LOCAL NEWS – 23.10.2010 - By Praxides Khisa - Turkana county jukwaa la katiba holds a steering committee

The members of Turkana Social Movement together with the National Civil society congress (NCSC) working through jukwaa la katiba which was mandated by national civil society held a conference to monitor the implementation of the constitution being cognizant of the challenges that faces the people of Turkana county.
Speaking to the reporters at splash guest house today ,,the members of the committee said that they are launching Jukwaa la katiba for turkana county in line with the decisions made during the national civil society post-referendum confrence.
They said that the Jukwaa will give people of the county the opportunity to take part in the implementation of the constitution and to address the issues that are of concern to them and their livelihood They called upon all residents of this county to work with and within Jukwaa la katiba which is the peoples watch-dog for implementation of the constitution

Local News – 23.10.2010 -By MunialoMacquelyne - Building Ecclesial Communication is the key to mission

Celebrations of World Mission Sunday in the month of october offers to the entire people of God an opportunity to renew the commitment to proclaim the Gospel and give Pastoral activities greater missionary perspective.It resonates in our hearts during this month of October by reminding us the commitment to,and task of God,Gospel proclamation as a duty of the whole church.
Christians must learn to offer signs of hope and become universal brethren, cultivating the great ideals that transform history and,without false illusions or useless fears,must strive to make the planet a home for all peoples. However ,the awareness to proclaim the Gospel not not only encourages every individual member of the faithful but also all diocesan and parish communities to integral renewal and ever greater openness to missionary cooperation among the churches, to promote the proclamation of the gospel in the heart of every person, of every people, culture,race and nationality in every place.
The awareness is nourished through the work of Fidei Donum priests, consecrated people, catechests and lay missionaries in the constant endeavor to encourage ecclesial communion so that even the phenomenon of inter-cultural in a model of unity in which the gospel is a leaven of freedom and progress, a source of brotherhood, humility and peace.

LOCAL NEWS – 22.10.2010 - By Munialo Macquelyne -Conflict ressollution and reconcilliation workshop marks its end

A three day workshop on conflict resolution and reconciliation marked its end today at Lwareng'ak.
Speaking to radio akicha the executive Director Fr. Patrick Devine said that they have finished with Kakuma, but they are next going to Katilu to create awareness to the community on development and on how to reduce violence in conflict prone areas .
However he emphasized on the communities which are still involved in this practice to invent activities like agriculture, or any other development project that can enhance peace, justice and harmony in the community.He further said that the Government, the N go's and the religious leaders are working hard to make sure that there is a resolution to all the root causes of the conflicts such as poverty, traditions and other external factors that must be addressed to bring about peace in the societies by creating many forums to the community.

Local news -21.10.2010 - by Emmanuel Erukudi - BodaBoda motocyclists reaction on the license issue

Bodaboda motorcyclists today reacted on the issue that police should arrest those who do not have licenses or PDL cards.
Referring, to the speeches made by the councilors yesterday during the celebration of Mashujaa day,councilors pointed out that most accidents that occur in lodwar are caused by careless driving and lack of driving skills.
The councilors urged the police to see a way of conducting thorough inspection on the issue of license on motorbikes and vehicles.
Speaking to akicha reporter, Mr.Domnic Serwa the secretary for the Boda Boda Association Welfare said that they discussed the issue yesterday with the Lodwar Police OCS Mr. Evans and they agreed on how the BodaBoda welfare association is going to co-operate with their members in order to get their license easily.
The other big issue is politics which crop into the business and ruin their plans that this bodaboda welfare association had for its own progress.He said that some of the politicians here are very arrogant in that they wanted every plan or step taken by this association to pass through them.

Local news – 16.10.10 - By Mary Tioko - One student perished in a road accident - One student perished in a road accident

A form four student from A.G.C secondary school Lokichar perished in a grisly road accident today in the morning at 8.30am near Kanamkemer Village on Kitale Lodwar Highway. The Accident was caused by Tyre Burst,The vehicle veered off the road and rolled several times. A double cab Hilux vehicle belonging to the catholic Diocese of Lodwar was carrying students on a school tour from Lokichar to Ille springs when the accident occurred.The injured students were taken to Lodwar District Hospital for treatment. The two seriously injured students have been taken to Moi Teaching and referral Hospital for specialized treatment.Radio Akicha sends condolence to the family and friends of the deceased boy .
May His soul rest in eternal peace. Amen.

Local News -19th Oct. 2010 - Boda Boda members to access loans - By Lokatur Peter

Boda Boda Welfare Association new members have been praised for the good work they are doing since the perception of the Association's new constitution. Speaking to Radio Akicha today at his main office, the chairman of the Association William Kerio, said it is as a result of the good work and dedication by the members that the Association has seen it good to improve their livelihoods by offering them development loans before the end of this year. Besides this, he said the office also plans to bring insurance services for both motorbikes and motor vehicles near its clients at a reduced price than the normal, before this year elapses.Kerio went ahead and cited politics as one of the factors that undermine the activities of the association, accussing the local politicians for meddling into the association's affairs that do not, at any way, concern them.
The chairman further called upon all those wishing to renew their motorbike registration, including those ones without driving licences but with experience, to do so, as the office plans to help them obtain their driving licences from Burget Driving School.

LOCAL NEWS - 08.10.10 - By Zacheaus Otaba - LETS ADHERE TO HYGIEN RESIDENTS TOLD

Water supply, sanitation and hygiene pro gramme (WASH) was held today at Ann Nanjala Resource Center here in Lodwar.
The pro gramme which is funded the government Government of Kenya and UNICEF, is aimed at promoting hygiene and water supply both in school and homes in the large Turkana region.
The pro gramme which is running for six years started in 2008- 2013, to ensure that all drought prone areas, have guarantee of clean water for human consumption.
The Chief Wash Section UNICEF Kenya Mr. Mohamed El-Fatih said that the programme is aimed at improving services in the ministry of education, ministry of public health and the ministry of water and sanitation.
He urged the departmental heads to use the litle resources available to get good results, insisting that, however the region is vast and difficult in means of transportation.
He noted that workshop aims at implementing and project planning by drilling bore holes and rehabilitation of water sites in the district.
The meeting was also attended by Eng Jacqueline Musyoki from the ministry of water and sanitation head office, who urged all the heads of departments concern to work irrespective of the work load.
She agreed that there is shortage of personnel that could not mean that they stay waiting.
The workshop which is taking three days started today and it will end on Sunday, and being attended by all departmental heads from the three ministries and other incorporated stakeholders.
The workshop will be resuming its duties tomorrow when will try to tress the way forward.

LOCAL NEWS – 11.10.2010 - By praxides khisa - IMPROVING LIVESTOCK PASTORALISTS THROUGH LOMIDAT

The Lomidat pastoral Multipurpose co-operative societies has come up with ways of improving
pastorals in turkana region .
Speaking to radio Akicha reporter in his office the chairman Mr. David Lopue said that the aims of the project is that, they want to make sure that pastorals have good markets for their livestock and livestock products
Mr. Lopue said that through this project pastorals will be able to have health livestock in away that they will build drug shops at different places and those drugs will be sold at affordable prices to all livestock farmers.
He added that, they are also aiming at improving cash economy by savings and credit services to the pastorals and straining to empower and inform its members.He also said that through this project they will be able to improve on the side of livestock markets through building
structures like sales yards.
The chairman urged all pastorals to come together as a community and make the project to succeed so that to reduce poverty in their region.
Mr. lopue also encourage pastorals to to use lomidat slaughter house to improve livestock markets to benefit them instead of relying on relief food.
The project consists of 1600 members and it is targeting 10000 members any body can register with them and they also have shares to those willing to buy.

LOCAL NEWS – 09.10.10 - By Zacheaus Otaba -WASH PROGRAMME CLOSES ITS ACTIVE SESSIONS

The wash program which has been going on at Ann Nanjala Resource Center has closed down its active sessions today.
Closing it officially, the chief Wash Section UNICEF Kenya, Mr. Mohamed El-Fatih said that the workshop will be continuing though not actively, up to Monday in the morning when they will be able to get comprehensive results.
He urged he departmental heads to ensure that there are no outstanding balances in their accounts, since UNICEF will not approve the next budget if you didn't exhaust the funds in the last financial year.
He said that there was need to form committees to coordinate the activities in the region on how the projects are being run.
He added that they are fighting to get other partners that will help UNICEF in running its activities in Turkana, since there is a lot to be done that needs much input.
However the chief said that, on behalf of UNICEF he is going to provide one water pump for each district in the large Turkana, that will help in the areas that are so critical.
He highlighted that there will be a team of 4 volunteers from various universities, that will be sent to the region to carry out and give perfect work.
The workshop which was divided into three groups based on; wash education in schools, water supply and sanitation are supposed to hand over their report and a comprehensive proposal budget to the UNICEF and government of Kenya committee which had been sent to facilitate the workshop. The committee was led by chief Mohamed El-Fatih.

LOCAL NEWS – 07.10.10 - By Zacheaus Otaba - KENYA POWER COMPANY IS TO BLAME FOR QUOTATIONS, SAYS MAYOR

The mayor for lodwar municipality his worship councilor David Kinyonge has promised to continue fighting for the establishment of lodwar town street lights.
Speaking in his office today, the mayor blamed the kenya power company for delaying to give them quotations for the kick off of the project of laying street lights in town.
He said that the municipality is up with plans to construct the main market which will cost around 10M and a bus station that makes it necessary to have enough lighting.
He noted that Lodwar is a growing town like any other, where people may be able to work for 24hours round the clock if such facility will be fully established. However he urged the residents to be patient as his office is working on the issue.
On cleanliness, he urged the community to cooperate with the municipality to ensure that hygien is adhered to, since it is collective responsibility.
He promised that they are going to work as per their by-laws to ensure that the town is tidy and whoever violets will face the law.
On roads the mayor said that they are yet to start repairing all roads within the municipality for easy transportation. He added that they will base on water drainage off the road and calla bat construction.
He urged Lodwar Water and Sanitation Company to ensure that residents get clean water since they have been given that mandate.

LOCAL NEWS -By Zacheaus Otaba - OBSERVE TRAFIC RULES OR FACE THE LAW DRIVERS TOLD

The officer commanding police station Mr. Evans Omuga has warned all drivers and cyclists in lodwar to abide with traffic rules or face the law.
Speaking in his office today Mr. Omuga said that his office is not going to change any thing but will base on the rules and regulations that were passed during the 4th meeting that he held with them.
The officer pointed out that the agreement about the closure of work to bodabodas is 10.00pm and has not changed, unless it is an emergency.
However he called upon the public to report any cases of traffic rules breaking.
The OCS cautioned those who employ boys under age, that they will definitely be arrested in-case their employees happen to cause an accident.
He highlighted that the key requirements for any driver are; provisional driving license, insurance and registration number.
He said that drivers have been given a grace period of three months to get certificate of good conduct, where he promised not to extend the time allocated.

LOCAL NEWS – 06.10.10 - By Zacheaus Otaba By Zacheaus Otaba - ACCIDENT TAKES AN OLD MAN TO BED

An accident occurred involving two motorcycles today in the Lodwar main round about next to GK Prisons where one man sustained serious injuries on his right limb.
William Abongon who was cycling from his home in Kanamkemer heading to the D.Cs office, was knocked down by an over speeding cyclist who was trying to over take them in the round about.
The officer commanding police station Mr. Evans Omuga, said that both motor cycles had no insurance covers.
He added that they are retaining one cyclist in the police custody awaiting to be taken to court tomorrow. The victim is also accused of lack of valid driving licence and his motor cycle has no registration number. He complained that most accidents are caused by careless driving and over speeding.
He thanked the members of the public by assisting to arrest suspect, saying that , it showed that there is positive response towards community-police cooperation.
The Lodwar district hospital physiotherapist Dr.Concepta Esekon said that the old man had been treated and discharged, though on craches but in a fair condition.
Other three victims who were also caught in the scene, sustained minor injuries. They recorded the statement with the police and were allowed to go home.

LOCAL NEWS – 05.10.2010 - By praxides khisa By praxides khisa - NEW METHODS OF LIVESTOCK MARKETING KICKS OFF

The training on livestock marketing and Assets Based and Community Development (ABCD) kicks off today at Nawoitorong Women in Lodwar.
Speaking to the stakeholders,the Chairman District Livestock marketing council Mr.Joseph Losuru said that the aim of the workshop is to bring the livestock farmers
and livestock traders together
Mr. Losuru said that most of the pastrolists are suffering due to lack of livestock markets in the region and due to this problem they have tried to achieve the new methods on how to expand on it.
The DLMC also highlighted the major problems that faces the livestock farmers which includes diseases, drought and insecurity in the region where he said, by officially announcing the issue of livestock marketing the pastrolists will benefit a lot from their livestocks instead of using them to do non beneficial activities like culturals.
He urged pastralists in turkana county to take livestock farming as a development activity so that it can generate income which can help them to get other basic needs
The asistant project manager Mr. Francis Opiyo from the Department of Easy Food Facility who was among the stakeholders said that due to poverty and high rise in food prices in the region they want the workshop to empower and support livestock farmers to take their livestock at Lomidat Slaughter house to help them eradicate poverty in the region
He added saying that he want to see that the slaughter house is of great importance to all neutralists in the region .
The workshop was attended by key stakeholders and representatives from government departments,civil societies networks, local and international NGOs, District livestock councils,community leaders and faith based organization and facilitated by Veterinaries Vans Fronter(VSF).
The meeting which was scheduled for five days started today and will end on sunday.

LOCAL NEWS - By Zacheaus Otaba and Praxides Khisa - SILENT EPIDEMIC OUT BREAK

The medical officer of health for Turkana central Dr. Gilchrist Lokoel has said that cases of malaria out break has been reported in his office.
Speaking in his office today, Dr. Lokoel said that it is suprising that it is a dry season and yet malaria cases are reported especially in educational institutions.
He said that he has assigned a group of doctors to the field and the cause of the out break will soon be established.
He added that medical statistics show that, malaria is always reported during rainny seasons at high rate. Mean while he urged the people to take curative measures.
The Doctor also noted that the region is loosing many lives, especially young children due to malnutrition. He advised mothers to avoid giving much solid food to children before the age of 6 months, since breast milk is enough and it reduces the number of deaths by 15%.
He urged mothers who are busy to milk out milk for their children and keep it in the botle so that they take while they are away.
He emphasized that good nutrition to the baby goes along with safe guarding the health of the population.
On family planning, the doctor said that, due to the poverty level in the region, there is need for people to reduce their birth rate. He said that it is important to improve on the side of motherhood activities.
However he urged every body to maintain hygiene in order to reduce the possibility of cholera out break, and other diseases, that break due to unhygienic. He said, is will help save lives since there are very few health facilities in the region.

03.10.2010 - LOCAL NEWS - BY PRAXIDES KHISA - RECONCILIATION MEETING HELD

The kilosingaren youth group held ameeting that aimed at ironing up their differences at lodwar lodge today.Speaking to the members of the youth group Mrs. felistus Edapor from the District Gender and Social Services Office, said that all youth groups are supposed to work as per their by -lawsMrs. Edapor said , concerning the group funds which is collected should be taken in the bank account instead of keeping in their pockets where they can be tempted to use. However, she was pleased to note that members have joined their hands together to work as a team.She advised them that most groups have broken up due to such disagreements and they had no reasons to immitate that , so they have to be strong and move on.Edapor said that incase the three signitories will be out on official duties,they have to write aletter to the bank manager stating whom they have given responsibilities to withdraw money.She warned the members that by next week if they will not have handed over the letter that shows they have peace their certificate will be withdrawn.Mr. john Edapal the vice chairman of all stages in lodwar town who was also present in the meeting urged the youth group to have their constitution and the by-laws of the group. He added that,all members of the group should respect one another especially their officials. He urged all youths to form more groups and take to him their proposals so that he can be able to go to the Arid-land organization and request money for them to run their groups. He also said that their will be a youth election which will be held in february next year where he promised to vy for a seat.

LOCAL NEWS – 2.10.10 - BY ZACHEAUS OTABA -CALL FOR ABSTINENCE AMONG THE YOUTH

The abstinence and behaviour change workshop for youth was held at St. Teresa pastoral center in Lodwar. The workshop which is organized by the Education Department under religious education programme is sponsored by the Catholic secretariat through the catholic Diocese of Lodwar and spearheaded by Sr. Rose Macharia. The training on refresher brought together 10 schools in Turkana central with 30 participants. The workshop was officially opened with holy mass celebrated by Fr. John Kizito Manzi. Sr. Macharia said that the two days' training which started today is ending tomorrow evening.The Sr. Rose Macharia said that the members of the Abstinence and Behaviour change for Youth pro gramme (A.B.Y) were first trained in 2008 and today they are being refreshed. She said that nurturing a young person is a collective responsibility that every one in the community should be concerned, right from the parents to the teachers. Sr. Macharia said that the training is aimed at equipping teachers and other care takers with skills of handling issues related to the youthful life of the children.The training is also aimed at imparting knowledge to the primary teachers, headteachers and tactutors in order to pass the knowledge to the pupils in their respective schools.The workshop is facilitated by Sr. Ann Burugu who is giving skills on guiding and councilling, Mr. Patrick Ekadel who takes through gender issues and Mr. Francis Okaye taking through Christian virtues and values.