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Major stride for Ogiek Community as 3rd edition Bio-Cultural Protocol Book is launched

The Edition highlights various key aspects of the Ogiek Community among them; identity, special relation with land and forests, eco-climatic zones for the community, and traditional knowledge.

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2 years ago

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The launch of the 3rd edition Bio-Cultural Protocol Book at a Nakuru Hotel on July 14,2021.PHOTO/Pristone Mambili.

The Ogiek Community in Kenyan on Wednesday made another major stride in an effort to safeguard their rights and culture as they launched 3rd Edition of the Ogiek Community Bio-Cultural Protocol Book.

The Edition highlights various key aspects of the Ogiek Community among them; identity, special relation with land and forests, eco-climatic zones for the community, and traditional knowledge.

Other aspects captured include the Ogiek Community way of life(Economic activities), system of governance and decision making,their challenges: evictions, lack of land tenure rights. land loss,Human rights violation,loss of economic means of livelihood, loss of identity, lack of representations, and destruction and degradation of the Mau Forest.

Despite a landmark ruling on 26 May 2017 by the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights based in Arusha, Tanzania, that the Kenyan government had violated the rights of the Ogiek people by repeatedly evicting them from their ancestral lands in the Mau Forest, not much has been done to implement the Court decision.

However, with the launch of the 3rd edition of the Ogiek Community Bio-Cultural Protocol Book,the Community is optimistic that their rights will be safeguarded in a more structured way.

Speaking in Nakuru when he officiated the launch of the edition, KWS in-charge of Bio-prospecting activities Mr.Mukonyi Kabaka lauded the move terming it a milestone in the country and the Globe.

He called on the Ogiek community through their umbrella Ogiek peoples’ Development Program to ensure they implement and put in place structures as per content of the Book so that they can begin realizing their benefits and rights.

Kabaka cited the Endorois as a good example of peoples with a Community Bio-Cultural Protocol that has seen the community reap a lot of benefits from their ancestral land around Lake Bogoria.

“This is a milestone not only for the Ogiek community but even globally. We are encouraging indigenous communities to have such a Community Bio-Cultural Protocol. Already, the Edorois have one and are enjoying benefits be it in tourism around Lake Bogoria etc” he said.

Sentiments echoed by Technical advisor Ms Cecilia Githaiga.

She said the Community Bio-Cultural Protocol is key in matters of communication between the Ogiek Community and other partners as far as their cultural rights are concerned.

“This is a key tool of communication between the Ogiek and the government or any other person who would like to learn about the Ogiek Community” said Githaiga.

Ogiek Peoples’ Development Program Executive Director Daniel Kobei who also graced the event noted that the BCP will go a long way in locking out individuals who have been reaping from the Ogiek without their knowledge.

He added that they will be moving ahead to register the BCP in various counties where the Ogiek Communities live so that the government and any person can understand that the Ogiek people have rights to their natural resources as well as culture.

“There are people who have been reaping from us without our knowledge. But now with this BCP that will be a thing of past” said Kobei.

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Related Topics:Ogiek CommunityOgiek Council of Elders Chairman John SirongaOgiek Peoples' Development ProgramOgiek Peoples' Development Program Executive Director Daniel Kobei

A Nakuru-based freelance Journalist with a wealth of experience in Radio and Online Journalism.

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Nakuru

Governor Kihika mourns Lawyer Kiplenge

Governor Kihika said Kiplenge will be remembered as a soft-spoken but sharp lawyer who diligently undertook his assignments.

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4 months ago

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October 8, 2022

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Juma Kiplenge

Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika has sent a message of condolence to the family, friends and relatives of advocate, Juma Kiplenge.

In her message, Governor Kihika said Kiplenge will be remembered as a soft-spoken but sharp lawyer who diligently undertook his assignments.

“His passing on has robbed Nakuru of a son who purposed to right wrongs and conscientiously represented his clients,” she stated in her message.

She added that the firebrand lawyer will especially be remembered for his role in advocating for the rights of the marginalized Ogiek community.

Juma passed away on Friday, October 7, 2022, while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Nairobi following a short illness.

The body has since been transferred to Umash Funeral Home in Nakuru awaiting burial on Friday, October 14.

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Nakuru

List of newly elected MCAs in Nakuru County

The following are the Nakuru County elected MCAs following the 9th August General elections. The United Democratic Alliance party (UDA) got the most number of seats at 39

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5 months ago

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August 15, 2022

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The new County Asssembly of Nakuru chambers

The following are the Nakuru County elected MCAs following the 9th August General elections. The United Democratic Alliance party (UDA) got the most number of seats at 39. The Jubilee party managed 6 seats, while the Safina party won 1 seat. Seven of the MCAs were elected as independent candidates. Out of the 55 elected MCAs, 8 are women.

Naivasha Constituency MCAs 2022

  1. Maiella – Gituku Jane Wanjiru (UDA)
  2. 2. Naivasha East – Stanley Karanja (UDA)
  3. 3. Maai Mahiu – Eliud Kamau Chege (UDA)
  4. 4. Biashara – Elijah Mwaura (UDA)
  5. 5. Viwandani – Mwangi Muraya (UDA)
  6. 6. Lakeview – Alex Mbugua (UDA)
  7. 7. Hellsgate – Virginia Gichanga (Jubilee)
  8. 8. Ol’Karia – Peter Wanjala Palang’a (ODM)

Gilgil Constituency MCAs 2022

  1. 9. Gilgil – Rose Njoroge (UDA)
  2. 10. Malewa – Francis Mungai Kuria (UDA)
  3. 11. Eburru Baruk – Michael Gathanwa (UDA)
  4. 12. Elementaita – George Nene (Safina)
  5. 13. Morendat – Peter Njoroge (UDA)

Subukia Constituency MCAs 2022

  1. 14. Subukia – Isabella Makori (UDA)
  2. 15. Waseges – Elijah Murage (Independent)
  3. 16. Kabazi – George Talam (UDA)

Bahati Constituency MCAs 2022

  1. 17. Bahati – Grace Mwathi (UDA)
  2. 18. Kabatini – Leah Ng’ang’a (Independent)
  3. 19. Kiamaina – Paul Waweru Warege (Ka Wambui) (UDA)
  4. 20. Dundori – James Gathuita Mwangi (UDA)
  5. 21. Lanet Umoja -Mwangi Ngarama (UDA)

Nakuru Town East Constituency MCAs 2022

  1. 22. Nakuru East – Anthony Kamau (UDA)
  2. 23. Menengai – Wilson Mwangi (Jubilee)
  3. 24. Flamingo – David Kihumba Muraya (Independent)
  4. 25. Biashara – Fadhili Msuri (UDA)
  5. 26. Kivumbini – Neto Sakwa Alukutsa (Independent)

Nakuru Town West Constituency MCAs 2022

  1. 27. Rhoda – John Macharia (UDA)
  2. 28. London – Benard Gattuso (Jubilee)
  3. 29. Barut – Ben Kirui (UDA)
  4. 30. Kapkures – Robert Ruto (UDA)
  5. 31. Kaptembwa – Peter Kanjwang’ (ODM)
  6. 32. Shabaab – Macharia Wathiai (UDA)

Rongai Constituency MCAs 2022

  1. 33.Solai – Nixon Morogo (Independent)
  2. 34. Soin – Ellibas Naburuki (Degualle) (UDA)
  3. 35. Mosop – Dr. Alex Lang’at (UDA)
  4. 36. Menengai West – Isaac Kiptisya Rottok (UDA)
  5. 37. Visoi – Hellen Chemutai (UDA)

Njoro Constituency MCAs 2022

  1. 38. Njoro – Hezy Ndung’u (Independent)
  2. 39. Nessuit – Samuel Tonui (UDA)
  3. 40. Mauche – Moses Koros (UDA)
  4. 41. Mau Narok – Cyrus Dida (UDA)
  5. 42. Kihingo – Simon Kamau Karanja (Jubilee)
  6. 43. Lare – Phillip Wanjohi (Jubilee)

Molo Constituency MCAs 2022

  1. 44. Molo – Joseph Ngware (UDA)
  2. 45. Marioshoni – Ben Lang’at (UDA)
  3. 46. Elburgon – David Njuguna (Independent)
  4. 47. Turi – John Mwangi Macharia (Jubilee)

Kuresoi South Constituency MCAs 2022

  1. 48. Keringet – William Mutai (UDA)
  2. 49. Tinet – Paul Lang’at Alvin (Drilit) (UDA)
  3. 51. Kiptangich – Rose Mutai (UDA)
  4. 52. Amalo – Robert Lang’at (UDA)

Kuresoi North Constituency UDA MCA nominees

  1. 53. Sirikwa – Emmanuel Lang’at (UDA)
  2. 54. Kamara – Joseph Kipng’etich (Chemutwet) (UDA)
  3. 55. Kiptororo – Alex Bor (Kipyek) (UDA)

 

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Nakuru

Nakuru to host World Bee Day celebrations

The Apimondia Regional Commission (ARC) President, Mr David Mukomana, in a statement, said the three-day program will include technical tours to see beekeeping within Nakuru County and any other areas, exhibitions, seminars and the actual celebrations.

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Published

8 months ago

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May 17, 2022

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Bees on a honey comb

Nakuru City will this year host the Regional World Bee Day (WBD) celebrations from the 18th – to the 20th of May 2022.

The yearly event is commemorated to raise awareness about the importance of bees and other pollinators for humanity in food security, global hunger eradication, and environmental and biodiversity conservation.

Under the theme; “Bee engaged: Celebrating the contribution of bees to the environment, food security and income generation to mankind.”

The forum will share knowledge from across the world, and draw the attention of the public and decision-makers to the importance of protecting bees as well as halting the further loss of biodiversity and degradation of ecosystems following the Paris Agreement.

FAO estimates that bees contribute to the pollination of food worth between $ 235 and $ 580 billion every year and that their decline continues to strain food systems.

Intensive farming practices, excessive use of agrochemicals, habitat loss, and adverse effects of climate among other issues have been identified as key hindrances causing the depopulation of bees and loss of colonies.

With such challenges, there is a need to come up with solutions that are resistive to the increasing bee population globally.

According to FAO, Kenya ranks third in Africa after Tanzania which is the largest producer of honey and produces approximately 31,405 tonnes annually while Angola ranks second producing about 23,500 tonnes annually.

As of 2020, Kenya’s production of honey was at 17,801 tonnes, up from 13,877 tonnes the previous year, this is a change of 28.28%.

Speaking during a past apiculture stakeholders’ workshop, State Department for Livestock Production Principal Secretary, Mr Harry Kimtai, expressed concern that new pests and farm pesticides have hit colonies hard.

“We’re collaborating with devolved units to halt the alarming depletion of bee colonies. Bee colony multiplication initiatives include capacity building, beekeeping equipment distribution, and bee bulking,” revealed PS Kimtai.

Despite the potential of honey production and the benefits of apicultural activity, very little income accrues from the activity.

The government in its progress, in the Big Four Agenda on 100% food and nutrition security, is committed to enhancing honey production from 25,000 tonnes to 38,000 tonnes by the year 2022.

Beekeeping offers an alternative source of livelihood and protects biodiversity and should ideally be established away from human interaction with enough bee forage and all-year-round availability of water to provide favourable conditions for beekeeping.

Nakuru County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, Dr Immaculate Maina, says that, ‘’bees have become increasingly endangered with one million species facing extinction. Thus, beekeeping should be embraced as an alternative environmentally friendly income-earning enterprise.”

‘’We hope that by hosting this event, we will be able to proactively assist in the opening up of our county by giving marketing opportunities and investment prospects in the apiculture industry,” Dr Maina noted.

“We also anticipate important topics discussed during the three-day forum, such as the role of women in the sector as those most affected by climate change, solutions to save our bee species from extinction, and how we can continue to rely on pollinators to save us from the current climate crisis,” she concluded.

Acting CEO of the Apiculture Platform of Kenya (APK), Mr Frederick Otieno Odera, says that beekeeping has significant potential in Africa to improve rural incomes and diversify livelihoods.

“We hope the commemoration of the National World Bee Day will showcase new technologies and sustainable measures from across the world in the apiculture industry and provide sustainable solutions to save our bees in the current climate crisis,” said Otieno.

The Apimondia Regional Commission (ARC) President, Mr David Mukomana, in a statement, said the three-day program will include technical tours to see beekeeping within Nakuru County and any other areas, exhibitions, seminars and the actual celebrations.

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