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Page1 A JOURNEY INTO AFRICA; STORY OF HOPE AND EMPOWERMENT KANINI KASEO KYUNYU VILLANGE, KATHONZWENI DISTRICT, KENYA We are thirsty for positive change in our area and as members of Kanini Kaseo SGH we want to be model SGH in our locality and beyond. We are optimistic that this is just the beginning of better things for our group, families and community in terms of food security. 9 th February 2012. “My sense of worthy is coming back with Kanini Kaseo”. Mrs. Ndinda Mutuku 80 years old 23 rd February 2012. KENYA COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION www.seedofpossibilities.org.uk 64 Upper Parliament Street Liverpool L8 7LF, United Kingdom E-mail: [email protected]

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A JOURNEY INTO AFRICA; STORY OF

HOPE AND EMPOWERMENT

KANINI KASEO

KYUNYU VILLANGE, KATHONZWENI DISTRICT, KENYA

We are thirsty for positive change in our area and as members of Kanini Kaseo SGH we want to be

model SGH in our locality and beyond. We are optimistic that this is just the beginning of better things

for our group, families and community in terms of food security. 9th February 2012.

“My sense of worthy is coming back with Kanini Kaseo”. Mrs. Ndinda Mutuku 80 years old 23rd February 2012.

KENYA COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION www.seedofpossibilities.org.uk

64 Upper Parliament Street Liverpool L8 7LF, United Kingdom

E-mail: [email protected]

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Document Pages

Executive summary 3-4

KCA statement at Kanini Kaseo, Kenya 9/02/12 5-7

Kanini Kaseo Statement 9/02/12 8-9

Press reports covering event 10

Trustees Declaration 11

Kanthonzweni District Project proposal 12-26

Israel Ambassador meeting press release 27-28

Invitation to Israel Ambassador for technical support 29-30

Bill Gates food security Africa food security funding 31

The project for development cooperation EU-Africa on Social Economy: 32-36

Plus Dane Group £3,000 hand over statement 37-39

The two “Ngadzi”; Impact and effects of migration on communities 40-43

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Kanini Kaseo is a response to the cyclic catastrophic climatic conditions that perennially affect

many regions but the severity in Africa eclipses all. Africa is an expanse continent endowed

with abundant natural resources but similarly with vast areas of scarcity.

The bulk of the African population is rural subsisting on produce of the land be it farm

produce or livestock. These rural farmers still practice traditional methods of cultivation and

land management that are static over the centuries. Populations are increasing due to lower

mortality and yields decreasing due to change in weather patterns, changed expectation

through schooling, migration to urban centre’s, diseases, conflicts and various others.

Resource mismanagement is another factor.

While the international community has been responding favourably towards these cyclic

events, there exist the desire to build capacity and empower Africa to unlock its vast

potential thereby become granary of its own needs as well as surplus for the needs of other

regions. African government and leaders are conscious of this fact and have been engaging

with its development partners in formulation and implementing programs that would achieve

this vision.

Extensive resources have been allocated to Africa with mixed results. While there are many

success stories one comes across waste all over. Moreover, the rural poor who constitute the

bulk of the population hardly benefit from the programs or initiatives that are executed

through the various agencies or platforms. The Trustees managing the Kanini Kaseo funds

have been carefully selected with this in mind and reflect in their declaration.

Nobody wants to be hungry, suffer deprivation, and endure hardship of any kind. Similarly

others look with kindness to those that experience these conditions. This is what moves such

entities like the Bill Gates Foundation, Barka Foundation and initiative by the EU in

partnership with National Governments including those far off such as State of Israel. Unlike

in the developed economies where government is highly sensitive to welfare needs of the

people the opposite is true in most parts of African. This has led to multi-channel intervention

programs where both government and non governmental institutions become tools of

empowerment.

Social Enterprise as vehicle of empowerment in Europe and other developed economies is

not alien to Africa even though the terminology and operation methods may be different.

There is both commonality and divergence whose astute management as was the case of the

“two Ngadzi” can produce highly resilient and enduring concept impacting both Africa and

the developed world.

Kanini Kaseo state, “we are thirsty for positive change in our area”. This thirst is in the whole

of Africa. The change is for better livelihood for all and mostly food security a fact recognized

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by all to be achievable. The CDs of video and pictures testify to that which is contained

herein.

What is being done and funded in Kanini Kaseo is not imposed on them but something they

desired and were looking for partners to empower them. The District Community

Development Project mooted and dormant since February 2011 is one of such desires

unfulfilled, waiting and eventually to die off. Its death will not be in the idea alone but many

of those individuals whom it is intended to benefit.

Kanini Kaseo innovation is first its embrace of the people own development concept to

broaden their vision, hope and handle change through food for now while preparing, working

and developing the land for future harvests. Second phase is working with other partners to

bring in technology to transform practices of land and farming management. The momentum

to sustain conviction and trust of the partnership through funding of the first phase is critical

especially considering this is the flagship of our African intervention.

Kanini Kaseo has cross sector support of all segments of society, central government through

the DC, political through MP and councilors, inhabitants and the absent husbands migrating

to the city for work.

KCA secured the £3,200 invested through collaboration with Plus Dane Group and its partners

in Merseyside, UK. We are seeking further support from our various partners in assisting

secure or unlock funds to continue in this locality of high impact. In seeking financial backing

we are aware of the difficulties being experienced all around us, but we are encouraged by

those who have faith in the potential of Africa that the importance of Kanini Kaseo is real and

important to the arc of change and hope running across Africa from Cameroon into Ghana

passing through Uganda ending in Kenya. This is a vision, inspiration, burning desire and

commitment we all share with one common ambition; to make it happen.

In conclusion I would appeal for the following:-

1. Secure additional funds to continue current land preparation efforts before start of

the long rains in East Africa.

2. Source funding for the feasibility study “Integrated Community Development

Project” championed by the District Commissioner in page 12-26.

3. The invitation to the State of Israel in response to declared interest of developing

food security in Africa page 32-36 receive backing of our partners.

Baiba Dhidha Mjidho.

Chairman; Kenya Community Association.

27th February 2012.

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KENYA COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION INAGURAL STATEMENT MARKING START OF KANINI

KASEO SOCIAL INTEGRATION CENTRE

9TH FEBRUARY 2012.

Hon. Peter Kiilu, MP. Makueni Consttituency,

Mr. J. Otieno DC Kathonzweni District

Mr. Athanas K. Nganda, Area Concilor,

Area Chief,

Assistant Chief,

Distinguished guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen;

I feel highly honoured to represent the Kenya Community Association in the County of

Merseyside, United Kingdom in this function inaugurating its first intervention of empowering

marginalized and needy communities in their Motherland Kenya.

I further convey the goodwill, greeting and best wishes of all communities within the County

of Merseyside whose outpouring generosity resulted in the £3,200 (Kes 400,000) being used

for the first phase of the food for work project being initiated here in Kanini Kaseo today. The

project is estimated to cost £6,000 (Kes 750,000) for land preparation and £24,000 (Kes 3

mln.) for water.

The Kenya Community Association is composed of Kenyan migrants within the last 25 years

settled in Merseyside and those who subscribe to their vision and values which means we do

not live as a closed community but in communion with other people of different ethnicity.

Our capacity to embrace, live, associate, appreciate and value others is pivotal in our

engagement with different communities and peoples.

This project is anchored on the human response to need. It further recognizes the capacity of

human enterprise to overcome the factors that lead to their marginalization, under

performance or needs. Our initiative is therefore part of the global and national response to

the extensive drought conditions last year that engulfed most of East Africa including Kenya

whose effects are still present.

The global and national response has been overwhelming and still continues to be. Kenyan

migrants all over the world through their various associations sent their contributions which

included those offered by the communities around them. The money funding this initiative is

part of such efforts.

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The money sent by us today is from a fund raising event presided by Mr. Jeremy Laibutah,

First Counselor, Kenya High Commission, London marking the annual October

commemoration of Africa History Month in Merseyside sponsored by the Plus Dane Group in

partnership with various corporate bodies and community organization. Among them were

Liverpool Mutual Homes, Riverside Housing, Workers Education Association, Frontline

Church, Mast Group, Yemeni Association, Bangladesh Association and several others. We are

most thankful to the Chief Executive Officer of Plus Dane Group Mr. Ken Perry and Chairman

Mr. Richard Kemp who took personal interest and organized the money presentation

ceremony in their Board room. This illustrates the level of commitment and compassion held

by the outside world on the afflicted in East Africa. It Merits here to mention the devotion of

Maureen Chendo, Engagement Officer, Plus Dane Group who was instrumental in

coordinating and managing the fundraising efforts.

We hope that the giving spirit demonstrated by these corporate bodies, charities and

individuals in Merseyside, United Kingdom will be replicated by others here in Kenya

financially. Any material or financial support through the Trustees will be appreciated with

thanks and encourage our partners in Europe.

This initiative is driven by two factors. First is the plea originating from here, Kanini Kaseo to

us through Scholar who pleaded on your behalf for food assistance to those that were

starving. We responded with remittance of Kes 40,000. At that point we were made aware of

the women group resolve to improve the land in order to increase food production and

thereby cushion the community from the cyclic food scarcity occasioned by poor crop yields.

The second driving force is our vision of empowerment to ourselves and those we interact

with. We are therefore through this engagement meeting two needs, first providing food to

alleviate effects of current scarcity and secondly putting in place land and facility

improvements that will guarantee food sustainability. In other words this empowers the

community towards self sufficiency.

Empowering communities is recognized by governments of Africa individually, collectively

and by their development partners. This is captured in various instruments such as Kenya

Government’s vision 2030, AU/EU strategy plan 2010-2013, AU/NEPAD Africa Action Plan

2010-2015 and Nairobi Strategy of September 2011 among others. We are pleased to note

that this initiative in Kanini Kaseo meets and is within this vision.

The Kenya Community Association vision statement is “Empowering Kenyans to achieve and

maximize their potential” which is anchored on the foundation of “You are a seed of

possibilities”. We thus view, perceive or act as a medium, platform or agent to unlock the

potential and capacity of those we associate with to make use, attain or fully exploit the

potential that surrounds them. Our involvement and undertaking here in Kanini Kaseo is

driven by the above objectives and values.

We are encouraged by the overwhelming support our initiative received by all concerned namely the community, government representatives as well as those holding elective offices which is affirmed by the dignitaries assembled before you and by your MP being one of the

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trustees of the funds. We look forward to this support translate into facilitating actions. In order to realize the full potential of this project, a number of facilities will be required. To this end we call for urgent revision of your development plan submitted to us last year to capture current expectations and vision. We do hope the various agencies and government departments will assist in their provision where applicable and appropriate. We would like to thank the three trustees Sister Scholar Nganda, lecturer Kenyatta University,

Hon. Peter Kiilu, MP, Makueni Constituency and Mr. Cleophas Kiio, Director, Kenya Bureau of

Statistics and lecturer in two of our leading Universities who have accepted our invitation to

be custodians of the funds remitted and any other funds that will be received for this project

or expansion of this project to other parts of our Nation.

We must recognize that there are several initiatives here in Kenya and elsewhere committed

to empowerment of rural communities. We pledge to work alongside them and network with

them to make our and their impact in whatever all of us do meaningful. It is further our intent

to network with our national universities where applicable in applying their competencies

and knowhow in uplifting the capacity of rural communities.

In the journey of evolvement of our Charity to this historic moment of engaging in this

program in our motherland it would be honourable for us to acknowledge those who helped

define with clarity our vision and understanding. Mr. Godwin Bateren CEO of Chara Trust has

been our mainstay and pillar of strength throughout our 15 years existence. The enormity of

human resourcefulness was gained from the Barka Foundation activities and its founder Mr.

Thomas Kadowski whom we accessed through Chara Trust.

Ms. Helen Connor and her mother Sylvia Connor co-founders of Inspiring Leaders Kenya NGO

were invaluable and through them had access to Prof Elena P. Antonacopoulou of University

of Liverpool Management School and Dr Kristian Mjoen, Norwegian University of Science and

Technology who helped in clarifying our identity, vision, self worth and potential. There are

many more but this illustrates the power of networking and interaction to create linkages and

impact.

We end with the faith that Kanini Kaseo shall be partners carrying our vision and hope that

will influence and transform the lives of many others in our country and other parts of our

continent. For in Kanini Kaseo resides our letter of recommendation and living example of

what can be done and achieved in Africa and other marginalized communities elsewhere.

Your success will be the success of others like you waiting to be helped and touched just as it

is being done to you today.

In closing we acknowledge with thanks the generosity of Mrs Benedicta Muthoki Chalse

Nganda for transporting our representatives from and back to Nairobi another demonstration

of self giving towards the success of the project.

May God be our help and guide in this partnership of solidarity.

Amen.

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KANINI KASEO KYUNYU SELF HELP GROUP;

STATEMENT ON THURSDAY 9TH

FEBRUARY 2012.

Our visitors (Pauline and friends), Members of Kanini Kaseo Self Help Group, Ladies and gentlemen, Good afternoon. I take this opportunity to welcome you all to our group, feel at home. On behalf of the group allow me to express our gratitude to you for having seen it worthy to consider us for funds which we believe will change lives of many in the area for the better. A brief history of our group. Allow me to take you through a brief history of our group. Kyunyu area is composed of mostly female population and children who reside here. This is owed to the fact that most of the male bread winners have migrated to urban areas in search of jobs. Until 2008 we used to rely on our husbands for every coin we spent in our homes. In 2008 we decided that the high levels of poverty we were living in was lowering our dignity and thus as women we had to come up with a way forward. That saw the dawn of Kanini Kaseo SHG. The group started as a simple merry-go-round composed of 20 members. We aimed at buying kitchen ware for our members through monthly contribution. By January 2009, membership had grown to 27. During an Annual General Meeting we concurred that we needed an Income Generating Activity (IGA) to complement whatever other contributions we were making. It was agreed that we would engage in goat rearing and thus part of the group’s money was used to purchase 20 goats for members. The plan was that the offspring would be given to the remaining seven members after which any further offspring would be sold and the money be used for members common benefit. However, the challenge of drought and famine robbed us of 3 goats in late 2009 while 2 others died of livestock diseases. This became a major setback to our new objective of improving food security in the area through goat milk as well as economic empowerment of our group members. Despite these challenges our group continued to hold together and in 2010 we saw the need to register our group with the Department of Gender and Social Services, which we did and were issued with a certificate of membership. To facilitate this, we sold seven goats and banked the raised amount. This is the money we used to facilitate the committee members movement in terms of bus fare and allowances. The group was registered in May 2010 with 35 members. We still had challenges such as lack of fundraising skills but tried to liaise with the Department of Gender and Social Services to train us on proposal writing skills. Some of our members were trained and we agreed on sourcing for funds to run food security project in our area. We wrote several proposals to different donors which unfortunately have not been funded so far. However, we did not give up hope until Pauline and friends lately responded to our cry of which we are very grateful. Thus we are proud to say that this is our first major project ever and we are glad that you agreed to work with us. Now we still hold together in our ambition to create food security in our area. We are ready to work with one another to enable us realize our ambition. Once again we are thankful to our donor and we want assure you that you have come to the right people. We are thirsty f or positive change in our area and as members of Kanini Kaseo SHG we want to be the model SHG in our group, families and community in terms of food security. We still have

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dreams for the future that is access to clean and sufficient drinking water. Since we envision success in our current project we aspire to carry on with a water project immediately afterwards. Thank you and God bless you.

9th February 2012.

Progress report 23rd February 2012. CURRENT BENEFITS: First and foremost, new energy seems to have been born! These women can now dig 210 meters per week in two days! Before KCA intervention due to lack of proper equipment for making the terraces, the women though determined could only dig the 210 meters a week in four days. Don't forget, they were also hungry as they dug, so their low out-put in terrace making was compounded by their characteristic hunger. An amazing achievement all due to food provision. The fact that they know there will be food to feed their children gives them the hope of a better tomorrow, hence energy to work more. Above all, KCA is buying nutritional food (maize and Beans) for the people and the portions they are receiving is also big and lasts close to mid-month. Importantly, old women, those who felt so unworthy in the society before KCA's intervention are now feeling of value in society as they join the able women who dig the terraces as the latter take care of the kids. Great solidarity has been achieved so far through the project. One aged woman (80yrs) Ndinda Mutuku says her sense of worthy is coming back with Kanini Kaseo. Sister Scholar Nganda, Trustee.

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From: Knamakueni Makueni <[email protected]>

Subject:

To: [email protected]

Date: Tuesday, February 21, 2012, 12:38 AM

A women group in Kyunyu village in Kathonzweni district has received a donation of Kshs

400,000 from a group of Kenyans living in United Kingdom in a bid to fight drought and

famine in the area. Kanini Kaseo Self Help group received the money donated by Kenya Community Association

(KCA)in Liverpool to implement a food for work programme where the members of the group

will be required to work in their farms and in return get food bought using the money. The chairman of KCA Balba Dhidha Mjidho in a speech read on his behalf by Mr. Francis

Kimaru during the launch of the project today said the Ksh 400.000 will be used in the first

phase of the food for work programme and disclosed that a further Kshs 3.7 million will be

used for improve the land in order to increase food production as well as initiating water

projects in the area to cushion the members and the community against water shortage. “Due to the cyclic food scarcity occasioned by poor yields in the area this project aims at first,

providing food to starving families and secondly put in place land and facility improvement

that will guarantee food sustainability,” he said. Mr. Mjidho noted that project is an initiative by KCA to respond to the effects of the frequent

ravaging droughts experienced in the area and at the same time empower the community

through development of projects aimed at creating food security. “Our vision is to empower marginalized communities and maximize their potential,” he said. Kanini Self Help Group has a membership of 35 women and was started in 2008 with the aim

of initiating income generating activities to alleviate poverty among the members. During the event farm tools worthy 80,000 were distributed to the members of the group.

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KANINI KASEO KYUNYU SELP HELP WOMEN GROUP, KATHONZWENI

DISTRICT- KENYA.

STATEMENT FROM SR. SCHOLASTICAH NGANDA (Trustee).

I owe the words I am about to say to the courage, determination and the zeal of the women of

Kanini Kaseo Self Help Group in Kyunyu Village, Kathonzweni District, Kenya- East Africa.

And I say these words on behalf of the other two trustees of Kanini Kaseo project who could

not be reached face-to-face but whom I have spoken to on phone and have given me the

authority and permission to release the statement on their behalf as well. Allow me therefore to

state: I, Mr. Peter Kiilu, Member of Parliament, Makueni Constituency, I, Mr. Cleophas Kiio,

Director, Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, and Lecturer, Masinde Muliro University of

Science and Technology as well as Visiting Lecturer Catholic University of Eastern

Africa(CUEA), I, Sr. Scholasticah Nganda, A Religious Catholic Sister belonging to the

Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy, a Lecturer in Kenyatta University and a Board Member,

Association of African Universities, AIDS Control Unit- Based in Kenyatta University, wish to

firmly confirm our total commitment to the full development, growth and maturation of Kanini

Kaseo Self Help Kyunyu Women Group. We are convinced that this project once given full

support in all facets of its development, will serve as a model for the rest of Africa in food

Security. Can Africa feed her own people? Yes she CAN. But how? Only through provision of

Irrigation water for the fertile fields and huge lands.

As we firmly vow to protect Kanini Kaseo's funds from the donor community, we want to

assure members of the Kenya Community Association in Liverpool (UK) that our integrity as

persons of clear vision, focus and unwavering determination to fruits of good course, will steer

Kanini Kaseo to its greatest heights. Sky is our limit in this venture, if only you financially

support this model project for this continent. To this end, know for certain, that we will remain

firmly on course in this our new found partnership. May God Almighty Bless these our Hopes.

Amen.

Peace be upon you ALL, who READ and ACT on this Statement from the three trustees.

Amen.

Scholar in Unity with Peter Kiilu and Cleophas Kiio (Trustees, Kanini Kaseo)

14th

February 2012

Nairobi, Kenya.

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Integrated Community Development Project:

Towards Food Security, Poverty Alleviation and Sustainable

Livelihoods

in Makueni County through Sustainable Irrigated Agriculture.

PROJECT PROPOSAL CONCEPT NOTE

Project Name:

Makueni Sustainable Irrigated Agriculture (MaSIA) Project

Submitted for Funding to:

United Nations World Food Programme (UN-WFP) Kenya

Through:

Kathonzweni District Steering Group

Submitted By:

PRRO/FOOD FOR ASSETs Programme

Arid Lands Resource Management Project II - Makueni

Arid Lands Resource Management Project II

P.O. Box 99 – 90300

Makueni

February 10, 2011

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Makueni County Map Showing Proposed Project Area with Respect to Athi

River

KEY

District/Division/Location

boundary

Athi River

Areas being targeted for

the intervention whose

suitability will be justified

by detailed topo-surveys

Matheani

Winyivyo (Kitise)

Athi Hope (Mwania)

Kandengya

Mudengao

Makutano

(Kathekani)

N

Miangeni

Syotuvali

Matheani

Winyivyo (Kitise)

Athi Hope (Mwania)

Kandengya

Mudengao

Makutano

(Kathekani)

KEY

District/division

boundary

7 Small scale pumped

irrigation systems (canal)

started by ALRMP II over the

last 7-8 years and utilizing

River Athi ecosystem. The

presence of these create an

advantage for better

adoption of the proposal by

the communities who have

seen some benefits that can

be realized from such

project.

Athi River

Proposed project area

for phase I, II & III

whose suitability will be

determined by topo-

surveys

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i. Acknowledgements

DMO Makueni County

DC & DSG - Kathonzweni District

DSG – Makueni County

National Project Steering Committee (WFP and National FFA Coordinator)

Cooperating Partners - Makueni County

Kilifi County/District Food for Assets Coordinator

Communities - Makueni County

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Contents i. Makueni County Map Showing Proposed Project Area with Respect to Athi River ...... 13

ii. Acknowledgements ......................................................................................................... 14

1.0 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................ 16

1.1 Background and General Context ............................................................................. 16

1.2 Problem Statement .................................................................................................... 17

1.3 Objectives of the Concept ......................................................................................... 18

1.3.1 Broad Objective ................................................................................................. 18

1.3.2 Specific Objectives ............................................................................................ 18

1.4 Justification ............................................................................................................... 19

2.0 METHODOLOGY ....................................................................................................... 20

2.1 Project Components .................................................................................................. 20

2.1.1 Phase I................................................................................................................ 20

2.1.1.1 Baseline Surveys ............................................................................................ 20

2.1.1.2 Feasibility Studies .......................................................................................... 20

2.1.1.3 Stakeholders Workshop ................................................................................. 21

2.1.2 Phase II .............................................................................................................. 22

2.1.3 Phase III ............................................................................................................. 23

3.0 BUDGET FOR PHASE I ............................................................................................ 24

4.0 PROJECT IMPACTS .................................................................................................. 25

5.0 CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES ................................................................. 25

5.1 Challenges ................................................................................................................. 25

5.2 Opportunities............................................................................................................. 25

6.0 CONCLUSION ........................................................................................................... 26

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1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background and General Context

The Government of Kenya’s (GoK) Policy is to ensure that the whole population is food secure all the

time. It is also the policy of GoK that FOOD FOR ASSET be used as the main food aid strategy

whenever possible. The FOOD FOR ASSET project selection should be in line with the Poverty

Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) and enhancement of food security in the Counties. FOOD FOR ASSET

activities are in line with the National Policy for the Sustainable Development of ASAL of Kenya (2007).

According to this policy crop farming and livestock production will be strengthened through

dissemination of improved water harvesting technologies and making the technologies sustainable

and environmentally friendly.

FOOD FOR ASSET is a food security strategy that meets immediate food needs and ensures building of

assets for the future. The long lasting effect of FOOD FOR ASSET is not only for the creation of assets,

but also the building of adequate skills to help people plan and manage micro-initiatives, and to

continue invest in their futures.

The FOOD FOR ASSET projects aim at contributing to improved food security in ASALs of Kenya

impacting the following six (6) outcomes:

Outcome 1: Improved pasture and browse production

Outcome 2: Improved diversification of food sources (increased crop production, incomes from

horticulture etc)

Outcome 3: Improved access to water for both human and livestock consumption

Outcome 4: Reduced environmental degradation

Outcome 5: Improved access to markets and other sources of food (feeder roads)

Outcome 6: Improved capacity of communities to implement food security projects.

In Makueni County, Food for Assets activities are implemented by two World Food Program (WFP)

Kenya Cooperating Partners (CPs) in the named districts curved out of the Makueni County as outlined

below coordinated by Arid Lands Resource Management Project II (ALRMP II) in Makueni:

- World Vision Kenya (WVK) in Kathonzweni & Mbooni East districts; and, - Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) in Kibwezi district.

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1.2 Problem Statement

Makueni is one of the marginalized Semi-Arid Environments (SAE) which covers more than 75% of

Kenya’s land surface area. The main challenge in SAE, which are amongst the poorest in Kenya is the

recurrence of extreme and contrasting weather conditions leading to endemic droughts, which

disrupt the vulnerable livelihoods systems, derived mainly form subsistence farming and livestock

production. This leads to poor human health, high child mortality, frequent migration to urban areas

and low children enrolment in schools. The fragile semi-arid ecosystem is also another challenge that

hinders meaningful development as unsustainable economic activities result in land degradation

which eventually leads to low productivity and desertification.

Makueni is generally a low-lying County, rising from about 500m above sea level at the lowlands of

Kathonzweni and Wote Divisions to 1,800m above sea level on Kilungu Hills. The County is made up of

three livelihood zones namely: marginal mixed farming, mixed farming (coffee/dairy/irrigation) and

mixed farming (food crops/cotton/livestock).

The general food security trend in the district is fairly stable in the mixed farming

(coffee/dairy/irrigation) livelihood zone but deteriorating in the mixed farming (food

crop/cotton/livestock) and the marginal mixed farming livelihood zones. The worse areas are

Kalawa, Nguu and Kathonzweni divisions.

The main source of water in the County is Athi River which is perennial. The river is joined by

tributaries such as Kaiti and Thwake Rivers, which drain from different parts of the district. A few

streams arise from the hills of Kilungu, but their flow becomes irregular down stream in the low-lying

areas. The County is usually prone to frequent droughts that are normally experienced on the lower

side of the district which are usually very dry and receives very little amount of rainfall mainly ranging

from 300mm to 400mm which is hardly enough to sustain any kind of crop and the major economic

activity being taken by the local people is small stock rearing.

Drought is a major cause of poverty in the County and the most vulnerable are women, youth,

children, the aged and the disabled. Many families lose their livestock and crops during

prolonged drought and water can only be got from very far. Money meant for gainful

development activities is used in the provision of relief food for the people during drought

period. This has impacted negatively on the efforts being made to reduce poverty in the district

and has also led to widespread rural to urban migration of the youth in search of better

livelihoods.

It has been established that the County has golden untapped potential for irrigated agriculture

along River Athi which if well utilized could lead to improved food security, poverty

alleviation and better livelihoods. ALRMP II has in the last 7 to 8 years established seven (7)

small scale irrigation schemes in the County which utilize the river ecosystem but these are not

adequate to cover for the needs of communities hence the need for up-scaling of similar

interventions for widespread impacts.

In response to these challenges and towards the development of a strategy towards the

improvement of the FOOD FOR ASSETs process in the County, ALRMP II – Makueni is

proposing through the DSG that a three-phased FOOD FOR ASSET integrated irrigation

programme be developed spearheaded by community with technical support from government

technical departments in partnership with the UNWFP, International NGOs, Local NGOs,

ALRMP II and other stakeholders.

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1.3 Objectives of the Concept

1.3.1 Broad Objective

The overall objective of the proposed intervention is to enhance agricultural productivity through

promotion of integrated irrigation farming contributing to poverty alleviation, food security and

sustainable livelihoods in semi-arid Makueni County.

1.3.2 Specific Objectives

The specific objectives of the proposed concept are to:

1. Develop a technical designs and operational framework for the utilization of River Athi for irrigated agriculture in Makueni County.

2. Increase sustainable water availability for improved agricultural productivity and enhance the efforts for a wider coverage and installation of efficient water use systems e.g. drip irrigation systems;

3. Introduce alternative livelihood systems for improved food security, sustainable livelihood diversification and income generation (e.g. drip irrigation, greenhouse technology, fish farming etc) contributing to poverty alleviation in the region and reduced rural to urban migration of youths;

4. Promote sustainable community development and economic growth of the semi arid agrarian County.

5. Enhance productive collaboration, networking and partnership among different stakeholders working in Makueni (e.g. NGOs, local council, government department, development partners, etc.); and,

6. Document and share information and learning lessons among various stakeholders including policy makers, development partners and other communities living in similar climatic conditions.

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1.4 Justification

The main threat to food security in the County is the poor performance and distribution of rainfall

which leads to poor crop harvest and this proposal concept is aimed towards the development of a

FOOD FOR ASSET collaborative multisectoral - community driven approach towards introduction of

irrigation along Athi river to address this gap for improved food security, poverty eradication & better

livelihoods in the County.

The community driven approach will enhance ownership and sustainability of the project by the

communities while the integration of different sectors will lead to enhanced synergy and impacts. It’s

envisaged that the technical GoK departments will provide continuous support to the communities

through the provision of extension services and technical backstopping while the involvement of

NGOs and other stakeholders will improve co-funding opportunities, advocacy, improve replication

and prevent duplication of project activities by actors.

The types of irrigation systems and complementary technologies being proposed (e.g. canal irrigation,

drip irrigation & greenhouse technology) require minimum financial resources to sustain their benefits

and have income generating components for the target community as the irrigation will be carried out

in individual farms and the proceeds will go directly to the farmers, this will improve the living

standards of the target communities as well as provide financial resources required for operation and

maintenance. This means they are long term solutions to problems faced in the target areas.

These components also require limited maintenance that can be handled efficiently by the target

community. It is envisaged that the target communities will influence the neighbouring communities

towards adoption of project results to enhance widespread socio-economic impacts leading to

sustainable food availability resulting to reduced dependency of communities on food aid.

Adoption of the technologies in the targeted areas is also expected to be high due to the presence of

7 small scale irrigation schemes along the river established by ALRMP II. Phase 1 has been designed to

mainly cover Kathonzweni district as 4 out of 7 of the schemes are located there hence there will be

minimized adoption constraints.

Finally, the proposed intervention will lead to realization of Makueni County/district vision as outlined

in the MAKUENI DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT PLAN (2008 – 2012): To be a leading district in agriculture

and livestock production for the welfare of the inhabitants1. This will be achieved by integrating the

following into the activities:

Incorporating the development of fish ponds for income generation. This will further lead to reduced human Vs. marine life conflict as the creation of water diversion canals will imply that human interference through fishing, fetching water, direct abstraction etc is checked;

Extension of the project to cover schools in the proposed project areas. This will improve production of vegetables in the school gardens to supplement the diet given in the school feeding programme which lacks vegetables;

Construction of feeder roads for improved accessibility to markets will be enhanced.

1 Makueni District Development Plan 2008 – 2012 Page iii. By Office of Prime Minister: Ministry of State for

Planning, National Development and Vision 2030.

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2.0 METHODOLOGY

2.1 Project Components

This concept proposes segmenting the project into three key phases, namely;

Phase I: Baseline surveys to review past and existing irrigation technologies, Feasibility studies to design and formulate viable irrigation technologies, stakeholders workshop for devising detailed implementation plan and generation of detailed proposal for Phase II based on findings.

Phase II: Fund raising, Detailed EIA and Implementation

Phase III: Replication, Reflection, Review, Re-design and documentation of lessons learnt

2.1.1 Phase I

Phase I will entail a detailed evaluation of existing irrigation practises/systems carried out along River

Athi banks across Makueni County and identification of adoption and replication constraints as well as

feasibility studies to design the viable approach. This activity will be carried out by a technical team

comprising of all stakeholders involved in the implementation of FOOD FOR ASSET activities in the

County (i.e. WFP/CPs, technical GoK departments, ALRMP II & communities) and other County

development partners. In order, to set realistic targets, it is highly recommended that piloting of

phase 1 will be carried out in Kathonzweni district because: the idea was conceived by the

Kathonzweni DSG and there’s the presence of most of ALRMP II funded small scale irrigation schemes

within the district boundaries therefore community will be more willing (Refer to the justification

above).

The key activities will be as follows:

2.1.1.1 Baseline Surveys

This will be undertaken by a broad based survey (BBS) team of experts from relevant GoK line

departments. The FFA project beneficiaries in the area will be taken through a participatory rural

appraisal (PRA) process by the team of experts and community action plans (CAPs) as well as

catchment mapping exercises will be undertaken. The presence of markets and other related

infrastructure to support enhanced production will also be covered under this and the team will also

sensitize the communities about the idea to determine the willingness levels for ownership and

sustainability.

This activity is expected to take ten (10) days in the field.

2.1.1.2 Feasibility Studies

This will be the key activity carried out as this will determine the viability of the interventions. A team

of experts from Ministry of Water & NEMA office will undertake this process which will entail detailed

topographical surveys. The results of these topo-surveys will determine:

- The best point to divert/obstruct the river flow to ensure flow is by gravity and coverage will be maximized;

- The best course for the canal to follow for efficient irrigation and coverage; - The types of soils in the areas and suitability for canal construction i.e. will the canal have to

be lined or will an earth canal be adequate?

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- Key environmental concerns that will be addressed and their mitigation measures;

- The detailed costing of Phase II (i.e. EIA2 and project implementation budget).

The feasibility studies activity is expected to take 30 days in the field.

2.1.1.3 Stakeholders Workshop

A one (1) day FOOD FOR ASSET stakeholder’s workshop will be held after the case/situational study

(baseline survey & feasibility studies) has been carried out for brainstorming purposes and

recommendations will be given out leading to development of a joint detailed implementation plan

for the most viable technologies.

P.E.S.T.E.L3 aspects of irrigated agriculture in the County will also be further exploited during this

workshop.

The workshop is proposed to comprise of 100 participants and will be used as a tool to draw up

support from development partners and stakeholders and enhance collaborations and synergy in the

process.

The participants will be drawn from:

- Provincial Administration i.e. DCs, DOs & Chiefs; - Technical DSGs; - UNWFP; - CPs (i.e. WVK and KRCS); - ALRMP II; - Farmers/target communities (particularly those targeted in the on-going FFA activities); - CDF/LATF representatives; - Service providers (e.g. Kickstart, Amiran, Davis & Shirtliff); - Representatives from research centres in the County (i.e. KARI & University of Nairobi Arid

Farming Research Centre in Kibwezi); - Other development partners e.g. USAID/Fintrac, CRS, AMREF, Dorcas AID etc will also be

drafted in as possible future source of funding to the initiatives.

In order to enhance the availability of useful information on similar irrigation practises carried out in

other water scarce counties of Kenya for information triangulation and dissemination, its rproposed

that researchers from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology (JKUAT) and University

of Nairobi involved in an on-going research project funded by the Commission for Higher Education

(CHE) on the development of alternative cost-efficient irrigation technologies in water scarce areas

2 The EIA exercise was moved to PHASE II because the exercise can only be carried out after the feasibility studies

have been done and detailed budget drawn up. i.e. the cost for EIA is usually 0.05% of the total cost of the project

for the NEMA project report. 3 PESTEL = Political, Economical, Social, Technological, Environmental and Legal aspects

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of Kenya be invited as facilitators in the workshop to share their experiences on the subject. This

research has been on-going since 2007 and case studies have been carried out in Garissa, Yatta,

Laikipia West, Turkana & Taita Taveta Counties where useful findings that could greatly impact the

proposed activities have been made.

The timeline for phase 1 will be from FEBRUARY 2011 TO MAY 2011.

Outcome of Phase I

CAPs & Catchment Maps produced; Detailed designs produced based on topo-surveys; Key environmental concerns addressed before hand awaiting EIA in Phase II; Stakeholders workshop held for information triangulation and discussion; Detailed Implementation Plan (DIP) drawn in consultation of all stakeholders detailing the

recommended activities for a way forward; A proposal for funding developed based on the above and submitted to UNWFP & other

donors for funding. The viable technologies considered should have SMART objectives and should be labour intensive and in-line with the FOOD FOR ASSET guidelines.

2.1.2 Phase II

Phase II will focus on addressing, testing and piloting viable options and dissemination approaches.

This Phase will be carried out mainly in Kathonzweni district (where the idea was conceived and also

for the purpose of setting realistic goals) targeting FFA beneficiaries in the areas to be prioritized by

the technical DSG and FOOD FOR ASSET stakeholders based on geophysical, topographical surveys and

the reception/willingness of the target communities to undertake the activities.

Exposure visits of the technical DSG, FOOD FOR ASSET stakeholders and communities (major growers

along the river) will be carried out in this phase to other counties where similar irrigation activities

have been practised e.g. In Machakos County along the Yatta canal as well as in the MoW initiated

Kabaa canal and in the FOOD FOR ASSET initiated canal at Njukini in Taita Taveta County.

The timeline for this phase will be from JUNE 2011 TO MAY 2012.

Its further proposed that selected project sites targeted for implementation of year 2 (Oct 2011 to May

2012) FOOD FOR ASSET projects activities in the target sites will have a revision of their activities for

year 2 to bring on-board the proposed intervention which is expected to greatly enhance crop

production in the County i.e. outcome 2 of the FOOD FOR ASSET projects as mentioned in the

introduction section above.

Outcomes of phase II

Fund raising; Capacity building; EIA project report;

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Permit for water obstruction; Construction of diversion works/intake structures, diversion main canals, lateral canals; Provision of pumping sets, tanks, drip kits & greenhouses to farmers along the canal; Farm preparation, irrigation, planting, weeding and harvesting as well as extension services; ENHANCED water availability for multiple use i.e. irrigation for food & fodder production,

domestic/livestock use and income generation e.g. fish farming; Success Stories

2.1.3 Phase III

Phase III will involve mainly the replication and up-scaling of tested irrigation practises in various parts

of the County.

Up-scaling and replication will be carried out targeting the communities in other districts of the

County that lie along the river e.g. Mbooni East district (Kalawa) & Kibwezi district (Kibwezi &

Kathekani).

Outcomes of Phase III

Replication; Celebrations; Reduced Rural to Urban Migration of Youths due to creation of more income generating

activities through enhanced irrigation; Documentation of lessons learnt

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3.0 BUDGET FOR PHASE I

NB: Budgeting has only been done for Phase I because a detailed budget for Phase II can only be

developed based on the findings of Phase I. The budget below was drawn by a DPSC team consisting

of DDO, DWO, DAO, DLPO and ALRMP II representative.

PHASE ACTIVITY KEY INDICATORS

TOTAL

COST

(KShs.)

IMPLEMENTING PERIOD (Month)

March 2011 April 2011

Wk

1

Wk

2

Wk

3

Wk

4

Wk 1 Wk

2

Wk

3

Wk

4

Phase I 1.1 Baseline

Survey

BBS, Community

interviews,

market &

infrastructure

assessments,

catchment

mapping,

community

sensitization &

awareness

creation

Officers lunches = 12 officers X

1000 X 10 days

120,000

Fuel: 40lts X 10 days X 100kshs. 40,000

Report writing = Stationery (4

reams of paper for reports, 2

cartridges & tonners, 11

Notebooks, 11 pencils & pens,

3 Erasors & sharpeners

18,915

Subtotal 1 178, 915

1.2 Feasibility

Studies

Topographical

surveys and

technical designs

Officers Lunches = 5 officers X

1000 X 30days

150,000

Fuel = 40 lts X 30 days X 100

ksh

120,000

Production of technical designs

& reports = Stationery @

40,000

40,000

Subtotal 2 310,000

1.3 Stakeholders

Workshop

Hire of conference hall = 2000

X 1 day

2,000

Fare refund for

farmers/communities only = 25

farmers X 300 kshs

7,500

10 o’clock tea = 100

participants X 100

10,000

Lunch for participants = 100

participants X 200

20,000

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4.0 PROJECT IMPACTS

Enhanced community participation, contribution, social integration and project ownership and project sustainability;

Increased water availability for multiple uses;

Improved food security and income generation activities e.g. fish farming leading to poverty reduction;

Reduced rural to urban migration by youths;

Reduced human vs. marine life conflicts over river Athi ecosystem;

Improved water management and environmental conservation;

Appropriate water management technologies for diversified crop production e.g. drip irrigation, greenhouse technology.

5.0 CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

5.1 Challenges

The initial costs for phase I and phase II are high and could be a disincentive to the partners/donors to fully support the project.

5.2 Opportunities

The County has continually faced sinusoidal droughts over the last few decades. Majority of the households have had to dispose of household items/livestock as a coping strategy. Therefore the institutional memory of majority of the community members is to invest on sustainable drought mitigation at all cost;

All development partners especially the DSGs as well as communities are in full support of the idea of irrigated agriculture;

The presence of University of Nairobi Arid Farming Research Center as well as KARI centers in the County will give the project support and competitive advantage towards obtaining latest technologies;

Makueni County borders the Yatta plateau that provides suitable terrain for canal irrigation. Furthermore, the proposed sites for Phase I & II (i.e. Kathonzweni district) are generally low-lying lands therefore the terrain will be suitable (Refer to Introduction section);

The County is inhabited by Agrarian Bantu ethnic group that will readily accept the idea;

Water for participants = 100

participants X 1lt X 70

7,000

Stationery for 100 participants

@ 10,000

10,000

Facilitation fee for 3 invited

facilitators (UoN Kibwezi, KARI

& JKUAT/UoN researcher) = 3

facilitators X 5000Kshs X 1 day

15,000

Subtotal 3 71,500

GRAND TOTAL FOR PHASE I 560, 415

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The presence of functional ALRMP II small scale irrigation schemes in the target areas is also an added advantage.

6.0 CONCLUSION

We look forward to the project concept approval to enhance water supply for irrigation, food security,

poverty alleviation and sustainable development in marginalized Makueni County.

Our interventions will be based on proven past experiences from Makueni and other Counties,

focusing on integrated water resources management systems and introduction of complementary

technologies and alternative livelihoods systems. The participatory, integrated and multisectoral

community development approach being introduced has versatility in enhancing achievement of

MDGs and sustainable development in semi-arid and arid environments of Kenya.

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Israel to boost Kenya’s food security bid By FELIX OLICK 16-02-2012, East African Standard

Israeli Ambassador Gil Haskel expressed optimism that with proper technology, Kenya has the

potential of turning into a highly successful agricultural nation.

“This country faces two huge challenges; food and border insecurity. However, the Israeli

Government is willing to cooperate with Kenya and assist,” said the envoy.

Mr Haskel, who took office six months ago, also noted that the flower industry, though one of

the leading in the world, still held great potential.

The envoy was speaking when he paid a courtesy call on Standard Group Deputy Chairman

and Chief Executive Paul Melly at the company headquarters on Mombasa Road, wednesday.

Also present was Haskel’s deputy, Yaki Lopez.

Melly acknowledged that Kenya had a lot to learn from Israel because of its robust economy

in areas of agriculture and technology.

He noted that huge chunks of fertile land had not

been allocated enough resources, saying that was the

reason unfavourable weather led to food deficiency.

“We should learn that nothing replaces hard work,

commitment and borrowing from international best

practices for sustainability,” declared Melly.

He said journalists from the media group would be

sent to Israel to cover agriculture and technology

issues to enable Kenyans learn from their experience.

Fight terror

Haskel also urged nations to join hands in the fight

against terror, warning that it should be of concern to

countries when main terror actors were merging to

perpetrate acts of violence against innocent civilians.

On the Palestinian question, Melly urged the warring parties to dialogue with a view of

reaching an agreement that would assure peace in the Middle East.

In reply, Ambassador Haskel acknowledged that lasting peace was possible, and echoed his

country’s position inviting the Palestinians to the negotiating table over the two-state

solution.

He, however, maintained that any bilateral agreements between the two parties must be

devoid of third party linked to the region.

Standard Group Deputy Chairman

and Chief Executive Paul Melly

presents a gift to Israel Ambassador

Gil Haskel during a courtesy call to

the Group’s offices on Mombasa

Road, Wednesday. Also present was

Mr Francis Munywoki, Director, Value

and Innovation. [PHOTO: PIUS

CHERUIYOT/STANDARD]

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Giving the example of South Sudan that signed a secession agreement with the North, the

envoy noted that the region in dispute could be shared by the two states.

“The conflict of neighbours can only be resolved between neighbours. The Israeli government

has already indicated that they are ready for negotiations,” said Haskel.

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KENYA COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION www.seedofpossibilities.org.uk

E-mail: [email protected] 64 Upper Parliament Street, Liverpool L8 7LF, United Kingdom

27th February 2012

The Ambassador, Embassy of the State of Israel, Bishops Road, P. O Box 30354-00100, Nairobi, Kenya. Att. H. E. Gil Haskel. Re: REQUEST FOR AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGY ASSISTANCE; KANINI KASEO – FOOD SECURITY PROJECT. Your Excellency, The Kenya Community Association (KCA) based in Liverpool, United Kingdom has noted with great interest the statement (attached) reported in the East African Standard issue of 16 February 2012 on your meeting with Standard Group Deputy Chairman and CEO Mr. Paul Melly. Of special interest to KCA is your recognition that “Kenya has the potential of turning into a highly successful agricultural nation” and also that “the Israel Government is willing to cooperate with Kenya and assist”. We have similarly noted the brief on the Agritech Israel 2012; 18th International Agriculture Technology Exhibition 15-17 May 2012 featured on the Embassy website. KCA in collaboration with its partners in Liverpool and working within the vision of food security and empowering initiative in Africa under formation through the EU and other countries in Europe launched a food security project, Kanini Kaseo Social Integration Centre (self help group), at Kyunyu Village, Kathonzweni District 170 km out of Nairobi on 9th February 2012. We enclose a short video showing the extreme dry conditions, work being done by the people and interviews with key leaders. Kanini Kaseo project as per inauguration statement attached is intended to be the first step towards a national program for food security in Kenya and through linkage to other parallel efforts in other countries in Africa coordinated by the Barka Foundation in Poland form a continent wide intervention in transforming Africa’s agricultural potential to sufficiency and surplus in food production. With this in mind, KCA based on your expressed desire invites you to provide technical advice and all possible assistance to advancing our shared vision. KCA is implementing its mission in Kenya as per the declaration attached through three Trustees; Sister Scholar Nganda, lecturer at Kenyatta University; Hon. Peter Kiilu, MP for Makueni Constituency and Mr. Cleophas Kiio, Director, Kenya National Bureau of Statistics. The project has the backing of the administration in Kathonzweni District and its people. We do believe that the expertise of the agricultural sector of the State of Israel which has been witnessed by one of our officials in a visit to your beautiful country if brought into this project and initiative through your Embassy will have a critical and pivotal role in its success thereby bring into being the common goal and objective of all partners of transforming Kenya and Africa in general into granary of food supply to other regions of the world. This would

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result in Africa becoming SUPPLIER of food aid instead of RECIPIENT of food aid. We look forward with thanks to your acceptance to the invitation and partnership. Yours Sincerely Baiba Dhidha Mjidho, Chairman, Emai: [email protected] cc Sister Scholar Ngada, Kenya University, Nairobi Kenya. The High Commissioner, Kenya High Commission, 45 Portland Place, London, W1B 1AS. United Kingdom. Att. H.E. Ephraim W. Ngare. Fundacja Pomocy Wzajemmej “Barka”, Ul. Sw Winncentego 6/9, PL 61 – 003 Poznan Poland. Att. Mr. Thomasz Sadowski. The District Commissioner, Kathonzweni District. P. O. Box 1. Kathonzweni, Makueni County. Kenya. Att. Mr. John Otieno.

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Bill Gates’ Sh16 billion grant to boost farming

Bill Gates, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation co-president. Photo/FILE

By NATION REPORTER Posted Thursday, February 23 2012 at 22:30

Small-scale farmers in developing countries will receive a Sh16.5 billion ($200 million) grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to improve production The foundation’s co-chairman Bill Gates said the funds would be re-invested in projects that support the development of 34 new varieties of drought tolerant maize, livestock vaccine and train some 10,000 “agro dealers to equip and train farmers” on better farming methods. Mr Gates, the Microsoft founder, made the announcement on Thursday while addressing the International Fund for Agricultural Development Governing Council meeting in Rome, Italy. The foundation has already spent Sh165 billion ($2 billion) to help lift the smallholder farmers out of poverty, he said. “The goal is to move from examples of success, to sustainable productivity increases, to hundreds of millions of people moving out of poverty. If we hope to meet that goal, it must be a goal we share,” he said. He proposed the setting up of a public scorecard to measure how countries, food agencies and donors were contributing towards the overall goal of reducing poverty. “The scorecards will help each part of the system focus on its key contribution to the overall goal, diagnose problems as they arise, and spread the most effective interventions,” he said.

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THE PROJECT FOR DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION EU-AFRICA ON SOCIAL ECONOMY Vision

Stimulate Africa’s development towards self sufficiency and economic powerhouse

through social market economy. Preamble

Africa is endowed with extreme wealth in the form of natural resources, diverse weather

conditions and creative peoples. Despite the abundance it contains, there still exists within it

extreme levels of marginalisation and deprivation among the majority of its population

compared to other developing economic regions.

The continent of Africa is estimated to have 7% of world oil reserve, 8% of natural gas

reserves, 13% of hydropower potential, daily solar radiation of 5-6 kW/m2, high wind energy

potential, 9,000 MW of geothermal sources. It has abundance of mineral deposits including

rare ones like coltan (57% of world production 2009), tungsten, platinum needed in the

technology industry. Africa has high availability of arable land area with adequate water

sources to sustain agriculture. Two thirds of the population is rural depending directly or indirectly on agriculture for

employment and sustenance. However, modern infrastructure services are largely

inaccessible to them which limits the methods, means and thereby productivity of their

endeavours. It is estimated that 90% of the continents food supply is produced by small

holder rural farmers while 50% of the food insecure population are small holder farmers in

addition to the landless poor and urban poor. Despite the above highly adverse and heart breaking scenario, agriculture in Africa accounts for

60% of employment, 20% of total exports and accounts for 17% of GDP. The potential of

agriculture towards Africa’s development has been recognised by both the AU and its various

development partners. Increase in investment in agricultural investment by 10% to spur and

sustain Africa’s growth ambition of 6% is part of vision captured in several plans including

CAADP pillar 3 FAFS, AU strategy plan 2010-2015, AU/EU strategy plan 2010-2013 and several

others. These efforts recognise that 26% of African households have no access to electricity, 58% have

no access to clean water, 31% access to basic sanitation and only 18% of irrigation potential

exploited. In comparison to other developing economies 70-90% have access to electricity,

80% to clean water while 90% to proper sanitation. The AU/NEPAD Strategy 2010-2015 states “Development in Africa would be meaningless if it is

not centred on the empowerment and wellbeing of the people of Africa especially the

marginalised and vulnerable groups and communities. Africa should invest in its human

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resources and ensure equitable access of its most disadvantaged and marginalised groups to

social services especially rural areas”. This is reinforced by the following passage of the same document “ To address poverty and

hunger across the continent, sustained agricultural growth must be a high priority of every

African national and local government. Hunger undermines the health and people’s ability to

study and work. It leaches away enterprise, intelligence and energy. Hunger and

malnourishment devastate children, stunting their potential as adults and making it more likely

that their offspring will have to endure the same lifelong cycle of deprivation and hunger. The challenges of productivity and profitability are not easily addressed, however. The

underdeveloped agricultural sector is characterised by poor farmers who are risk averse and do

not have the resources to invest in new technologies. There is over-reliance on primary

agriculture often practised on soils with low fertility and subject to environmental degradation.

About 95% of African agriculture is rain fed, thus making food production vulnerable to adverse

weather patterns. Barriers to market access and penetration, such as poor market infrastructure and roads, lack

of information, inadequate policies, insufficient extension services and lack of consistent

market and phyto -sanitary standards increase the level of producer risk. With few resources to

counter the risk, producers generally rely on traditional methods of production and risk

mitigation strategies, such as small scale diversification, low cost input agriculture and

marketing products at the farm-gate. Programmes such as Participation of African Nations in

Sanitary and Phytosanitary Standards Organisation (PAN-SPSO) and BecANet assist on a

continent basis. Despite the Challenges facing Africans and African agriculture, the news is not all bad.

During the past decade, Africa’s agrarian economies have been growing. GDP has averaged

an increase of 6% per year and agricultural productivity has grown by 4-5% per year.

Average poverty levels have dropped by about 6% and proportion of under-nourished

Africans has declined from 36% to 32%”. Quoting further from the same report it says “Unlocking the potential for growth in Africa’s

greatest asset is its youth. Education directly affects the quality and magnitude of Africa’s

social development among its youth and other participants alike. It has also been regarded as

the most potent weapon available for Africans to expand economic growth, raise living

standards, have greater freedoms of choice and compete in a global economy”. This aspect

has a correlation with agricultural performance. Social Enterprise in the EU.

The Network of Social Enterprises URBACT II – Thematic Baseline Study October 2008 states

that the widely accepted legal definition of Social Enterprises is “organisations with an

explicit aim to benefit community, initiated by a group of citizens and in which the material

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interest of capital investors is subject to limits. They place a high value on their independence

and on economic risk-taking related to ongoing socio-economic activity.” The same report states “From the standpoint of macro-economy, social economy in Europe has

a significant impact on both employment and economy in general. It is estimated that more

than 11 million people are employed in the sector of social economy, ie. 6.7% of EU employees.

These figures are significantly higher in the 15 “old” member states, where approximately 7% of

employees work in the sector of social economy, whereas this rate is

significantly lower (i.e. 4.2%) in the 10 new member states”. Apart from creating employment and income, social enterprises have played a significant

role in mobilizing dormant “human capital” towards national economic growth. The range

of engagement is highly diverse, from rehabilitation of infrastructure, preservation of the

environment, rehabilitation of the marginalised in society, services to migrants and

refugees, training and investments in both low and high technology. Thus social enterprises

span all sectors. The networks of social enterprises are extensive operating within themselves or in

collaboration and support of local authorities, national governments and regional bodies or

institution thereby facilitating cross-boarder exchanges. Within this facilitation of exchange

occurred the interaction between the Barka and Chara Trust. The Barka Foundation based in Poznan, Poland has its origins in 1989 as a project rehabilitating

the marginalised in society. It has grown in stature and scope of operations influencing

legislation, with projects spanning agriculture,

IT, hospitality, construction and repatriation of Polish migrants within the EU. Their work and

operation model is highly acclaimed within and out of the European Union. Chara Trust started its operations in Merseyside focussing on the Black Minority and Ethnic

community but networking widely. The services to the community detailed separately have

received wide acclaim. In its current offer of the “Steps to Success” funded by the EU through

the Social Enterprise North West it had an engagement with the Barka operations in Poznan

as part of its Transnational exchange. The participants predominantly African in the three exchange visits between February and

September 2011 were highly impressed, captivated and enchanted by the content, variety and

outcome of the operations in Poznan. The delegates all professionals keen in social enterprises

included engineers, lawyers, IT, administrators, health and other disciplines. They were of

various nationalities and regions of Africa, east, central, west and south. The value or capacity of economic and human transformation witnessed in the operations of

Barka had a significant effect on the visitors and the captivating interest was noted by the host

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organisation. Thus a seed was born, can this “transformative vision, idea, model and

energising force” be transplanted to Africa?. A collaborative intent of a broad based partnership for ”The project for development

cooperation EU-Africa on social economy” was conceived by the Barka Foundation, Chara

Trust, Mr. Jerzy Mankowski of Polskie Towarzystwo Ziemianskie (Poland land Owners

Association with 20 years experience of Cameroon), Dr. Filip Kaczmarek, EMP (in Kenya at the

time of the visit) and Dr. Killion Munyama, Member – Wielkopolska Parliament. The founding institutions and individuals to the initiative Barka Foundation led by Mr. Thomasz

Sadowaski, Chara Trust by Mr. Godwin Bateren, Polskie Towarzytwo Ziemianskie by Mr. Jerzy

Mankowski, Dr. Killion Munyama in the absence of Dr. Filip Kaczmarek were hosted by Ms

Elzbieta Malik, Office Director in the EMP office on 10 Set.2011 where the acute need for

intervention in Africa was agreed by all. The project envisaged to be “North South” initiative will be implemented across the entire

continent of Africa with the participation of 40 European and 40 African organizations. This

project anticipates to be implemented by close to 100 partners including local and national

authorities both in Africa and the EU.

Project Character While initially the project is rooted on the publication of the EESC “Opinion of the European

Union on what role and perspectives for Africa’s social economy in development cooperation?”

2011/C 44/21) it was considered prudent to delve on wider views in the public domain

interacting within or with Africa which would have relevance to the project. The following were

reviewed and add value

1. CAAD Pillar III; Framework for African Food Security (FAFS), March 2009

2. Communities and Local Government; Community Enterprise Strategic Framework, Feb. 2010

3. G8, L’Aquila Joint Statement on Global Food Security; L’Aquila Food Security initiative (AFSI), July 2009

4. G20, Action Plan on Food Price Volatility and Agriculture, June 2011.

5. G20 Ministers of Agriculture Must focus on smallholder Farmers to Achieve Food Security and Prevent

Food Price Volatility; Press statement, June 2011

6. Germany and Africa: A strategy Paper by the German Government.

7. Hyogo Framework for Action 2005 – 2015; (International Strategy for Disaster Reduction).

8. Joint Africa EU Strategy Action Plan 2011-2013

9. Nairobi Strategy – Enhanced Partnership to Eradicate Drought Emergencies; September 2011.

10. The Social Economy – Africa’s Response to the Global Crisis; ILO October 2009

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11. Speech by Mr. Luca Jahier, 19th Session of the ACP-EU Parliamentary Assembly, 31 March 2010.

12. The AU/NEPAD African Action Plan 2010-2015, Advancing Regional and Continental Integration in Africa.

13. URBACT II – Thematic Network Baseline Study, Network of Social enterprises, October 2008

Identification, selection and validation.

While we have a talented multidiscipline group of African content in core partnership and

wide source of information above, there is need to validate the enumerated needs in Africa

which the project will achieve the highest impact and effectiveness. Without prejudice to the

exploratory visit, the documentation points towards agriculture where the Barka Foundation

has working competence in rehabilitating neglected farming assets in Poland. Similarly it would be essential to meet potential partners both Government and Social Economy operatives in

Africa in order to establish working relationship as well as prioritise implementation parameters. This exploratory study visit of 10 – 14 days to 5 Africa countries in East, Central, South and

West is proposed between December 2011 and January 2012. The visit would result firm

project proposal of 3-5 years continent wide. Upon conclusion of the Africa visit, a detailed comprehensive project proposal for presentation

to funders within the EU and beneficiary communities and governments in Africa will be drawn

out by March 2012. In the meantime, where applicable, high impact projects identified during

or within the evaluation window and sponsors (funders) are available would be implemented. Merseyside Barka/ Chara Trust Cooperation.

Chara Trust and participating members have highly beneficial community based service in

Merseyside. They are actively sensitising the BME community as well as indigenous

population on the enormous potential available through social enterprises. The efforts need

support and encouragement. Further more the success of Barka in encouraging Polish migrants to return can be extended to

African who could have better quality of life in Africa due to changed circumstances or the

positive outcome of African project. Cooperation, linkage, funding of Merseyside operations through the Partnership formed is an area of high priority.

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Plus Dane Group Speech Monday 16Th January 2012.

Mr. Ken Perry; CEO Plus Dane Group

Mr. Gerald Murden; MD Plus Dane Group, Merseyside

Ms Jane Phillips; MD Plus Dane Group, Housing

Mr.Mark Browne; Riverside Housing

Managers and officers of Plus Dane Group, Mrs. Jane Njeri Muchina; Vice Chair - Kenya

Community Association, Fellow Leaders of the Kenya Community Association, Ladies and

gentlemen.

On behalf of the Trustees, Executive Board and members of the Kenya Community Association

we feel highly honoured and privileged for the invitation extended to us by the Plus Dane Group

Management and especially being hosted personally by its Chief Executive Officer and senior

Directors. The entire community takes special note of this fact and at the outset express our

profound and sincere thanks and appreciation.

Under its Neighbourhood Investor philosophy Plus Dane Group offers holistic services not only to

those whom it provides shelter or uses its services but has its core value to uplift the standards of

the society where it operates and by association others whose lives are touched or influenced by

those it associates with. In so doing the depth and reach of these activities are extensive and

broad based some of which are visible, tangible, quantifiable while others are indirect thereby

may not be directly attributed to the programmes and activities.

The Kenyan community has 10 to 15 families that are tenants of Plus Dane some of whom had

occasion to participate, interact or get involved in the programmes and initiatives within the

neighbourhoods they live. Through these activities managed by Maureen Chendo bonds

developed between the Kenya Community Association and Plus Dane Group.

The Kenya Community Association vision statement is "To empower Kenyans achieve and

maximise their potential" which is anchored on its core belief "You are a seed of possibilities".

The Kenya Community Association therefore acts as a platform or medium that empowers its

members or society to release the potential of possibilities within them to reach or achieve

maximum potential. There is therefore convergence and complementarities between the Kenya

Community Association and Plus Dane Group on how it views and deals with society. It is our

hope that we can strengthen this collaboration through implementing joint intervention

community programs aimed at building effective local alliances here in Liverpool and in marginal

areas of Africa.

The Kenya community Association improves the quality of life of Kenyans and the wider

community in Merseyside through lifelong learning education training that promote health and

wellbeing, economic empowerment saving groups and focus on promoting social–cultural

wellbeing through the community choir. Youth programs (football) encourage excellence in

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education; promote responsible citizenship and good neighbourhood. Parents strive to promote

responsible parenthood by seminars supporting and strengthening family units. Our success and

achievements are driven by working in partnership with other agencies and this function is a

typical example

I am pleased to state that our youth programmes are a success. Our Vijana Football Club despite

its limited resources has excelled and won numerous trophies and are highly regarded. The youth

academic performance has been exceptionally good with many of them joining universities here

in the city and elsewhere. This is underscored by one of the graduating last year from John

Moore with First Class Honours Bachelor of Science degree in Information Technology

Engineering.

The Kenya Community has carried out a number of Nutrition, Health and Wellbeing projects

within the past two years funded by various organisations. With a pool of over 20 RGN and other

professionals within its members there is capacity to increase our programmes. We are at

preliminary stage of exploring collaborative project on impact of community organisations with a

major University. The capacity of our community is illustrated by the skills present before you:-

1. Baiba Mjidho - Corporate General Management, Chair;

2. William Gitau, Chair-Agape;

3. Rose Ocholla - RGN, Chair- Ushirika Wetu;

4. Alice Gitau - RGN, Choir & Ushirika Wetu;

5. Maj (Rtd) Sam Ndebu - M.Tech, Vice Treasurer;

6. Gilbert Ngatia - M.cooH & RGN, Programmes Director;

7. Joseph Kambo - BA, Administrator/Tutor, Secretary;

8. Jane Muchina - RGN, Vice Chair & Police Representative;

9. John Baraza - Food Technolgy, Student, Social Enterprise;

10. Beth Kamau, RGN, Dip Counselling, BSc, Post graduate student, Youth Counsellor;

11. Rev. (Dr.) Stephen Gitonga – B.Ed, BA, MA, PhD, Church Minister, Board-Health & Safety.

The foregoing is an illustration of some of our activities. I am pleased to note from the Plus Dane

Group website the support of youth initiatives, sports, working for real change as well as Health

and wellbeing are among your offer to the community and society in general. This illustrates and

confirms convergence or elements of commonality between Plus Dane Group and Kenya

Community Association that creates synergy for far reaching and empowering cooperation and

joint projects.

Today's function is based on an encounter in response to human need following acute drought

conditions in Eastern Africa whereby our motherland Kenya was affected. We are pleased to

acknowledge and appreciate the humaneness exemplified by Plus Dane Group and its associates

in the fund raising that resulted in the £3,000 you will shortly handing over to us. In Africa there

is a say that states "if you cannot remember me while I am far away, you won't even if I am

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beside you". You action today gives meaning to this statement but above all confirms the values

your company values.

On behalf of the people of Kenya, the community that will be recipients of this aid and the Kenya

Community Association we say "Asante sana na Bwana awabariki". This statement of gratitude

and prayer we have faith God will reward you in return.

We further acknowledge the efforts of all those who worked so hard to make the fund raising

event so welcoming, enjoyable and exceptionally successful. While it is impossible to

acknowledge all individually, we wish to thank Barry Callows, Julie Andrews, Emma Sneyed,

Donna Owool, Victor, Mark Browne and Maureen Chendo. Special thanks to the Pakistani, Yemen

and Kenya ladies who worked so hard.

In receiving these funds, I give an assurance and pledge on behalf of the Kenya Community

Association that the money will be disbursed for the intended purpose of food and material aid

to a deserving community in arid Kenya within 4 months.

I will end my remarks by calling upon Mrs Beth Kamau our Youth counsellor to present tokens of

appreciation from the Kenya Community Association.

Thank you.

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THE TWO NGADZI; IMPACT AND EFFECTS OF MIGRATION ON COMMUNITIES

During a meeting held at the Liverpool School of Management between Prof. Elena, Dr. Kristian

and representatives of the Kenya Community Association the issue of enculturation of

communities through migration received brief mention. I have for some years been fascinated by

demise of the Kidjo, a society within the Pokomo people of the Tana River District of Kenya.

The Kidjo were the supreme society wielding enormous power and privileges within the tribe.

The Kidjo as an institution of final say in all issues of the tribe also performed religious duties. The

Pokomos were very religious and believed in God who was invisible without any physical

representation. This means there were no statues or objects that one used for direct worship to

the creator.

However, like all human communities world over, the element of mystery that fills the void of

intrigue the need or sense of something spectacular that distinguishes the members or group

was not overlooked. This void was filled with the “Ngadzi” or “Ngadji” depending on the tribe’s

cultural and linguistic variation.

The sound of the Ngadzi was used for official ceremonies of the Kidjo but its identity was highly

guarded. Its nature, form or shape was protected secret and select few of the highest order had

access to it. It took years to reach this status and when the time came it called for special

ceremony “kuyumia Ngadzi”. The story was many would cry for what they saw was not what they

visualized, however, they were pacified or comforted by the promise of the privileges that go

with the status.

To divulge, describe, accidentally come across or have unauthorized access of the Ngadzi was

punishable by being swallowed by the Ngadzi (death). When the unit was transferred from one

locality to the other, a curfew was declared within the corridor of its passage. The curfew applied

to all irrespective of heritage. When European influence reached the Pokomo, the Kidjo expected

the colonial representatives (administrators) to be subject of the curfew when and where it was

declared without reference to any party.

This did not go well with the District Commissioner representing the Governor and by extension

the Sovereign, Queen Victoria of the British Empire. Tribal oral history records the District

Commissioner duping the Kidjo to hold a ceremony during which soldiers rounded the village and

annexed the Ngadzi at gun point. Realizing superior fire power of the guns, the Kidjo surrendered

under conditions that it would not be publicly displayed within Pokomo territory and also would

be covered while in transit.

Oral history ends with the unit being held at the District Commissioner’s Headquarters at Kipini in

Tana River District. This unit now lies in the British Museum in London artifact reg. nr.

Af1908.0723.93 donated (gifted) to the Museum in 1908 by Sir. Alfred Claud Hollis.

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The British Museum identify it as “Friction drum made of wood, acquired in Kenya, made by the

Pokomo and adds “notice any mistake?, have some extra information about the object? Please

contact us”.

As indicated above the Pokomo had consciousness of God unrepresented by any material object

even though they had the “Ngadzi” - mystery. The interface of Christianity and Islam had a

transformative effect. Islam which was transmitted by the Arab intervention along the East

African coast was combative or abrasive and therefore resisted especially by the upriver

communities who elected to trade as equals without the Arabs entering their territories.

The Christian Missionaries whose arrival is recorded as 17th March 1887 had different approach.

They realized the sophistication of the people highly developed culture. This ranged from the

tribal governance, family values, belief and understanding of God. Thus they learned the

language, customs and culture. Taught the people to read and write and translated the Bible in

one of the Pokomo language variance.

But this in its self was not enough to win hearts for transformation for they shared or possessed similar hope and knew all along of an afterlife about existence bestowed by God. They therefore had to provide linkage that in Christ there was fulfillment and revelation.

Photographs of the late Prof. Thomas Geider had something curious, the picture of “Ein Ngadzi

Instrument” published in “Missions – und Heidenbote Vol.29 No. 9 of 1907” bears similarity or is

identical to the his picture of August 1981 of “Ngadzi Friction Drum – Ethnographical Museum,

University of Oslo, Norway. In the 1981 image the drum has two of its rope coils intact but the

third is displayed together with the flutes. In the 1907 picture two people are demonstrating how

it functions in front of a huge structure.

Missions – und Heidenbote, 1907. (Background, Dase of the Kidjo

or sanctuary).

Prof. Thomas Heider, Oslo Museum, August 1981

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Similarly in 1905 Mr. Jens J. Anderssen published his book “The ‘Ngadzi’; A secret Society among

the Pokomo tribe in the Tana River Valley, East Africa Protectorat”. It has been said above to

reveal, describe or divulge the nature of the Ngadzi was punishable by death. What then

transpired between 1887 and 1905-1907 to warrant immunity against sanctions from the Kidjo. It

must be said that the remnants of the Kidjo existed as recent as 1990 at Mji wa Walevu, between

Laza and Hola Mission both suburbs of current Hola of Tana River District.

I am yet to read the book of Anderssen but the riddle of the two Ngadzi can be found in the

translation of the Holy Bible into Pokomo. The extract below which is relevant to this narrative

and inquiry is taken from 2004 revision based on original Hebrew text cross referenced against

Gute Natchricht Die Bibel in heutigem Deutsch.

“Mimi Nifungwa gerenzani kwa dzambo dya kuhenda kazi ya Kiristo Yesu animpiyeyo, ya

kumusumwiiya nywinywi musiokuwa Wayahudi. Ninahakika musikia kwamba, Muungu

kaunimpa hu huu muzigo wa kumusumwiiya nywinywi dzuu ya teiye. Muungu kainipfenuiya hi

ngandiye iyofitsika kwa wantu. Nami nisakumworea kwa uchuchu dzuu yahi hii ngadzi. Na

mukisoma hivi nyoreyevyo, munaona kwamba niimuka hi ngadzi ya Muuungu, ambayo kwamba

ni dzuu ya Kristo. Hangu kae na kae hi hii ngadzi ntaikumanyigwa ni muntu. Ela sasa, Ruhu

Mudheru kaiwapfenuiya hawade wantu watsaniyweo byeka ni Muungu kuwa ntumi na manabii

wakwe.

Hi ngadzi ni hi ya kwamba, kuchiaya na kwa kuyahikiza haya Maagu Mema, wantu wa vyeeti nao

pia wanazipfokea hizi mvoni za Muungu ezonawadalisa wanawe. Kuchiiya na kwa Kristo Yesu,

wonse wagala dza viiriiri vya mwii mumodza, nawanazipfokea hizi mvoni za Muungu aahidiyezo.

Muungu kanihendeza muhumisijwe jwa kusumiiya haya haya Maagu Mema. Kainimpa hi hii kazi

kwa dzambo dya teiye na kwa uwezowe mukuu eo nao. Na hali kahi ya wantu wonse wa Muugu,

mimi ndimi nisiyekuwa na maana ywa mwiso. Ela hata vivyo, Muungu kanimpa kazi ya maana ya

kuwasumwiya wantu wa vyeeti dzuu ya mema makuu na makuu ya Kiristo yasio chima. Nibfegwa

kuwaimusya wantu wonse dzuu ya hi hii ngadzi ya Muungu aumbiye kula kintu. Hi ni ngadzi

eyowafitsa wantu hangu myaka na myaka ichiiyeyo. Muungu kahenda hivi ili kwamba, kuchiiya

na kwa hidi tsanganiko aweze kuziyanga nguvu zonse za kiruhu ziizo dzuu kwamba, kula

echonahenda kinayanga namuma aivyo na mvidhyo. Muungu kahuna kuhenda hivi hangu kae na

kae kabila lumwengu ntaudzaumbwa. Ne saasambi kesakuvitimiza kuchiiya na kwa Kiristo Yesu

Bwana jwehu. Kwa dzambo dya Kiristo na hivi humuhikiziyevyo, hunamwendea Muungu pfasibfo

oga, hukiwa na uhakika kwamba anahusikia. Dubva, nyakumuyombani mutseefwa mojo

mudzepfosikia dzuu ya hizi dina nizokukuntiswani kwa dzambo dyenu. Ishinu dzivuniyeni hizi dina

nizokukuntiswani kwa faida yenu”. Eph. 3:1-13

“Wandugu zanguni, nibfokudza kwenu kumusumwiiya hi ngadzi ya mubfonyo wa Muungu,

sikumudzia na udubata wa kunena wala umanji wa kibenadamu.” 1 Cor: 2:1

“Hi mvidhyo hwiyokusumwiani, ni ngadzi ya mvidhyo ya Muungu eyoiwafitsa wantu” 1 Cor. 2:7.

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“Ni dza vya matsoro yaneneyevyo kwamba, ‘Hikide cha wantu wasichosikiona na matso ambu

kuchisikia, nahikide cha wantu waichokitaria kwamba kinahendeka, hicho ndicho cha Muungu

awaelekanyiziyecho hawade wonse wamutsakiyeo’. Elaswiswi, haya haya mambo Muungu

kayahubfenwiiya kwa njia ya Ruhu ywakwe. Koro huyu Ruhu ndiye amanyie kula kintu, kamanya

hata hizi ngadzi nkuu nkuu za Muungu. 1 Cor. 2:9-10

The Ngadzi was a mystery and the missionaries brought the revelation of God’s Ngadzi at His

appointed time making it known to all and no longer hidden. This had resonance with the people

and easily adopted vision of God under the new teaching or understanding of God. How old was

the Kidjo as an institution within the Pokomo? In 1974 the following deposition in Swahili was

made during land dispute in Wenje, Gwalo location;

“ Mfalme wa Gwano alikuwa – Ntumbu Abae, nyumba Nyenkundu, ambae alikosea kieti cha

Gwano wakati wa kesi ya hinafa ya bibi yake. Wagwano walitaka kumutawaza Mung’ase – Hae

ywa Gwano.

Mung’ase Makorani alikuwa mtu wa umuri na pia alikuwa mkuu wa Dase ya Kijo (supreme leader

and keeper of the Ndadji). Kwa hiyo akaeleza Gwano kwamba yeye hawezi kuendesha shuhuli za

kuongoza Kijo pamoja na zile zakuendesha kumiliki Gwano kwa shuhuli za kawaida. Akaomba

Gwano kwamba atoe mototo mmoja ili apewe Ufalme hou wa Gwano. …………………………….

Mambo haya yalitokea zaidi ya vizazi kumi na mbili, muda wa kama miaka mia tatu na sitini ama

zaidi iliyopita”

The incident to dethrone the secular leader, due to misconduct and resolve to merge leadership

with that of the Kidjo can be dated around 1600 AD. However, within span of 20 years, the ngadzi

as the centre and pillar of society collapsed.

This incident of identical artifact in two Museums of the civilized world has a multiplicity of

lessons with regard to the impact of migration and associated competing forces on culture,

resources, value systems and resultant transformation that occurs.

The forceful annexation of the unit in the British Museum that lies solitary, unknown,

unappreciated without history contrast sharply with that in Oslo Museum peacefully given or

bequest to its keepers enjoying visibility of display, published history in two nations Norway and

Germany.

The form of encounter, association, interaction, socialization, mutual respect, trust and

appreciation between migrant and resident people impacts the long term development of both.

The United Kingdom is a typical case of such forces which have been in play since the Vikings up

to the current migration of which the Kenya Community is part of.

In the environment we find our self today there is high competition between heritage of various

origins seeking adoption, assimilation or recognition. As they find their level is society rapidly or

slowly being transformed? Close examination of the two Ngadzi could be an invaluable lesson.

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