LOCAL NEWS - 25TH SEPT. 2010 - A NEW MONASTERY DEDICATED AT NAKWAMEKWI - By Lokatur A. Peter(the navigator) arkpeters@yahoo.com cell; +254 700 386 957

The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Lodwar, His Lordship Patrick Harrington, today led a congregation of faithfuls in a special holy mass for the inauguration of a new monastery at the Risen Christ Parish Nakwamekwi. Addressing the congregation during the ceremony, His Lordship said the church loves the Turkana community and preserves it always for the best. He said the specific mission of the Augustinian Recollect Sisters of the Monastery of St. Augustine, is to live in community with one soul and one heart directed towards God. He said the sisters will live a life that is only for God and expressed through the continuous praising of the Lord, constant prayer, generous penitence, silence and enclosure which is the physical separation from external world in imitation of Christ who moved away from the multitudes so as to intercede to the father for all of the people of God.
A statement released by the Augustinian Recollect Sisters, indicated that they were called to come from Mexico to found the monastery with a contemplative charism in the Diocese of Lodwar. It stated that God gave them 5 volunteer sisters from among their communities for the new foundation, with them 2 young aspirants from Kenya – one from Machakos and the other from Bungoma.
The new monastery was blessed and dedicated today and will begin its journey with the blessings of God and the authorisation of the Holy see. The Augustinian Recollect, was founded on the 5th of December 1588 by the Chapter of the Augustinian Fathers of the province of Castilla in Spain. In Mexico, the order opened its first foundation in the city of Puebla de los Angeles, in May 1688.

Local news – 27.9.10 - By Zacheaus Otaba and Praxides -SPECIAL PROGRAMMES MINISTER VISITS TURKANA

The minister for special pro grammes Hon. Esther Murugi today visited Turkana region to assess the current food situation.
The minister had a brief meeting with the local leaders at the District Commissioners Office before visiting the National cereals and Produce Board to ascertain the availability of food in the stores. Hon. Murugi proved that there was food in the stores which had not been supplied to the people.
She accused the politicians of politicizing the issue of relief food distribution an d thus went ahead authorising the food distribution to save the current situation of hunger in the Districts.
Mrs. Murugi agreed that, Turkana region is so vast to get services from central government only and that the village elders should be involved too in the implementation process.
The minister therefore visited the family which is alleged to have fed on dogs meat at Nabuin Village as was shown on the television. Hon. Murugi said that it was embarrassing to find Kenyans in such a situation while the lead Agencies are bringing in new rules which the Government will not agree with .She blamed the world food pro gramme for the pathetic situation in the District as they rigid in their rules and expect the Government to follow them.
The minister gave out food to the family which included; maize, beans, cooking oil, mosquito nets, blankets, tents and cooking utensils, and ordered the Red cross team to relocate them from Nabuin to Kanamkemer camp for (internally displaced persons) for accessibility.
The managing director for Red Cross Dr. James Kisia said that the situation is pathetic and that his organization, is going to handle that issue of food distribution. He also said that he was proud to note that his his organization has been appointed as the lead agency for this region.
The minister's team also visited the Kanamkemer Internally Displaced Persons camp, where she promised that the government will build the houses for the I DPs and school to enable the children in the camp to get education

LOCAL NEWS – 26.9.10 - BY ZACHEAUS OTABA - PLEDGE FOR THE TURKANA PEOPLE

The member of parliament for Turkana central Hon. Ekwee Ethuro, has today defended the Turkana people by saying that it is true that, not everybody can earn a living.
Hon. Ethuro said that other Turkana people depend on wild fruits for their living.
Mr. Ethuro said that there is relief food through red cross but the World Food Programme has not yet responded. He has called upon the World Food Programme to release food to save the current pathetic situation in the Turkana region.
He admited that there is division among the people of Turkana, whereby those from Turkana North want their food through Oxfam, while those from Turkana South want their food to be channelled through Red cross society.
Speaking to the press in A.I.C Lodwar town, Ethuro accused the government for interfering with the World Food Programme plans on food release.
Commenting on the situaton of the roads, he said that the World Bank agreed to repair the Kitale-Sudan highway and reconstruct Kawalase and Kainuk bridges.
Mr. Ethuro added that it is time to iron out the existing differences that were there during the referendum campaigns, and instead come together to ensure proper implementation of the constitution.
He said that the government and the church will work together for the betterment of the people of kenya.

LOCAL NEWS - 25TH SEPT. 2010 -A NEW MONASTERY DEDICATED AT NAKWAMEKWI -by lokatur a. peter(the navigator) arkpeters@yahoo.com cell; +254 700 386 957,

The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Lodwar, His Lordship Patrick Harrington, today led a congregation of faithfuls in a special holy mass for the inauguration of a new monastery at the Risen Christ Parish Nakwamekwi. Addressing the congregation during the ceremony, His Lordship said the church loves the Turkana community and preserves it always for the best. He said the specific mission of the Augustinian Recollect Sisters of the Monastery of St. Augustine, is to live in community with one soul and one heart directed towards God. He said the sisters will live a life that is only for God and expressed through the continuous praising of the Lord, constant prayer, generous penitence, silence and enclosure which is the physical separation from external world in imitation of Christ who moved away from the multitudes so as to intercede to the father for all of the people of God.
A statement released by the Augustinian Recollect Sisters, indicated that they were called to come from Mexico to found the monastery with a contemplative charisma in the Diocese of Lodwar. It stated that God gave them 5 volunteer sisters from among their communities for the new foundation, with them 2 young aspirants from Kenya – one from Machakos and the other from Bungoma.
The new monastery was blessed and dedicated today and will begin its journey with the blessings of God and the authorization of the Holy see. The Augustinian Recollect, was founded on the 5th of December 1588 by the Chapter of the Augustinian Fathers of the province of Castilla in Spain. In Mexico, the order opened its first foundation in the city of Puebla De Los Angeles, in May 1688.

11th Sept. 2010 - TURKANA COMMUNITY NOT READY FOR A RECOUNT -By Peter Lokatur(the navigator) arkpeters@yahoo.com cell; +254 700 386 957, +254 736 383

Turkana Professionals Association has termed the decision by the Minister of State for Planning, National Development and Vision 2030 the Hon. Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya, to nullify the census results for Northern Kenya as null and void and has no effect in law.
Speaking on behalf of the Turkana community during a press conference at Splash Guest House on Saturday, the Chairman of the association Mr. Geoffrey Kaituko said that they will not accept a recount and that they will push the government to accept the census results of 2009 where Turkana population is 988,592, failure to which they will want the Minister to nullify the results of the entire country in totality pending verifications of the many inconsistencies in the current data.
Mr. Kaituko said that by cancelling the census results, Hon. Oparanya, was denying the Turkana additional resources, constituencies and awards. In so doing, he said the minister wants to continue perpetuating marginalization and poverty in Turkana for decades to come.
He further added that the Minister of State for Planning, National Development and Vision 2030 and the Director General of Kenya National Bureau of Statistics should redeem themselves by admitting their mistake to cancel some results while accepting others that have huge unexplained anomalies and said it would be honorable for them to step down.
The chairman of the association Mr. Kaituko further said that, the minister was not able to give any convincing explanation for his decision to nullify the results for the three Turkana Districts.

LOCAL NEWS - By praxides khisa and zacheaus Otaba - DROUGHT PREPAREDNESS

The Turkana community have been warned to prepare for the coming drought . The District Deputy Agricultural Officer Mr Ainea Obed said that, the Lanina drought is expected as from December this year where the Turkana people should not be much worried because they might not face a lot of challenges since they are much prepared because the place is well known for droughts.
Mr Ainea encouraged people in the region to conserve little water they have in addition to few water harvested in their areas.
Mr. Obed urged people who stay along the river Turkwel to protect the river banks, to avoid much sweeping of the soil incase it rains heavely.
On food security the officer said that although the region experiences food shortages, he called upon people to use proper control measures in preserving the little food that they have.

LOCAL NEWS - 23.09.2010 - BY ZACHEAUS OTABA AND PRAXIDES KHISA - INFANT AND YOUNG CHILD FEEDING WORKSHOP.

The Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) capacity building training for health workers continues at Golden guest house here in Lodwar. The workshop which aims at improving the feeding habits of young children in Turkana central and Turkana south has reached its fourth day. The workshop is ending on Saturday the 25th September 2010.
The district nutritionist officer for Turkana south Mrs. Regina keitany said that the training is targeting all breast- feeding mothers in Turkana because the practice is minimal in the region. However she was proud to note that her organization has experienced high improvement on breast-feeding practice and had this to say;
Mrs. Keitany added that, a total of 25 participants are attending the training, comprised of two groups 14 from the ministry of public health and 11 from world vision.
The training is sponsored by world vision and facilitated by public health. She said that they have five facilitators, three from the Turkana south and central districts and two from Rift valley province.
Mrs. Keitany reported that the team is carrying both theory and practical work, where by they visited Turkana district hospital and counseled lactating and expectant mothers.

Local News – 22.09.10 -By Munialo Macquelyne - Human trafficking workshop closed officially

International Organization of Migration (IOM) has today marked an end of its training on Counter Human Trafficking at Nawaitorong' Women Conference Center.
The workshop which was attended by 52 members from all stakeholders and various departments, ended successfully whereby all members who attended the workshop were in a position to identify those people who procure the vice in order to obtain directly or indirectly for financial or material benefit.
The workshop which was organized by IOM being an international body which deals with exploitative forms of irregular migration that violates human rights.
Speaking to Radio Akicha reporter the Chairperson of Turkana Child Protection network Mrs. Phoebe Kaaman had this to say,
The Assistant project officer of Counter Human Trafficking, Mr. David Lukiri urged the participants to revoke the issue of people recruiting either children or adults by threatening, abducting or even using forced labour as away of business for their own financial gain in the society.

LOCAL NEWS - 19. 09.2010 - BY MARY TIOKO - FULL CHURCH COMMITTEE ELECTIONS

St. Augustine's Cathedral Parish church committee held their election today in the church immediately after the mass. The election which is done after every 2 years was presided over by the Commissioned Catechist of St.Augustine's Parish Mr. Richard Epae and the outgoing Chairman Mr. Gabriel Momanyi.
The outgoing officials and incoming for the 2 year term respectively are CHAIRPERSON was Gabriel momanyi now Joseph nganga, vice was Joseph Nganga now Kenya man Eriongoa', SECRETARY was Kenya man Erionga,now Richard Ruto, VICE SECRETARY Mrs. Papina Mureithi, now Evelina Epae, TREASURER was Mrs. Evelina Nzioka who retained her post, Vice was Ruth lokol now Mrs. Miriam Amailil and organizing secretary was Mr. Peter Kebo now Lucas Wabwire.
Addressing the new committee few minutes after the elections, Catechist Richard Epae encouraged the new team to be always consulting with the Church administration especially on matters pertaining to faith so as to plan church activities well without problems. Mr. Epae urged them to be people who are honest in their work and always work as a team and involve the entire St. Augustine's Christian community in any decision making process .
Mr. Epae further encouraged the new leaders to work hard and pray always inorder to succeed and in that they can reinforce the weak small Christian communities and encourage them to participate in all sacraments of the church putting emphasis on sacrament of baptism, confession , confirmation, and matrimony.

LOCAL NEWS – 21.09.10 - BY MUNIALO MACQUELYNE - SENSITIZATION WORKSHOP ON HUMAN TRAFFICKING

International Organization for Migration (IOM) today officially opened a two day workshop on human trafficking at Nawaitorong' Center.
The training was held to sensitize all stakeholders, leaders in lodwar on various issues of human trafficking and to discuss possible strategies for countering human trafficking and smuggling as they seek to rebuild their livelihoods.
IOM's major role in this workshop is to combat human trafficking and create awareness on this vice especially targeting the most vulnerable to human trafficking by employing and exploiting victims of trafficking.
Speaking to the participants during the workshop, The Project Assistant on Counter Human Trafficking Mr. David Lukiri said that all the stakeholders with the departments concerned should mobilize the community by preventing, protecting and mitigating all cases of human trafficking in Turkana and in the region as a whole.
He further said that the issue of human trafficking has been worsened with the growing food crisis, which has resulted, rise in criminal activities and school drop outs. Many youths have become vulnerable to human trafficking and smuggling as they seek to rebuild their livelihood.

LOCAL NEWS – 19.09.2010 - BY ESINYEN PETER AND SOFARI WYCLIFFE - INSTIL DISCIPLINE AMONG THE BODABODA STAFF: CHAIRMAN SAYS

The boda boda association of Lodwar held a general meeting for all the members yesterday at loyo primary school grounds. The meeting which was organized by the Chairman of the boda boda welfare association Mr. William E. Kerio was aimed at reducing the cases of bodaboda accidents in Lodwar town and its environs. Also invited speakers were Turkana central OCS Mr. Alex Ochieng, Town Chief Mrs. Margret Lomosingo and former councilor Mr. Charles Lorogoi.The meeting that had 120 boda boda members had a lot of issues ranging from discipline of the members to Traffic rules. The chairman Mr. Kerio read the rules of the association to the members and encouraged them to follow them. He also reminded the members to renew their licenses and Registration of the motor bikes.
The guest speakers touched on the traffic rules,issues of self discipline, cleanliness, and above all drunkenness and smoking while driving was prohibited. The guests also cautioned the members not to Over speed and overload while carrying passengers. Every motorist was advised to wear a helmet, licensed and the motorbike should be insured. Speaking to radio Akicha reporters the boda boda chairman Mr. William E. Kerio said that 4 members have already been registered and members have until next week to register.
Mr. Kerio also added that charges for any registered motorbike and member who will be found guilty of an offense will be liable for a fine of 500/= or removed completely from the association.

Local sports - by zacheaus otaba - EARTH MOVERS WIN MAMA MZUNGU CU

The finals for mama mzungu cup have been held today at the Lodwar mixed play ground, where Earth movers played down state side 3-0.
Stanley Ngige netted the first score at the 17th minute of the first half while Francis Erukudi poured the second and the third scores at the 76th and the 86th minute consecutively.
It forced the referee David Lotulia to give a break to the match to converse with the team manager for state sides Pius Ruto and team coach for earth movers Joseph Eduhula about his security in the field after feeling that he has been threatened.
On the other hand Kanamkemer played Nakwameki at Lodwar prisons ground.The league organizer , Peter Kebo said that the marches started on 9th September, and the theme was sports for development, growing together in unity.At Bishop Mahon centre Nawoitorong played down Kanamkemer 12- 6 in Netball, while soweto walked over Nakwams 3-0 sets in volley ball boys.Kanamkemer found its way over Napetet by playing them 22-2 in Basket ball.Various prizes are to be awarded to the best players and teams, which ranges from the cup to monetary.

LOCAL NEWS – 18.09.2010 - BY SIMON KABUE, WYCLIFFE SOFARI AND PRAXIDES KHISA - CATHOLIC MEN WORKSHOP HELD

Catholic Men Association of St. Augustine's cathedral parish today held a one day workshop which brought together 25 members from St. Mary's Lodaraja, St. Michael Napetet, Risen Christ Nakwamekwei and the Host St. Augustine's Cathedral parish members.
The workshop which was facilitated by Adult Education assistant co-ordinator Mr. Philip Lobur and co- facilitated by Commisioned Catechist Richard Epae of St. Augustine's Cathedral Parish aimed at introducing CMA, it's constitution, spirituality, sacramental life and self reliance.
The objectives of the workshop was to unite catholic men, evangelise the gospel, promote catholic faith, religion and also to provide means of co-operation among the catholics and others.
Speaking during the workshop Mr. Lobur urged men to be the role models as they are the heads of their families. He added that they ought to participate in prayers and educate christians so as they proclaim the word of God. Mr. Lobur also requested men to join the Catholic Mens Association to boost their MOTTO “Good Family Good Church “ and their VISION Eternal Life of Humanity. He urged all Men preparing for commissioning to register with them.

LOCAL NEWS – 19.9.10 - BY MARY TIOKO - PRAYER PERFORMS WONDERS: BISHOP SAYS

The christian community of St. Augustine's Cathedral Parish were today encouraged to pray always in their daily lives so as not to fall into temptation. Speaking during his homily, His lordship Bishop Patrick Harrrington emphasized on the importance of Prayer in a christian life. His Lordship Patrick Harrington informed the congregation to reflect on the holy scriptures when always attending mass especially by participating in it lively and putting it into practice in their day to day lives.
His lordship said that people can do everything in the world but without prayer all will be in vain, Jesus himself showed us how to pray by giving us the lords prayer and expects us to always open our hands and pray. His lordship gave the christians faithfuls several incidences from the gospels when Jesus prayed in his ministry and he futher mentioned that prayer appears in these gospels 63 times stressing the importance of prayer!Bishop Patrick Harrington said that Jesus prayed especially before making important decisions , before performing miracles , before choosing the twelve disciples, before his death and he always prayed that the will of God will be done .
His lordship encouraged the christians to pray for their neighbours and be confident when they pray for the loving father in heaven hears our prayers and he is always there to listen to us when we pray.
His lordship said that Prayer is powerful, essential, and difficult especially when people are waylaid down by troubles of the world but when one prays he or she regains the strength of continuing with his or her work. Looking at our beloved country as per now, His lordship said that we need prayers so as to go through the restructuring process with ease and choose leaders of high integrity , honest and God fearing. His Lordship informed the christians of the opening next week of the St. Augustine's Monastry for five nuns which is situated at Risen Christ Nakwamekwei whose work will be solely to pray for christians to be strong in their faith and christ who is our way, our truth and our light.

LOCAL NEWS - 15TH 09 2010 - BY PETER ESINYEN - NO ESCAPE, BODA BODA DRIVER FACES FACTS

A motorist knocked and injured an old woman today in the morning near youngstar Highway. The victim was rushed to Lodwar District Hospital for treatment and the motorist who tried to escape the angry mob was rescued by Boda boda Technical Adviser who arrived at the scene immediately.
According to the eye witness, the victim was crossing the road when the motorist that was in ahigh speed knocked her down living her unconscious.
The boda boda spokesman Mr. Alemu John who was also around the scene said that all motorists should observe the rules that were implimented on August so as to evade road accidents.

LOCAL NEWS – 14.9.10 - SPORTS FOR PEACE TRAINING - BY SOFARI WICLIFFE AND KABUE SIMON

IKV. PAX CHRISTI held its annual meeting of peace today at St. Teresa pastrol centre with its member from Kenya, Sudan and Uganda.
IKV.PAX CHRISTI which sponsors SOPA{seed of peace africa}was formed in 2006 in kuron sudan due to conflict within the three coutries, the aim of SOPA is to stop cattle rustling among the ethinc groups that depend on livestock these are Turkana, Karamoja, Marille,Toposa and others along the borders of these countries.
Speaking to Akicha reporters, the facilitator Mr. Meindert Korevaar from Holand said that the organization is targeting youths from the three countries through sports. MR. korevaar further said that they tried the system in kuron sudan and it worked giving them motivation to go to other neighbouring countries.
The facilitator aims at bringing hope to the youths and uniting them for the purpose of curbing cattle rustling through sports.
One of the participants Mr. Wycliffe said that he was really impressed with the work of the organization and was hoping that the formation of the organization is going to bring youth together and transform them socially.
The participants were engaged in brainstorming session of small group discussions so as to get a solution to curb cattle rustling that has caused many lives among our boarders.

LOCAL NEWS – 11.9.10 - BY MARY TIOKO - 2 PERISH IN A ROAD ACCIDENT

The vehicle coming from Ille springs on Lodwar Kalokol road lost control when avoiding to knock a ditch and knocked a tree instead killing 2 people a driver and the passenger on the spot. The Double cab Hilux Registration number KAD 385Y that was involved in the Accident had four people on board. The bodies of the two people a man and woman are in the Lodwar district Mortuary and the two survivors also a man and a woman are in Lodwar District Hospital for treatment. The accident happened today afternoon about 5 kilometers to Lodwar Town. Akicha Reporters who were on the ground will give update in our news as soon as we receive more details on the cause of the accident.

LOCAL NEWS – 28.8.10 - BY MARY TIOKO - AKICHA LAUNCHES NEW PROGRAMMES IN STYLE

The 99.5 FM presented the talent show that involves various groups from st. Augustine's cathedral parish ranging from missionary children from St. michael Napetet, St. Augustine's missionary children especially from the programme watoto Jumamosi who presented various items ranging from Poems and songs.The upcoming local artist had a platform during the launching and most of them expressed their talents in songs and drama where they did a role play on the Logo of Akicha Radio, 'bringing light to the people'. The youth and the Adults who witnessed the launch had a lot to learn from the ceremony as they heard themselves live from Bishop Mahon Centre.The St. Augustine's first mass choir presented Turkana folk songs which were sung in unison by both male and female Turkana artists. The Local artist who participated in the event were awarded prizes.The climax of the ceremony was graced by the Bishop's Message which was read By the Manageress Mary Tioko when he spoke of the vision and mission of Radio Akicha. He said that the main aim of Radio Akicha was to bring light to the people. In all dimensions . Radio Akicha will continue to inform, educate and entertain the people of Turkana now that the coverage has increased to areas that were not reached earlier. The management wishes all those who helped in one way or another God's blessings.

LOCAL NEWS - 10.09.10 - BY MARY TIOKO - CATHOLIC CHURCH ASSISTANTS WORKSHOP HELD

The workshop for central deanary for the Church assistants was held at St.Teresa Pastoral centre. The workshop which was facilitated by Fr. Gregory was aimed at helping the church assistants to get knowledge of running church activities. Speaking to the Akicha Reporter, Fr. Gregory said that the most targeted groups are the the youth, the couples, and the catechists group among others.
The participants of the workshop were drawn from seven parishes among them were Kerio parish, St. Augustine, Lorugum, Turkwel, Holy family kanamkemer,St. Gabriel Kangatosa.
Shading light on the workshop , one of the participant said that it has been their desire as the central deanary to have the training inorder to help the catechism group so as to see them growing up in their faith and church involvement as a whole and have a feeling of worth as they partake their duties as Catholic Christians. The facilitator Fr. Gregory also said that they are hoping that the teaching is going to help them grow spiritually as teachers of faith in the catholic Church.
The participants learned a lot and still desire to be taught more in the spiritual field next time so as to keep in touch with more especially Catechism of the Catholic Church and reach out to the rest of the Denearies in the Diocese for better evangelisation.

LOCAL NEWS - 9TH 09 2010 CRAFT DEVELOPERS TRAINING - BY PETER ESINYEN AND WYCLIFFE SOFARI

The developers training is taking place in Lydia Center which is acentre of the Diocese of Lodwar. The training started with a lot of participants injected from the diocese of lodwar. The training is aimed to help the Turkana youth especially the jobless to use the most available resouces, re-cycle them to come up with final and profitable products, market them within the local market in lodwar and outside lodwar towns like Nairobi, Kakuma, Lokichoggio and other big towns within kenya. Bemos craft developers is mainly based in Nairobi, kibera slums.The technical idea of the training is given to the youth within the larger Turkana Region so as to develop local skills of using the most locally available materials and resouces to earn a living. Bemos craft is partnered with Turkana Pastorlist Development Organisation (TOPADO) where it was linked to lodwar through the Managing Director Bemos Craft Lodwar Mr. Ben Omondi. Lodwar region is known to have a lot of bones within the local butcheries which are sold at Ksh.50 per bone and also generates the second income to them. Some of the outproducts after the process are kitchen accessories, office accessories, house accessories, candle holders and napkin holders. So far, the workers from the Bemos Craft have been receiving Ksh. 13,000 as salaries and the least pocketing Ksh. 3000 per month. The payments depend on market of the products.

Local News – 08.09.10 - BY MUNIALO MACQUELYNE - Wadach outstation officially opened

His Lordship Bishop Patrick Harrington who was accompanied by the Administrator of St. Augustine's Cathedral Parish, Fr. Francis Teo has officially opened St. Mary Magdalene's Catholic Church in Wadach today. Mary Magdalene's is the fifth outstation under St. Augustine Cathedral. The church which has been under construction for two years and now was set free for the community with celebrations all over .
Speaking while addressing the congregation, Bishop Harrington thanked the sponsors from America, the priests who have joined hands with the church members and the community at large for the efforts made towards the completion of the church.
He further urged the faithfulls to be persistent in prayers in order to build their relationship with God.
The faithfuls were so jovial and excited since they have been waiting for so long to have an outstation of their own at their place.
In spite of having many parts needed to be given a church on their own in Turkana, Wadach community termed the day's celebrations as a blessing to them from God

8.9.10 - LOCAL NEWS - BY MARY TIOKO - INTERNATIONAL LITERACY DAY CELEBRATION

The literacy day that had the theme of Literacy empowers people was organised at Nakapongoroit in Nakwamekwei village in Lodwar for this year. The event which was organised by the stakeholders , Share international, Diocese of Lodwar, Governament of Kenya, Association of Pastors fellowship, Turkana Education for All, Child fund, Literacy evangelical bureau among others. The Guest of honour , the District Officer 1 of Central Mr. Levi Senoga read the speech for the day from the Minister of Education Hon. Sam Ongeri and encouraged the people to go to school so as to Eradicate the illiteracy levels in the district and in so doing empowering the people in the District. Speaking also in the celebration the District Adult Education officer Mr. Dominic Ngoko said that the district is previledge to have more Adult Education teachers posted in the area than others . The Government recruited more 20 Adult Education teachers in the Turkana. Mr. Ngoko added that they had made a request of more 100 teachers in the next allocation which will boost the working force and also open more new ares that can give room for the people to access the services. He thus urged the Part time and Full time teachers in Government and other teaching force like the Diocesan staff, Share and churches to mobilise the illiterate group to join the literacy Classes.Touching on the enrolment for this year , Mr. Ngoko said that the number of women in the classes is more than men posing a great challenge to men. In the climax of the celebration ,the candidates who passed the proficiency test were awarded the Proficiency certificates by the D.O.1 Mr. Levi Senoga

LOCAL NEWS – 6.9.10 - BY PETER ESINYEN AND SOFARI WYCLIF - BACK TO SCHOOL

Students and pupils within Lodwar have streamed in shops and bookshops to fill the remaining gaps in their shoppings and some in full school uniforms ready to board their buses to various schools. In this, Shops in Lodwar town have experienced high sales and profits .
According to the report sampled by the Akicha reporters as they went around shops in Lodwar town,a shopkeeper at western Kanamkemer said that a lot of sales have been experienced this holiday as compared to the last holiday, but he commended that the prices are the same compared to the previous one.
At Kilimanjaro mini market,one of the attendants said that the most selling products are sugar and stationary among others, he further said that the price is the same as last holiday but customers have increased in their demand in school items.
Though the government has set aside 9 billion shillings for high school and other public School, parents were seen queuing at the banking halls for the deposition and withdraw of money purposely for school fees.
As the school opens,parents hope that the high demand for stationary will not give the shopkeepers an opportunity to increase prices of the highly demanded products.

LOCAL NEWS – 5.9.10 - BY MARY TIOKO -11 RECEIVED IN THE CATHOLIC WOMEN ASSOCIATION

The christian faithfuls of St. Augustine's cathedral received new members in a mass Animated by St. Stephen Holiday youth. Speaking in his homily, Fr. Simon Mutai received the women after along preparation from Sr.Adelide who is from Sisters of Mary and deals with pastoral work in the Parish.
The priest urged the women to follow the example of St. Monica so as they can continously pray for their children so that they can be transformed and follow the example of St. Augustines who changed from a bad person toan evangelist . Quoting St. Paul,Fr. Mutai encouraged the christian faithfuls to emulate his example of self sacrifice and commitment in following christ and in him the gospel of christ reached various places.
He Blessed students and pupils and gave them words of encouragement and informed them that they are ambassadors of christ wherever they go. He once again commissioned the 11 women to catholic women Association under the patronage of St. Monica who is their pillar and urged them to be women of prayer just like Monica.
He encouraged them to pray as christ will be there to guide them and protect them always. Fr. Mutai also gave a warning for those who always receive the holy communion without receiving the necessary instructions as required by the catholic Church that they do it at their own risk.
Elsewhere, St. Stephen youth group had a back to school party organised in honour of those going back to school to bid bye to their fellow colleagues and also got advise from the Church committee and the catechist as they go back to school.

LOCAL NEWS – 2.9.10 - SPORTS AT KERIO ZONE

The following teams participated in Kerio division tournament;kerio,Eliye springs,nadoto,kangatosa,lorengelup and nakurio.all the above teams played volleyball but Eliye and nakurio managed to get up to the finals whereby Nakurio won by beating eliye springs two sets by one.in football kerio and eliye springs managed also to reach to the finals,whereby kerio thrushed Eliye springs by beating them four goals by one and won the trophy.the closing ceremony was attended by Festus Erukudi lorogoi and all headteachers in kerio zone led by their chairman mr.patrick eregae samal.
All teams that participated were given balls except kerio,Nakurio and Eliye springs which got uniforms.Games were conducted well by bishop mahon referees,and the welfare part was seriously taken careof by the kerio youth chairman Mr.Wilson korima.

LOCAL NEWS – 30.8.10 - BY MARY TIOKO -RCEA YOUTH HOLIDAY CAMP AT LOKORI

The Northern youth convention conference which was held from the 24-29/8/2010 at the RCEA Lokori secondary school ended on 29/8/10. The workshop which was organised by RCEA pastors and world Vision Kenya was officially opened by NCCK Turkana treasurer Rev. Samwel Ekales and assisted by the host pastor from Lokori Jimmy Lomulen. Speaking to Akicha reporter on Phone Rev. Samwel Ekales said that the main theme of the workshop was from the scripture of Jeremiah 23: 29 which says that God;s message is a fire and like a hammer breaks rocks in pieces. The convention brought together 600 youths from the larger Turkana region ranging from Central,south and the North.The RCEA Parishes represented were Lokori which was the host led by pastor Jimmy Lomulen, Lodwar which was led by Rev. Samwel Ekales, Lokichar youth led by Philip Esinyen who is also Northern Presbyterian Moderator, Katilu youth were led by Rev. Sammy Kimeli and Marich youth were led by Rev. Ben Loreng who is also Northern Presbyterian Deputy moderator. The conference which was also attended by the evangelists was officially closed by RCEA general secretay Rev. Samson Akoru and assisted by the Northern Presbytery Moderator Philip Esinyen. The pastors encouraged the youth to be people of high integrity in both church activities and the country at large as they will be leaders of tomorrow and put the words of Prophet Jeremiah into practice as they prepare to go back to their schools.

LOCAL NEWS – 29.8.10 - BY MARY TIOKO - BUILD YOUR FAMILIES: PRIEST SAYS

The christians faithfuls of St. Augustine's parish received spiritual nourishment from the Parish Administrator Fr. Francis Teo and the parish assistant priest Fr. Simon Mutai. Speaking during the blessing of the marriage couples, Fr. Teo advised the couples who renewed their marrriage vows to work toward reuniting the broken marrages. The function also was characterised with the commissioning of the marriage council where 10 couples were chosen to become the committee which will be counseling the families in their journeys of life. The main objective of this council is to heal the families that are affected by the various troubles of the world. The other responsibility is to educate the families on the morals of the church and family life and to crown it all, offer seminars on family issues. The Priest also spoke of the patron saint St. Augustine and advised the christians to emulate the example of st. Augustines and convert ourselves from the unpleasing ways and turn to God in prayer, He thus encouraged the mothers to emulate the example of St. Monica who did not tire to pray for her son Augustine and that led to his conversion. Fr. Teo said that we can also be transformed from our bad dids and become great evangelisers of the word just like Augustino. Fr. Teo when advising the couples he told them to pray always for their children so as they can emulate the good role model: “Augustine.”.