Electricity:

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Health:
The risks of delivering at home Page 5

Just how bad is the slum situation? Page 3

Issue 10 June - July 2012

KIBERA MIRROR
Real life stories from the slums

They claim the government has failed to resettle them, so theyre heading to a neighbouring country to try to claim their rights
By The Mirror Team

Out in the cold

Forgotten IDPs from Kibera trekking to Uganda

As the world was recently celebrating World Refugee Day, a group of internally displaced people (IDPs) from Kibera determined to be declared refugees by the United Nations High Commission for Refugees is heading to Uganda. Like the biblical story of Moses and the Israelites, they are trekking hundreds of miles to a neighbouring country in the hope that things will be better on the other side of the border. They claim the Kenyan government does not want to resettle them four years after the post-election violence. If they make it to the Busia Border with Uganda, they will have trekked 430 kilometres. To reach forgotten Kibera IDPs, we travelled to Naivasha where we caught up with the group of 109 families a few kilometres from the town at Kabati along the Nairobi- Nakuru highway. They had pitched camp after covering slightly over 100 kilometres on foot. The harsh reality of life as an IDP immediately hit us making living in the slum we had left in Nairobi earlier on seem like a luxury. It was just a few minutes after 9 a.m. and the group had converged for morning prayers and a roll call. No breakfast was being served. We later learn that they had not eaten anything for three days after a good Samaritan supplied them with milk and bread. Their spokesman Evans Mwangi who was living in Kianda before the violence leaves the group and comes to meet us between the rows of tents made from gunny bags He tells us that when the violence broke out in 2007, they were taken to Jamhuri Show Ground. But when the government started relocating others, they were told to wait. Thats where things started going wrong. On Jan 25, 2008 we were suddenly acContinued on page 6

A one-year-old baby sits outside his familys makeshift tent at Kabati in Naivasha as his grandmother Julia Njeri watches. Their family which was living in Kianda is part of the 109 families of internally displaced people (IDPs) from Kibera who are trekking to Uganda claiming the government has failed to resettle them. Photo:Kizito Nadebu

Residents walk for peace

By Owino Paul
With the general election just months away, thousands of residents turned up for a peace walk on June 9. The walk started at the DC Social Grounds passing through seven villages and finally culminating in a peace rally at Undugu Grounds in Silanga. The organisers of the event, Coaliation of Young leaders said the aim was to promote peacefull coexistence be-

tween the people of Kibera so as to prevent a repeat of 2007. We cannot sit back and watch Kibera being washed away again because peace affects everyone in the society. Said Moses Odhiambo, the groups chairman. Speaking During the event the OCPP of Jamhuri Police Post advised the youth to stay clear of tribal politics and embrace good leadership skills when they are still young. Continued on page 4

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Kibera Mirror: Issue 10

OPINION
In eight months, the country would be holding its first election under the new constitution. Just as it happens in other election years, the country is already in election mood. Though it is against the law to start campaigning this early politicians have started criss-crossing the country looking for votes. For the first time Kibera is also set to be a constituency on its own. The residents are upbeat about it as it would bring essential social services closer to the people and having a member of parliament who will push the agenda of the people living in slums in parliament. However, the ghosts of 2007 are still haunting us. The ministry of special programs says that a total of 663,921 people were displaced when Kenya witnessed its worst form of election violence since independence. Another 1,300 lost their lives. These events changed the lives of the people who lost their loved ones or were turned into IDPs forever. Children were left without parents; families lost their sources of lively hood while others lost everything they ever had. To date some of the IDPs have never ben resettled and others fear returning back to their homes and in the slums some of this homes were taken over by other people. The IDPs from Kibera who are walking to Uganda because they have not been resettled are just an example of how a moment of insanity can ruin the entire lives of a generation. One child Benson Musomba died without ever knowing what the term home means because he spent his entire life in camps. If you come to think of it the politicians we were killing each other for were probably sitting pretty in their villas located in upmarket residences watching it all unfold on TV as if it was happening in another country. The same politicians have turned their backs on the IDPs while some have started using the issue as a campaign platform for the coming general election. Kibera was the epicentre of the violence witnessed so for a moment think of what you saw during that moment and ask yourself whether the images in your mind amaze you. Do they? Do images of burning houses, looting, children crying or policemen shooting at people make you smile? Violence affects each one of us in one way or the other. We should all be involved in preserving peace. The number of people who turned up for the Kibera peace walk on June 9 is a positive step. However in matters of peace it all comes down to an individuals mindset. If it happens again this year we would be back to square one. You cannot estimate how many people will be affected. It is up to us.

We welcome letters on topical issues or the stories we publish and comments on kiberamirror@gmail.com. You can also drop them at our office at SHOFCO Community Centre, Gatekwera

We must never Wycliffe Ayaka Omondi allow a repeat of Can we ever break this jinx of life in the slums or are we doomed? 2007
Having been raised in Kibera slums I believe living in slums is a soul destroying experience. But one question lingers in my mind, is it a curse from our creator or our own gods? These gods are a small elite group of Kenyans who only think about themselves and because of the deeply entrenched roots of corruption in our society, they easily get away. The result is a society with ten millionaires and millions of people just trying to get by. These gods control everything from the economy to politics. They can increase the price of petrol, maize flour, rent, fare and depreciate the Kenyan Shilling at the touch of a button. But they are into us, we adore them blindly because of their promises they make to us not knowing they are controlling us for their own self-interests. But a slum dweller by birth like me who is used to the daily life activities that take place in this hell on earth since childhood will never complain because we are meant to believe that you cant fight this gods. Its like an antelopes calf fighting the Cheetah to rescue her mother from being eaten; this may appear bizarre if not a downright stupidity if you want to fight the gods. To their children electricity is by clicking a switch, the toilet is in the house and they have never slept hungry. I want you to visualize one day that you live in one of these slums in Nairobi that we do not like to see or talk about. Imagine at dinner time a charcoal jiko is cooking a plate of food which all family members with empty stomachs are waiting eagerly to share and after that they immediately go to sleep early just to save the kerosene for the next day. Have you ever imagined sharing a pit latrine? Not with your family members but with almost 100 households. Sounds of gun shots are a normal thing at night as innocent lives continue to be lost as criminals look for something to eat. Imagine seeing an underage girl selling her body for 50 shillings so that she can buy flour for her family that consists of her HIV positive mother and four other younger siblings. Their dad had passed away when they were still young because of illicit brew. Child Prostitution is not a controversial topic here since its normal to see young girls entangle with aged men almost their fathers age engaging in sex. One is exposed to hundreds of hazards daily. If one doesnt die from preventable diseases such as AIDS, Tuberculosis or Cholera, one dies from a stray bullet from a policeman or from drinking the lethal illicit brew. All these are not curses from God, I contest. We have put ourselves into this situation since we keep on doing the same thing over and over. As Professor Makau Mutua puts it we are like an abused spouse who keeps on rushing back into the arms of the batterer and pray that the vicious cycle of abuse will end. Are we forever going to be victims of death in oil spills? Are our mothers, sisters and daughters going to be victims of rape forever? Were we meant to die of the killer diseases? Are we forever going to be loved during elections because of our large numbers and dumped for another four years? Are we forever going to be paid to vote? It seems our politicians know how to play with our psychology very well. It is like when a baby cries and you give it something to distract it. They are using our poverty against us always filling us with empty promises that they know they will never fulfill. And because they know just how poor we are, they know how to shut down our mouths every time we complain. They give our women free maize flour and money. They even know we do not have clothes so they give us T-shirts with their faces on them that we wear announcing to the whole world how good they are. Margaret Mead, an American cultural anthropologist once said Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. This is what is happening to us slum dwellers we have accepted to be dominated and nobody will ever remove us from this bondage of oppression. I have to stop writing so that I can save the paraffin for tomorrow. However I just want you to ask yourself. Is this the curse that your children will pass through? Will your grandchildren ever see the promise land? It all comes down to you.

abused spouse who keeps on rushing back into the arms of the batterer while praying that the vicious cycle of abuse will end.
Makau Mutua

We are like an

Quote of the Month

Faith is taking the first step even when you dont see the whole staircase
Martin Luther King Jr.
A publication of Shining Hope For Communities
Vincent Achuka The Team Josephine Gisesa,Godwin Oyindo, Beth Aseda, Nancy Akinyi, Sylvia Nekesa, David Otieno, Isaac Gomba, Kizito Nadebu, Nicodemus Odalo, John Okewa, George Bush, Paul Owino Technical assistance Dan Whipple& Kathleen Bogan E-mail: kiberamirror@gmail.com

Return our country back

Kenyans seem to have finally realized that it is them who own this country. It is very evident from the vigorous media campaigns hence the new name in town Mwenyeinchi that is set to replace the clich Mwananchi which has in the past been used to refer to the regular Joes in the society. We usually say that it is never too late but this is a little late for us. We realized this when our political leaders had already shined in their games and thus we have very few options to use to turn the equation. As much as we call ourselves the owners of this beautiful state of Kenya, we are still far from owning it. The only option Kenyans are left with to change this country into their own is only through the ballot. This also seems almost impossible from the current political waves that we are witnessing. It is like we are still dreaming of a better future and doing nothing about it. Dreams can only be experienced in sleep but can be turned into reality if we work towards achieving them. Among the Undeserving honourables are a few famous big men in Kenya we call leaders whom leadership has been handed down to like in Monarchs. We have let them act like the actual owners of the country. Just ask yourself a simple question. Why it is that most of our politicians are the sons of the former politicians? Can somebody tell me if our countrys leadership is hereditary? Is it written anywhere that if your father or uncle was once a leader then you have the qualities of leadership that he had? As radio presenter Caroline Mutoko recently wrote in the star newspaper that every man lives up to his fathers dreams or tries to make up for his fathers mistakes. Our politicians have failed on this and we want our country back.

We need to do something about the changaa problem

I would like to commend the Kibera Mirror for highlighting the issue of illicit brews in Kibera. It is very disheartening that most of the families in the Slums are broken apart because of alcohol and no one wants to do anything about it. Schools run side by side with Changaa dens and as people complain about the state of poverty around the slums they seem to forget that most of the money ends up in alcohol. Though most would argue that this is the only way to reduce the stress of life in these conditions it is also a sure way of reducing your life span. I welcome the announcement by the government made recently when it said it would ensure that all bars and clubs within 200 metres from any school would be closed. I am still wondering how they would do it in the slums

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Kibera Mirror: Issue 10

PAGE 3

Power to the people

Children read using a kerosene lamp in a house without electricity. The high cost of getting electricity connection in slums has caused most of the people to opt for tapped electricity which is much cheaper albeit dangerous.

In other parts of the country you would be arrested just for attempting to do it but here using tapped electricity is not a big deal. Almost everyone is doing it.
thing to do every day. I even have a family who rely on what I earn from here said Mwangi an employee of Sulhe from Line Saba who we found chatting with his friends chewing khat. Illegal power connections have in the recent times moved from the slum to surrounding estates within Kibera like at Olympic. Some business men have liaised with corrupt officers from the Kenya power company who tap power for them from transformers. The officers then collect money from them at the end of every month at a flat rate of 500 shillings per month. The power we get from them has high voltage and can run five shaving machines, a water coil, play music, drive blow dryers and this fridge as opposed to that from the cartels shared by many people. Says a barber at Olympic bus terminus who requested we withhold his name for fear of victimization. According to the Kenya Power company the cost of getting electric connection is 35,000 shillings for customers within a 600 metre radius of a transformer. Customers beyond the 600 metres have to share the cost of connection. The Word Bank estimates that it takes approximately 163 days to get electricity connection for an applicant in Kenya who has successfully passed through the four basic procedures of electricity connection application including a sight inspection by power officials. In Kibera though, it can be done within a matter of hours as long as you have paid the required fee. The cartels who have been christened Kibera Power Company only supply you with the live wire and then you have to connect the earth wire on your own. Because of supply exceeding demand, most of the households operate with very low voltages that result in very dim bulbs. To prevent this some minimise the number of electrical appliances operating at the same time in order to maximise the remaining voltage to one appliance. When I want to watch news, I have to switch off the light because the power is very low, laments Mbithi from Lindi. Anyway I prefer it this way because these people just need 30 minutes to supply power and they are pocket friendly. Kenya power will take over a month and a lot of money before I see light in this house. he added. Some locals have even devised a method of increasing the voltage by dipping the earth wire in water filled trenches. This has resulted in occasional electrocution of drunkards who urinate on fences made of iron sheets and little children who might be left unattended by their parents. Just recently during the rainy season a six year old girl was electrocuted in Gatwekera. My daughter just came from school then left to play. I was shocked when her siblings called me that she was stuck on an electric wire. I dont have electricity myself and have personally pleaded with these people on several occasions to raise these lines. The rich have killed my daughter lamented her mother when we talked to her. Most of the fire breakouts in Kibera have also been caused by electrical faults. The latest one was in March this year when hundreds of houses were razed by a fire that destroyed goods of unknown value. The fires can be caused by transformer explosions, low voltages and electric surges. The immediate cause of these is overloading. A single transformer serves hundreds and probably thousands more than the number of people it is supposed to be serving. Aware that blackouts can happen anytime some consumers have devised a very clever method of surviving. They subscribe to several lines so that if one gets a blackout, they switch to another one immediately oblivious of the danger they are exposing themselves to After trying unsuccessfully to do away with illegal connections through operations to disconnect illegal electricity, Kenya Power appears keen to solve the problem by providing a cheaper alternative for the people of Kibera. The company has already rolled out a pilot project to connect 65,000 customers to legitimate power supply by the end of 2012 at a total cost of 195 million shillings. The customers will be required to pay only 1,600 shillings for domestic consumers and 2,500 for small commercial businesses.

Photo:file

By Nicodemus Odalo and John P. Okewa

You might have seen the numerous wires that criss-cross the rusty roofs and across some streets and alleys in Kibera. For first time visitors, they look like cloth hanging lines. But beneath them are tales of death, fires, exploding transformers and electrocutions. These are the sad tales of illegal power connections in Kibera where almost everyone uses illegally acquired electricity exposing the extent to which the residents can go in order to access basic social services. Unfortunately, it seems the Kenya Power Company cant help but watch as people try to find solutions for themselves. This business is run by two groups; well off individuals who genuinely acquire power then distribute to others at exorbitant rates. Another group is corrupt Kenya Power officers who tap power to some cartels who distribute it and remit some returns to them at the end of every month. Oblivious of the danger they are exposing themselves to through illegal connections; the commu-

nity has also accepted this as a way of life. Households, Churches, businesses and some community based organizations are just but some of their worthy customers. The Kenya power company says the situation in Kibera has led to huge commercial losses amidst safety concerns with numerous fires being caused by electric faults. In a report presented by Shahid Mohammad the General Manager on slum electrification, the company says it loses up to 60 million shillings annually. The report faults Slum lords who tap from Kenya Power lines and distribute further using non -standard methods. Sulhe from Makina is one such electricity slum lord with a customer base running to hundreds of consumers from Makina to even as far as Laini Saba. I supply about 700 households with electricity and each one of them pays 400 shillings. Anyone who fails, I immediately disconnect his power supply. He says wiping droplets of sweat from his face He has even hired some young men to do the installations and collect the bills on his behalf. The youths earn 100 shillings

from each household they collect money from leaving me with roughly 200,000 shillings monthly. He says. Suhle genuinely acquired power and is now making thousands by distributing it illegally and even brags of creating employment to the youths. Our boss is just doing what the government has failed to do through the slum electrification program. He has employed us and now I have some

It takes approximately 163 days to get electricity connection for an applicant through Kenya power. In Kibera though, it can be done within a matter of minutes as long as you have paid the required fee.

Residents urged to protect the rights of children with disabilities

By Peter Ombedha
The District Officer of Laini Saba Hesbon Kayasi has urged parents of children with disabilities not to hide them but to appreciate them and seek professional help in taking care of their special needs. The DC was speaking during the commemoration of the Day of the African Child in Kibera on June 15 at Salvation Army Church Bombolulu. It is time that teachers also learnt techniques on how to deal with children with disabilities. The DC said urging the community not to abuse the rights of the people with disabilities and report anyone suspected of abusing these rights. If you see a parent who has tied her child in the house because he is disabled, that parent is breaking the law and should be reported to the nearest police station. He said. Just like in many parts of the country it is common to see those who are disabled being locked up in seclusion in Kibera as many parents think it is embarrassing to have a disabled child. Also speaking during the celebration, Teresa Anyango a member of Haki Self Help Group said being born with a disability is a plan of God and the society should learn to accept the disabled and treat them as fellow human beings. Some of us like me were not crippled when we were born, but when I was four years I lost the ability to walk but it does not mean my life stopped. Does this mean I am not a human being? She asked. I know of some people who call me some names to refer to my condition or some parents who blame each other if they get a child with a disability which is very wrong. She went on. She urged parents with children with disabilities to strive and provide them with a good education, food and health which are the most important things to any child. The celebration was organized by Haki Self Help Group in conjunction with Charitable Children Institution (CCI). In attendance were children with disabilities from all the schools in Kibera accompanied by their parents and teachers. A sizeable crowd of members of the public also attended. CCI and Haki Self Help Group provided snacks for the children in attendance.

Baraka Za Ibrahimu High School Band entertain the crowd during celebrations to mark the day of the African Child on June 15 at Bombolulu
Photo: Peter Ombedha

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Kibera Mirror: Issue 10

Pic speak
Slum residents have a fear for bulldozers because they are only seen when there is a demolition. This boy however just wanted to relax under its belly oblivious of the danger he was exposing himself to.

The message of peace was clear during the Kibera peace walk. However it seems these motorcycle riders seem to have forgotten the traffic rules in the process

We do not have springs in Kibera so the next guess would be this is a pipe that has been tapped into. Talk of things man can do to get water.

Common slum problem turns into a cash cow

George Wanja of Waruku 2 Progressive youth group pulling a handcart after a round of garbage collection. The group later sorts out plastics from the garbage and sell them to plastic recyclers.
Photo: David Otieno

Business Mirror

Residents walk for peace

From page 1 Youths are the foundation of this nation. Tomorrow depends on you, he posed a challenge to the youths present. The area chief, Ali Mbugua in his speech told parents to stop pointing accusing fingers at the youth whenever there is violence when some of them also contribute to the problem through their actions. We all have a part to play in matters of peace He said. He also cautioned the youth against being used by politicians to cause chaos. In 2007 Kibera was the epicentre of the violence that rocked Kenya after the results of the general election were announced. During the event no one was allowed to talk politics including the politicians who attended the event.

Instead of blaming the government for not providing jobs, innovative youth from Waruku have employed themselves as garbage collectors for the slum making good money in the process and at the same time promoting a cleaner enviroment
By David Otieno
As Kibera is still grappling with serious garbage disposal issues, 15 kilometres away a group of youth see garbage as a blessing in disguise. On the western part of Nairobi in Waruku slums, a group of 25 like-minded youth have turned garbage collection to an income-generating activity. To curb the idea of idleness which might lead to abusing drugs,

robbing or engaging in other negative activities as youths, we formed a 25-member group back in the year 2008, said Felix Inuani, an official of the Waruku 2 Progressive when interviewed by the Mirror at their office in Waruku slums. Felix, who has been part of the youth group ever since it started, told us how they normally collect garbage all over the slum and turn it to cash. At first when we started many residents thought we were not going to make it, but ever since we were very determined and believed that whatever we were doing would one day bear fruits. We never gave up and I am now glad we have managed, said the soft speaking Felix. A year later, Waruku youth group gained momentum as they were now welcomed by the community. they then liaised with the Nairobi City Council, which came to their aid to educate and sensitize the community about keeping the environment clean. The city council also helped them to talk to the landlords in order to allow them collect garbage in their plots. Indeed we really offered to work voluntarily with hope that someday our hardwork shall pay, added Horace Kola

aka Ace, the innovation chairman. Due to their hardwork, dedication and determination, local NGO Maji na Ufanisi agreed to partner with the Waruku Youths. They helped in purchasing the wheelbarrows, handcarts, spades, gumboots etc. To help in cleanup services, in order to collect garbage all over the place, the Nairobi City Council offered to give them a truck whenever the youths were doing cleanup but on a little tax.

Of all the 25 members, 21 members are fully employed. At the end of the month each member takes home a cool Ksh10,000
The City council Officers agreed to give us their own truck to help in collecting and transporting the garbage to the Dandora dumpsite,

Felix said. Since not all garbage that we collect is useless, we sort it out. Plastic paper bags are separated from plastic bottles and other metallic materials are heaped separately, he added. The garbage is heaped at a place near the roadside for easy accessibility, it is sorted weekly after which plastic bags are loaded into the truck and transported to the dumpsite. The plastic bottles and other metallic materials are heaped separately. We normally collect 30 tons of plastic bottles and metallic materials per month. After the collection a local vendor comes. We sell the items for Ksh 25 per kilogram. Felix stated, After the sales are made, we normally get the total amount of Ksh 75,000, He added. Apart from acting as the environment ambassadors, the Waruku 2 Progressive Development youth group also does outside catering as one of its income generating activities. We also have professional cooks who go to events such as weddings, graduations or even church events to help in cooking, said Horace Kola, who is also an upcoming artist. The money collected in such events is directed to the groups account. Of all the 25 members, 21 members are fully employed. At the end of the month each member takes home a cool Ksh10,000, said Felix. During the interview the youth officials also told the Kibera Mirror that their group also teaches other youths about the dangers associated with HIV/AIDS. They pass the message to the area residents through community outreaches. Like any other normal business, Waruku youths also experience challenges, they said that not all members commit themselves to work. In the group, we also have very lazy people who just need to be pushed in order to work, said Felix. They also lack vehicles which can help them during the transportation of garbage to the dumpsite forcing them to hire from the city council. In his final words to the youths especially those living in the slums, Horace said youths should always learn to be patient. Felix challenged the youths when he said that life is like a journey which one needs to travel to reach a destination.

Teacher welcomes move to provide free sanitary pads

By Josephine Gisesa
The recent budget allocation of 270 million for provision of free sanitary pads by the government is going to put a smile on the faces of many girls from poor backgrounds. A spot check by the Kibera Mirror revealed that some schools have already received free sanitary pads. Mrs. Lutukui, the teacher in charge of sanitary towel distribution at Olympic primary school, is appreciative of the project that was launched in May, We were given so many pads that we were able to give all students from class five to class eight and some in class four who are a bit grown up. she said. She added that she is hopeful that they will also have pads to distribute next term, especially being a serious term for the finalists in primary school. In poor neighbourhoods where parents do not have money for sanitary towels some girls are forced to miss school whenever they are having thier periods.

Kibera Mirror: Issue 10

PAGE 5

It is a fact that this could be the youngest rap group in Kibera. One thing though is these boys are not talking of what they want to be when they grow up because they are doing it. They received alot of cheers during the children of Kibera festival.

It is hard to believe that this photo was shot in Kibera or if there exists any farmers in Kibera. In Soweto East though, farming is serious business.

If the world did what this placard is saying alot of lives would be saved in many ways.

You are risking a lot by prefering to deliver at home

According to the Kenya demographic survey of 2009 an average of 488 deaths per 100,000 live births occur in Kenya.
By Nancy Akinyi and Sylvia Nekesa
Reduced costs of delivering in health centers are encouraging more women in Kibera to deliver in hospitals though some who cannot afford the costs still prefer traditional midwives. The situation is further complicated by the small number of health centers that offer delivery services within Kibera. Millicent Otigo, the clinical officer at Wema Clinic argues that the number of maternal deaths could be greatly reduced if more women opted to deliver in hospitals. Delivering in a hospital is much better than at home because apart from reducing the number of maternal deaths if a mother has complications while delivering, hospital staff have been properly trained to handle such matters. She says She further adds that if a health centre cannot handle a complication it can transfer the mother to a referral hospital while ensuring that no further harm will occur to the mother or baby. According to the Kenya demographic survey of 2009 an average of 488 deaths per 100,000 live births occur in Kenya. The survey says 140 newborn deaths occur in Kenya every day. HIV positive mothers Millicent also adds that prevention of mother-to-child transmission if the mother is HIV is also possible if the delivery is done in a hospital. If the mother is HIV positive, she will be given AZT 300mg if she is on medication and if not who have irresponsible husbands. She says that most of the time they are forced to discharge them because it is even more expensive to hold them in hospital. When a mother is here she will need to eat three meals a day. She also needs to take a bath and be taken care of every time which is very expensive to the clinic. I usually release them because to me it is like giving back to the community. She adds. Mid-wives still important Despite the risks, delivering throughy a mid- wife is far much cheaper and is still preferred by some women in Kibera. A midwife who we talked to said she charges 1000 shillings per delivery. Those who prefer mid wives say that apart from the costs they can also come to your home in case the delivery time comes abruptly or at night. Sarah Andeso, a mother and resident of Gatwekera prefers hospital delivery. Giving birth in a hospital has many advantages. For example if you have given birth to a pre-mature baby, your baby will be placed in an incubator. But at the midwives a complication might occur and they fail to identify it because they are not skilled. She says. Millicent therefore advises women to always visit clinics immediately they notice they are pregnant, during and after delivery. She says that even if you have delivered at home, you still need to visit a post natal clinic as soon as possible so that the baby is introduced to post natal care that starts from birth up when the baby is five years old. Post natal care ensures that the baby gets all the immunizations at the correct time. The babys growth is also monitored and any dangers can be detected on time. She says At birth a baby is required to receive Immunization against hepatitis B. Other immunizations include diphtheria, tetanus, polio and measles.

Health Mirror

A woman receives corn soya blend formula for her baby at the Johanna Justin Clinic in Gatekwera. The formula is given to malnourished children to help improve their health or lactating mothers who are malnourished. Photo:File
she will be given 600 mg and Nevirapine 200 mg to prevent the child from the virus by reducing the virus load and suppressing the virus. If not, the risk is very high. She says. Though most women prefer delivering in a hospital, the cost of hospital delivery is still unaffordable to the residents of Kibera. At Pumwani Maternity Hospital, a normal delivery costs 6,000 shillings while a caesarian section costs 9,000 shillings. Pumwani is the largest maternity hospital in East and Central Africa. The hospital, which is run by the government, is one of the cheapest in the country. In Kibera, it costs only 2,500 to deliver at Wema Clinic. However, some women are still not able to meet the costs. 20-30 babies a week We deliver between 20 to 30 babies per week and out of that about 5% of the mothers are unable to pay. She says adding that most of those who are unable to pay are either single mothers or those

At Pumwani Maternity Hospital, a normal delivery costs 6,000 shillings while a caesarian section costs 9,000 shillings.

PAGE 6

Kibera Mirror: Issue 10

Faith Mugambi
When the results for the Mr. and Miss Ghetto 2012 beauty pageant were being announced, she never thought she could win the crown though she says she had what it takes to win the crown. Faith Mugambi knows that as Miss Ghetto 2012 she has a duty to enhance peace in all of Nairobis slums and to push the youth agenda. The Kibera Mirror recently held an interview with her in Kiamaiko.
Who is Faith Mugambi?
Faith Mugambi is an 18-yearold girl who is shy around people, especially those I am not used to. But I am also very outgoing and I easily socialize with people once I familiarize myself with them. like my mum have seen that I have a potential in doing something. sexual favours are demanded from them. Sometime before someone wanted to take me to a place to practice prostitution but I refused. Drug abuse is also another great challenge.

one on one

What is your beauty secret?

Did you expect to win?

No. When the results were announced I was very nervous, I was feeling like maybe I had not done well. I thought because I was neither number two nor number three there was no way I was going to win the title. It really surprised me when they announced that I was the winner. The competition was very stiff.

I dont do anything with my body, I remain natural, I eat a lot but I do not gain weight, I also apply very little make-up. Sometimes like apply some eye pencil but I do not over do it.

Do you intend to venture into modeling as a full time career?

What is beauty according to you?

Why do you think you won?

I consider everybody beautiful in their own ways. Beauty to me is who you are not what people see. Beauty is the inner you, if you are not good from the inside and good to people you are not beautiful.

Yes. Modeling pays but one has to pass through a number of hard ships like harassment, you may be misused and some agents might not pay you. Modeling pays when people are honest with you.

Who is your role model?

I qualified as per what the judges were looking for. I was very confident, which is one of the major requirements, my cat walk was excellent and my I.Q. was high. I think my smile was also a factor. Download free QR Readers from the web and scan this QR (Quick response code) with your smart phone for pictures, videos and more stories from the slums

What do you intend to do in the next one year?

This being an election year I intend to create awareness among the youth to empower them to avoid being misused by our politicians.

The late Wangari Maathai. I love nature, so I loved it that she used to fight for nature.

Have you ever planted a tree?

Why not? The most recent one was in Ruai where an organisation took us there for a tree planting exercise.

How has winning the title changed you?

It hasnt changed me, I am still Faith Mugambi. Let me just say, I am happy that I won because those people who know me

What are some of the challenges that girls face in the slums in Eastlands?

Last words

Exploitation is one of the main challenges that we face. For example, for a girl to get a job,

Those who are doing modeling like me should never lose hope. I have gone to many auditions. This is my first time to win because I have never lost hope

Forgotten IDPs from Kibera trekking to Uganda

cused of refusing to leave the show ground and threatened to be evicted, forcing us to seek refuge at Nairobi Chapel near Ngong Forest. After three days, we were moved to a camp in Waithaka, he says, adding that after living in Waithaka for eight months they were given 10,000 shillings each to seek temporary shelter as the government searched for a permanent solution for their problems. From there, it has been four years of knocking door to door on government offices to no avail. I feel the government is trying to make it look as if there were no IDPs in Kibera when we know that Kibera was worst hit, Mwangi says. A report by the Kenya Human Rights Commission in 2009 titled The Fate of Kenyan IDPs terms Kiberas IDPs together with others from informal settlements as forgotten IDPs. It states that when the government introduced the resettlement programme, those who could access their homes went back and others returned to their rural homes. However, most of the IDPs were unable and unwilling to go back because they feared renewed attacks. Those who were landlords returned to find their houses and business premises razed, vandalized or occupied by illegal tenants. The report further says that on March 30, 2009 over 200 IDPs and structure owners marched along Ngong road to the Ministry of Special Programmes to demand compensation. Their leaders met with ministry officials including the Permanent Secretary and the Minister, Dr. Naomi Shaaban. After a 3-hour meeting with the IDPs, the Permanent Secretary said issues of compensation were closed long ago and the government did not recognize any group of people as IDPs. However, having failed to find Kibera IDPs in the Nairobi register, the PS requested two more weeks for consultations with other government offices and departments such as District Officer (DO), District Commissioner (DC) and the Provincial Commissioner (PC) to locate their register. Mwangi confirmed that it was their group that did that demonstration. But even after meeting with the permanent secretary in the Ministry of special programs, nothing happened. They wrote several letters to government offices, including the Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission to investigate whether their problems are as a result of corruption, but nothing has happened. He showed us copies of the letters and a reply from the AntiCorruption Commission dated November 19, 2010 confirming receipt of their concerns and a promise that the commission would inquire into their allegations. If you look at the refugees living in Kenya from other countries, their needs are being attended to. But the Kenyan government, is not committed to helping its own citizens. That is why we are going to Uganda. To be declared refugees officially if that is what it will take to get our rights, he says. Their journey had its own share of challenges. They have had to persevere in the rainy season and the subsequent cold season walking through Limuru. They have walked the whole distance carrying heavy loads without a steady supply of food. In fact one member of the group became so sick that she had to be admitted at the Naivasha District Hospital, forcing the group to stop temporarily at Naivasha till she recovers.The groups chairman John Kiogora tells us that another child had been taken to hospital with pneumonia two days before our visit. The more than 30 children in the group have not gone to school either. A class eight pupil at Ayani Primary School who was supposed to sit for the KCSE had to drop out of school. I left her with a neighbour so that she could continue with her education but I later learnt that the person was attempting to defile her so I had no option, her mother says. Lack of toilets caused a fouryear-old child to be knocked down recently by a speeding car along the highway. Benson Musamba had gone to answer a call of nature on the opposite side of the highway. He lost his life on the spot after being hit. His mother, Agnes Ndanu a mother of six who was living in Raila village tells us that Benson was born just before the elections. He has never known a home since he was born and it is very sad that he passed away without ever knowing one. He was a very strong child despite his age as he walked all the way from Nairobi on his own, she tells us with tears rolling down her face. The efforts of the IDPs to raise money for the burial resulted in the acting DC for Naivasha Michael Kioni giving them 24 hours to leave Naivasha or be deported back to Kibera. He cited insecurity concerns as quoted in The Star newspaper on June 17. The groups spokesman Evans Mwangi denies these claims saying the government would be violating the constitution if it does so. The constitution guarantees us the right to stay anywhere in Kenya, he says, pointing out to Article 35, which reads, Everyone has a right to enter, remain and reside anywhere in Kenya. When we visited the DCs office later that day to find out why he wanted to evict them, we were told that Kioni was no longer the DC and the new one was not in a position to discuss the matter of the IDPs from Kibera. Speaking to the press recently, the Minister of Special programs Esther Murugi said she is aware that the group is headed to Uganda even after the government gave them 10,000 shillings and that there are about 300 others already in Uganda who the government cannot take care of since they are now refugees who can only be handled by the United Nations High Commission for Refugees.

Kibera Mirror: Issue 10

PAGE 7

A music outreach program intended to train aspiring artists on course at Raila Education Centre.
By Godwin Oyindo

Who says you cannot be an artist?

Society Mirror

Highrise residents defy city council

By Mirror reporter
Traders and residents of Highrise are reconstructing their stalls and structures demolished by the Nairobi City Council a fortnight ago. They accuse the council, which demolished their structures on June 8, of doing so without giving them notice. They have vowed to continue living and conducting their business on the disputed spot. Nyambura, a trader whom we found reconstructing her wines and spirits shop -which also served as her house- complained the council did not carry out the demolition in a humane manner. I was woken up at 1 a.m by people who ordered me to get out. I did not manage to save anything, she said displaying her broken chairs. It is believed the city council demolished the structures to construct modern ones, which it would let out to traders at a fee. Others were constructed along the same road last year. However some traders like Peter Otieno, a carpenter whose workshop was also demolished, accused the council of not listening to their concerns. They had complained that the new stalls are too small, but nothing was done. He also complained of losing some things from his shop during the demolition.

When Sarah Sirama joined form one early this year at Raila Education Centre , her passion for music was high. She wants to be an artist in future. However her heart sunk when she realized that the Kenyan education curriculum offers nothing in terms of music talent development. My prayers were answered when sometime during the first term an outreach program for talent development was started, she says Sirama is oneof the students who participates in an after school music outreach program run by the Penya Africa record label to nurture musical talent at the Raila Education Centre. The program does not follow the Kenyan education curriculum. In fact the training, which takes place on Wednesdays and Fridays, is conducted in Shenga corrupted version of Kiswahili that is very common among urban youth. The sessions are interactive and the students are very active participants. The session we attended began by some students singing their favourite songs or compositions. Some opted to do rap freestyles they had composed. How many senses do we have? posed Delaney keys Njuguna, an artist and trainer for the day after the singing session. Five: sight, hearing, touch, taste and smell. answered Edward Opiyo, one of the students in the class. During the whole lesson, the students were taught on the

A training for aspiring artists being offered by Kelvin Insect Kiprono at Raila Education Centre. The after school music outreach program is intended to provide the students with skills to enable them become professional artistes Photo: Peter Ombedha
five senses, their relevance to music and how they can be used. Kelvin Insect Kiprono, an artist and coordinator at Penya Africa Recording, says the program is not only used to nurture talent. We intend to help students improve their self-esteem and learn to work as a group. Our main aim is to offer training and mentorship to students who have real passion and talent in music. This is to help empower and help them express themselves through music, he says. It is not all about music, but rather it is about nurturing students talent in music and, most importantly, making them able to express themselves through it, explained Keys. Penya Africa also offers such outreach programmes in other places like The Kibera School for Girls, Bella Rehabilitation Centre in Dagorreti and Nairobi West prisons. At Raila Education Centre, the students are trained on basic concepts of musichow they can organise their words to rhyme, breathe control, song writing and discipline. Music is powerful, can you imagine if you were asked to talk about love? Keys asked. Music has been my thing ever since I was young. I have always wanted to associate myself with every opportunity that presents itself if it is going to nurture my talent, that is why I am here. My parents and friends have turned a blind eye to my plans, says Edward Opiyo, another student in the class. Keys believes the program will offer a boost in the students academic performance. It may also help the students realize their dreams, as music can be a source of employment.

World Enviroment Day celebrated

By Isaac Gomba
Residents of Mathare celebrated the world enviromental day on June 5 by cleaning up the slum and planting trees. The clean up organized by Maji Mazuri Youth Group and the United Nations Enviromental Program (UNEP) attracted a sizeable crowd who were eager to help clean up their enviroment. Speaking during the event, Tomoko Nshimoto, the UNEP program director for Kenya urged the residents in slums to find a long lasting solution to the problems facing their enviroments. The Environment belongs to all of us, we all have to put our hands together to find a common solution. she said. A similar event was held in Kibera on June 8.

Slum youth graduate in web design

By Mirror reporter
133 youths from some of Nairobis slums were recently awarded with diplomas and certificates in web and graphic design by Nairobits Digital Design School during a graduation ceremony at the Nairobi Go Down Arts Centre in Industrial Area on June 15. The youths from Kibera, Kayole, Mukuru Kwa Rueben and Kariobangi have been undertaking the courses through a sponsored training program aimed at eradicating poverty in slums through vocational training. Speaking during the event, chief guest George Mora of Rafiki Deposit Taking Microfinance thanked Nairobits for giving the youth an opportunity. He regretted that only two million Kenyans are currently in employment and urged the graduates to strive at being job creators rather than job seekers. If we dont take care of our youth, we are going to have serious problems as witnessed four years ago, he said. Technology remains a critical factor in social transformation so do not be afraid to take risks. He gave an example of Ken the event. Stephen Waweru won the award for creating the best website. Andrew Longilai had created the best client website. Benta Raboka was the best female student and Edgar Chris was the best male student. They were presented with gift vouchers by Daisy Tuzo of Digital Opportunity Trust. The company is one of the partners at Nairobits. The Nairobits manager Ann Ikiara told the graduates to use their skills to impact positive change in the slums. We have given you so much. Forget about the background where you came from. You are the ones who can define your boundaries so show us what you can do. She said. Nairobits Digital Design school was started 12 years ago. To date it has trained 8,500 youth from Nairobis informal settlements in partnership with the European Union. It has also opened branches in Addis Ababa in Ethiopia, Musoma in Tanzania and in Zanzibar. Kibera Mirror journalists Isaac Gomba and Beth Anyango also graduated.

TV thief stoned
By Mirror reporter
A man who was part of a gang caught stealing a television set and a DVD player in one of the houses near the Southern By Pass was stoned to death by an angry mob on June 16. His other accomplices managed to escape though it is not clear how many they were as eyewitnesses accounts conflict each other. It is said that the owner of the house caught them red handed and managed to hold on to one of them while shouting for help. In other news a woman was run over by a train in the morning hours of June 26 at Gatwekera. She died on the spot. The train which was ferrying commuters to town did not stop. Train accidents are common in Kibera due to the proximity of some houses and businesses to the railway tracks

Andrew Longilai receives his certificate from George Mora of Rafiki DTM. He was also awarded for creating the best client website. Photo: Vincent Achuka
Njoroge, a Kenyan technology entrepreneur who started Cellulanta company that offers digital solutions across Africa to 3.5 million clients. The most outstanding students were also recognized during

What men can do we can do better

Star Shine FC does what its players love most:Play football
By Isaac Gomba and Beth Anyango
It is just after 5 p.m. at the Kibera DC grounds. Different sports teams and individuals from the sprawling informal settlement are slowly filling this public area for an evening workout. From a distance it is quite hard to tell the different teams since most of them do not have standard kits. On the far end of the pitch a group of players are slowly trooping in for practice. Judging from their age and gender you might mistake them for spectators. That is until they put on their playing kits. This is Star Shine Agwambo Ladies FC, a team made up of women soccer players who, despite their age and gender, are determined to play soccer at an international level. With only a few balls and training equipment, the team meets every day from 5 p.m. to do what its members love mostplaying football. Started in August 2008 as a womens group, the team slowly evolved into a football club. When we were a women group, we thought of playing football as a way of keeping fit and sometimes for fun, but with time football became a serious affair, says Elizabeth Aluoch. She is the team manager and also their number one goalkeeper. The club does not only consist of women but also high school girls keen on improving their soccer and leadership skills. Team captain Irene Kambua is a form four student at Calvary Education Centre. Despite her age, older team mates give her respect she de-

PAGE 8

Kibera Mirror: Issue 10

League perfomances for home teams
KPL Division 1 zone A
P
TEAM P W D L PTS

Fibi Mboga of Star Shine Agwambo ladies kicks the ball during their training session at DC grounds in Kibera.Fibi is the eldest player in the club at 63 years of age. Photo:Isaac Gomba
serves as we saw during the training session that we attended. During its four years of existence, the club has had several ups and downs, notably improper use of resources which almost led to its downfall. The former coach was found selling the team jerseys and also using the club resources to start his own team, says Si-

see women playing football, since society regards the sport as a preserve for men.

People are sometimes surprised to

lus Magomere, the current coach. Coaching women is not an easy task and it requires one to be patient. They are not like boys they get the drills very slowly compared to boys, he adds. The players also do not manage to arrive on time for practice at 5 p.m. Many are mothers. We saw some who came to the training ground with their children and when they started playing the children automatically turned into spectators cheering their moms. People are sometimes surprised to see women playing football, since society regards the sport mostly as a preserve for men. Today people see us playing football and it appears to be a normal thing. In 2008, however people were surprised. You could see it in the spectators, says Margarate Khavere. Even though she is 60 years old, she is an active member of the team. When I started training, even my own children did not want me to come here, they always told me that Ill one day fall down and break my hand if not my leg but I ignored since I knew what inspired me to play football. Also by training am now fit and having good health despite being HIV positive, Says Fibi Mboga. At 63 she is the oldest member of the team. It is not always easy for these women to come for training since they have families to take care of, but through their passion and dedication for the game they rarely miss a day. The club had to wait for three years to win its first trophy. In 2011 after struggling to earn their place in football circles without winning anything they won the Amani Cup. This year they also won the Nairobi Baptist tournament in March. The Langata Constituency Development Fund has also been very supportive by donating uniforms for the team. Another supporter Mike Njue also donated uniforms for them. To them age and gender are nothing but statistics.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Kariobangi Sharks Bandari Bidco United A. Police Ligi Ndogo Mahakama Nairobi Stima Admiral Moyas

19 12 4 12 10 7 19 10 7 19 10 4 19 9 19 6 19 7 19 8 19 7 18 6 19 8 19 7 19 5 19 5 19 5 19 5 19 3 19 4 19 4 19 3 6 4 9 6 4 6 6 2 6 6 5 3 8 5 4 4

3 2 2 5 4 3 3 5 8 6 7 8 8 9 8

40 37 37 34 33 33 30 30 25 24 24 21 21 20 17

10 Congo JMJ 11 Coast United 12 Sparki youth 13 K.R.A 14 Magongo Rangers 15 Iron Strikers 16 Gatundu Stars 17 Kibera Celtic 18 K.S.L 19 Green Berets 20 Mathare Youth

10 22

11 18 10 17 11 16 11 13

Nairobi Provincial League

P
TEAM P W D L PTS

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Kibera Black Stars 17 10 7 Jericho All Stars Nakimatt FC Eastleigh Youth Bedjos Sports Kemri FC Fisa FC Forest Service Huruma Youth 17 10 7 17 11 3 19 10 6 18 10 5 19 9 17 7 19 6 18 7 19 6 19 7 18 6 18 6 17 5 17 4 17 5 19 5 19 2 17 4 18 2 3 6 7 3 6 2 5 4 5 7 3 1 9 2 5

0 0 3 3 3 7 5 6 9 7 7 8 6 7 9 8

37 37 36 36 35 30 30 25 24 24 23 22 20 19 18 15

10 Re- Union 11 Makarios 12 Uprising 13 FC Sid 14 KNH FC 15 St. Johns 16 Black Mamba 17 Umoja Renegades 18 Dandora Youth FC 19 Baba Dogo United 20 Pioneer United

10 23

13 16 11 14 11 11

KIBERA BONE PRODUCTS

Children of Kibera hold festival

By Josephine Gisesa Hundreds of students from more than 25 Primary and Secondary schools in Kibera participated in the Fourth Annual Children of Kibera Music Festival held at Kibra Academy on Karanja Road on June 22-23. The theme was Responsible Leadership in Elective Positions. The Music Festival was this years biggest platform for talent exchange. Performers of all ages from more than 25 schools interpreted the festival theme through drama, poetry, song, and dance. We hope this festival will promote patriotism, civic awareness, and a spirit of peacefulness among the youth in the coming elections, said Jacob Seje, the festivals coordinator. Top performances in the different categories received trophies, book-vouchers and cash prizes. Raila Secondary and Magoso Primary were the winners in the dance category. Glory Secondary, Kibera Primary were second and Girls Soccer

Pupils of Kibera Primary School perform a Kisii traditional dance. They emerged position 2 in the dance category
Photo: David Otieno

Bracelets, Necklaces, Earrings, Key holders Bottle openers and Utencils

jewelryafrica@yahoo.com, phone: 0735731237,071751905

and Glory Primary were position three. In the Solo verse category, Glory secondary and K.A.G were tops, Girl Soccer and Kibera Hamlets were second while St. Gabriel and Three Bells were in third position. Glory Secondary and Rose Rose won; Girl Soccer and Ayany were second while Soweto Baptist and Kibera Primary took position

three in the choral verse category. The festival was also a forum for NGOs and other community groups working in Kibera to showcase their services and programs. Participating organizations at included MSF Belgium, Carolina for Kibera, Power Women, SHOFCO and Kibera Hamlets.

KIBERA MIRROR

The Kibera Mirror, is a community newspaper published and distributed monthly for free by Shining Hope For Communities as part of its programs aimed at empowering the youth through developing their media skills and also to bring attention to the issues affecting the residents of Kibera and other informal settlements. All the work that goes into production of this newspaper is done by youth from Kibera. Correspondence should be addressed to kiberamirror@gmail.com, You can also visit our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ kiberamirror for news updates, photos and videos . News hotline and advertising: 0721689996, 020-2329661