Help in financing water harvesting project in Igembe

Harnessing Run-off water to alleviate the problem of water shortage in Igembe North

Posted: May 17 th, 2013 Story by JOSHUA MEEME 

 (To all people of goodwill and passionate in helping people of Igembe in overcoming the water shortage problem, lend me your helping hand. It is the best way to give back to the society. Get in touch with me through the contacts given at the end of this proposal preview. Thank you in advance)

 The problem of water shortage has affected the people of Igembe from time immemorial. It has been tackled by different well wishers but the result has been disappointing. First, Tuuru Water Supply was mandated by late Mzee Kenyatta's government to provide piped water to the people of Igembe. The management of the organization sponsored by the Catholic Church has tried but this water has not been reliable. A large network of pipes has been laid down with on average for every three homes one has been piped; but the taps are still dry. The problem becomes worse during dry season when water levels drop at the reservoirs in Nyambene forest. This is the time when people need water most. But there is rarely water flowing on these pipes. Many pipe laying projects have cost mothers and the management a lot of man-hours. This has, however not changed the situation. PROJECT “Harnessing Run-Off to Save Mothers” is geared towards alleviating the problem.

    Political leadership led by then Member of Parliament Maoka Maore has also tried to solve the problem. Then followed the relentless effort of immediate former MP Ntoitha M'Mithiaru. The burden now lies with current MP Joseph M'Eruaki. This problem however, should not be left to one person in the position of leadership. The problem has been approached from a different angles with sinking of boreholes and provision of plastic tanks. But with little success.

    Different areas were selected for bore hole drilling starting with Tamani (Inono), Ndumuru, and Mbiriata. The result of these boreholes' drilling has been disappointing after it was discovered that the water table is extremely low. Hydrological survey shows the drilling of boreholes cannot be relied on besides being very expensive venture. The only successive drilling of sustainable water was later done at Inoono. The provision of water is not reliable. People continue to buy water at exorbitant prices

    Other groups like the Plan International have come up with a project to supply the people with water tanks. These water tanks were small and metallic, therefore they have rusted and currently cannot hold any water, any more. A good number of families have acquired plastic tanks but the quantity cannot be relied on as well.

    None of these projects has ever thought about water harnessing and digging of dams.  There is a lot of run-off water that leaves the land scarred with deep gullies during rainy seasons. Harnessing this water can make the use of run-off water.

    Water dams can serve many people and can also be used to irrigate land. Our land is very fertile and therefore we can irrigate the land apart from relying on rain fed agriculture. If we can be able to sink dams or develop water pans, then our people can realize the potential of irrigating land. This is the dream that we the youth of Igembe have in mind through “Harnessing Run-Off to Save Mothers”

    The future long term plan of these water projects is to have a water purification plant. The plant would make the water safe for drinking. The immediate short term plan is to focus on educating people on simple ways of safe water and how to prevent water borne diseases. Through alleviation of water shortage, it would be possible to address the bigger problem of poverty and girl child school dropout.

    Major obstacles are expected from financial to political interference. Though the project “Harnessing Run-Off to Save Mothers” has focused on solving the problem, we are not fearful of those who may feel intimidated by the project. We the young people of Igembe, feel that the solutions lie within us and it is the high time we take charge. We take charge by solving people's problems without looking over the shoulders to see who is watching. Only solving the problem of our people is our concern.

    The Tuuru Water Supply (TWS) under Father Andrew Mbiko has done a good job by bringing affordable water to the people. However, the problem of water has remained due to lack clear guidelines of what is needed and how the problem can be solved. We know the laid down pipes and water harvesting tanks in homesteads will form a useful framework and infrastructure necessary in solving the problem. But the network only, cannot solve the problem but maintaining water in the tanks and the pipes will. The long term solution is the harnessing water that can be used during dry season. The solution can only come from building dams to collect water runoff for use during the dry seasons.

    inking boreholes cannot also be relied as the hydrological survey shows that the water table is low and the projects is expensive. If the same amount of money committed in sinking boreholes was dedicated in preparing dams then the problem would be solved.

HISTORICAL DATA and PILOT PROJECTS

There are areas that can serve as pilot project of building dams. Aithu pan (also called Lake Atandi) collects water during the rainy season. This area has history of collecting water that suffocate all plants leaving them dead. Instead of using this area as a resource, we take it as a curse. Aithu pan is central in Mutuati Division that suffers acute water shortage during the dry season. The area is sorounded by many hills among them Barenta, Mucau, Ikongolo and Kathima. The water that gathers in the area only sinks after months of stagnation leaving land barren with no plant life.

    The area can therefore be acquired as the water runoff need only to be managed and conserved and it can be distributed to many areas with the problem. The dam will be able to serve Mutuati, Kabachi, Ntobochiu, and Amwathi.

    Another pan is sunk at Ithaata next to Kamweline Police Station. This dam will be able serve the entire Kamaoo, Leeta, Kiolo, Mporoko, and areas that use it for farming and livestock use. The area is sorounded by many hills among them Ntoyiri, Rumbine, Tiiri, Mithangene and Kamaringa. These two dams would be able to serve more than one thousand families and thousands of livestock.

EMPIRICAL FACTS

Let us assume on average one person consumes allocated 40-litres per day. In three months every person will require 4000 litres. A pan of one hectare (100m by 100m by 5m(deep) can contain a volume of water in excess 50,000 cubic metres (50 million litres or 2.5 million 20-litre drums). This water can support 12,500 people for three months each person expected to consume 40 litres per day. Buying the same at Sh30 per 20-litre jerrican comes to Sh 75 million every three months. This is the amount of money that can be used to improve the welfare of the area.

BUDGET

oESTIMATED COST.......................................................KSHS. 46 million

Year 1 - Development of Water dams in Aithu and Ithaata. The area has soft soil

· Acquiring land.............................................................KSHS. 1.5 million per pan

Total KSHS. 3 million

· Dam survey and design.......................................................KSHS 1.5 million

· Excavating pans to increase capacity.................................KSHS 10 million

· Fencing.................................................................................KSHS 2 million

· Personnel ............................................................................KSHS 2.5 million

· Contingency.........................................................................KSHS 1 million

             -----------------------------

         TOTAL KSHS 20 Million 

         ================== 

Year 2 - Operation/Maintenance of Aithu pan and Construction of Ithaata Pan. (Ithaata pan has hard rock) 

· Acquiring storage tanks...........................................................KSHS 10 million

· Personnel ...................................................................................KSHS 1.5 million

· Expanding the piped network...................................................KSHS 3 million

· Education and sensitization......................................................KSHS 0.5 million

· Contingency............................................................................... KSHS 1 million

                                                                                                        -----------------------------

                                                                                                  TOTAL KSHS 16 million

                                                                                                        ==============

Year 3 – Building of water purification plant at both Ithaata and Aithu

· Design and construction....................................................... KSHS 7.5 million

· Personnel................................................................................. KSHS1.5 million

· Contingency............................................................................. KSHS 1 million

                                                                                                                 ----------------------

                                                                                                    TOTAL KSHS 10 million

                                                                                                              =============

                                                                                                ©All Rights Reserved

                                               For More Information or Queries, Call or email:

                                                                    Meeme Joshua (coordinator)

                                                                   email: meemejoshua@yahoo.com

                                             mobile: + (254) 722 554 956 or +(254) 734 345 823

Joshua B. Meeme has taken the initiative to carry the problem of the women and girls in alleviating the water problem in Igembe. It is with great appreciation that I acknowledge members of the group (Igembe Youth Progressive Alliance - IPYA) who challenged me to come up with the project meant to deal with problems of our people. I feel greatly indebted to the people for the education they struggled to ensure that I complete. Since I cannot be able to satisfactorily provide for their daily needs through money, I have endeavored to use the knowledge they helped me to acquire to help them deal with the problems of our community.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

A vote of thanks goes to other group members who with their moral support have been able to put down this project. However, this proposal is not absolute. Any improvement in budgeting and financing is highly appreciated.

To those willing to partner with me, on this and other projects meant to change the destiny of our people, am always available to share my ideas with them without reservations. IT IS NOT ABOUT WHO TAKES CREDIT BUT THE IMPACT WE LEAVE TO OUR PEOPLE that will make us compete with the rest of the Meru County constituencies at the same level.

Long Live People of Igembe - Umwiiru

Small scale public education in building pans in Igembe to alleviate water shortage

Small scale public education in building pans in Igembe to alleviate water shortage

Helping Igembe Community in realizing their potential and the solution to water shortage problem

    According to the UN Report 2006, problem of water shortage can be alleviated through runoff water harvesting. Runoff water harvesting can be cost effective way to alleviate water shortage in areas receiving an average of 150mm of rainfall per year without the danger of affecting the ecosystem of the area with adverse effects to the environment.

   In the Report , Kenya was identified as one of the countries in Africa which received more than enough rainfall on at least two times in a year but was one of the countries that suffered large extent of water scarcity both for domestic/livestock use and for irrigation. This scenario has affected the ability to become food secure with a population of less than 40 million and more than half of the land being arable for farming. The potential of runoff water harvesting can triple the gains and alleviate the problem of food security and safe drinking water problem.

    The advantage of runoff water harvesting through dams or water pan is its cost effective and sustanable with low cost in maintenance.

   The UN report concludes Africa is not water scarce but water stressed, due to lack of proper water management. This is where input of Youth of Igembe intervenes in educating the public on cost effective to remain water secure while seeking long term solution to alleviating the problem.

   With bodies like Amsha Africa and UNEP, investing in cost effective rain water harvesting can alleviate water shortage to the people of Igembe. This will leave ample time to focus on other development agenda of educating the girl child who in most cases becomes the best of burden in times water scarcity.

   While the Igembe community both local and political will be involved in the initiative, the drive must be centralised. This is the role I take in providing the leadership in alleviating the problem as a payback to the community.

PLAN OF ACTION

• Reservoirs can be escavated with earth movers which can be provided by the local government leadership. However, maintenance and treatment of the harvested water require finances.
• Since the runoff water collected would be used for domestic and livestock use, there is need for treatment plant.

Why build pan (as immediate measure) 

• They are simple to construct and maintain. 

•  They are convinient and occupy small area

  (The diagram is adopted from Amsha Africa Foundation Website) 

    

Help in solving water problem in Igembe

Help in solving water problem in Igembe

Harnessing Run-off water to alleviate the problem of water shortage in Igembe North

Posted: May 17 th, 2013 Story by JOSHUA MEEME
 (To all people of goodwill and passionate in helping people of Igembe in overcoming the water shortage problem, lend me your helping hand. It is the best way to give back to the society. Get in touch with me through the contacts given at the end of this proposal preview. Thank you in advance)

 The problem of water shortage has affected the people of Igembe from time immemorial. It has been tackled by different well wishers but the result has been disappointing. First, Tuuru Water Supply was mandated by late Mzee Kenyatta's government to provide piped water to the people of Igembe. The management of the organization sponsored by the Catholic Church has tried but this water has not been reliable. A large network of pipes has been laid down with on average for every three homes one has been piped; but the taps are still dry. The problem becomes worse during dry season when water levels drop at the reservoirs in Nyambene forest. This is the time when people need water most. But there is rarely water flowing on these pipes. Many pipe laying projects have cost mothers and the management a lot of man-hours. This has, however not changed the situation. PROJECT “Harnessing Run-Off to Save Mothers” is geared towards alleviating the problem.

    Political leadership led by then Member of Parliament Maoka Maore has also tried to solve the problem. Then followed the relentless effort of immediate former MP Ntoitha M'Mithiaru. The burden now lies with current MP Joseph M'Eruaki. This problem however, should not be left to one person in the position of leadership. The problem has been approached from a different angles with sinking of boreholes and provision of plastic tanks. But with little success.
    Different areas were selected for bore hole drilling starting with Tamani (Inono), Ndumuru, and Mbiriata. The result of these boreholes' drilling has been disappointing after it was discovered that the water table is extremely low. Hydrological survey shows the drilling of boreholes can not be relied on besides being very expensive venture. The only successive drilling of sustainable water was later done at Inoono. The provision of water is not reliable. People continue to buy water at exorbitant prices

    Other groups like the Plan International have come up with a project to supply the people with water tanks. These water tanks were small and metallic, therefore they have rusted and currently cannot hold any water, any more. A good number of families have acquired plastic tanks but the quantity cannot be relied on as well.

    None of these projects has ever thought about water harnessing and digging of dams.  There is a lot of run-off water that leaves the land scarred with deep gullies during rainy seasons. Harnessing this water can make the use of run-off water.
    Water dams can serve many people and can also be used to irrigate land. Our land is very fertile and therefore we can irrigate the land apart from relying on rain fed agriculture. If we can be able to sink dams or develop water pans, then our people can realize the potential of irrigating land. This is the dream that we the youth of Igembe have in mind through “Harnessing Run-Off to Save Mothers”

    The future long term plan of these water projects is to have a water purification plant. The plant would make the water safe for drinking. The immediate short term plan is to focus on educating people on simple ways of safe water and how to prevent water borne diseases. Through alleviation of water shortage, it would be possible to address the bigger problem of poverty and girl child school dropout.

    Major obstacles are expected from financial to political interference. Though the project “Harnessing Run-Off to Save Mothers” has focused on solving the problem, we are not fearful of those who may feel intimidated by the project. We the young people of Igembe, feel that the solutions lie within us and it is the high time we take charge. We take charge by solving people's problems without looking over the shoulders to see who is watching. Only solving the problem of our people is our concern.

    The Tuuru Water Supply (TWS) under Father Andrew Mbiko has done a good job by bringing affordable water to the people. However, the problem of water has remained due to lack clear guidelines of what is needed and how the problem can be solved. We know the laid down pipes and water harvesting tanks in homesteads will form a useful framework and infrastructure necessary in solving the problem. But the network only, cannot solve the problem but maintaining water in the tanks and the pipes will. The long term solution is the harnessing water that can be used during dry season. The solution can only come from building dams to collect water runoff for use during the dry seasons.

    inking boreholes cannot also be relied as the hydrological survey shows that the water table is low and the projects is expensive. If the same amount of money committed in sinking boreholes was dedicated in preparing dams then the problem would be solved.

HISTORICAL DATA and PILOT PROJECTS

There are areas that can serve as pilot project of building dams. Aithu pan (also called Lake Atandi) collects water during the rainy season. This area has history of collecting water that suffocate all plants leaving them dead. Instead of using this area as a resource, we take it as a curse. Aithu pan is central in Mutuati Division that suffers acute water shortage during the dry season. The area is sorounded by many hills among them Barenta, Mucau, Ikongolo and Kathima. The water that gathers in the area only sinks after months of stagnation leaving land barren with no plant life.
    The area can therefore be acquired as the water runoff need only to be managed and conserved and it can be distributed to many areas with the problem. The dam will be able to serve Mutuati, Kabachi, Ntobochiu, and Amwathi.

    Another pan is sunk at Ithaata next to Kamweline Police Station. This dam will be able serve the entire Kamaoo, Leeta, Kiolo, Mporoko, and areas that use it for farming and livestock use. The area is sorounded by many hills among them Ntoyiri, Rumbine, Tiiri, Mithangene and Kamaringa. These two dams would be able to serve more than one thousand families and thousands of livestock.

EMPIRICAL FACTS

Let us assume on average one person consumes allocated 40-litres per day. In three months every person will require 4000 litres. A pan of one hectare (100m by 100m by 5m(deep) can contain a volume of water in excess 50,000 cubic metres (50 million litres or 2.5 million 20-litre drums). This water can support 12,500 people for three months each person expected to consume 40 litres per day. Buying the same at Sh30 per 20-litre jerrican comes to Sh 75 million every three months. This is the amount of money that can be used to improve the welfare of the area.

BUDGET

• ESTIMATED COST.....................................KSHS. 46 million

Year 1 - Development of Water dams in Aithu and Ithaata. The area has soft soil

• Acquiring land.............................................................KSHS. 1.5 million per pan

Total KSHS. 3 million

• Dam survey and design.......................................................KSHS 1.5 million
• Excavating pans to increase capacity..............................KSHS 10 million
• Fencing.................................................................................KSHS 2 million
• Personnel ............................................................................KSHS 2.5 million
• Contingency.........................................................................KSHS 1 million
  -----------------------------
  TOTAL KSHS 20 Million 
  ================== 

Year 2 - Operation/Maintenance of Aithu pan and Construction of Ithaata Pan. (Ithaata pan has hard rock) 

• Acquiring storage tanks...........................................................KSHS 10 million
• Personnel ...................................................................................KSHS 1.5 million
• Expanding the piped network...................................................KSHS 3 million
• Education and sensitization......................................................KSHS 0.5 million
• Contingency............................................................................... KSHS 1 million

                 -----------------------

               TOTAL KSHS 16 million

                 ==============

Year 3 – Building of water purification plant at both Ithaata and Aithu

• Design and construction....................................................... KSHS 7.5 million
• Personnel................................................................................. KSHS1.5 million
• Contingency............................................................................. KSHS 1 million

                                                                  ----------------------

              TOTAL KSHS 10 million

                                                                                                                   =============

            ©All Rights Reserved

For More Information or Queries, Call or email:

                                                                       Meeme Joshua (coordinator)

                                                                      email: meemejoshua@yahoo.com

                                                                mobile: + (254) 722 554 956 or +(254) 734 345 823

Joshua B. Meeme has taken the initiative to carry the problem of the women and girls in alleviating the water problem in Igembe. It is with great appreciation that I acknowledge members of the group (Igembe Youth Progressive Alliance - IPYA) who challenged me to come up with the project meant to deal with problems of our people. I feel greatly indebted to the people for the education they struggled to ensure that I complete. Since I cannot be able to satisfactorily provide for their daily needs through money, I have endeavored to use the knowledge they helped me to acquire to help them deal with the problems of our community.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

A vote of thanks goes to other group members who with their moral support have been able to put down this project. However, this proposal is not absolute. Any improvement in budgeting and financing is highly appreciated.

To those willing to partner with me, on this and other projects meant to change the destiny of our people, am always available to share my ideas with them without reservations. IT IS NOT ABOUT WHO TAKES CREDIT BUT THE IMPACT WE LEAVE TO OUR PEOPLE that will make us compete with the rest of the Meru County constituencies at the same level.

Long Live People of Igembe - Umwiiru

Obama is Kenyan in America

Is Obama Kenyan or American?

Updated: November 7 th, 2012 Story by JOSHUA MEEME

The debate on whether the President of United States Barrack Obama is Kenyan or American has been in the lips of many people for some time. Some with good intentions but others with ill-motives. Birthers are among those questioning his American roots for the wrong intentions: imputing that Obama indeed was born in Kenya as opposed to US as implied in his birth certificate. Their intention has been to block him from contesting for a second term in White House. That is already behind after he won a secnd term in office, becoming one of the Democratic choices to serve two terms. But even Obama in his own words has admitted that he is Kenyan, but not have been born in Kenya. However, whether Obama was born in US or Kenya is of no consequence.

It is a fact that Obama's father is Kenyan. Obama's mother is American. Period. In Kenyan culture a son is born of the father's lineage and not to the mother's lineage. President Obama naturally is Kenyan and we as Kenyans of goodwill must claim his input to the land of his father: Kenya as his country based on his roots. For now though he can contest the US highest seat because the US constitution allows someone born in their country to be naturalized American.

But, Obama is Kenyan, truly Kenyan. In his wisdom his father may have intended to have his children grow up in this beautiful country before some KANU mandarins ruined its economy and plundered the environment. But now since we are back on track, Kenyans must not only claim artifacts that were stolen from our country, but also sons and daughters who may have ran away due to harsh KANU regime.

After his second term in office which he definitely win, Obama must come to Kenya and take part in nation building: completing the assignment that his father was not able to complete after he died in his prime years. Obama lived in Kariokor flats, in Nairobi before settling in the US. His intelligence may not be appreciated in US, but we need it right here in Kenya.

Kenyans have been known to be industrious and creative; and this not dumb one either. His economic policies speak volumes at a time when the US is still facing harsh economic times. But haters have every reason to poke holes in his efforts to redeem the country's fame. Kenya may not have power and wealth of US but it appreciates its people. In my opinion Obama was the best President that US could have had at a time when the economic was in a slump.

Since Kenya has come back to its senses after tumultuous 2007/8 general elections, its time we claim our Kiondos, Kikois, remains of man-eaters of Tsavo and all Obamas out there. Now Kogelo is tourists attraction site. Obama is one of the Big Six! With the right environment Americans should soon be seeking Greencard Lottery to be admitted as Kenyan citizens. And the strict restrictions that they impose on Kenyans intending to move to US will be used against them. But do I say! Jarateng' come back home.

The Hague hypocrisy ...

The Hague drama .... on stand-by; roll on!

Story By MEEME JOSHUA

Written on 06-Feb-2012

The jury is out. The Hague circus is no longer vague; going by the words of Chepalungu MP Isaac Ruto. Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto have been indicted at the International Criminal Court. Unless the Appeal Chambers overturn the decision by the Pre-trial chamber II, the future of the duo is definitely uncertain. Whether Kenyan have crossed the Rubicon in political hatred and tribal stereotypes, only time will tell. Legal analysts may argue that the two can vie for any seat during the general elections.

However, the bone of contention is not the letter of the Constitution but the spirit. In strict legal terms Uhuru and Ruto can vie for any seat. But practically speaking this vying must be guided by moral character and logic.

While Chapter Six on Integrity and Governance is silent on suspects on crimes against humanity, the spirit of the New Constitution was not meant to leave an escape route for those indicted. Technically speaking it would be difficult for the two to vie for the seat as the Rome Statutes do not allow trial in absentia.  The suspects with their lawyers must be present during the hearing. Kenyans must search their souls and decide whether to put Kenya as a country into ridicule after their President elect is required to appear at the Hague to hear their cases.

Kenyans should be able to detach from the personality euphoria that follows the two from their ethnic groupings. The two may be tribal Kings in their communities, but Kenya has more than two communities. However, Kenyan nation is bigger than the Kalenjin and Kikuyu nation. The holistic view of the debate is not Justice Lenaola's ruling but the conscience that guides Kenyans and the rule of law. We cannot though crucify the two on the altar of public lynching.

The law should be allowed to take its course while upholding the dignity of Kenyan people. It is not time to sing praises of the suspects but time to reflect on the mistakes we have committed as a country and prevent a recurrence of the mayhem.

Wangari Maathai fought a good fight, she has finished my course, she has kept the faith ... RIP prof.

Prof. Wangari Maathai's Awards: 

2010: Earth Hall of Fame, Kyoto (Japan) 
2009: Earth Hall of Fame, Kyoto (Japan) 
2009: Humanity 4 Water Award for Outstanding Commitment 2 Action 
2009: The Order of the Rising Sun, Japan 
2009: Judge, 2009 Geotourism Challenge, National Geographic, USA 
2009: NAACP Chairman's Award , USA 
2008: Dignitas Humana Award, St John's School of Theology, USA
2008: Cinema Verite, Honorary President, France 
2008: Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), Honorary Fellowship, UK 
2007: The Nelson Mandela Award for Health & Human Rights, South Africa 
2007: The Jawaharlal Nehru Award for International Understanding, India 
2007: Cross of the Order of St Benedict, Benedictine College, Kansas, USA 
2007: World Citizenship Award, World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts 
2006: The Indira Gandhi International Award for Peace, Disarmament & Development, India
2006: Premio Defensa Medio Ambiente, Club Internacional De Prensa, Spain 
2006: 6th in 100 Greatest Eco-Heroes of All Time, The Environment Agency, UK
2006: Medal for Distinguished Achievement, University of Pennsylvania, USA
2006: Woman of Achievement Award from the American Biographical Institute Inc., USA 
2006: The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights,Milele(Lifetime) Achievement Award 
2006: Legion D'Honneur, Government of France 
2006: The IAIA Global Environment Award,International Association for Impact Assessment, Norway 
2006: Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund Award, USA 
2006: World Citizenship Award 
2005: New York Women's Century Award, New York Women's Foundation, USA 
2005: One of the 100 Most Influential People in the World: Time magazine, USA 
2005: One of the 100 Most Powerful Women in the World: Forbes magazine, USA
2004: Nobel Peace Prize, the Norwegian Nobel Committee, Norway 
2004: Sophie Prize, the Sophie Foundation, Norway 
2004: Elder of the Golden Heart, Republic of Kenya 
2004: Petra Kelly Environment Prize, Heinrich Boell Foundation, Germany
2004: J. Sterling Morton Award, Arbor Day Foundation, USA 
2004: Conservation Scientist Award,Center for Environmental Research and Conservation, Columbia University, USA
2003: Elder of the Burning Spear, Republic of Kenya 
2003: WANGO Environment Award,World Association of Non-Governmental Organizations , USA
2002: Outstanding Vision and Commitment Award, Bridges to Community, USA 
2001: Excellence Award, Kenyan Community Abroad, USA 
2001: The Juliet Hollister Award, Temple of Understanding, USA 
1997: One of 100 in the World Who've Made a Difference in the Environment:Earth Times, USA 
1995: International Women's Hall of Fame,International Women's Forum Leadership Foundation, USA 
1994: The Order of the Golden Ark Award, the Netherlands 
1993: The Jane Addams Leadership Award, Jane Addams Conference, USA 
1993: The Edinburgh Medal, Medical Research Council, Scotland
1991: The Hunger Project's Africa Prize for Leadership, United Nations, USA
1991: Global 500 Hall of Fame: United Nations Environment Programme, USA
1991: The Goldman Environmental Prize, the Goldman Foundation, USA 
1990: The Offeramus Medal, Benedictine College, USA 
1989: Women of the World Award, WomenAid, UK 
1988: The Windstar Award for the Environment, Windstar Foundation, USA 
1986: Better World Society Award, USA
1984: Right Livelihood Award, Sweden 
1983: Woman of the Year Award

Why does Kalonzo fear anything that has mark of Raila?

Kalonzo fights any shadow that resembles Odinga

Updated September 20, 2011 Story by Josh Wa Meeme

The public have been treated to theatrics of words from Kalonzo and group over the IEBC selection panel list of 44 applicants. I'm trying to understand why these people are complaining about the selection panel list if they do not have interest. Simply because Chairman Ekuru Aukot was picked by PM Raila is a reason enough to oppose him? In the words of Kalonzo 'we cannot allow next election to be rigged in 2011.' And this group want Kenyans to believe that they have no interest in the team that is going to manage the election?

This is the group that has publicly stated that their mission is stop Raila from becoming President. What makes them think that Kenya will buy such myopic narrow thinking? I still wonder why this group really fear the Raila Presidency. Kenya will not choose the president based on hatred of a group of people.

Well, the group is clasping on false hopes. They tried to frustrate the enactment of constitution by either being in the watermelon team or strictly red. They failed. They tried to block the Hague cases through shuttle diplomacy and admissibility claims. They failed. They placed another boulder by blocking Dr Mutunga from assuming office as the CJ. They failed. They have tried desperately to turn the public against PM Odinga. They have failed. Now the want to block a constitutional process of appointing the IEBC team. What makes these perennial failures that this time they are going to succeed?

Indeed, am of the opinion that these dudes belong to the political dustbins. Why would Kenyans want to have these Kanu aftergrowths as their leaders? They all think they will be anointed as the heir apparent of StateHouse. They have not taken time to study Kibaki the man they have worked under fro the last eight years. Both the Hague Hyenas and Hague preys are in for rude shock come the next elections.

If Kalonzo was a person with something in between his ears, he would have befriended the IEBC selection panel and not fight them. This is constitutional body and fighting it is like fighting a losing battle. If the cases at the Hague are confirmed Kalonzo will be political orphan who will find it difficult to sell what he believes to the people of Kenya.