Category: Tours

Polygamy in Kenya

If passed in its current form. The proposed Marriage Bill 2013 could significantly affect the lives of about 2.5 million spouses in polygamous unions. And many others who indirectly have attachments to such relationships.

Most of these, about 1.8 million, are wives living in polygamous marriages. Or unions compared to about 700,000 husbands in similar unions.

Assuming each of the women has about three children. Then the debate would give about 5.4 million siblings a good reason to want to be involved.

Throw in in-laws, cousins, uncles and other relatives. Including those others planning to join in polygamous marriages. Then you have more than half of Kenya’s 40 million people having a stake in the debate.

According to the Kenya Demographic Health Survey, the estimates indicate that 60 percent of women in Kenya are married, with 13 percent of them being in polygamous unions. The same document states that approximately 50 percent of men in the country are married, with seven percent of them being in polygamous unions.

So where are these polygamous Kenyans? North Eastern has the highest proportion of women, more than a third or 36 per cent in polygamous unions. In Nairobi only two per cent of women are in a polygamous unions. B ut this does not take into account those secretly living in similar relationships.

Western, Nyanza, Rift Valley, and Coast provinces. All have proportions ranging between 15 and 23 per cent of women in polygamous relationships.

Among men, Nyanza has the highest number living in polygamous unions. While the least number of males in such unions. According to the 2009 KDHS, Central Province is where they are found.

Polygamy in Kenya Education

Because of westernisation of the Kenyan communities and a huge population of younger educated people. One would expect a fast decline in polygamous marriages but this does not seem to be the case.

The health survey indicates only a slight decline of polygamy over the years.

“The proportion of married women reporting one or more co-wives. Has declined from 16 per cent in 2003 to 13 per cent in 2008. And the proportion of married men who report having more than one wife. Has declined from 10 per cent to seven per cent,” says the KDHS.

Those who are most likely to be found in such a union are individuals.Population experts say women with little or no education. And also the poorest are most likely to be in such unions. These unions are also more prevalent in rural than urban areas of the country.

In all polygamous unions, the man has remained the king but now. With the Marriage Bill 2013 attempting to equalize all partners in marriage, men may feel that their throne is being threatened.

The proposed Bill wants polygamy recognised under Muslim. Or customary marriage provided that a man declares before marrying his first wife that it is a potentially polygamous union.

It also suggests that those taking part in a Christian or civil marriage should not be allowed to practice polygamy. On adoption of such a law, any man who thinks. He can eat his cake by secretly marrying other wives risks. They can be put in jail for five years and/or fined Sh300,000.

The proposed law requires that all polygamous marriages be registered, which is a significant and important aspect.A move that legally protects the wives and their children in securing their rights such as inheritance. And child upkeep in case of a break-up.

Can a man who is currently polygamous jump out of such a union. And revert to a monogamous marriage to escape the proposed registration? The answer is — he cannot.

“A polygamous marriage may not be converted to a monogamous marriage. Unless at the time of the conversion the husband has only one wife,” says the Bill.

However, there are things the law cannot take away from the man. Because in a polygamous marriage he is the only “whole” in the union. He is the only one who can talk of my wives or wife, my children while the woman can only talk of our husband and our children.

He is, and despite the law, will remain the legitimate father to the children while the children share the father with the other wives’ children, hence terms such as step brothers or sisters and step mothers. No step-father.

Legal experts say that the Bill is still biased against women because only men have the authority to propose whether or not to remain in a monogamous union.

Nairobi lawyer Beverline Ongaro  says this in itself defies the principle of equality of marriage for the very fact that a man can enter into subsequent marriage and women cannot is a first indicator that they are not equal at the commencement of the marriage.

Also women married to a polygamous husband will give 100 per cent of their contribution of time, effort and finances and taking care of children but such a man’s contribution cannot be 100 per cent because he has to contribute towards marriage between him and the other women.

Activists

While gender activists oppose the Bill mainly because of bias and inequality, population experts argue that such unions are not healthy in the fight to control population growth.

Samuel Ogola, a programme officer at the National Coordinating Agency for Population and Development, says because of competition among the various wives, there is a real possibility of each woman wanting more children than their co-wives, increasing the average number of births per woman.

With other recent laws, which allow for inheritance by female children, experts feel this could derail efforts to bring down population growth.

According to Dr. Nicholas Muraguri, an HIV expert, the possible spread of the virus through such unions is another health problem posed by polygamous marriages. Recent data shows that one in 10 married or cohabitating couples is HIV positive.

Survey

The data further shows that without intervention, eight to 12 per cent of HIV-infected adults living as couples will transmit the virus to their partners annually.

A recent survey by the group Population Action International found that seven per cent of those in monogamous relationships were HIV positive, but the rate reaches 11 per cent among those in polygamous unions.

But despite these hiccups, researchers say the spirit of polygamy thrives in Kenya and most of Africa.

“It has also become rather common for Christianised monogamous men to have one or more “outside wives” or “girlfriends,” provided they are wealthy enough to afford the luxury,” says Prof Yasuko Hayase of Meikai University, Japan in a study of polygamy in Kenya, Senegal, Ghana and Zimbabwe.

He says most urban men in these countries consider the possession of outside wives a reflection of high status and achievement. “So the spirit of polygamy still remains very strong.”

The legislators discussing the law may want to borrow from an earlier study carried out by Miriam Rubino de Rinck of the United States International University in Nairobi.

The researcher looked at what students at her institution and those at the University of Nairobi thought about polygamy and involved 129 pupils. Only a slight majority of the students thought polygamy was an outdated practice with most saying it was alright if both parties have consented.

Experimentation

During the study, many of those who claimed that they were most unlikely to enter a polygamous marriage mentioned that there was no suggestion of legalizing the practice.However, with the prospects of legalization now imminent, many of them might change their minds.

Individuals who may be considering giving polygamy a try but are uncertain may find solace in the fact that the law is not fixed and unchangeable. It allows for some room for experimentation. The Bill proposes that a customary marriage to a first wife can be registered, with the option of later converting it into a polygamous union.

This resembles the suspension of the Damocles’ Sword over the wife’s head, as the threat remains that if the man is dissatisfied for any reason, he can introduce another woman or women—with, of course, ‘her consent.’

People With Disabilities

The National Council for People with Disabilities. Was set up in December 2004 following the enactment of The Persons with Disabilities Act (PWD) Bill 2003. The Council is a semi-autonomous government agency (SAGA) whose parent Ministry is the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Development. The membership consists of nominees of Organisations of and for persons with disabilities. Key government ministries, the Office of the Attorney General, Federation of Kenya Employers and the Central Organisation of Trade Unions. A non-executive Chairperson heads the Board, while a Secretariat runs the day-to-day activities.

People With Disabilities: Core Functions

The Council derives its mandate from the PWD ACT, 2003. Which established the Council and outlined its core functions as follows:

• Formulating and developing measures and policies designed to achieve equal opportunities for PWDs;
• They cooperate with the government during the National Census. To ensure that accurate figures of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) are obtained.
• Issuing orders requiring the adjustment of buildings that are unfriendly for use by PWDs;
• Recommending measures to prevent discrimination against PWDs;
• Encouraging and securing the rehabilitation of PWDs within their own communities and social environment;
• Registering persons with disabilities and institutions and organizations giving services to PWDs; and
• Raising public awareness regarding PWDs.

People With Disabilities

Policy Priorities

1. a) To issue adjustment orders under section 24 of the PWD ACT, 2003;
2. b) To formulate and develop measures and policies designed to ;
3. Achieve equal opportunities for PWD by ensuring to the maximum extent possible that they obtain education. And employment and participate fully in sporting. Recreational and cultural activities and are afforded full access to community and social services.
4. They actively cooperate with the government during the national census to ensure that they obtain accurate figures of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the country for the purpose of planning.

• Advise the Minister on the provisions of any international treaty or agreement relating to the welfare or rehabilitation of PWD and its benefit to the country.

1. Recommend measures to prevent discrimination against PWD.
2. Put into operation schemes and projects for self employment or regular or sheltered employment for the generation of income by PWD.
3. Encourage and secure the rehabilitation of persons with disabilities within their own communities and social environment.

• Encourage and secure the establishment of vocational rehabilitation centres and other institutions and other services for the welfare, rehabilitation and employment of PWD.
• Co-ordinate services provided in Kenya for the welfare and rehabilitation of PWD and to implement programmes for vocational guidance and counseling.

1. c) To register-
2. i) PWD
3. ii) Institutions, associations and organizations, including those controlled and managed by the government and local authorities, that provide services for the rehabilitation and welfare of PWD.

iii) Places at which services for the rehabilitation of PWD are provided

1. iv) PWD whose condition requires constant medical attention for the purpose of availing subsidized medical services.
2. d) To provide, to the maximum extent possible.
3. i) assertive devices, appliances and other equipment to PWD.
4. i) Access to available information and technical assistance to all institutions,

associations and organizations concerned with the welfare and rehabilitation of PWD, including those controlled with PWD.

1. e) To consult with the government in the formulation of suitable curricula for vocational rehabilitation centres and other training facilities for PWD.
2. f) To make provision for assistance to students with disabilities in the form of scholarships, loan programmes, fee subsidies and other similar forms of assistance in both public and private institutions.
3. g) To assess and report to the minister on the welfare and rehabilitation of PWD and to advise on the relative priorities to be given to the implementation of those measures.
4. h) To consult with the government in the provision of suitable affordable housing for PWD.
5. i) Generally to carry out measures for public information on the rights of PWD and the provisions of the act.
6. j) To perform such other functions in relations to the welfare and rehabilitation of PWD as the council may deem necessary.
7. k) To perform such other functions as may be assigned to the council under the act or any other act.

 Powers

The PWD ACT, 2003 further gives the Council the following powers:

1. i) To conduct inquiries into any matter relating to the welfare and rehabilitation of PWD
2. ii) To constitute committees consisting of its members, and where necessary to co-opt experts to serve on such committees with the approval of the Minister.

iii) To vest in or delegate to any committee constituted under paragraph (ii) such of the functions of the council as the council may with the approval of the minister determine.

1. iv) With the approval of the minister, to engage or make other arrangements with any person to carry out research on, or supply information on, any matter relating to the welfare and rehabilitation of PWD.

Obesity in Children

Obesity is a weight disorder whereby the health of an individual. Is so extreme to the point of being considered unhealthy.

Nowadays obesity in children  children. A few decades ago childhood obesity cases were rare especially in developing countries like Kenya, but recently these cases have risen. Developed countries like the United States of America were used to this problem of obesity in children. But it seems the disorder is creeping in third world states.

In Kenya the problem started to raise eyebrows in the last one decade just after health experts noticed that majority of children below the age of 10 years were experiencing overweight problems. Since then, the public has been educated on the adverse health effects of obesity such as;

• Heart diseases. Obesity is one of the major culprits of heart ailments like stroke and heart failure. Experts warn that excessive fats may block blood vessels leading to these deadly heart ailemts.
• Majority of people living with diabetes are obese while medical practitioners point fingers at obesity as one of the causes of diabetes.
• Apart from these adverse health effects, social problems may also arise due to the condition. Examples include;
• Low self-esteem and stress. Obese children are more likely to be teased with their counterparts at school or any other social place therefore leading to low self-esteem and stress. This problem affect their ego and general intellectual development.
• Body image problems. As we all know image is everything. Obese children are more likely to face awkward image problems regarding the treatment they get from family members, classmates or even teachers.

Obesity in Adults

Obesity in adults have become a burden of life to them whereby most of people do not enjoy life .It is irritating to most for they are not able to perform well in some fields. Others  term it as a disease and they try all they can to have the extra masses off.

If you have symptoms associated with obesity such as the ones above, see your doctor or health care provider. You and your doctor can discuss your weight-loss options. Even modest weight loss can improve or prevent problems related to obesity. Weight loss is usually possible through dietary changes, increased physical activity and behavior changes. In some cases, prescription medications or weight-loss surgery may be options.

Symptoms:

Symptoms associated with obesity can include:

• Difficulty sleeping
• Snoring
• Sleep apnea
• Pain in your back or joints
• Excessive sweating
• Always feeling hot
• Rashes or infection in folds of your skin
• Feeling out of breath with minor exertion
• Daytime sleepiness or fatigue
• Depression

Causes & Complication

Causes:

Although there are genetic and hormonal influences on body weight, the bottom line is that obesity occurs when you take in more calories than you burn through exercise and normal daily activities. Your body stores these excess calories as fat. Obesity usually results from a combination of causes and contributing factors, including:

• Inactivity. If you’re not very active, you don’t burn as many calories. Unfortunately, today most adults spend most of their day sitting, whether at home, at work or during leisure activities. With a sedentary lifestyle, you can easily take in more calories every day than you burn off through exercise or normal daily activities. Watching too much television is one of the biggest contributors to a sedentary lifestyle and weight gain.
• Unhealthy diet and eating habits. Having a diet that’s high in calories, eating fast food, skipping breakfast, eating most of your calories at night, consuming high-calorie drinks and eating oversized portions all contribute to weight gain.
• Pregnancy. During pregnancy a woman’s weight necessarily increases. Some women find this weight difficult to lose after the baby is born. This weight gain may contribute to the development of obesity in women.
• Lack of sleep. Getting less than seven hours of sleep a night can cause changes in hormones that increase your appetite. You may also crave foods high in calories and carbohydrates, which can contribute to weight gain.
• Certain medications. Some medications can lead to weight gain if you don’t compensate through diet or activity. These medications include some antidepressants, anti-seizure medications, diabetes medications, antipsychotic medications, steroids and beta blockers.
• Medical problems. Obesity can sometimes be traced to a medical cause, such as Prader-Willi syndrome, Cushing’s syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome, and other diseases and conditions. Some medical problems, such as arthritis, can lead to decreased activity, which may result in weight gain. A low metabolism is unlikely to cause obesity, as is having low thyroid function.

Factors that may increase your risk of obesity include:

• Genetics. Your genes may affect the amount of body fat you store and where that fat is distributed. Genetics also may play a role in how efficiently your body converts food into energy and how your body burns calories during exercise.
• Family history. Obesity tends to run in families. That’s not just because of genetics. Family members tend to have similar eating, lifestyle and activity habits. If one or both of your parents are obese, your risk of being obese is increased.
• Age. Obesity can occur at any age, even in young children. But as you age, hormonal changes and a less active lifestyle increase your risk of obesity. In addition, the amount of muscle in your body tends to decrease with age. This lower muscle mass leads to a decrease in metabolism. These changes also reduce calorie needs and can make it harder to keep off excess weight. If you don’t decrease your caloric intake as you age, you’ll likely gain weight.
• Quitting smoking. Quitting smoking is often associated with weight gain. And for some, it can lead to a weight gain of as much as several pounds a week for several months, which can sometimes lead to obesity.
• Social and economic issues. Certain social and economic issues may be linked to obesity. You may lack access to safe areas to exercise, you may not have been taught healthy ways of cooking, or you may not have the financial means to buy fresh fruits and vegetables or foods that aren’t processed and packaged. In addition, some studies show that your social networks influence your weight — you’re more likely to become obese if you have obese friends or relatives.

Complications:

If you’re obese, you’re more likely to develop a number of potentially serious health problems, including:

• Blood (fat) lipid abnormalities
• Cancer, including cancer of the uterus, cervix, ovaries, breast, colon, rectum and prostate
• Depression
• Gallbladder disease
• Gynecological problems, such as infertility and irregular periods
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Metabolic syndrome
• Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
• Osteoarthritis
• Skin problems, such as intertrigo and impaired wound healing
• Sleep apnea
• Stroke
• Type 2 diabetes

Prevention:

Whether you’re at risk of becoming obese, currently overweight or at a healthy weight, you can take steps to prevent unhealthy weight gain and related health problems. Not surprisingly, the steps to prevent weight gain are the same as the steps to lose weight: daily exercise, a healthy diet, a long-term commitment to watch what you eat and drink.

• Exercise regularly. One of the most important things you can do to prevent weight gain is to exercise regularly. According to the American College of Sports Medicine, you need to get 150 to 250 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week to prevent weight gain. Moderately intense physical activities include fast walking and swimming.
• Eat healthy meals and snacks. Focus on low-calorie, nutrient-dense foods, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Avoid saturated fat and limit sweets and alcohol. Remember that no one food offers all the nutrients you need. Choose a variety of foods throughout the day. You can still enjoy small amounts of high-fat, high-calorie foods as an infrequent treat. Just be sure to choose foods that promote a healthy weight and good health more often than you choose foods that don’t.
• Know and avoid the food traps that cause you to eat. Identify situations that trigger out-of-control eating. Try keeping a journal and write down what you eat, how much you eat, when you eat, how you’re feeling and how hungry you are. After a while, you should see patterns emerge. You can plan ahead and develop strategies for handling these types of situations and stay in control of your eating behaviors.
• Monitor your weight regularly. People who weigh themselves at least once a week are more successful in keeping off excess pounds. Monitoring your weight can tell you whether your efforts are working and can help you detect small weight gains before they become big problems.
• Be consistent. Sticking to your healthy-weight plan during the week, on the weekends, and amidst vacation and holidays as much as possible increases your chances of long-term success.

If you really want to prevent weight gain, the best approach is to focus on an active lifestyle that includes an eating plan that’s enjoyable, yet healthy and low in calories.

Nairobi Travel Guide

Nairobi is an exceptional metropolitan city that has scores of historical

attractions and activities not to be found in other cities. lt is therefore important to

know what to expect and where to in Nairobi before leaving home.

|\|Amnn| l\lATl(‘\I\lAl Ml |<F| IM I ROMAS OF KFNYA

TeI:020 605933-7 6002764.

Cell: 073361 I608! 0722204647

NGONG RACE COURSE

Ngong Race Course is 25 minutes’ drive from the city

centre and is located along the Ngong Road besides the

Ngong Road Forest between the estates of\/\/oodley,

Langata and Karen. lt is operated by the jockey Club of

Kenya. Ngong racecourse is a right hand turftrack of abou

i 2400m.lt includes a si><—furlong straight and two chutes of

2060m and l800m.

Cell: +254 733 777 4l7 / +254 708 299 048

SAGANAWATER SLIDES

. Slide, spin, soar and plunge into the amazing River Sagana.

gliding at rapids camp for example, begins into a whirlpool

that spins you around a number oftimes before you are

spilled into the mighty Sagana river. lt’s very safe to do this

and a life jacket is provided to keep you afloat.

Tel:020 22l28l8.

Cell: +254 732308026! +254 722308026

SPLASH

Located ne><t to Carnivore Restaurant, off Langata Road,

nearWilson Airport, Splash Water world has one ofthe

volleyball,‘kiddy’ cars, camel rides, horse rides, restaurant

children and adult team building activities.

Cell: 0725698 I 55. 020 2405799

Email:splash@wananchi.com

PAINT BALLING

Paintballing is a warlike game where guns are substituted

with air pressure driven paintballswhich burst on impactl

Kitengela Paintball Polo is located 20 minutes from Bomas

of Kenya and it also offers facilities such as team building,

camping and corporate fun days.Y0u can play volleyball,

football, archery, and ride bikes,

Tel:020 20 22272

Email:rspolo@africaonline.co.ke/info@rolfsplacecom

MOTOR CROSS

The national motor cross championships held each year is

an event organized by the East African Motor Sports Club

(EAMSC)

Te|:02O 445330/30003049

Email:info@motorsportkenya.com

www.motorsportkenya.com

enioy the scenic lawns and views as you have a picnic.\/\/ater

largest pools in kenya.Also available are water slides, Beach

and bar In addition Splash hosts birthday parties, functions,

There are many shopping venues in Nairobi and if

you enjoy the real shopping experience at the malls

then you will be spoilt for choice. These state-of-

the-art shopping malls boast ample parking, a one-

stop-shopping experience, wine & dine areas.

ABC Place,Waiyaki Way, Westlands

It is the ultimate place for new brands, experiences

and ideas. With a stylish mix of establishments

ranging from furniture to fashion, beauty and food.

Tel: O20 4440362,

Email: ihfo@abc-p/ace, com

The Sarit Centre, Westlands, Off Waiyaki

Way

The centre has a cinema, a food court and an expo

centre, capable of hosting over 50 stands. Sarit

is an inter-active shopping mall offering one-stop

access to a complete range of supermarkets,

stores, and sen/ice outlets alongside entertainment

professional and medical facilities.

Te/: 254-2-3 74 7408/9, 3748662, 3740329

E-mai/: info@sarit-centre. com,

www. sarit-centre. com

Yaya Centre, Arwings Kodhek Road

A modern multifunctional shopping mall. The tenant

mix boasts brands that define Nairobi’s discerning

market. Food on the 2nd floor with a wide variety of

selection from Indian to Chinese to contemporaiy

styles at Saffron, Dim Sum House, Chinese Kitchen,

Primi Piatti and Sierra bar and restaurant.

Tel: 254-20-277 3360/1

Email: inf0@yaya.co.ke

www. yaya-centre. co. ke / www.yaya-apa/’tments.c0m

Village Market, Limuru Road, Gigiri — Since its

inception 12 years ago, Village market has proved

to be a leader in shopping complexes, managing

to mix modernity and ethnicity into a melting pot

of urban shopping. Because of its compelling

architectural design, The Village Market has earned

itself numerous accolades including the coveted

International Council of Shopping Centers‘ Design

Award.

The Galleria Shopping Mall, junction of

Magadi and Langata Roads.

Tel: +254 20 4448085 / 4444504

Email: info@nbihomes. com

WWVl/. galleria. co. ke

West Gate Shopping Centre, Mwanzi Road,

Westlands

Tel: +254 20 3746172/3, +254 20 3742951/32,

Email: in fo@Westgate. co. ke

WWW. Westgate. co. ke. com

Nakumatt

Tel: 020-3599991-4

Cell: +254 733-632130, +254 722-204931

Email: nakumatt@nakumatt.netl

WWW.nakumatt.net

Uchumi Supermarkets Ltd

Tel: (254) 20 — 227001,

Email: customerservice@uchuml. com,

WWW. uchumicom

Tusky‘s

Email: info@tuskys. com

Ukwala

Tel; 2221500 — Mega: 2244322. Ronald Ngala:

214 7200, Hyper: 2228138, Stadium: 26036666

Naivas

Tel 254 (020) 65363059 (020) 6553045

Nairobi is a culinary melting pot with a good variety

of cuisine types available. Restaurants in Nairobi

cater for all budgets and tastes with dishes from

virtually all corners oi the globe. All continents are

aptly represented, and what is most impressive is

the authentic touch that characterizes these dishes

The choices are numerous with options tor fine

dining or casual eats with dining establishments

ranging from five star hotels to restaurants offering

take away services.

Kenya Carbon Trading

Verified Carbon Unit (VCU) certificates from Kasigau corridor in Taita Taveta  County.

These facts were discussed during a National Validation Workshop for Financing the Kenya National Climate Change Action Plan. Subcomponent 8 which include  financing ,investment and capacity development,.

However, future market conditions are likely to be much tougher. This also means that Kenya should be cautious in investing too many resources. In trying to access a source of climate finance that is likely to diminish in the short to medium term.

The ministry of finance has developed a policy. That is aimed at providing a national policy framework to guide and support carbon inflows and management. Clean technologies, and carbon trading in the country so as to allow Kenya to become a competitive carbon finance destination. The technical Advisory Committee is responsible for implementing this policy so as to realize the objectives.

The future carbon market condition will be difficult. But a primary trading platform would be more appropriate for Kenya’s needs in the current market environment. Therefore, focusing on the three ‘archetype’ models;

Designated National Authority (DNA) more efficient. An ‘export promotion agency’ model where public resources will be used to increase the supply of Kenyan credits. And promote their sale in overseas markets; and the brokerage model where a new body will be created. And will bring together buyers and sellers of credits and works on a commission basis.

Primary trading will increase awareness about the opportunities. Provided by carbon markets but does not directly engage in specific projects or commercial negotiations between parties. It will also facilitate interactions between project developers. And credit purchasers and match project developers with other capital providers. And facilitate voluntary domestic trading within   the East Africa community.

Kenya has so far earned Sh534 million in carbon credit trading out of five national projects, Parliament was told yesterday. The system issues carbon credits to the government of the country in which reforestation. Or growing of other plants takes place.

In developing countries, one gets credited to the extent to which one is emitting less carbon. As per the standards fixed by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

Finance assistant minister Oburu Odinga told the House that five projects in Kenya have so far benefitted from the project in line with the requirements of the UNFCCC. The minister was answering a question from Emuhaya MP Wilbur Ottichilo who had wanted to know the current development status in Kenya.

Ottichilo had further wanted to whether there are any legal instruments in place to regulate the carbon trading industry and asked the minister to provide a list of high carbon projects that have been registered in the country.

However, MPs were up arms in accusing the government for doing little to educate and sensitize the public on what carbon trading entails. North Horr MP Chachu Ganya urged the government to encourage Kenyans to plant trees because the global carbon credit stands at $144 billion. Oburu admitted that the government has not done enough in developing the carbon trading system and said the policy guidelines are in preparatory stage.

He said the government’s climate finance and carbon trading policy forms a key input into the implementation of the National Climate Change Response Strategy.

He also said the government had issued a circular No 9/2011 which he said is in line with the requirement of the UNFCCC “We apologise for being late in putting in place the necessary policy guidelines and legal instruments. But we’ve started the process,” he said.

The five projects that have benefitted from the project are Bagasse Based Cogeneration project by Mumias Sugar, Olkaria Phase 2 Geothermal Expansion project, Olkaria II Geothermal Expansion project by Kengen, Lake Turkana 310 MW Wind Power project and the Abaredares small scale reforestation initiative.

kenya population census

A population census is the process of collecting. Compiling, evaluating, analysing and disseminating demographic, economic. And social data of people in a country or delimited part. The objectives are to collect demographic and socio—economic data required for decision making. And to ascertain size, composition, spatial distribution, levels of fertility, mortality and migration status.

The Kenyan government conducts a population census every ten years.In the previous census the population conducted on the year 2009 was over 38.6 million people. This figures rose from the one collected in the year 1999.

A census also establishes the rate and pattern of urbanisation. Levels of education in the population, deployment of the labour force. Types and distribution of persons with disabilities and housing  conditions and availability of household amenities.

Most of the people are the youth which has dominated these figures. From the demographic point of view the number of female is higher than that of male.

The government uses the collected data to determine the population and for planning purposes. Furthermore, the government utilizes the data in the allocation of revenues, prioritizing areas with a high population.

The Government spent Sh8.4 billion ($105 million) on the census and funded 95 per cent of the cost, with only 5 per cent coming from development partners. The 239,807 census personnel were paid a total of Sh5 billion ($62.5 million) from the money allocated for the census. Field personnel were 5,788 senior supervisors, 22,323 supervisors, 111,697 enumerators and 100,00() village elders. They used twelve million questionnaires for the census.

In matters religion, Kenya has 9.01 million Catholics, 18.3 million Protestants, and 4.5 million other Christians, 4.3 million Muslims, 53,393 Hindus and 635,352 traditionalists. People who profess other religions are 557,450, those who profess none are 922,128 and 61,000 responded that they did not know.

In terms of the provinces, Rift Valley had the largest population at 10,006,805. It was followed by Nyanza at 5,668,123, Eastern 5,442,711, Central 4,383,743, Western 4,334,281, Coast 3,325,307, Nairobi 3,138,369 and North Eastern at 2,310,757.

How to Get National ID in Kenya

Cheking the Status of Your Kenya National  Identity Card Application Online

All Kenyans aged 18 and above must mandatorily obtain National Identity Cards.Upon turning 18 years old, individuals must present themselves before a registration officer within 90 days and apply for an identification card. Failure to do so may require presenting a court affidavit to prove one’s identity and provide reasons for the delay.

Once you have registered, you will be issued with Application for Registration Certificate form Reg. 103 which you will surrender in exchange for a new identity card. This process takes 60 days. You can track online the status of your ID or through SafariCom SMS number 2031 by sending the 9 digit serial number on the form 103.

Kenya National Identity Card is the main and legal identification document recognized in Kenya. You must provide it to open a bank account, register a business, for employment, acquire a driving license, and transact mobile phone banking and many other uses that require proof of identity. Keep your ID card safe and free from damage all the time.

The Government is currently working on provision of a new 3rd generation ID card that will be operational from year 2010. The new ID will include more security features and more personal details than the current one. Be on the lookout for new information from the eService for Kenya.

Here are the various types of national identification registrations

1. Initial Registration
2. Replacement Registration
3. Duplicate Registration
4. Change of Particulars

I have been on the blunt side of the Kenyan system concerning National Identification. Having applied for ID replacement and waited for eight months.

I had to visit the registration office in my district periodically, only to be repeatedly informed that I had to wait.

Nowadays, you can check the status of your national ID card processing online or through SMS.

To check whether the ID is ready, enter the first 9 digits of the serial number on the waiting card…

HIV and AIDS in Kenya

The categorization of the HIV and AIDS epidemic in Kenya. As generalized reflects its impact across all sectors of the population. However, we should note that HIV prevalence varies based on location, gender, and age.

Those in heterosexual relationships accounted for nearly half of all new infections transmitted in 2008. And 20 per cent during casual heterosexual SEX. Various studies have revealed a high HIV prevalence amongst a number of key affected groups. Including sex Workers, injecting drug users (IDUs), men who have sex with men, truck drivers and cross border mobile populations.

Some of these groups experience marginalization within society. For instance, homosexuality is illegal in Kenya and punishable by up to 14 years in prison. This makes it difficult for the groups to reach HIV and AIDs in Kenya prevention, treatment and care. The extent to which these groups are affected by HIV has not been fully explored.

In 2008, an estimated 3.8 per cent of new HIV infections were among IDUs. And in the capital, Nairobi, 5.8 per cent of new infections were among IDUs. Healthcare settings can easily prevent HIV infections.

However, 2.5 per cent of new HIV infections in 2008 occurred in health facilities. Women are disproportionally affected by HIV. In 2008/9, HIV prevalence among women was twice as high as that for men at eight per cent. And 4.3 per cent, respectively.

This disparity is even greater in young women in the 15 to 24 age bracket. Who are four times more likely to become infected with HIV than men of the same age.

High rates of violent sexual contact are experienced by Kenyan women, and this is believed to contribute to the higher prevalence of HIV. In a 2003 nationwide survey, almost half of the women reported having experienced violence and a quarter of women aged between 12 and 24 had lost their virginity by force.

Adult HIV and Aids prevalence is greater in urban areas at 8.4 per cent than rural areas at 6.7 per cent. However, the estimation indicates that one million adults living with HIV are present in rural settings, while urban settings accommodate 400,000 individuals, reflecting the fact that approximately 75 percent of the Kenyan population resides in rural areas.

Kenya is in a transitional period, with a government seeking to restructure many elements of the state. This context offers clear opportunities, but also many constraints for controlling HIV/AIDS. Human capacity development is a major concern and all partners are working to improve capabilities and human resource management systems to enable people to respond effectively to HIV/AIDS.

Kenya has a large number of qualified, unemployed health care workers. The key to success will be developing effective mechanisms to engage these trained staff. In addition, efforts to employ auxiliary staff, such as adherence counselors and outreach workers, are a high priority.

Treatment literacy is very low, which contributes to the high levels of stigma among health workers and the general population. Furthermore, for those who are receiving ART, systematic monitoring and evaluation is lacking.

CO INFECTIONS

TB, KAPOSI, DIAHORREA, DRY COUGH, RASHES AND SKIN INFECTIONS

Patients living with HIV/AIDS have low immune system, often times patients think their ARV drugs are enough to protect them and some patients stop taking drugs when they feel healthy, some do not keep to medical appointments and only visit the hospital when they are critically ill. Some take herbal treatment along side with ARV drugs, good hygiene practice remains a thing of concern among people living with HIV/AIDS in Senegal.

MALNUTRITION

Poor state of the economy, neglect and lack of support from family members and the community, lack of appetite due to state of health and even drug reactions all contribute to the high occurrence of malnutrition in people living with HIV.

ARV DRUGS SIDE EFFECTS

ARV drugs are known to cause side effects, including lack of appetite, diarrhea, cough, hormonal problems, lactic acid imbalance in the body system, weight loss, vomiting, nausea, and liver problems.

STIGMATIZATION

Stigmatization arises from fear, ignorance and socio-cultural factors. Up till date the societies, culture and religions have not learnt to accept people living with HIV and show love care and support to them, we have immigration laws and policies restraining the movement of people living with HIV/AIDS.

ECONOMY

The economic situation in Senegal does not adequately support people living with HIV, despite the provision of free ARV medication. They are not provided with free medical assistance or treatment for co-infections, except in the case of TB. The employment sector openly oppresses people living with HIV/AIDS.