Wangare Mathaai’s Tree in Kibera

Posted on October 13, 2011 by Sande Wycliffe

She was a true icon, a mother, a laureate price winner, a key player in a champion team, an impresario kind of a person who knew so well how to do the little things and do them so well until our biodiversity was guarded/protected. Who is she?

Following the announcement of the sudden death of Professor Wangare Maathai , all media stations went on air announcing this big loss so that the public can be aware, the social media was not left out thanks to my tweet feeds that broke my hell broke loose after I had learnt of this news. As people not to mention Politians were mourning, I was busy going through different documentaries that involved this fallen icon fighting to reclaim wet lands even as she put up spirited fights with the then government, was the mourning of those who opposed her moves for conservation activities genuine? It begs lots of answers. Why should authorities fight so hard to keep people with the interest of Kenya at heart at bay only to come and mourn/ give them state befitting send-off for their efforts while they still lived? Are we talking about irony or Dilemma?

Wangare Mathaai Video

When the date of her cremation was announced, the minds of many had an idea of planting trees all over Kenya as a way of paying her the last respect. For as in Kibera slums, it was not any different for we decided to merge the one tree planting activity with the launch of our project that seeks to give Kibera slums a green make over. Among the invited schools were; Raila Educational Center, St. Gabriel primary School, Old Kibera Primary, Mashimoni Primary and high School. While at the launch I recived a text from my old friend from high school whose contents were as follows “The floods in May 2010 did not sweep you, the Kampala bus blast…..ukatoboa kukimbia {you managed to run} the Uhuru park grenade blast….you were not there! Post-election violence…were you an IDP? No not you, Came Ocampo…witnesses at The Hague? We all waited for you but you were not among them. Mihadharati and corruption….you survived. Drought you are not a victim, the Sahcangwan fire tragedy…you were not there! Hahaaa but you were in Kibera, is it true? Chang’aa ya Yokozuna…it didn’t kill you… ………WHY CAN’T YOU PLANT A TREE IN HONOUR OF THE LATE PROF. WANGARE MAATHAI FOR YOU ARE THE LUCKY ONE?”

After the launch, we walked to Raila educational Center where we planted a tree that Prof. Wangare Maathai liked in showing that we care for the environment just as she did while still alive. With green candles lit, we gathered in a round circle at the point where we were to plant the tree as one of the students prepared the hole. It is during this time that we were also collecting signatures/messages of our condolence on a white cloth material to jus show how much we valued not just her work but the zeal/enthusiasm behind the little things she did for Kenya; it is indeed true that her efforts were recognised miles and miles away while Kenyans never saw much in her only until now that she has departed.

We will forever remember you for our tree that is almost near the gate of Raila school was called Wangare Maathai and we shall plant more trees here in the slum so that our forest cover increases to help curb/reduce the effects of climate change in  Kibera

 

 

 

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What is the youth response to corruption and devolved funds management?

Posted on October 10, 2011 by Sande Wycliffe

We were supposed to be sitted in the YMCA-Shauri Moyo branch gymnasium at 2pm but too bad for us for our calculation of time was wrongly misplaced. “Let’s meet at 1:30pm at Karanja stage ready to go to the forum” I said to all the team of 4 from map kibera trust who had expressed interest in attending this forum. Here, I had turned a blind ear on what I hear every other time from different quarters seeking to justify why they are late for meetings in different parts of Nairobi; oh! ‘There was a hell of traffic on the road, this is why am late’.
The calls, text messages from the host of the forum kept on coming into my phone with questions like, are you coming? How many people are you coming with? Umefika wapi? (where are you right now?) we are about to start. Since we were needed this badly, we chose to walk from town to Shauri Moyo so that we can save our money and time because there were a possibility that there was traffic on Jogoo road, this was well executed, mmhh? At the gate we were warmly received and directed to register at the booth as we were shown in the hall holding some fliers in our hands. It was not easy for us to identify empty seats even as we looked at each other, luckily, we were able to get seats and get ready to follow what was going on.
If you would have been at the event perhaps you could have learnt how I was carefully concentrating when PLO Lumumba took to the podium to share his eloquent speech about corruption with the audience. You will have me agree that most of the times when voting is done, some people lose their lives. Why does this happen? Who fuels all this? It has to be appreciated that sometimes we are to blame for the death of our neighbours for during campaigns, what we want is money! Nothing else, we do not take time to listen to those who have the ideas to propel this nation forward. Dr. PLO recalls at a certain rally a young Kenyan who was not eligible to vote was asking money from politicians which in his view was a bad precedence for we are part of the same problem and not part of the solution when we allow politicians to use the money acquired through corruption to buy our conscience that easily.
How many form 4 students are going to do exams? Will they get jobs? Is the education system favourable or reflecting/addressing the current needs within the job market….this is pure corruption within this institutions where the highest bidder gets good grades/honours. Dr. PLO concurs with the many who have wanted a change of tact that, we cannot keep on doing the same things again and again and expect different results, no it is practically impossible. It was interesting to learnt that someone once said that, Kenya is a man eat man society while Tanzania is a man eat nothing society, now you know.
In his closing remarks, he urged Kenyans and specifically the youths to rethink about the strategy to end corruption, changing our behaviours and character was one way but again everyone should ask himself/herself the question; what is my role in ending corruption? It starts with us asking ourselves this one question and shift our perspective well enough to get it done.

What is the youth response to corruption and devolved funds management?
Ghost Mulee, a football coach, was the second speaker. When he was little, he was in Shauri Moyo. This was a bit a calculate he put in his speech as he asked the audience that if you were given 2 sacks, 1 full of beans and the other full of money, which one would you have picked? I ask you since I know the answer.
The brainstorm around this question was interesting for it helped bring back the concentration for those who were already tired. People have grown together in mtaani/choche as they call it (same backyard) but where exactly has tribalism come from? In football it is always said that the best player plays, there is no tribes issue here. It is of great concern for us to avoid any circumstances that might warrant corrupt deeds thus the need to be informed when voting individually.
The speeches brought to the flow lots of questions that were answered there and then by the guest speakers and finally we had a way forward to hold such like forums to help create awareness about and against corruption fore if it is possible that there is no shortage of church gatherings commonly referred to as Keshas in Kenya it can be equal possible to organize forums for this course.
Between a team of champions and a champion team we should always strive to be a champion team for it is only when we will win.

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TURNING BOTTLES TO SOLAR BULBS.

Posted on October 7, 2011 by Fred

Just like any other garbage lying on the ground, so is to the soda and water bottles dumped and scattered everywhere. These carelessly dumped bottles pose great dangers to our lives by their pollution to the environment.

But who could  believe that  these bottles are a good source of cheap, efficient and environmental friendly solar bulbs?

In most marginalized areas, e.g.  Slums and villages, most of the houses are too much squeezed in between the others. Penetration of the sun rays to these houses becomes a problem, hence residents or people in this area stay in the dark, meaning, if you are in one of the rooms, you can’t differentiate between daytime and night!

Before installation.                                          After installation.

             

 

 

 

For those who have electricity connections, lights are always on, through the day and night. In some schools, learning comes at a standstill, when there is a  power cut, during the day, just because classes can’t proceed in the dark classes!

 

As it is said, ‘creativity is the mother of  invention”, thanks to kosmos solutions  International and youth from kiberas’, kibera  community youth programme,(KCYP)  who joined up and collaborated  to be part of the solutions to some  problems facing kibera.

A number of schools have been fitted with these simple, unique bottle bulbs, and can now benefit from these solar lights. The target is to reach to as many schools and homes as possible in kibera and also other places, with similar challenges

This initiative comes along with a number of advantages.For instance, there has been an issue of power tariffs rising unexpectedly based on the economic situation, to meet some needs, besides, there has been power rationing during the day hence a lot of inconvenience. Being connected with these bottle solar bulbs means, the schools will overcome the power rationing inconveniences and operate as expected, and also less consumption of electricity hence saving on your electricity bills!

As the world strives to go green, and reducing the amount of pollution to the atmosphere, this is one positive initiative that seeks to reduce the amount of pollution to the environment. By using these bottles for this purpose, it means less dumping hence less pollution.

Some rooms become uncomfortable during the day because of the heat generated by the normal electricity bulbs, you can bring some natural comfort to your room/house by the use of these bulbs.

It is as simple and unique as it looks, no complications and no extra costs to worry about. It has worked, it’s working and still working, it can work elsewhere too!

 

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STIGMA AND DISCRIMINATION

Posted on October 6, 2011 by Ibrahim

Although research indicates that HIV/Aids in Kibera is highly rated amongst the community but something still needs something to be done to enable the affected and infected person found in this community to get any required help or referrals for that matter ,It can be organized that they be given sensitization workshops and trainning n different aspect to enlighten the community in situations that can help them like in psycho social support ARv managements ,Adherence ,Home based care support to the bed ridden person who cant make it to the clinics or Hospitals  .Another key issue here is about food consumption this is another  key problem that needs to be look upon ,some cant afford balanced diet meal to make the drug they are taking to be effective and work properly.

By the help of the government and  other interested party liked the NGO’s  who have played a  great role in the quest to confront and eradicate the disgrace and dishonor often faced by people living with virus in our community.More still needs to be done on those people who lives with those affected or infected  in one way or the other .To conduct lots of trainings and workshop  to harmonize the situation and to enlighten everybody  in the community about discrimination and stigma senario.

More measure need to be taken into considerations when ensuring the control and prevention of the scourge amongst the youth who are  highly infected every now and then  amonst other things .Attitude and the behavior change is what we require to reduce  the spread of  Hiv /Aids amongst the youth .Faithfulness and the use of condom is not constant  amongst the youth thats why it has been a challeng in maintaining the spread of  the virus which still cannt be controlled .

Aids related stigma and the discrimination is a big giant toward the realization of the acceptance of the situation which cripples the development from both the stigmatized and the stigmatize-rs .The key point is to find avenues that address this matter fully and seeking ways in tackling this issue and finding proper strategies in solution findings and support to PLWH .

Stigma is a feeling ,condition or mark of shame ,disgrace and dishonor.It cause those who are on the receiving end to be shunned, rejected or discriminated against for  perceived improriety or wrongdoing .Stigma in the sense that you can tell whether a person bears a stigma by the way others treat them .It differs from discrimination although in many cases it is its cause .stigma has to do with attitudes and taboos held by a community  which  members are expected not to contravene ,Discrimination is unfair treatment of a person or a group  based on class or condition.

Causes of stigma has to do with taboo or strong social or religious customs forbidding a particular act or word.Its there for community generated and the assumption that PLWH/Aids are promiscuous or immoral ..Other culture and religion may define promscuity different ,going against the particular taboos that relate to sexual behavior in ones context is considered a transgression or sin.

The second  cause or source of  stigma is fear and ignorance.when people are confronted by a phenomenon such as disease whose cause they do not fully understand ,which is incurable and which leads to death,it is bound to attract stigma.Such fear causes people to look for those to blame for the phenomenon in an effort to protect themselves ,At first the disease was blamed on the homosexuals and drug addict in the U.S. and commercial sex worker in many African countries.In many culture ,women receive much of the for the spread of Hiv/Aids .

Stigma continues to be a real hindrance in prevention of the spread of HIV and Aids,and in the care ,support and access to treatment  PLHIV.

Posted in Culture, Education, Health, Kibera, People, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Water shortage in Kibera.

Posted on September 29, 2011 by Lee Ibrahim

With the opening of the Nairobi International Trade Fair by the president on 26 September 2011 it was a delight to the people in Nairobi and Kenya atlarge but in Kibera its comes with its disadvantages the major one being lack water.

This has led to water being shifted to cater for the Trade Fair hence cutting water in various parts of Nairobi.Water is life and lack of it means something very severe in the human life. This has been the problem here in Kenya and Kibera not an exception.

More than half of the 40 million people living in Kenya lack access to any kind of clean water. One of the causes being the severe drought hitting the country at the moment is the major problem which has worsened the issue. With the descrease of water level at the Ndakaini dam which supplies water to Nairobi many places do not have adequate water that they need to run their daily businesses.

Other reasons for lack of clean water is that there are broken water pipes around many places in Kibera hence wasting a lot of water to drain. Leaking pipes cause water contamination when it mixes wit dirt water and sewage. These causes sickness like diahrrea, typhoid and amoeba among the children.

It is not a shock to see residents from different parts of Kibera during this times of the year carring water jerricans of water in their heads and shoulders. They have to walk long distances to get water which makes them tired day by day. These brings to an halt many businesses and tasks.

The government should come up with initiatives which will ensure that there is enough water in the informal settlement no matter what the circumstances. They should ensure that they build tanks of clean water around every area in Kibera to cater for the more than a million people who dwell in the Informal settlements.

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Kibera; Sitting on a time bomb whose explosion waits

Posted on September 19, 2011 by Sande Wycliffe

Having taken time to see, listen to people talk, watch in the news and follow all those tweets about the Sinai Slums tragedy, I sat back and thought what if/how different would it have been in Kibera if this was to happen? Those who have a command of the English language say “You can only delay but not stop an I idea whose time has come” but kindly allow me to say that “you can never delay a bomb explosion whose time has come” Kibera is just but another slum faced with numerous challenges ranging from inaccessibility to the interior villages, illegal electricity connection, almost collapsing and closely packed shanties e.t.c. All this challenges do require the goodwill of all parties to initiate total structural overhaul of the whole slum. Who will be the first one to put a calculate of the required master plan to action to help improve Kibera slums? Does it mean that this man or woman is yet to be born?

Inaccessibility to the interior villages

 

 

 

 

 

If Kibera went up in flames, it will be almost useless to call fire fighters to come to remedy the situation for there are no roads the fire engines can use to get to these areas. This means, in case of fire outbreak, lots of property will be destroyed, those caught in it will barely survive for ambulances to lift them to hospitals can also not access the roads, a case in point is the photos above. We also have clinics and a hospital in Kibera that normally do referrals to Mbagathi district hospital or Kenyatta for that matter but looking at the photo on the right, the hospital is right there behind that corner and it makes it difficult for ambulances to get patients in the ambulance for they have to carry them up to a certain place which is in some way risky.

Illegal electricity connections

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Electricity is one of the most dangerous things but also most important to the Kibera population; here I have in mind self employed people who do use electricity at their work places, small businesses, homes schools exetra. Due to the demand of this commodity visa vie the income/daily earnings of people; it is not possible to pay for hefty bills hence deciding to go the short cut ways of having illegal connections. They can never understand when you talk to them how cheap can be expensive in this case. If you follow closely, you might recall that most of the fires that have been wrecking Kibera are caused by faulty or illegal connections and it does destroy a lot of property in a matter of minutes. To pay electricity bills or use the illegal connections and have this fire instances on the rise is a choice you have to make for yourself, which one would you prefer?

Almost collapsing and closely packed shanties

The average size of shacks/shanties is 12ft x 12ft built with mud walls, screened with concrete, a corrugated tin roof, dirt or concrete floor. One side of Kibera parallels the railroad tracks, the other is bordered by stores in corrugated metal, barrels pounded flat, a chocolate city as they call it indeed.It is an imaginable to understand how a family of seven can live together in such a small space.

Many dignitaries have visited Kibera slums; Barack Obama when he was still senator, Koffi Annan, Ban Ki Moon among others pledging support towards the upgrading of Kibera

Posted in Electricity, Emergency, Environment, Fire, Kibera, People, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Insecurity in Kibera

Posted on September 18, 2011 by Lee Ibrahim

Just a month ago, Police hunted down and killed a gang of thieves in two occasions. They were all youth and were killed for stealing property from the public.

Insecurity is one of things that has been on the lips of many around Kibera for more than a decade now. People are robbed day and night with guns, knives and machetes. Has the government failed to protect its people? Has it tried to bring security to one of the biggest slums and came out unsuccessful? These are the questions likely to crop up whenever the incidents concerning insecurity occur.

You will find out that most of the thieves are between the age of 18 to 26 years old meaning that these are youths who have just completed their secondary education and are idle thus they want to by all means use force to get to survive in this harsh conditions.

The main cause for the insecurity is lack of employment among the youth who have completed their secondary or any higher education. With the living standards rising everyday this causes them to engage in unnatural behavior like stealing and other violent activities in the community.

Mary Atieno a resident in Laini-Sabawhen asked, says, “It is very dangerous to pass through some hot-spots in the area due to fear of being robbed after 7pm in the evenings.” Security lights which were put in some areas have spoiled due to bad maintenance hence encouraging/attracting crime in those spots.

The Kenyan government should urgently address the issue of insecurity by repairing the spoiled security lights in order to light the hot-spots in certain areas. They Should also try to provide jobs for the youth who are not employed to reduce cases of theft and other sort of violence brought forth by idleness.

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THE SCOURGE OF POVERTY

Posted on September 15, 2011 by Fred

Poverty is the daily and familiar song that is sang by people living below average/under a dollar a day.

The word poverty is defined differently,from one person,community or party to  another  based on their geographical positions and the environment in which they have been brought up.As one would say, lack of basic commodities on daily life that will push one to the next level of life!

Some people argue that poverty is a choice within an individual or individuals,whereas others say its a curse from God (in some African communities).

Why are some people rich and others poor? Are they special than others!Is God  fair?If Some people work smart and have made it in life,does it mean those who work hard,God didn’t give them brains to think and work smart? What is in them that  God did not give to others and why?

Others argue that,if all were equal,no one would appreciate one another and work for them,or offer them different services needed! Who knows!

The arguments are endless!

As one wakes up in the morning, in different streets of Kibera,you are likely to meet a large number of people going  to different directions of their work places,just to make ends meet.The able ones use matatus to their workplaces.There are those employed on permanent basis while others  temporary.And there are those professional job seekers who have to walk from one office to the other inquiring for job favors!

The high rate of unemployment ,with the rise of the inflation rate to about 16% is making it even unbearable.The prices of basic commodities are rising while the monthly income remains constant.This however affects different areas of life and people tend to be one sided in their decisions.Some of the areas that are least given concentration are health and education.You need good health in order to undertake learning smoothly hence bring change to your life and your surrounding.

Poverty has denied the bright and the potential to access education at high levels,There is a great potential but because people lack exposure to enhance and nurture their capabilities,they end up down on the ground.

In some western countries people or companies who have millions in their accounts,give back to the community or individuals by offering them opportunities to learn or basically opening up ideas with the community that will bring growth to the people.Here,people would rather die  and leave  billions in their accounts than help the poor and the potential!

There is a big gap between the poor and the rich,and this has brought about discrimination among the two classes of life.The rich don’t associate with the poor  anymore,The poor seems to be nobody to them!

Most of the rich people take advantage of the poor to dominate most of the things. The rich would easily get their children/relatives to big office jobs,not because they are qualified but because they have money power to bribe,leaving the poor and qualified.Why does  some companies struggle to make it?How would you expect a company to deliver with unqualified leader (s)?

As it is,no one chooses where,how and when to be born,and therefore we ought to treat others as we would wish to be treated back.

 

 

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TEDxKaranja

Posted on September 13, 2011 by Sande Wycliffe

 

 

What started as a four day conference somewhere in California 25 years ago with a devotion to Ideas Worth Spreading (TED), has managed to grow to support those world-changing ideas with multiple initiatives. TEDx, a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience is one such initiative.

TEDxKaranja is one of this many TEDx events around the world, where TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group

What informed the creation of TEDxKaranja?

TEDxKaranja was created to help kiberans appreciate the fact that they live in Kibera. Therefore we want to challenge our fundamental believes as well as perceptions by coming together in the spirit of ideas worth spreading to discuss, share, network, and discover our potential hence realizing what is possible in/for Kibera.

After having TEDxSilanga and Kibera in a row, it was time to have TEDxkaranja. It took place on the 10th of Sept. 2011 at Mchanganyiko hall from 2pm. Kibera, where good ideas come from has given the power to transform lives, we had 2 live speakers sharing their message with the audience as well as the watching of TED talks.

Though the session was set to begin at 2pm, it was not possible for it had to start late but the programme was strictly observed. To start with was a recorded talk from Caroline Casey – Looking past limits. Her a talk had some inspiring message “Be absolutely truly yourself and believe from the bottom of your heart; you can make things happen”

Charles Karanja, who was born in Kiberas Kianda village to a single mum, was the first live speaker on stage. His was a story of his life, he grew up in Kianda, went to Laini saba primary, Olekajuado boys high school. “I wanted to study medicine at university, but the cut-off points were too high that I was not able to achieve it” His hopes were not over for he always knew that at some point he will go to university. At that time Charles says he used to help her mum in selling in a small green grocers and that no one ‘within the audience would cut vegetables better than he could’. He would later change to go to a driving school after which he became a tout, then a driver with a certain bus company.

Lack came knocking on Charles’ door when his friend was awarded a scholarship to study at Makerere University but the friend declined and pushed  this offer to him that made him pursue a degree in economics and statistics. I could see my dream that was shattered many years back coming to realization.

Talks of Andrew Mwenda – Taking a new look at Africa  and Richard St. john – Success is a continuous journey were watched and we had a final live speaker by the name Jack Nyamawanga who lives in Soweto west a village in Kibera. He says that he dropped out of school at an early age but life had to go on. He was a street boy for 3 years and lived with  her sister for other 3 years and later begun to live on his own thanks to the Victorious youth group that he helped form. This group is a factory in its own right for it has employed youths who work on borne jewerllery/necklace production everyday.

Being the first time for most of the attendants, they were thrilled to this good ideas sharing event and were of the mind that more such like events should be organized to help enlighten youths on different issues affecting them and the world at large.

After a more general assessment of the event I said to myself;

“The most harmful beliefs that you can have are what are called self-limiting beliefs and therefore in order to achieve things you’ve never achieved before, you must be willing to do things you’ve never done before”

 

 

 

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OPENING OF SCHOOLS

Posted on September 7, 2011 by Ivy Winnie

Back to School

In Kenya most of the schools are opening. Both from primary and Secondary, Private and Public schools. This is not an exception here in Kibera many pupils have been spotted here and there with backpacks heading back to school.

Parents on the other hand are ensuring that the little money they saved can be used as school fees and also buying new items for their children. Some schools were under construction during the holidays, which can be of threat to the learning environment of some. The Raila Education Center is one of the schools under construction due to poor infrastructure. This is going to affect them because they will have to share classrooms.

The turnout if the students is also low as many students are still at home and because of the teachers’ proposed strike.

We suddenly hope that this strike will be called off so that learning can pick up as some of the students/pupils will be sitting their final exams earlier than usual.

 

 

 

 

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