Local news – 25.7.11 - By Mary Tioko - Diocesan secretariat celebrate the feast of St. James

The secretariat of the Catholic Diocese of Lodwar celebrate the feast of St. James the apostle in their Monday staff mass today. The mass was celebrated by the vicar general Fr. Joseph Ekalimon, accompanied by the seminarian Charles Kapengi. Speaking in his homily, Fr. Ekalimon encouraged the staff to live the gospel values and according to the teachings of St. James the Apostle who was a witness of Jesus Christ.
Fr. Ekalimon said that the church is giving the staff St. James the Apostle as an example of his witness and urged them to emulate him in all that they do. The priest also said that the day is dedicated to the sick and encouraged the staff to pray for the sick all over the world. The teachings of James the apostle challenge the staff to stand firm and defeat evil.
He also said that James the Apostle appeared to Christ in two episode, first when he raised Jairus daughter and transfiguration. The priest said that James comes to them as a witness since Habakkuk beaded John the Baptist because of truth and asked the staff to think on how many times they have been confronted because of truth and even felt discouraged.
He asked the staff to Stand as apostles, be witnesses, like James himself and defeat challenges in life. The vicar general encouraged the staff to be inspired by Christ whom they follow. He encouraged them to stand firm when knocked down by what they proclaim and be witnesses of faith. He urged them to live the gospel in full and lead by examples.

Local news - 24.07.2011 - by Daniel Edaan - Human rights patrons meet at Eliye springs

Patrons of Turkana Schools Human Rights club have had their executive meeting at Eliye Springs for a two day function organized and facilitated by the Peace and Justice Commission diocese of lodwar. The meeting attracted over ten schools patrons drawn from all over the county to deliberate on the issues affecting the clubs their strengths and areas that require close attention.
Godson Okello human rights patron St. Leo boys secondary who is also the executive secretary of patrons committee mentioned a few challenges affecting human rights club and said that negative activism, misconceived human rights concept and lack of respect of human rights among other vices are some draw backs that affect human rights in the schools .
Mr Okello said that the club has improved discipline in the schools and it has led to the creation of a project called “WE-CARE” that takes care of the welfare of needy student and other unfortunate members of the school fraternity.
This programme and initiative bears different names in various schools but do almost similar activities.
The human rights schools program was first initiated in two pilot schools,Turkana girls and St. Leo boys high school and later in eight other schools that include primary schools like Koputiro primary,Kakeanyang; Lokichar and kainuk girls among others.
The diocese of lodwar justice and peace commission works with Pamoja Kenya initiative and some partner countries doing exchange programme like the government of Ireland.
Christoper Ekaru Losiapat thanked all the patrons for their tireless effort in supporting their students and pupils despite the limited funds and capacity building for some teachers.
He promised to incorporate the district education office and school principals in a bid to improve human rights activities within the county.

Local news – 23.07.2011 - By Zacheaus Otaba - Imprisonment is as a punishment, the officer in charge says.

The officer in charge of lodwar GK prisons, Mr. Gerald Ongume today has said that being in prison is as a punishment but not for punishment. Ongume who was speaking today during the remote parenting day celebrated at the lodwar GK prison grounds, said that rehabilitation is a continuous process that needs to be done within and without the prisons.
He said that the government through processes is trying to bring harmony between the in mates and the prison staff by promoting brotherly hood amongst them.
At the same time, the UNHCR protection officer Mr. Peter Muriuki has said that the government has a long way to go in terms of prison reforms. He noted some as introduction of new programmes and increased partnership. However he congratulated the few reforms that have taken place, as compared to the past status.
The officers were speaking during the second colorful remote parenting day, where in mates were involved in various activities such as dramas, dance competition, eating competition and tag of war. The cut walk where 7 participants were involved including a 5yr old Cyndy Aremon.
The ceremony was also attended by Ms. Karen Kotut, UNHCR protection officer Kakuma sub station, deputy officer in charge Mr. Charles Imojir, among other senior prisons officers.

Local News – 18.7.11 - By Mary Tioko - Holy Mass unites families in Love

The Bishop said this today when celebrating Monday staff mass at St. Thomas Chapel. His lordship encouraged the Secretariat of the Diocese of Lodwar to remain close to each other especially when attending the mass. He told them that they come for mass, it is not that they come as individuals but as one family which is united in love.
To make that reality come true, the staff have to stay and also sit close to one another as a sign Love. This will make them feel the joy and happiness of being together. His lordship urged them to be one family who come to thank and celebrate their faith and thank God for what he has done for them the previous week and offer the days ahead to God. He also said that when they refer to God their work will bear fruits.
His lordship encouraged the staff to give their plans to God and assured them of God's protection which will make them not regret all the times of their lives. He also said that in one's life, there are times when one does things that leaves them bitter just like the Egyptians in todays reading who instead sought for God's forgiveness after going astray and in that they repaired their damage. He told them that they should not be like the people of Israel who always looked backwards, referring to old days especially when things go against them and wish for older days when things were good.
Bishop Kimengich said that the habit of looking back destroys their relationship with God and urged them to be focused and know that God is with them in their work. He told them to trust in God for the work they are doing is God's work and that Christ himself will open ways where there are no ways so long as they put their trust in him for nothing is impossible with God. Also present in mass were Assumption sisters of Eldoret led by their Mother superior Sr. Pascalia Mbaka and Sr. Lucy Njoroge who have brought 4 sisters to help in Nakwamoru parish. They promised to pray for the Diocese as it plans to celebrate 50 years. His lordship also reported that this year is dedicated to the family and urged all to work for the betterment of the family unit which is the root cause of all vocations.

LOCAL NEWS – 17.7.11 - By Mary Tioko - Uhuru high school from Lokichar Joined Emmanuel small Christian community

The students who were accompanied by their teachers joined the Christians of St. Augustine's cathedral Parish in the celebration of the holy mass which was celebrated by Fr. John Kizito Manzi. Addressing the faithfuls during his homily, Fr. Manzi urged the Christians to be disloyal to hostilities in their lives.
Fr. Manzi said that patience is companion of wisdom which is the root of all the virtues people have and added that without patience all of other virtues are fruitless. He also added that patience is a bitter tree which bears sweet fruits. Fr. Manzi encouraged the Christians to reflect on the readings of the day which make them to be real disciples of Christ. He also told them to counter evil with good.
He also said that the church on earth encounters many barriers that make lives of people difficult as human beings plant weeds in other people's lives, however, He said that God is quick to forgive them and so as Christians they should forgive others too. He said that many people have broken relationships that only God can re unite and urged the faithfuls to seek for Christ's guidance in everything they do in their lives.
He challenged them that if they look at themselves deeply and they would find that they have bits of weeds in their lives, he said that in order for one to be a complete person he/she needs patience. He added that God give them the way of overcoming evil and also loves all people regardless of their deeds. Fr. Manzi said that Christ helps all to face consequences in life and urged all those who put obstacle on others to forgives them. God want them to have freedom. He also said that if you put obstacle in one's life, you will destroy your own self. He told them that they cannot deprive one's faith. He said that Jesus is confidence in the good seeds that he has planted in their lives through ministry of his word and call them to reflect and discover the good that comes to them from his mighty hand. He urged them to defeat evil by good. The priest thanked God for wheat he has planted in their hearts, the wheat of faith and they should guard it well.

Local news – 15.07.2011 -by kodet philip - INFANT AND CHILD FEEDING TRAINING

Thirty health workers are undergoing an infant and child feeding training at golden guest house. The training which begun on Monday called the health workers from Turkana north, south, west, Loima, east and central district emphasizes on feeding of young child from zero to twenty four months.
The training which is organized by world vision Kenya and facilitated by ministry of health was aimed at raising the levels of breast feeding in turkana. According to the facilitator from provincial medical office Mrs. Priscilla koime, said that the level of breast feeding in Kenya is very low.
She said that initially breast feeding used to be 2.7% having conducted several trainings the levels increased to around 5% and they are hoping to raise it further to about 8%.Mrs. koime continued to say that they deeply depend on the trained health workers who will deliver the required information to the communities.
Mrs. koime said that their expectations are to empower the community health workers to equip them with skills and competence of which they are going to teach mothers and care-takers on infant and young child feeding practices.

Local news – 14.07.2011 - by Zacheaus Otaba and Philip Kodet - Sixteen survive a land crush in lodwar air strip

A plane which was believed to be carrying sixteen passengers, crush landed today in the lodwar air strip. According to the Kenya air ports authority workers attached to the strip, the plane's rare right wheel hit the ground before the run way, making it loose its stability.
The officer commanding Lodwar police division Mr. Mwaura Wa Njoroge, confirmed the incident and said that the investigations are on, to determine the cause of the accident.
The blue bird type plane registration 5Y-VVM, crush landed at around 8.00am, but all the passengers came out with no injuries though some were ferried to Lodwar district hospital for check up. The incident paralyzed the normal duties in the air strip for some hours, since it had blocked the runway in a distance of 300m.
Our efforts to talk to pilots of the plane didn't go through, since they were afraid to talk to the media.

Local news – 11.7.2011 - By Mary Tioko - Bishop urges Diocesan secretariat to balance between work and prayer

The Diocesan secretariat were urged by his lordship Bishop Dominic Kimengich to have time for prayer in their day to day lives. His lordship said this when celebrating Monday staff mass that was led by Ewoi centre at St. Thomas Chapel today. He challenged the staff to distinguish between prayer and work and always dedicate some time for prayer. Giving an example of the sisters whose work is dedicated to prayer he visited the monastery and said that those sisters have dedicated their lives fully to Christ but also do work.
In today's readings Bishop Dominic reminded the staff of the saint of the day, St. Benedict who worked as he served the lord . He also said that it is important to reflect on how the staff have committed themselves to God. Referring to St. Benedict, his lordship said that St. Benedict went to the monastery because he wanted to have time to pray and participate in the salvation of peoples soul and encouraged Christians to work because he also worked and prayed at the same time.
Bishop Kimengich encouraged the staff to start their days always with prayer since with God everything will be possible especially now that they are involved in various services in the Diocese. He challenged them to set some time to speak to God even before they go to work and from there they will have energy to work. He encouraged the staff to work hard in-order to earn a just pay and said that it should not be fare if one goes in a short cut to acquire wealth and riches,he called upon the staff to be upright. He urged them to balance work and prayer.

LOCAL NEWS – 11.07.2011 - BY KODET PHILIP - Food for Asset Project serves more than 200 people

More than two hundred families are benefiting from work for food on the food for asset (FFA) program in Turkana central district which is working under child fund Kenya. The project has drawn a good number of residents of central district who are most vulnerable.
According to the project coordinator food for asset (FFA) Mr. Chris Eregae, the program is aimed at addressing food insecurity issues in Turkana central and Loima districts which is implementing this by countering food insecurity by diversifying food production through practicing arable farming mechanism of growing their own food to meet the community needs.
Mr. Eregae said that they also intend to improve animal pasture by planting nappier and rod grass among other browse animal feeders. He also said that they are much concern on environmental degradation which they do this by planting trees.
The project coordinator said that, Turkana county has the potentiality of food production just like other places. He called upon the government, stakeholders and the community at large to work hand in hand with them to save the lives of thousands of Turkana people.

Local news – 09.07.2011 - by kodet - An orphanage inaugurated at canan

Hundred of people witnessed the inaugural of bethzatha solution orphanage center at Canaan in kanamkemer village early today.
The orphanage which is aimed at harboring street children and the orphan children resulted by war prone areas was officially inaugurated by bro. Bride of international Christian missionaries (ICM).
According to the director of the orphanage pastor George liwan said that he had a dream of helping and saving the lives of the young innocent and voiceless who wallow for a living in the garbage in search of food and sleep in the street.
He continued saying that the orphanage will also take care of the widows and the people living with HIV/aids in turkana county
Pastor liwan called on to the public to support him in providing the basic need to the people and the children who are vulnerable in the community.

Local news – 08.07.2011 - by zacheaus otaba - Reduce malnutrition in children

Mothers from three districts of Turkana county have been undergoing a nutrition training at golden guest house for the last four days. Speaking on behalf of the district nutrition officer for Turkana central, the facilitator of the workshop Mr. John Tukei, said that they are promoting infant and young child nutrition in the community. This also included exclusive breast feeding and optimal complementary feeding after the six months of birth.
Tukei said that the has also been equipped with knowledge on personal hygiene on food preparation and storage. He insisted on the importance of having such training, since Turkana is so vast and that government officers are not enough to reach all corners, which is the biggest challenge.
The training which was organized by the ministry of health and funded by world vision was attended by more than 30 lead mothers drawn from 15 groups in three districts. The districts represented are Turkana south, east and central, which gave two members per group. The workshop started on Tuesday.

Local news – 8.7.11 - By Mary Tioko - Ethiopian Bishop Makes a historic visits to lodwar Diocese

The bishop of Jimma Bonga Diocese in Ethiopia his lordship Abuna Marcos Gebremedhin visited The Bishop of Lodwar Diocese, his lordship Dominic Kimengich in his office today. Abuna Marcos was accompanied by the missionary community of St. Paul the apostle member working in Ethiopia Lourdess Larry and the Parish priest of Lokitaung Fr. Angel Valdivia both MCSPA who introduced the two excellencies.
Jimma Bonga Diocese borders the Diocese of Lodwar on the Northern part of Kenya and Abuna Marcos manning the Southern territory where Kibish lies. His lordship Marcos appreciated the warm welcome from his counterpart. In his visit Bishop Marcos expressed his concern for the conflicts in the northern frontier and looks for more ways of Collaboration with the Diocese of Lodwar to bring lasting peace and development initiatives around the boarders as they have missions already linking them and Lodwar Diocese, this links have been made possible by the Missionary community of St. Paul the Apostle. The two bishops were more concerned on the ethnic clashes on the borders and look forward for ways of supporting each other through prayers and joint actions.
His lordship Dominic kimengich added that the visit is timely as they had just concluded the AMECEA 17th Plenary which brought together 150 bishops from all over the region and they said that as shepherds they will continue to exercise their prophetic role of speaking out wherever there is need.
His lordship was glad that their plans for collaborations between the three bordering countries Ethiopia included have come true. He appreciated the visit and they raised the concerns on peace building, evangelisation in the two Dioceses. Abuna marcos extended his appreciation to the bishop of Lodwar for his hospitality and looked forward for more collaborations.

Local news – 07.07.2011 - by zacheaus otaba - Nyanza health reproductive society resumes

The Nyanza health reproductive society, which suspended its services due to disagreement between the organization and the community has agreed to resume its duties. Following the consensus made today in a meeting held between the county task force on voluntary medical male circumcision and the organization's officials, the suspension was terminated. Delivering the report, the head of community mobilization Mr. Vincent Odiaro, said that there is need for the community to continue getting these services.
However he said that though Mr. Peter Lemu who was the district co-odinator is going to reinstated, there should proper auditing to ascertain the allegation of fraud.
This is the third meeting to be held since the suspension of the services. The meeting which was chaired by the district officer Mr. Levy Senoga and the NASCOP representative Dr. Gilchrist Lokoel, started at a high note with tension from both sides. However, the fume from some task force members, that NHRS should pack and go, was calm down after some thorough explanation by Dr Lokoel on how the service is important to the community.
This meeting brought together more than 35 task force members from different organizations. The organizations represented were EGPAF, APHIA plus world vision, IRC, media, provincial administration and ministry of heath.

Local news – 04.07.2011 - Otaba & kodet - M.O.H turkana central insists voluntary medical male circumcision services

The medical officer of health for Turkana central Dr. Epem Esekon today, has insisted that voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) services are still provided. He agreed that the services were suspended for some times, due to the disagreements between the interns and the Nyanza Health Reproductive Society.
He highlighted the disagreement as the break of proper communication and mis-information and the delaying of payments of the workers which has already been solved. He said that the services will resume fully as from Friday or Monday next week. The doctor clarified that those who had enrolled for those services, will still follow the same protocol.
Dr. Epem reiterated that voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) is a government project that is aimed at reducing the infection of HIV/aids by 60%. He was answering the allegations that NHRS has terminated these services in this region.
At the same time Dr epem has warned all pet keepers to make sure that they vaccinate or restrain them or face eradication. He said that his ministry and the department of veterinary will work together to save people and their animals from these stray dogs. Of recent these animals have become a threat to both people and their animals, especially in meteorological, Nakwamekwi and Kanamkemer villages.

LOCAL SPORTS – 03.07.2011 - By Zacheaus Otaba - Super united beaten at prisons stadium

Super united of Nakwamekwi today were beaten four scores to one by Earth Movers, in a friendly march that was played at prisons play ground. Earth movers took the lead at the 18th minute through striker Stanley Ngige, before the supers equalized at the 20th minute through Natinga Ariong. The united's hope diminished after Ngige scored the fourth goal, at the 68th minute, which gave his team a lead to the last whistle. He broke the record of netting all the four goals, in that game which was a return march of the previous game that was played at Nakwamekwi, in may this year. However, the supers lost a penalty, that would have at least given them two to four.
Both teams are preparing for the external tournaments and friendlies, that are kicking off late this month. Earth Movers will be hosting State Side FC next weekend in the same venue.

Local news - 30.06.2011 - by zacheaus otaba - Turkana county council presents its 210m buget to the public

The county council of Turkana presented its budget to the public today at the county council hall here in Lodwar town. The budget which was presented by the finance chairman county council of Turkana, Mr. Nicholas Ewoi is estimated to be more than 210M compared to 157.356M that was for the last financial year which ends today.
Presenting the budget, Mr. Ewoi said that the council will receive ksh.185,747,000 from the central government through LATF, as compared to ksh.131,316,756, that it received in the last financial year. He said that the budget suggested that revenue collection is going to be doubled to reach the expenses of the council in delivering better services to its people.
At the same time the county council clerk Mr. Christopher Onanda has urged the public to be on watch of all the projects that are initiated by the council in order to prove its standards. He said that the distribution of projects, has been dictated by the priorities given by the public. Mr. Onanda said that the council will be spreading its projects to the interior, away from the accessible roads.
However, this year's budget is expected to improve on the funds allocation on each project, of which they base on schools, dispensaries,water, bursaries and roads.

Local news – 29th.06.2011 - by otaba & kodet - Hundreds of residents turn for food distribution at social ministry

Hundreds of elderly and disabled people received relief food from the department of social Ministry Diocese of Lodwar early today. The program which is aimed at supporting the old and the disabled persons is organized by the diocese of Lodwar through the department of social ministry.
According to the social ministry coordinator Mr. Mark Nakain the challenge the department is experiencing is the hiking of food prices and the number of people is increasing.
He also urged the elderly to use the help-age money wisely and maximize each opportunity they get from the well wishers and other donors who are supporting them.
Mr. Nakain advised them to stop using the drags like tobacco and alcohol because the use of these drags will further weaken and cause more harm to them.
He appealed to donors, government and well wishers or any individual to support this program by contributing either food,clothes or funds to help the disabled and the old people because they need the care of the community.
On health Nakain said that there has been increase of spread of TB, which is becoming threat to the performing of the ministry.

Local news – 29.6.11 - By Mary Tioko - Community Led Total Sanitation (C.L.T.S) workshop

The workshop that has been organized by World vision Lokori integrated Program Area is facilitated by water sanitation and health project officer (WASH) Mr. Jackson Ewat and public health officer Loima District Mr. Jairus Mukangala has entered its second day of the theory before going for practicals tomorrow. The workshop has brought together 30 participants drawn from Turkana East and Turkana south Districts. The training aims at training teachers of trainers (chiefs, elders, religious leaders, community/village health committees), on Participatory Hygiene and Sanitation transformation (PHAST ) and C.L.T.S.
The facilitator took the participants through various Ways in which they get diseases saying that diseases are divided in three categories. Airborne, oral and diseases that are transmitted through the skin. In these categories Mr.Mukangala dwelt more on the oral way of transmission. He said that the fecal matter is the main cause of many illnesses in Turkana county due to cultural practices. Mr. Mukangala also talked about the five F's as ways through which they acquire germs I.e Fingers, Field, Fluid, Food and flies .
The preventive measures are, washing hands with soap for sometime in order for the soap to react with the germs and thus killing them after defecation and before eating. Keep the finger nails short, boil water before drinking, keep your environment clean, proper use of latrine's, wash raw fruits and vegetables before eating, proper disposal of wastes (disposal sites). The participants were also encouraged to clear bushes around their compounds, proper ventilation of houses, spraying of stagnant water with appropriate chemicals to prevent mosquito breeding, sleeping under treated mosquito nets, drain all stagnant water within the compounds, general personal hygiene by drying utensils on the direct light since it has an effect of bactericidal, covering of all left over foods, reheating of left over food before eating, brushing teeth after every meal, avoid spitting anyhow, protect water supply / sources, continuous health education, and use of gumboots in swampy areas to avoid contraction of bilateral /schstosomiasis.
He also demonstrated on house hold water treatment using pur, aqua tabs and water purifications tabs after taking the participants through the V. I. P principals and the quality of the various latrines in the area. He was perturbed when he saw some of the purported V.I.P latrines having ventilations warning all those who construct latrines to seek for quality assurance assistance in order to achieve the desired results in this exercise.