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A section Samburu leaders addressing a press conference in Nairobi.

By Benard Mulwa

The disappearance of king Laibon Bari Kaldojan Ole-aduma (Leaduma) during the colonial era, took the center stage in a deliberation by the Samburu people even as pressure continues to mount at the British king his Majesty Charles 111 to disclose where their king Laibon kaldojan leaduma was buried after unlawful deportation.

Eight decades down the line, the Samburu have been struggling to seek answers to the disappearance of their king Laibon Bari Kaldojan Ole-aduma (Leaduma), who led them to resist the British colonial administration.

Perhaps, most affected is the larger Leaduma family, which still lives in Samburu County and whose generations directly descended from the freedom fighter. Lea duma’s name has spanned various generations in the history of the Samburu, besides featuring in legendary tales of heroism, folklore and sayings. He was a traditional prophet among the Samburu besides being the chief decision maker before the colonial administration came calling. Far and wide, the British colonial administration feared and viewed him as a unique being that possessed the powers of the mystic that could make the government not to work.

Even with no picture to identify his grandfather, 50-year-old Anthony Leaduma has since 1985 been struggling to trace the grave of the Laibon Leaduma and above all, seek justice for his unlawful deportation and possible execution by the British.

Our journey to trace descendants of the Laibon takes us to the remote village of Ngopeliani, located on the eastern edge of the serene Lorukoti plains, on the western side of the low lying Lorroki plateau in Samburu Central District. We trace the only surviving sons of the late Laibon – Lopeei Leaduma, 90, and his brother, 87-year-old Ledipen Leaduma.

This saw the Laibon transferred to Nakuru and Naivasha for further detention. The legal tussles involving the Laibon caught the attention of the then colonial governor of the Kenyan Protectorate, Joseph Aloysius Byrne, as Leaduma was largely seen as “dangerous to peace and order”.

Byrne issued a deportation letter against Laibon Leaduma on November 1934, ordering that he be deported to Kwale on the Kenyan coast. The British perceived Kwale as an ideal place that would permanently delink the Laibon from his native Samburu where he conducted his resistance activities against their rule. Besides, Kwale was regarded as the farthest point from Samburu.

“The said Laibon Ole-oduma shall forthwith be re-conveyed to Kwale and there detained during my pleasure in accordance with the terms of my said order dated the 15 February 1934. Given under my hand and the official seal of the colony at Nairobi this day of November 1934,”the deportation letter written by Byrne read in part.

Since then, no one knows the whether the Laibon Leaduma was executed or imprisoned for life. The question continues to linger in the minds of the larger Leaduma family, the Samburu people and many other Kenyans who have had a keen history of this little known freedom fighter,” A cautionary saying has even emerged in the Samburu language which warns people “not to find oneself in Leaduma’s troubles.” This saying is directly

“The said Laibon Ole-oduma shall forthwith be re-conveyed to Kwale and there detained during my pleasure in accordance with the terms of my said order dated the 15 February 1934. Given under my hand and the official seal of the colony at Nairobi this day of November 1934,”the deportation letter written by Byrne read in part.

Since then, no one knows the whether the Laibon Leaduma was executed or imprisoned for life. The question continues to linger in the minds of the larger Leaduma family, the Samburu people and many other Kenyans who have had a keen history of this little known freedom fighter,” A cautionary saying has even emerged in the Samburu language which warns people “not to find oneself in Leaduma’s troubles.” This saying is directly connected to the history of Leaduma.

It virtually translates to warning someone to be cautious and avoid possible danger. It depicts the grave situation that the Laibon was involved in and the fears his arrest instilled to those who saw it. Leaduma’s contribution to the fight for freedom was, however, less documented. John Bulyaar, the chief curator at the Kenyatta House Museum in Maralal town, Samburu County says the Oledume Road in Nairobi’s Kilimani is one of the landmarks identified with the late freedom fighter. He says many freedom fighters in several parts of northern Kenya have not been recognised as national heroes. The British conquered the Samburu region following the eventual deportation of the Laibon Leaduma. They had vast interests in ranching and crop farming as many parts of Samburu favoured their agricultural undertakings.

By Benard Mulwa

Professions and Cultural leaders from a section of Masai community from Kenya and Tanzania has taken to task the colonial British government over 1904 and 1911treaties which has had a profound and enduring impacts on the community signed during the colonial era.

According to the leaders who held deliberations in Nairobi today, said these agreements entered in to without proper representation or consent from the Masai people, which led to the dispossession of significant portion of their ancestral lands resulting in displacement and severe socia-economic challenges for their community.

Speaking to journalists, Mr. Anthony Leaduma said “the loss of our lands disrupted our traditional way of life, disintegrate our cultural heritage and weaken our capacity to sustain our selves and future generations.” adding that the atrocities included forceful evections, loss of lives and livelihoods, separation of clans and families.

The leaders also observed that both treaties and conquest were done in the name of Crown, and Charles III, setting the stage for a bitter clash with British Colonial government should their terms fail. Among their demands, Colonel retired Richard Leiyagu, Patron of the Samburu elders said the Masai of Kenya never signed the independence document in Lancaster House and they would like an opportunity to do so, adding that on Intellectual property rights, “we acknowledge the positive role that the Britain and the Commonwealth played in building the Masai Brand, but we are now appealing for compensation and a greater share of our Intellectual Property Rights, also any artifacts and spiritual artifacts that may be in your possession,” he said.

The loss of land is estimated at over 56 percent of their ancestral lands from 55,000km2to 42,000km2 around 7,660,255acres. The balkanization of Masai into subgroups a dived and rule tactic, losing their unity resulting in today’s political divisions and negotiating power, this also resulted in inter-clan in Narok, Laikipia and Kajiado.

In their petition, the leaders further demanded land restitution and compensation plan to rectify the dispossession of their ancestral lands, “a just and fair compensation is therefore a necessity,” the statement reads in part.

The Masai of Tanzania appeal to the King to exert its influence on a Commonwealth Nation of the United Republic of Tanzania to stop the dispossession of the Lands of Ngorongo, a legacy left behind by the colonial government who dispossessed the Masai of lands such as Serengeti and parts of Ngorongo.            

Mahir Abdirahman, a spirited six-month-old who’s life has permanently been transformed

By Benard Mulwa

Bela Risu Medical Centre today celebrates one year since its inception in Kenya. The Centre is the only of its kind in East and Central Africa which offers Cleft lip and palate services.  

The Foundation has demonstrated an unwavering commitment and dedication to offer free life-changing, dignifying and hope-restoring surgeries to individuals affected by craniofacial deformities healthcare services. Dr. Kimani, a Director at the foundation said over 3,000 patients has been able to get treated in the past one year alone but still the Centre is able to handle more patients, “the causes of Cleft lip are not yet know but there are underlying issues like environmental and genetic reasons behind the causes,” he said adding that patients gets psychosocial support during the entire process of treatment, which he said the Center offer international standards.

Dr. Kimani pointed out that one out of six still born have Cleft lip in Kenya, according to statistics and therefor there is a great need to create awareness, “the idea of doing this celebration was to engage with more member of the public to make them aware,” he said while fielding questions to journalist at the Center.

The recent move by His Excellence President Dr. William Ruto to streamline Community Health Services by unveiling the Community Health Promoters is an opportunity for the Ministry of Health to locate Kenya with neglected diseases.

Cleft lip and palate is one of such areas of health that needs more highlighting, research and reporting to understand the true picture of the buren of this issue to our social fabric and to Kenya’s economy as a country.

Mr. Kefa Omanga Omoi, Director –Donor office of the Governor, Nairobi City County Government who was present at the Centre, urged all stakeholders to consider this moment as a call to action, and foster greater collaboration between the Nairobi County Government and Bela Risu Foundation in their shared pursuit of greater service to humanity.                 

The Bela Risu Foundation has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to providing healthcare services that go beyond the conventional. inspiring Furthermore, their promise to deliver top-tier, patient-cantered cleft care in under-resourced healthcare setups is commendable. It is all about providing a beacon of hope within East and Central Africa so the hope goes beyond Ngara, beyond Nairobi and beyond the republic of Kenya.

Their achievements, with the support of donors and partners, have already transformed over 7,000 lives through FREE cleft surgeries, bringing hope and happiness to countless families. This is a testament to their dedication and impact on our community. Groups of volunteers as well as donor funders have also contributed to the above success.

A network of 102 health facilities and a dedicated team of over 7,500 community Health Volunteers and more than 6,000 healthcare workers on our payroll. Our commitment to providing both preventive and curative healthcare services is resolute, with the ultimate aim of improving the quality of life for our citizens.

Today, as we gather to acknowledge the remarkable work of the Bela Risu Foundation in our city and beyond, I urge all stakeholders to consider this moment as a call to action. Let us foster greater collaboration between the Nairobi County Government and Bela Risu Foundation in our shared pursuit of greater service to humanity.

The organization’s scope goes beyond treatment. There is also specialized training and research on cleft anomalies. Such research is very critical in increasing the impact of the smiles that are eventually on families that would otherwise be in a difficult situation. We hope to continue offering hope and we look to a more wonderful 2nd year anniversary.

The CEO of the Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (PSASB) FCPA Fredrick Riaga (centre), exchanges a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the CEO of the Institute of Internal Auditors CPA Joyce Omina. With them is the Chairman of PSASB, FCPA, Pius Mungai Nduatih. The MoU sets out a framework for the organizations to explore opportunities for collaboration for their mutual benefit.

BY NJOKI KARANJA

Public Sector Accounting Standard Board (PSASB) and the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) have today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote professionalism, facilitate capacity building, research, integrity and ethical conduct in regard to internal auditing and risk management within the Public Sector. The MoU sets out a framework for the two organisations to explore opportunities for collaboration for their mutual benefit and details the roles of each party to further their interests.

Therefore ,the two organisations will cooperate and focus on the development and adoption of Internal Audit Standards and Frameworks, promote and monitor the Implementation of the Standards, provide training and capacity-building programs, and offer advisory services to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery in the public sector.

“Public Finance Management Regulations for the National and County Governments require internal auditors to comply with the International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF) as issued by the Institute of Internal Auditors from time to time. The regulation also directs internal auditors to follow policies and guidelines issued by PSASB to ensure uniformity and consistency across the public sector,” PSASB CEO FCPA Fredrick Riaga said during the event.

IPPF is the conceptual framework which provides internal audit professionals with authoritative guidance. Internal audit functions are expected to leverage IPPF to facilitate the ability to achieve the mission of enhancing and protecting organisational value by providing risk-based and objective assurance, advice and insight. This ultimately improves transparency and accountability in the public sector.FCPA Riaga underscored that the two organisations will leverage their expertise and experiences to support capacity building in the adoption of the International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF) standards by various Public Sector entities.

“Internal auditing is an independent, objective assurance and consulting activity designed to add value and improve an organization’s operations. Internal Auditing helps organizations accomplish their objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk management, control, and governance processes. This partnership seeks to enhance that role,” IIA CEO Ms Joyce Omina concluded.

The MoU further seeks collaboration to support heads of internal audit within public sector entities in establishing and implementing quality assessment improvement programs with the ultimate objective of assessing the effectiveness and efficiency of internal audit functions and conformance with the standards and code of ethics.

By Ronald Njoroge

The Architects Alliance launched in Kenya in bid to boost built environment in the country.

Arch. Silvia Kasanga, the president of the Architects Alliance said on Wednesday that the Alliance

So far has more than 60 architects who have practiced for more than 20 years after attain their bachelors degree.

“We are hoping open operations in all the 47 counties,” Kasanga added.

The Architects Alliance also called for a national dialogue focusing on the physical environment and our management of it as the people of Kenya.

“This dialogue must involve all of us, Citizens of all cadres, the Government at the National and County Levels, Non-State Actors, Professionals in the physical and built environment and all other interested parties,” she added.

The dialogue will collectively come up with a national blueprint on how to manage and secure our physical environment so that all our citizens can enjoy the best quality of life possible while ensuring that future generations are assured of a worthy heritage.

“The starting point is to have people engaging, thinking and having conversations about their physical environments and focusing on sensitively designed and built physical structures that take into account the unique flora and fauna of our land and ideal space for our people to live in,” she said.

KEBS Managing Director Mrs Esther Ngari and Chairman Mr. Peter Munyiri flag off 15 vehicles at its headquarters in Nairobi.

By Benard Mulwa

The management of Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has flagged off 15 vehicles at its headquarters in Nairobi today in a move that appears to restore public trust of the National Standards body.

This comes after the former KEBs Managing Director Bernard Njiraini was arrested by anti-graft detectives over allegations of corruption.

The National Standards Council Chairman Mr. Peter Munyiri said this is to enhance its structure and markets since the Standards body has a significant mandate to promote safety and health of products, “the current position as a Standards Council will be known”, adding that there is no reason as to why KEBS will not be able to reinforce our position with customers” adding that now KEBS is at a different caliber and are looking ahead to new changes.  

“As a management, we want to assure the Council that we will be efficient as per our core mandate,” the Managing Director, Mrs Esther Ngari told journalist at the flagging off ceremony in Nairobi which she said this was after one year and the process are within the normal procurement which was at the cost of 83 Ksh. Million.

Mrs Esther Ngari said the 15 vehicles will be disbursed to all KEBS regions across the country to help equip the staff to serve their customers.

Earlier on, eight suspects including Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) Managing Director Bernard Njiraini were charged over the disappearance and sale of toxic sugar.

The eight including three government officers and five business people were charged with various crimes, including, conspiracy to commit a felony, abuse of office, stealing, interference of goods subject to customs control, and being in possession of restricted goods.

In a statement, EACC said he had been arrested over allegations of procurement irregularities and payment of bribes in respect of awards for tenders for provision pre-export conformity of goods, used motor vehicles, mobile equipment and spare parts by Kebs.

Wabuyabo Acting Chief Executive Officer, Nuclear power & energy agency. Photo: Kelvin Okal.

By Benard Mulwa

More than 2500 youthful and energetic members from 20 African countries are meeting in the capital city of Kenya, Nairobi today in an effort to consolidate the peaceful application of nuclear science and technology.

The African Youth for Nuclear Generation summit 2023 is 4th Edition which was proposed to bring on board the youth to discuss about career path and Nuclear Energy as an alternative source to fossil energy, to expose young people to opportunities in Nuclear power, empowerment and employment and to connect them to trainings.

Africa has the youngest population in the world with more than 400 million young people aged between the ages of 15 to 35 years.

The theme of the summit, ‘Nuclear Energy: A Vista of the Future’ captivates and explores the potential and promise of nuclear science and technology for economic sustainability, reliable and low carbon electricity generation for the future and also demonstrates that challenges associated with nuclear science and technology can be overcome through continued innovation, collaboration and participatory dialogue among stakeholders in the nuclear industry and beyond.

The Chief Executive Officer, Nuclear power & energy agency in Kenya, Justus Ambutsi Wabuyabo said in his opening speech that Nuclear energy is an indispensable tool for achieving the global sustainable development agenda. In this regards, the Government of Kenya has identified nuclear energy to be commissioned in 2034 to power the national development goals, “In this regards, Kenya has made significant steps in the implementation of the nuclear power programme. Kenya has carried out pre-feasibility study on the Nuclear Power Programme; undertaken extensive nuclear capacity building in which the staff of energy sector entities and nuclear sectors in the country have been trained in nuclear engineering and energy policy, undertaken Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment, nuclear power plant site identified” he said, adding that, The country also enacted the Nuclear Regulatory Act of 2019 which established to established an independent nuclear regulatory body – KNRA. The country is also developing subsidiary legislation to operationalize the Nuclear Regulatory Act of 2019.

Justus Ambutsi Wabuyabo, the CEO, Nuclear power & energy agency in Kenya, emphasize that peaceful application of nuclear science and technology will be a game changer in the socioeconomic development of the African continent.  

The summit will go a long way in shaping the landscape of nuclear science and technology in the continent by, Promoting knowledge sharing and networking among young professionals and experts in the African nuclear industry;

Inspiring and empowering young people to pursue careers in the nuclear industry, and to promote gender and diversity inclusion in the nuclear field

Fostering a dialogue on the latest developments and innovations in nuclear science and technology, including advancements in nuclear power generation on the African continent, explore opportunities for international cooperation on nuclear energy, and discuss the role of nuclear energy in addressing energy challenges, climate change and other related issues in Africa and;

Strengthening the partnerships and collaborations among African countries and international organizations in the nuclear sector.

Engineer Nduma Ruwah, the acting Principle Nuclear Energy Electricity Board, said Kenya is doing homegrown capacity in order to be able to conduct its own financial and technical feasibility, “we are still conducting stakeholders engagements, and environmental impacts is still on going, he said at an interview adding that details on site characteristics in Kenya have been conducted on Nuclear small model reactors, (NSMR).

Engineer Nduma also said Kenya expects to have its first power plant in 2027.       

By Meresia Aloo

During the third annual Harm Reduction Exchange, which centered on tobacco harm reduction initiatives, prominent stakeholders in the health sector emphasized the pivotal role of harm reduction in shaping public health strategies across Africa.

Harm reduction, a transformative approach, seeks to mitigate the negative effects of health behaviors without demanding complete cessation. Dr. Kgosi Letlape, the president of the African Medical Association and the Association of Medical Councils of Africa, urged African governments to adopt harm reduction as a more effective strategy than prohibition-based policies. He stressed that it provides a practical and compassionate approach, offering prevention, risk reduction, and health promotion to empower individuals and families facing health challenges.

Dr. Kgosi’s words resonated with many at the event. Harm reduction is acknowledged globally as a pragmatic and compassionate strategy for addressing various health issues, especially in the context of substance use and risky behaviors. Strategies like Needle Exchange Programs, supervised injection sites, and access to Nicotine Replacement Therapy have demonstrated success in numerous countries.

Furthermore, the event highlighted the role of media in shaping discussions on tobacco harm reduction. Dr. Tendai Mhizha from Integra Africa emphasized the media’s responsibility in countering misinformation and disinformation. With misinformation on the rise due to technological advancements, Dr. Tendai stressed the importance of accurate and up-to-date information to advance the cause of harm reduction.

Tobacco harm reduction (THR) was a focal point of discussion, advocating for adult smokers who are either unwilling or unable to quit altogether to consider less harmful alternatives. THR has the potential to be a groundbreaking public health achievement. Dr. Tendai emphasized, “Harm reduction is the better path forward. Regulators must provide adult smokers with information, choice, and support to transition away from smoking while minimizing underage use.”

Several African countries have already taken steps in this direction. South Africa has legalized the sale of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, while Kenya is considering similar steps to regulate THR products. Harmonizing public healthcare regulation across the continent is seen as a positive step to protect citizens from the dangers of tobacco use.

The third annual Harm Reduction Exchange concluded with a shared commitment to amplify harm reduction strategies and continue the conversation on reshaping public health regulations in Africa.

ROMANA YEGO, DIRECTOR FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND ADVISOR TO THE PRESIDENT ON GENDER ISSUES

BY NJOKI KARANJA

Dettol, a leading disinfection and hygiene solutions provider, has launched a handwashing campaign targeting over 10,000 school-going children in Nairobi’s slums. This timely endeavor coincides with the global observance of Global Handwashing Day, with the theme: “Clean hands are within reach”.

Therefore,according to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), two out of every five schools worldwide lack essential handwashing facilities, thus exposing students to a multitude of diseases. Furthermore, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that unclean hands are the main mode of illness transmission in approximately 80 percent of cases, and bringing it home, the 2023 Kenya Economic Survey shows that in 2022, healthcare facilities reported four million cases of diarrheal diseases, with the majority of these cases affecting children.

Under the banner of “Dettol Global Handwashing Campaign,” this month-long campaign will extend crucial support to five schools located in Nairobi’s Kibra and Mathare slums. The initiative entails the provision of essential water tanks and state-of-the-art handwashing stations along with essential hygiene education within these schools ensuring that clean hands are truly within reach for these deserving children”.

“This campaign underscores Dettol’s unwavering commitment to promoting hand hygiene education throughout the country. Our dedication extends to driving access to quality hygiene products designed to protect against illnesses causing germs, all with the ultimate goal of helping Kenyans maintain personal hygiene and create a safe and healthy environment for all,” said Asif Hashimi, Country Manager, Reckitt Kenya.

In conclusion, to maximize the impact and ensure the success of this campaign, Dettol has partnered with Shining Hope for Communities (Shofco), a local advocacy organization that serves the needs of over 350,000 urban slum residents across ten different slum communities in three major cities in Kenya.