development books, but I choose not to be bogged by opinions.
I realize the best investment I can ever make, is to buy more and more books and read them, on any topic as long as I understand that other people too have opinions and I am not duty-bound to agree with everything they say in their writing.
This month I have read two books, one by Kenyan Oduor Ouma, Jot it down and the other one that I just finished this morning is by my favorite writer of all times, Robin Sharma’s Who will cry When you die. Jot it down which is a professional book for those who want to pursue writing as a career, is one book, for the very first time, I agreed with the author 100%. As I read it, I felt like being in communication class again.
Love what you do
Robins Sharma’s book on the other hand is one that seems to have the same message as the one preached by Pastor Linda. In his book, Sharma says, “One of the lessons I have learnt in my own life is that if you don’t act on life, life has a habit of acting on you. The days slip into weeks, the weeks slip into months and the months into years. Pretty soon, it’s all over and you are left with life half-lived.”
So why are many of us so bored with life? Why did we have so many hands rising up in church with many people at the verge of quitting? Sharma advises, “One of the timeless secrets to a long, happy life is to love your job. The golden thread running through the lives of history’s most satisfied people is that they all loved what they did for living.”
This day, as you start a new week, think of the many people without jobs, without husbands and wives, without children, without genuine friends, without all the opportunities you have and dare to change the course. Sharma says in one of the chapters, “This is the truest measures of a person of strong character. As Erica Jong said, “Take your life in your own hands and what happens? A terrible thing: no one to blame, but only you”
“When you were born, you cried while the world rejoiced. Live your life in such a way that when you die, the world cries while you rejoice” Robin Sharma
Patience Nyange
