tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16581357353597383532024-03-06T12:03:13.878-08:00NGURUMAN MAARIFA CENTREEnabling Access, Creating Knowledge, Empowering communities.
A Community Information Center that enhances information exchange among communities.Nguruman Maarifa Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17519944701812473585noreply@blogger.comBlogger73125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658135735359738353.post-64322144954348737042014-08-13T06:11:00.010-07:002014-08-13T06:11:58.377-07:00NGURUMAN COMMUNITY EMBRACE A CHANGE ON IRRIGATION SYSTEM<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>By Maison Nteetu</i></b></div>
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The main challenge for most of the farmers in Kenya,
especially in lowlands, is lack of enough water for irrigation. During dry seasons
farmers get low yields mostly because they lack water which is a basic
necessity for plants. In most cases,
some even cannot try farming in such seasons. </div>
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Does irrigation takes place in some areas without rain? How
do they get water for irrigation? There are some places which are much blessed
with natural resources. Water flows on rivers throughout seasons and residents
take the opportunity. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Nguruman is among the most blessed parts in the country. It
is located in Kajiado County approximately 45 Kilometers from Magadi town where
Salt is mined. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Nguruman Escarpments acts as the source of water for
Entasopia and Oloibortoto rivers which feed Nguruman place with water. This
water has been widely used by the community members in different ways. It acts
as the source of water for livestock, domestic use and mostly for irrigation. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Irrigation was initially done through canals. Canals were
built from the river to the farms by the farm owners. Those who have
neighbouring farms unite and make canals
from the main river to their farms. Each farmer who contributed to the
construction of the canal, was allocated a specific day to water his/her
plants. </div>
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However, in the year 2012, the irrigation system was designed
to take another outlook. The Irrigation Water Users Association (IWUA)
initiated a sprinkler irrigation project with support from the Africa
Development Bank (ADB).</div>
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<br /></div>
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The water that runs through canals initially has to be
pumped through pipes to farms so as to ensure maximum utilization. This will also ensure that a farmer will have
water running from once farm everyday unlike the canals system where farmers
are allocated a specific day.</div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8LupM95NWBk/U-tZkTAysyI/AAAAAAAABKs/_Mk8Kqh9txU/s1600/IMG-20140812-WA0000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8LupM95NWBk/U-tZkTAysyI/AAAAAAAABKs/_Mk8Kqh9txU/s1600/IMG-20140812-WA0000.jpg" height="400" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A sprinkler set ready to use</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The sprinkler system is more efficient and the residents
have appreciated it. At first, the community members did not like the system
since they claim that water might not be enough. They thought that their
livestock will not access water and the small bushes that usually surrounds the
canals, will dry up.</div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Nguruman acts as the ‘savior’ of most
pastoralists during the dry seasons. It remains green for a long time, usually
throughout the year except during the 2009 drought. This is where the
pastoralists ran to with their livestock during such dry seasons. Most believe
it is because of the permanent canals, that the place remains green for a long
period. The pastoralists now are petrified when they see such a change that
will ensure water runs through pipes and will probably lack in the canals.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aC2OsHUZj_s/U-tiAW39F4I/AAAAAAAABLI/psa367n8neA/s1600/IMG_20140808_080405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aC2OsHUZj_s/U-tiAW39F4I/AAAAAAAABLI/psa367n8neA/s1600/IMG_20140808_080405.jpg" height="400" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Initially used water canal</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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To free the pastoralists from the fear, the IWUA
organization put up water troughs and wells in some parts of the area to
provide water for livestock and even for domestic use. On vegetation issues,
some members suggested that they should allocate at least one day in a week
that water should be allowed to run through the canals to ensure vegetation
exists.</div>
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“Initially, I used to cultivate less than a quarter acre of
land of which I was not sure whether I will gain anything due to water
shortages. I can now cultivate an acre
and even more and I am very hopeful that I will gain much yields from it due to
this sprinkler project”. This is what Mama Clara had to say to express her
happiness with the project. Her farm is among the already farms that have
received the sprinklers and are now functioning. </div>
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Mr. Moses, a farmer from Ndarkalai area also explained the
advantage part of the sprinklers over the previous canal system. “Earlier, I
almost gave up with farming when I had tomato seedlings worth Kshs.7000 which
dried up due to lack of enough water. My farm is very far from the escarpments
and only little water reach this place. On May fortunately, the sprinkler
system reached my farm”. Said Mr. Moses on his half an acre farm of raw
tomatoes.</div>
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The sprinkler system has also reduce use of much labour
since the big work is just to move the portable sprinklers unlike the canal
system where one directs water to every basin.</div>
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</div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YlZkGU6sc0Y/U-te4IoiTGI/AAAAAAAABK8/L8LszoTDJWM/s1600/IMG_20140731_181610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YlZkGU6sc0Y/U-te4IoiTGI/AAAAAAAABK8/L8LszoTDJWM/s1600/IMG_20140731_181610.jpg" height="400" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A farmer watering his plants through canal irrigation</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Generally, the project has been embraced by many even though
it had slight challenges like leakages and high maintenance of the sprinklers. The leakages may be caused by failing to use
the sprinklers which lead to a build up pressure that causes the pipes to
burst.</div>
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</div>
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The project however, is incomplete and upon completion, the
president of Kenya is expected to launch it officially before the end of this
year.</div>
Nguruman Maarifa Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17519944701812473585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658135735359738353.post-46762028340793450732014-06-27T02:55:00.000-07:002014-06-27T02:55:00.108-07:00The New Face of a Kiosk, Solar Kiosk<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>By Maison Nteetu</i></b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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The world’s first Solar Kiosk was officially opened in
Ethiopia on July 2012. It is a portable solar shop designed in Germany by Graft
architects. A Solar Kiosk is a highly optimized kiosk with solar panels on top.
</div>
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In August 2013 on 22<sup>th</sup>, a Solar Kiosk was
installed in Nguruman and officially opened on 26<sup>th</sup>. This was just
after installation of another one in Olkiramatian shopping centre. The
Olkiramatian Solar Kiosk has really helped the Olkiramatian residents since there
were no stable shops in the area and phone charging was also mayhem for the
residents. The residents are now enjoying the Graft’s invention under Mr.
Seuri.</div>
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Nguruman Solar Kiosk is amazingly providing services that
one can ever hope for to the residents. Under Mr. Joel Kanunga, the Kiosk is
providing a safe and affordable solution for the unstable sources of light.
Residents can purchase solar lanterns at an affordable price.</div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The Kiosk also offers phone charging, cards and
refreshments. It has a refrigerator and therefore you can enjoy cool drinks, a
unique service in the area. Like other shops, it provides quick bought
commodities such as sugar, packed tea; cooking fat among others. The Solar
Kiosk also has a digital TV screen providing entertainment services to
residents.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IBF7OlmIilM/U606HZveOeI/AAAAAAAABKI/Vvn2q44OChw/s1600/IMG_20140626_084239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IBF7OlmIilM/U606HZveOeI/AAAAAAAABKI/Vvn2q44OChw/s1600/IMG_20140626_084239.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Side view of Nguruman solar Kiosk</b></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
With the first functional Solar Kiosk operating in Ethiopia,
the creators are looking for business partners and NGO’s who can help bring the
kiosks to parts of the world where they are most needed.<br />
<br />
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In Nguruman, the Solar Kiosk have partnered with Indigo.
Indigo provides internet services while the Solar Kiosk provides power and
sells Indigo’s vouchers. Indigo has installed boosters near the Kiosk to
increase the strength and distance the signal should reach. The organization
has also provided 2 tablets and 2 smart phones where one can use to access net
but at a cost. </div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SkOUhZebu8s/U6086wO57OI/AAAAAAAABKU/S5a729iVBcY/s1600/IMG_20140626_084318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SkOUhZebu8s/U6086wO57OI/AAAAAAAABKU/S5a729iVBcY/s1600/IMG_20140626_084318.jpg" height="400" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>An Indigo internet services providers' booster</b></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The Kiosk is know under expansion. Another room which will act as a saloon and a <i>kinyozi </i>is under construction.</div>
Nguruman Maarifa Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17519944701812473585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658135735359738353.post-12246193997224976242014-06-26T01:15:00.000-07:002014-06-26T01:50:36.774-07:00Together We Can End Poverty<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>By Maison Nteetu</i></b></div>
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If you want to reach somewhere fast, walk alone, but if you
want to go far walk with others. This is a say that Nguruman residents believe
in so much. They have impressed it in their farming activities especially. </div>
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Ushirika, is the name they give to their small groups<i>. Ushirika</i> is a Kiswahili name meaning
togetherness. An ushirika can have up to seven members, of which each member is
allocated a specific day where all the members meet to perform duties required
by the host.<br />
<br /></div>
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These are the best groups actually requiring after work,
just a cup of tea if it is available. They can prepare a quarter acre of land
in one day. The group requires that members’ farms are not too far so as to
utilize time.</div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AG6tunJKsA4/U6vRwYCWnnI/AAAAAAAABJs/d9A9oxvY5Ew/s1600/DSC07392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AG6tunJKsA4/U6vRwYCWnnI/AAAAAAAABJs/d9A9oxvY5Ew/s1600/DSC07392.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A planted field of one member. </i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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According to the group members, there are policies and an
administration where they orally elect a chairman whose duty is to give orders
on less active members. The chairman however has no advantage over the other
members. He must be responsible and serve as an example.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">If a member misses another’s duty, according to
the rules, he is supposed to compensate during the weekend when the other
members are free. Time is the most valued item according to the members.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-to6o19KcRJM/U6vUmU3dTAI/AAAAAAAABJ4/tY672P8H5YM/s1600/IMG_20140621_093323.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-to6o19KcRJM/U6vUmU3dTAI/AAAAAAAABJ4/tY672P8H5YM/s1600/IMG_20140621_093323.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Group members performing duties </i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
According to the group members, there are policies and an
administration where they orally elect a chairman whose duty is to give orders
on less active members. The chairman however has no advantage over the other
members. He must be responsible and serve as an example.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">If a member misses another’s duty, according to
the rules, he is supposed to compensate during the weekend when the other
members are free. Time is the most valued item according to the members.</span></div>
Nguruman Maarifa Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17519944701812473585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658135735359738353.post-69838877563360647322014-05-20T06:13:00.000-07:002014-05-20T06:20:22.126-07:00OLORIKA FOUNDATION, THE MOTHER OF MANY<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>By Maison Nteetu</i></b></div>
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<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Many young children would like to join schools be it primary
or secondary schools to ensure they cope with the current generation. However,
it is not their faults or even their parents’ if they fail to do so. They
sometimes lack finances to carter their school fees and other needs. Education
is becoming expensive though it has also become a basic need.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Olorika Foundation came out as the source of hope for the
needy society in the year 2005. It extended from Nguruman to many places
including Shompole, Oloika, Olkiramatian and Oloserian. Mr. Bonde came up with
the foundation after realizing the suffering and how needy the society is.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The foundation has sponsored the following in its mission of
helping the needy.<span style="font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Students’ school fees payment</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Provision of teachers’ salary.</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Provision of water drams and</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Provision of library books for some schools.</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<!--[if !supportLists]--><br />
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<b>Students’ school fees payment<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 1.5pt;">
The foundation sponsors a hundred
and fifty secondary and primary students. Seventy two students are from
Olkiramatian primary school while sixty five students are in Patterson Memorial
Secondary school. The other thirteen are in different secondary schools. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 1.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 1.5pt;">
Some of the students are partially
sponsored while others are fully sponsored. This was arrived at after realizing
that other students are from extreme poverty affected families while others are
from poor but not extreme poor families.45 students in primary school are
partially sponsored in primary schools while 27 are fully sponsored. In
secondary school, 20 students are fully sponsored while 45 are partially
sponsored.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 1.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 1.5pt;">
<b>Teachers’ Salaries <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Olorika foundation
pays salaries for some primary school teachers. It pays 2 Olkiramatian primary
school teachers, 3 from Entasopia and one from Pakaase primary school.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The foundation donated 100 library books to
Patterson Secondary school. The foundation supplied 20 tanks to the community
members. These helped in the environmental conservation.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RTcdw4WqbFw/U3tTQCrlmiI/AAAAAAAABJQ/psudEGI1D6k/s1600/DSC07598.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RTcdw4WqbFw/U3tTQCrlmiI/AAAAAAAABJQ/psudEGI1D6k/s1600/DSC07598.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-size: medium; text-align: start; text-indent: 0.5in;"><b>Olorika foundation beneficiaries in a meeting.</b></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
From 2012 however, there was a delay in payment of school fees.
Mr. Bonde explained the situation and promised he should have not let them
suffer if he was capable of controlling what he is undergoing.<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Mr. Bonde is undergoing financial difficulties
as his source of finances is affected by frequent attacks. He called the whole
community to join him in prayers to help him out of the difficulties.</span><br />
<div>
<i style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></i></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4QPlH9OCnV8/U3tUEziBKhI/AAAAAAAABJY/U7opbxpXrbk/s1600/DSC07607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4QPlH9OCnV8/U3tUEziBKhI/AAAAAAAABJY/U7opbxpXrbk/s1600/DSC07607.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-size: medium; text-align: start; text-indent: 0.5in;"><b>Mr. Bonde addressing the meeting.</b></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
“I can’t promise for any help now as I am struggling to
recover from losses caused by my assailants. I will be back to help you if God
help me through.” Said Mr. Bonde. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Nguruman Maarifa Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17519944701812473585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658135735359738353.post-12226006039134363522014-05-18T00:43:00.001-07:002014-05-18T00:43:13.407-07:00Crop diseases, a challenge to nguruman farmers<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>By Maison Nteetu</i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As farmers straggle to move out of bondage of poverty, crop
diseases tries to make the farmer’s dream delay and sometimes kill their hopes of getting a good harvest.
Crop diseases, as well as livestock diseases, act as the farmer’s stumbling
block of their success.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>Maize lethal necrosis
disease</b></i> for example, has made a lot of farmers to almost lose hope on
growing maize after a serious destruction of the crops.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Some of the characteristics of the disease include among
others, yellow stripes on leafs and stem of the affected plant. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z7H1y_aK3mY/U3hhj9Vr4eI/AAAAAAAABIk/H1k7KvGcsbw/s1600/DSC07396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z7H1y_aK3mY/U3hhj9Vr4eI/AAAAAAAABIk/H1k7KvGcsbw/s1600/DSC07396.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;"> An affected plant. photo by Maison</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">A good example is a farmer who planted half an
acre of maize and the farm was affected by <i>maize
lethal necrosis disease. </i>This leaves many hopeless and unwilling to
continue growing crops.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After a month almost all the plants turned brown. They seem
to be ready for harvest but they bear no grains. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Maize lethal necrosis
disease </i>has no cure according to plant-wise investigation. However, a plant
clinic held on the first and last week of the month helps farmers to understand
ways on how they can prevent their plants from being affected. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dhAgC8N43eQ/U3hjuqp6uRI/AAAAAAAABI8/aAWy1UkT8RM/s1600/DSC07402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dhAgC8N43eQ/U3hjuqp6uRI/AAAAAAAABI8/aAWy1UkT8RM/s1600/DSC07402.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Mr Kibinge, A plant doctor analysing some samples. Photo by Maison</span></i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
Some
of the preventions include:</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Wingdings; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Avoid moving plants from infected regions to non-infected
regions to reduce spread of the disease.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Avoid continues planting of maize crops to stop
persistence of virus and possible vectors.</span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Practice crop rotation.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Wingdings; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Avoid planting recycled seeds.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Keep the field free from weeds.</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Once the plant is affected, the farmer is advised to uproot
and destroy the plant by burning or burying it 1m deep.</div>
Nguruman Maarifa Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17519944701812473585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658135735359738353.post-44822102723476475962014-01-20T01:22:00.000-08:002014-02-12T01:27:33.124-08:00Nguruman Maarifa Advisory committee strengthenedNguruman Maarifa Centre has been in existence for the past nine years where community members have been receiving free services like Internet access, ICT training, Online market information, e-Government services, Multi-media content, Publications, information on sustainable Agriculture, climate change and Natural resource Management among other topics. <br />
<br />
Since its establishment, many milestones have been achieved with over ten thousand community members benefiting from the facility. The daily operations of the Maarifa centre are overseen by a Field officer assisted by a community knowledge facilitator who is a member of the community. A advisory committee comprising of representatives from different stakeholders are elected to oversee the operations of the facility and act as a link between ALIN and the community.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--sCpBXy2cbQ/Uvs8SlkbonI/AAAAAAAABIM/djL7vOCv4bk/s1600/DSC07945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--sCpBXy2cbQ/Uvs8SlkbonI/AAAAAAAABIM/djL7vOCv4bk/s1600/DSC07945.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Community members following proceedings during the Launching of the Maarifa centre</span></i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Strengthening Nguruman Maarifa centre advisory committee was key as some older members had got other community assignments and vacant positions needed to be filled. Through thorough discussions and consultations with stakeholders present during the meeting, A strong advisory committee was formed with representations from Community groups, Associations, Church based organizations, Government ministries, NGOs, the disabled, Local administration and farmer groups.<br />
<br />
The elected members were urged to desist from personal interests and work together for the benefit of the entire community words that were echoed by the Area chief Mr Tin'gai who is a member of the committee. The committee recorded a 100% attendance during our New year meeting held on 18th January, 2014 at the Maarifa centre.Nguruman Maarifa Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17519944701812473585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658135735359738353.post-7594336023051585552013-10-08T05:45:00.000-07:002013-10-08T05:49:13.652-07:00Nguruman farmers keen on Market curtailsFarmers within Nguruman irrigation scheme have been keen on market curtails which has since then exploited their potential to have their right share in their pockets. Intensive training on market survey and gross margin analysis by <a href="http://www.alin.net/">ALIN</a> and Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) has played a vital roles in enlightening the farmers to change their perspective and embrace 'farming as a business' model.<br />
<br />
Many a times farmers have registered huge losses which have lowered their chances to sustain themselves economically and due to their dark experiences, they resolved to form marketing groups depending on the produce to keep off middle men who make a kill out of their fortunes. During a meeting organized by MOA, farmers shared their grievances and agreed to work together to avert their losses.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rLWZAeIofwU/UlP6932TsxI/AAAAAAAABHs/l2pAmeq7S1g/s1600/meeting.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rLWZAeIofwU/UlP6932TsxI/AAAAAAAABHs/l2pAmeq7S1g/s400/meeting.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>DAO Adressing meeting participants</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
"Its something we can work out if we cooperate as farmers and work closely with other stakeholders... we look forward for a time when we will be able to get our 100% share from our produce..." Said Mr Munyere, one of the farmers. "Some years back we used to earn good money from our farms but when we welcomed brokers, things changed completely..." Added Mr. Toroke, community elder.<br />
<br />
During the meeting, The Sub-county Agricultural Officer, Mr Henry Siro urged the farmers to embrace Mobile technologies and online platforms to ensure they have up-to-date information on markets and emerging farming technologies and recognized ALIN's bold move to launch a mobile platform <a href="http://www.sokopepe.co.ke/">Sokopepe</a> which is user friendly and every farmer can use with ease. He also urged farmers to come out and show what they are able to produce so they can sell their produce through the platform.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LtNpbKPbdJI/UlP8j2zDecI/AAAAAAAABH4/AGzWg6XZwf4/s1600/elder.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LtNpbKPbdJI/UlP8j2zDecI/AAAAAAAABH4/AGzWg6XZwf4/s400/elder.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>A community elder contributing to the discussion</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In response farmers narrated how they have lost lots of money to buyers who carry their farm produce and promise to send them money only to disappear.<br />
<br />
"We have in the past seen people posing as buyers only to walk away with our hard earned produce and never come back... we now prefer using other platforms like sokopepe where we are sure our produce will be handled safely.." Said Mr. Mburu who practices mixed farming.<br />
<br />
The farmers agreed with one voice to cooperate with other stakeholders to ensure they benefit fully from their produce and make use of resources and information within their reach to improve their livelihoods.Nguruman Maarifa Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17519944701812473585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658135735359738353.post-15540043638979153392013-08-27T07:44:00.000-07:002013-08-28T00:36:00.245-07:00Nguruman Farmers embrace SokopepeFarmers around Nguruman irrigation scheme have embraced new marketing strategy and have been visiting Nguruman Maarifa centre in response to <a href="http://sokopepe.co.ke/"><b style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: orange;">Sokopepe</span></b></a> mobile registration feedback SMS which requires them to visit the nearest agent with the details for further advice.<br />
<br />
Sokopepe is an initiative of Arid Lands Information Networks (<a href="http://www.alin.net/"><span style="color: orange;">ALIN</span></a>) aimed at harnessing the power of information and communication technologies in enabling farmers to efficiently reach and exploit a fair market for their produce. At the same time, it increases efficiency in the agriculture value chain providing a platform for farmers to share information and execute electronic transactions.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hPLo7mRGgIE/Uhy5u5_L8wI/AAAAAAAABHY/EQuDXU9Bvpw/s1600/Youths+accessing+sokopepe.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hPLo7mRGgIE/Uhy5u5_L8wI/AAAAAAAABHY/EQuDXU9Bvpw/s320/Youths+accessing+sokopepe.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><i>Youth accessing Sokopepe information at the Maarifa centre</i></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
More than 300 farmers have registered for sokopepe in Nguruman alone. The same exercise has been on going in six other Maarifa centres spread across other counties. The innovation has received a warm welcome by community members with majority being the youth farmers who foresee a revolution in farming and access to markets as an opportunity to improve their livelihoods.<br />
<br />
"I am pleased to have interacted with the system after I registered and successfully logged in... I was able to view the goods on sale.. I encourage other community members to use the system and enjoy access to better markets..." Joephilova loongiti. ....the registration process is simple and every farmer can register from a simple mobile handset.. thanks for the information. He added..<br />
<br />
A farmer who represented Nguruman community during Sokopepe launching at Ng'arua Maarifa centre thanked ALIN for entrusting him and added that, he had lots of information to share with fellow farmers from the experience he obtained from the exposure.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MQxDdfN9eV4/Uhy1uESRseI/AAAAAAAABHM/sIkX2IfAMOU/s1600/10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MQxDdfN9eV4/Uhy1uESRseI/AAAAAAAABHM/sIkX2IfAMOU/s400/10.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>Jacob Naipaa, A young farmer who represented Nguruman community during sokopepe launching harvesting his Tomato crop</b></i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>How to register</b><br />
For one to register for Sokopepe, he/she needs to have a mobile phone not necessarily an internet enabled one.<br />
<br />
Send an SMS to 20245:<br />
REG#IDNumber#FirstName#LastName#County<br />
<span style="color: orange;"><b>Example: REG#2234524#Samuel#Kilovoo#Kajiado</b></span><br />
<br />
<b>Other services</b><br />
To get market prices, send an SMS to 20245:<br />
Price#Commodity#Town<br />
<b><span style="color: orange;">Example: Price#Beans#Nairobi</span></b><br />
<br />
To get farming tips, send an SMS to 20245:<br />
Tip#ProductName<br />
<b><span style="color: orange;">Example: Tip#watermelon</span></b><br />
<br />
ALIN's Sokopepe innovation has also been covered in print and online national media quoting it as 'changing the face of farming' and also ' connecting farmers with top buyers'.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.thepeople.co.ke/15383/changing-face-of-farming/">http://www.thepeople.co.ke/15383/changing-face-of-farming/</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.nation.co.ke/life+style/smartcompany/Online+market+connects+farmers+with+top+buyers/-/1226/1969088/-/ywq3r4/-/index.html?">http://www.nation.co.ke/life+style/smartcompany/Online+market+connects+farmers+with+top+buyers/-/1226/1969088/-/ywq3r4/-/index.html</a><br />
<br />Nguruman Maarifa Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17519944701812473585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658135735359738353.post-26436713812618788982013-07-24T08:46:00.001-07:002013-07-24T08:46:30.576-07:00Rabbit keeping earnings enables a farmer to buy a dairy goatSmall stock farming is taking shape among communities living in Arid and semi-arid areas in kenya. A few years ago in Magadi division you could hardly find farmers practising rabbit keeping as many of them had large herds of cattle that supported their livelihoods until 2008 when some farmers lost almost all their animals to drought. An immediate approach was therefore called for to address the issue. ALIN in collaboration with other stakeholders worked closely to address the gap and this saw some farmers innovatively championing projects that have had great returns.<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Mrs Esther wateri began rearing rabbit way back in 2011. She was drawn in to the business after visiting her rural home where her brothers were making good business out the enterprise and was given a doe and a buck. A search for more information landed her at Nguruman Maarifa centre where she borrowed a book on backyard rabbit keeping in the tropics. "The book gave me information I needed to keep the enterprise rolling..."</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d0k-8RaCojY/Ue_zC7sJ8RI/AAAAAAAABGk/6xtfC0k65L0/s1600/DSC04256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d0k-8RaCojY/Ue_zC7sJ8RI/AAAAAAAABGk/6xtfC0k65L0/s320/DSC04256.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Mrs Wateri removing hair from rabbit meat</i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Esther has so far sold more than 20 mature rabbits to rabbit meat lovers and more than 12 pups to other farmers interested in starting the enterprise. She now has more than 50 rabbits and targeting bigger orders as she usually sells one rabbit at between Kshs 1000 - 1,500 locally ans feels she can get better market for better prices. The earnings have enabled her to buy a dairy goat which she believes will provide enough milk to her family.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tvadE5T1LJQ/Ue_1bBj144I/AAAAAAAABG0/IkxQulgeMs0/s1600/DSC04259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tvadE5T1LJQ/Ue_1bBj144I/AAAAAAAABG0/IkxQulgeMs0/s320/DSC04259.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Kamau at the dairy goat barn</i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
"I will use the money I spent buying milk to expand my rabbit keeping enterprise" she added.</div>
Nguruman Maarifa Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17519944701812473585noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658135735359738353.post-71154202769877123452013-06-19T07:54:00.001-07:002013-06-19T07:54:33.663-07:00Nguruman 'Plant Clinic' Launched<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">A plant clinic was launched at the Ministry of
Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, Magadi division grounds on 18<sup>th</sup>
June, 2013. The clinic which is the eighth one to be launched in the country aimed
at helping farmers identify and treat crop pests and diseases will be held
twice a month on the second and the last Thursday of the month.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The occasion saw top officials from the Small-scale
Horticultural Development Project (SHDP), Kenya Agricultural Research Institute
(KARI) scientists Plant wise and CABI visit and give their views and
contributions towards the project.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><a href="http://www.plantwise.org/">Plant wise</a>,</b> an initiative led by CABI which aims to
improve food security and the lives of the rural poor by reducing crop losses
in helping countries to establish community-based plant clinics which deliver
practical advice to farmers when their crops have a problem. With collaboration
from the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and fisheries, Kenya Agricultural
Research Institute (KARI) and the Small-scale Horticultural Development Project
(SHDP) the initiative has trained and equipped two plant doctors to run
Nguruman Plant Clinic. Other partners include KEPHIS, Nguruman Irrigation Water
Users Association (IWUA) and African Development Bank (ADB).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5JqpUkMDzoQ/UcHBhBEY8fI/AAAAAAAABF4/osltekyZb3A/s1600/hand+over.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5JqpUkMDzoQ/UcHBhBEY8fI/AAAAAAAABF4/osltekyZb3A/s400/hand+over.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><i>Seniour Officers from MOA head quarters handing over the clinic equipments and <br />reference materials to IWUA officials</i></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.cabi.org/"><b>CABI</b></a> is a non-profit international organization that improves people's lives by providing information and applying scientific expertise to solve problems in Agriculture and the environment. they also have on-line information portal where farmers can access on-line in formation. The officials appreciated the availability of internet services at the <a href="http://www.alin.net/"><b>ALIN</b></a> Marifa centre citing that, it will provide further information to plant doctors and also directly to the farmers. The Maarifa centre will be also used as dissemination point for online materials regarding plant health and diseases.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">The clinic has been equipped with necessary tools to diagnose
diseases including </span></span><span style="line-height: 18px;">micro-organisms</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> and competent staff who have been taken
through intensive training on how to handle diverse range of crop diseases. They
have also been equipped with picture charts, agrochemical handbook, reference books
among other relevant materials. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">KARI will also provide training to community nurses who
will assist on surveying farmers’ crops to identify infected crops and also
alert farmers in case of an outbreak. The nurses will also educate the
community on the importance of plant clinic.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0SHgKH-D8Pg/UcHFFthq4zI/AAAAAAAABGI/0WNjgk-zEX4/s1600/plant+clinic.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0SHgKH-D8Pg/UcHFFthq4zI/AAAAAAAABGI/0WNjgk-zEX4/s320/plant+clinic.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Plant doctors attending to farmers during the Launch</span></i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Farmers are expected to carry samples of the affected
crops to the clinic where they will be diagnosed for recommendations and
control. The farmers will have to purchase the chemicals necessary for
treatment. As part of the Small-scale Horticultural Development Project, IWUA
will set up an agrochemical outlet chop where farmers will be purchasing farm
inputs at an affordable price.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Farmers applauded the initiative noting that losses due
to unidentified pests and diseases will drastically reduce. Plant wise has
already Launched 8 clinics and are planning to launch 59 by the end of the
year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Nguruman Maarifa Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17519944701812473585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658135735359738353.post-71434600136447289482013-06-15T05:43:00.000-07:002013-06-15T05:43:33.839-07:00Local administration relocation set to boost Maarifa centre servicesConstruction is almost complete for local administration offices, Olkiramatian west location just besides Nguruman Maarifa centre. The building is its finishing stages and will house the area chief and his security team. This is set to boost services offered at the Maarifa centre since majority of community members will be visiting seeking administrative services as opposed to when the offices were in Olkiramatian market, about 15 kilometres away.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xXtEhcUmTjY/UbxbgMU1kRI/AAAAAAAABFk/4usjIp0cT4Q/s1600/chiefs+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xXtEhcUmTjY/UbxbgMU1kRI/AAAAAAAABFk/4usjIp0cT4Q/s400/chiefs+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Local Administration block under construction </span></i></b></td></tr>
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Speaking to the Maarifa centre staff during a follow up visit to access the construction progress and damage caused by flash floods, the area Member of County Assembly Magadi ward Hon. Peter Pariken expressed his appreciation for the services offered to members of his community and showed concern to work with the Maarifa centre to market his area and ensure more programmes are included to cater for different community needs.<br />
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Some of the local administration officers are ICT training graduands at the Maarifa centre and also regular users of other Maarifa centre services. Notably, Chief Elijah Sereu has been lately utilizing the Maarifa centre to do his on-line studies and submitting his assignments for a administration studies degree he is doing at Kenyatta University.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R_lucM9GgDs/UbxX2Y63uAI/AAAAAAAABFU/0dGQOUBgLCE/s1600/chiefs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R_lucM9GgDs/UbxX2Y63uAI/AAAAAAAABFU/0dGQOUBgLCE/s400/chiefs.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">The building as seen from the Maarifa centre<br /></span></i></b></td></tr>
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He says that the Maarifa centre has been instrumental in his life since he learned his computer usage skills here which inspired him to buy his own laptop computer and now he is using the same facility to do his on-line studies. He urges the young people to take up the task and utilize the facility to shape up their future.<br />
<br />
"I have been one of the beneficiaries of Nguruman Maarifa centre and it has shaped my passion for ICT. I am now a university student and taking my studies from the Maarifa centre Library which is WIFI enabled..." said Mr. Sereu<br />
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Nguruman Maarifa Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17519944701812473585noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658135735359738353.post-46053611585062510832013-05-21T01:34:00.002-07:002013-05-21T01:36:10.148-07:00A farmer ignores disability and strives to earn a livelihoodPeople with disability are at times presumed to be a liability in the society and this stigma makes majority of them to sit back and depend on their kins for their livelihoods. This is not the case to Mr Kasifu who is among many people living with disability and has been lobbying and advocating for the rights of the disabled within Magadi division of kajiado county.<br />
<br />
A farther of four and a coordinator of Tuko Disabled group has been striving to make ends meet with the little resources available to him on his 2.5 acre farm where he practices mixed farming with 1 acre having bananas and sugarcane as cash crops and 1 acre when he plants his food crops.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d9b8zjs5qNE/UZsrYcnpCNI/AAAAAAAABEw/YSoRU6sDIWs/s1600/DSC00539.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d9b8zjs5qNE/UZsrYcnpCNI/AAAAAAAABEw/YSoRU6sDIWs/s400/DSC00539.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Mr kasifu attending to his beans block.<br /><i> photo by Tony kimathi.</i></span></b></td></tr>
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Mr kasifu has been the chairman of the Nguruman Maarifa centre advisory committee, a position he holds with enthusiasm and at times spends most of his time at the Maarifa centre responding to mails and tying his personal documents, a skill he learned at the Maarifa.<br />
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Mr kasifu was not reluctant to praise the services he has been receiving at the Maarifa centre at no cost and emphasized that, the skills he learned during ICT training has taken him far and opened a lot of avenues in his life.<br />
<br />
"The Maarifa centre has been very instrumental in my life and my life changed completely when I started utilizing the facility... I have been able to receive small grants from proposals which I typed and send through the center. Thanks to ALIN for the free ICT training"<br />
<br />
Mr kasifu has been able to provide for his family and is glad that, he has linked his group members with National fund For the disabled of Kenya (<a href="http://nfdk.or.ke/">NFDK</a>) where the body donated some items which they will use to improve their livelihoods.<br />
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"I have been able to lobby for Tuko disabled group where through NFDK, some members benefited with Farm kits, Salon kits, sewing Machines and livestock to boost their incomes..." "...I appeal to ass disabled to raise up and fight for their rights and not just sit back and depend on others" he added.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OcarsgTZ1r4/UZsvhYEge9I/AAAAAAAABFA/PYq249vh4Ow/s1600/DSC05994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OcarsgTZ1r4/UZsvhYEge9I/AAAAAAAABFA/PYq249vh4Ow/s400/DSC05994.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Mr Kasifu responding to enquiries during a Maarifa centre outreach activity</b>. <br /><b><i>Photo by Samuel Nzioka</i></b></span></td></tr>
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He also highlighted that, 1/2 acre of his farm was swept away by the ranging floods which left many residents puzzled as river Oloibortoto burst its barks and changed its course sweeping away farming land. He appeals to the relevant authority to take action and contain the situation.Nguruman Maarifa Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17519944701812473585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658135735359738353.post-76783449183272413362013-04-30T06:39:00.003-07:002013-04-30T06:44:19.016-07:00Addressing information gap empowers a farmer to venture into African Indigenous vegetable farming<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">African indigenous crops
have been found to be highly nutritive, containing medicinal value and adaptive
to changing weather patterns. During information
gap analysis on June 2012, many enquiries were recorded and it’s from this time
when a farmer showed his interest in growing African
indigenous vegetables though he lacked the necessary information.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When
<a href="http://www.alin.net/">ALIN</a> and <a href="http://www.practicalaction.org/">PA</a> partnered to address farmers enquiries, many information gaps were addressed through individual farmer visits and organized
training. Mr Francis Mburu has always been visiting Nguruman Maarifa centre to
access information. During our visit, Mr Mburu recorded an enquiry on how to cultivate night black shade and cow peas, African indigenous vegetables
gaining popularity among many markets, both local and upcountry. He also
narrated how he had followed up and found a market for the vegetables at certain hotel at Magadi. However, the farmer did not have enough information on
how to venture in the enterprise. Nguruman Maarifa centre library information
played a vital role in addressing the need.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uW76bKy-Mi8/UX_ALanMxwI/AAAAAAAABDc/WhPCLj_W-XQ/s1600/black+night+shade.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uW76bKy-Mi8/UX_ALanMxwI/AAAAAAAABDc/WhPCLj_W-XQ/s400/black+night+shade.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Black night shade vegetables on Mr Mburus Farm</span></i></b></td></tr>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span lang="EN-GB">Since the farmer was literate, he was directed
to borrow African indigenous vegetables books available at the library. Other
extra information was downloaded from on-line sites and shared with the farmer.
The farmer followed up on the information and got the crops varieties suitable
for his area from Magadi division crops extension officer where he then
ventured in to the business. The farmer has been cultivating his crops on a two acre piece of land supplying his produce since march and has seen a growing market for the same. He has also
been selling his produce locally to vegetable vendors at Entasopia and
Oloibortoto markets. Mr Mburu has also learned the value of other traditional
crops and has considered planting cassava and sweet potatoes, a project he
believes will soon boost his family earnings further.</span></span><br />
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</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uyuWzvRseDc/UX_C76IQm0I/AAAAAAAABDs/v4WxtuU2zJQ/s1600/harvesting.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uyuWzvRseDc/UX_C76IQm0I/AAAAAAAABDs/v4WxtuU2zJQ/s400/harvesting.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Mr Mburu helping a customer to harvest cow peas vegetable blocks</span></i></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span lang="EN-GB"> Since he ventured in to the business, h</span></span>is family earning have improved. He has been able to pay
school fees for his two children in secondary school with earnings gained from
the venture. His family diet has also
improved as the African indigenous vegetables have constituted most part of his
family diet. Mr Mburu has also planted other indigenous crops like cassava and
sweet potatoes which will help boost food security for his family. He has also
shared the information with farmers who are willing to adopt and he says if all
goes well, he will be able to have higher supplies thus reaching higher markets
up-country.</span><br />
<br />Nguruman Maarifa Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17519944701812473585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658135735359738353.post-79199287962871204202013-04-17T08:50:00.001-07:002013-05-06T00:25:46.981-07:00Maarifa centre community library promotes a reading culture among students and residentsResidents and students around Nguruman have every reason to thank ALIN for Nguruman Maarifa centre, a facility they say has promoted reading culture among students and other community members. Commending after accessing daily nation on-line version, Mr. James Kamango a teacher by profession could not hide his joy and commented ALIN for keeping the community updated by enabling access to internet services, a service he says can only be accessed some 45 kilometers away through a rough terrain with unreliable transport means.<br />
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"I'm pleased to see my daughters coming to read from the library since they closed for April Holidays... I have seen some improvement in their performance at school and i can attribute this to the books they have been borrowing from the Maarifa centre. I have also been using the facility to access on-line teaching materials and daily happenings from on-line news sites."<br />
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James is an ICT graduate and says that, the skills gained have helped him use computers with ease.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z9C2qWe5ld4/UW_iIpbOMWI/AAAAAAAABDM/UaL9kwsi_pk/s1600/library+.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z9C2qWe5ld4/UW_iIpbOMWI/AAAAAAAABDM/UaL9kwsi_pk/s400/library+.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Students reading at Nguruman Maarifa library</i></b></div>
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<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mg636fLTEII/UW7CcQ-RtTI/AAAAAAAABC0/oSKlRgUHfU0/s1600/Library+user.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mg636fLTEII/UW7CcQ-RtTI/AAAAAAAABC0/oSKlRgUHfU0/s400/Library+user.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><i><b>A community member at the Maarifa centre library</b></i></td></tr>
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Maureen Omondi, a teacher at Entasopia primary school says that, she has personally benefited from the facility and has seen students using the facility improve in their performance in school.<br />
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“I have been able to pass all my
exams and submit my assignments on time as compared to my other classmates in
rural schools where there are no library services. I have been using the
library to prepare my class notes and doing my assignments… I'm currently doing
a ECD course and the library has been instrumental in my study since it has a
wide range of educational material… I have also noted some improvements in student performances especially in national exams.. I urge other community members to use the library. thanks to ALIN for the facility.”</div>
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The library has a diverse range of information materials including, Agriculture, health, business, technical skills, history, Education among others. Community members including professionals have been using the facility to borrow books. Mr Alfred Nyambane, a nurse has been borrowing nursing books which he says have helped strengthen his skills.<br />
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“I have been able to improve my
skills and my general knowledge on health issue after using the library
materials. The facility has good advanced nursing books for all health
practitioners. Thanks for the service"</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PQsUOEe4d2c/UW7D2H2c5ZI/AAAAAAAABC8/Djr2JAjWDnk/s1600/online+materials.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PQsUOEe4d2c/UW7D2H2c5ZI/AAAAAAAABC8/Djr2JAjWDnk/s400/online+materials.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>A community member accessing on-line materials with her laptop at the Maarifa centre library</b></i></td></tr>
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During Maarifa centre outreach activities supported by ALIN and Practical Action, different information gaps were identified among farmers. some of the materials were available at the Maarifa centre library although the farmers were not aware. Mr. Francis Mburu, a farmer had an enquiry concerning African indigenous vegetable, a puzzle that was solved after accessing agricultural materials available at the library.</div>
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“I have been using the library to
read information on indigenous vegetables and this has motivated me to venture
in to growing a variety of African indigenous vegetables. This boosted my family income and enabled me to pay school fees for my two children in secondary school as well as improving family diet... I also realized that, there is a growing demand for the product and a ready market for
the same… Thanks to ALIN and Practical action for enabling Access to free information and addressing our information needs ”</div>
Nguruman Maarifa Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17519944701812473585noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658135735359738353.post-81221627705213369842013-03-11T08:03:00.000-07:002013-03-12T23:43:16.354-07:00Enabling access for 2012 KCPE and KCSE resultsIt was not 'business as usual' for 2012 KCPE and KCSE students around Nguruman as they flocked to the Maarifa centre not to have their usual daily computer classes, but to have access to their results soon after their release by Ministry of Education. Excitement and fear was clearly seen on their faces they scrolled through National Examination Council website not sure about their fate.<br />
<br />
The KCPE students and their class teacher had visited the Maarifa centre sometimes last year (<a href="http://ngurumanmaarifa.blogspot.com/2012/07/new-technology-for-kcpe-cadidates.html">New technology for KCPE candidates</a>) to learn how to use computers for communication and soon after their exam, majority of them enrolled for free computer training offered at Nguruman Maarifa centre.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pp3xqPHUXHE/UT3v7VxxoKI/AAAAAAAABCY/SHIb3yaJk-M/s1600/DSC01762.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pp3xqPHUXHE/UT3v7VxxoKI/AAAAAAAABCY/SHIb3yaJk-M/s400/DSC01762.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h3>
<b><i>Some 2012 KCPE & KCSE students during ICT training session</i></b></h3>
</td></tr>
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<br />
Rose vivian, a former student at Entasopia primary was very excited to check her results online and had this to say... "I am excited to see my results on-line.. I didn't imagine this could be possible until I succeeded. we appreciate the ICT training and internet connection which has made the access possible."<br />
<br />
Soon after the form four results were announced, the students were anxious to have their results and flocked at the Maarifa centre to have free on-line access. George Lomunyak, an ICT student at the maarifa centre and former student at Peterson memorial secondary school was glad to have his results and could not hide his joy as he received a printout of the same.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_6jQByhEKys/UT3xXzBypzI/AAAAAAAABCg/XQvk1Bmn_IE/s1600/DSC02297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_6jQByhEKys/UT3xXzBypzI/AAAAAAAABCg/XQvk1Bmn_IE/s320/DSC02297.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h3>
<b><i>George after receiving a print out of his KCSE results</i></b></h3>
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This is what he had to say... "I am glad to have accessed my KCSE results at Nguruman Maarifa centre and I am taking this print out to my parents at home to see what I scored since I couldn't access it at school as they had closed for mid term and my parents are anxious to see details of the results... I encourage youths around Nguruman to tap the opportunity and get trained on ICT skills..." he added.Nguruman Maarifa Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17519944701812473585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658135735359738353.post-45099787975070955442013-02-01T06:03:00.002-08:002013-02-01T06:03:49.609-08:00Youths and ICT trainees secure Jobs<span style="font-family: inherit;">To many youths around Nguruman and its' environ, the Maarifa centre has been the backbone of their successive job applications since majority of them are either ICT training graduands, or have been sharpening their skills learned elsewhere at the Maarifa centre.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> During the recent IEBC bio-metric voter registration, Eight out of the twelve clerks who were manning the BVR kits in Shompole and Olkiramatian knew about the jobs advert and applied for them at the Maarifa centre while the remaining four did in Nairobi.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The young clerks in the
remote Nguruman area expressed their joy and appreciation to ALIN to have facilitated access
to information which enabled them apply for the posts on-line without having to
travel to Nairobi about 45 km through the rocky road to Magadi and 86 km potholes
road to Kiserian. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Elizabeth Mintoi, a second year Business Information Technology (BIT) student at Mount Kenya university (MKU) said that, the centre was an eye opener and <span style="font-size: small;">motivated her to choose her </span>career.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"I got interested in IT when I regularly begun using the centre where I learned that it's something every body can do... I therefore decided to go and pursue my career..." said Elizabeth. "... I have also successfully applied for IEBC jobs at the centre where I used some of the money to pay for my school fees" she added.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rWbWm7nlkKQ/UQuacDdVbjI/AAAAAAAABAs/4bn2u3kLo8M/s1600/BVR.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rWbWm7nlkKQ/UQuacDdVbjI/AAAAAAAABAs/4bn2u3kLo8M/s400/BVR.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">BVR clerks at Olkiramatian registering voters during a community event. Photo by Koinet</span></i></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">John chaure, a youth and a IT student said that he has successfully applied for jobs and does his practice at the centre.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"I have been able to apply for jobs through the Maarifa centre, latest being the IEBC Biometric voter registration where I worked as a registration clerk. I have also been doing practice for my college courses at the Maarifa centre..." said Jonh.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Joshua Kisemei, a journalism student at Maseno University and a volunteer at the centre says that he feels motivated when he sees any body from his community yearning for the skills since its the direction the world is moving. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">He has been working as a field assistant for TYPSA, a European engineering consulting company contracted by the Kenyan government to do feasibility study on detailed design of water resources related project along Ewaso ngiro south river basin, a job he secured through the maarifa centre.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"I feel motivated to fight for the rights of my community members... if every community member can understand social media platforms including blogs, then discussing matters affecting them can be easy.. this can be achieved if everyone is ICT compliant... I encourage every one around Nguruman to tap the resources we have... thanks to ALIN for free training and access to information ." said Joshua.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Naomy Tonkey, a volunteer and a ICT graduand at the centre was not hesitant to testify how the centre has been an eye opener and how she has been able to secure different jobs with different institutions within Nguruman due to her competence in computers and other virtues, skills she learned at the Maarifa centre. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"I have been a volunteer for more than five years and I have learned a lot of virtues and skills which have enabled me to secure different job positions.... I have worked with Patterson memorial secondary school as a secretary, with IEBC as a clerk and a presiding officer and currently with Yellow house construction company as a secretary.. Thanks to ALIN for the facility and ICT training..." Said Naomy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">James Mangoya, a student at Masai technical has also successfully applied for jobs through the Maarifa centre. He has been doing further studies at the centre as well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"I have worked with IEBC several times, a job I applied through the Maarifa centre. I have also been trained on Excel and power point, areas I needed support and this has improved my computer skills. As a result, I have been able to do and send my assignments with ease..." said James.</span><br />
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Nguruman Maarifa Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17519944701812473585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658135735359738353.post-72207933474155487932013-01-28T07:57:00.000-08:002013-01-31T22:44:59.376-08:00Deaf and Dumb... but ICT compliantDisability is not inability for a boy who is 'dumb and deaf' and who has passion for ICT. 'Zakayo' as they call him is a young boy aged around 10 years and who has unique talents for he quickly learns from little sign language that Nguruman community members try when they want to communicate with him.<br />
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Zakayo has been a regular visitor at the Maarifa centre and all he had to do is to give a broad smile as he reads through books or looks at users working with the computers, either browsing or typing their documents. His passion for ICT called for an action by the Maarifa centre team who helped him learn how to use computers.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Zakayo typing a document at the Maarifa centre</b></i></td></tr>
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"It took some time to learn how to communicate with him but eventually we managed to train him...." said Kelvin Koinet, computer trainer. .... "Zakayo can play computer games, type documents and also view video clips without help..." he added. His unique talents surprises every one and his skills even motivates other community members to register for ICT classes offered for free at the Maarifa centre. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Zakayo training his friend how use a computer..</i></b></td></tr>
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He also likes to share his new skills with his play and school mates. He is also a student at Entasopia primary school (Special needs section) and his teachers praise him for being an obedient student. The boy depends on well wishers for his daily upkeep including the basic needs.Nguruman Maarifa Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17519944701812473585noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658135735359738353.post-43040507112650573532013-01-17T00:11:00.000-08:002013-01-17T01:46:46.355-08:00Practical answers, a solution to Technical Enquiries<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Practical Answers is an online</span><span style="color: #111111; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span>technical information service that provides resourceful information on appropriate small-scale technologies that are easy to replicate and can be used to improve the lives of people living in poverty. The service was </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">initiated by</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><span style="color: magenta; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://practicalaction.org/"><b>Practical Action</b></a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> an NGO that works in over 40 developing countries and uses appropriate technology to challenge poverty. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">The resources range from energy, food and Agriculture,water and sanitation,disaster reduction, Climate Change, Markets, transport, new technologies, waste management, infrastructure, reconstruction and urban poverty. </span><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: 15.454545021057129px; line-height: 20.99431800842285px;">These technologies can be easily replicated. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: 15.454545021057129px; line-height: 20.99431800842285px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: 15.454545021057129px; line-height: 20.99431800842285px;">A technical enquiry platform has also been developed to cater for extra information that one may need regarding the technologies or any other field. An online enquiry form is available on practical answers website where users fill in a form with the contact details and the technical enquiry. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">The requested practical information is therefore send to the enquirer via email, SMS or call back. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">These forms are also available at the Maarifa Centres and one can get one-on-one response to technical enquiries. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="color: #222222;">For more information, visit </span><span style="color: #222222;"> </span><a href="http://practicalaction.org/practicalanswers/"><span style="color: red;">Practical Answers</span></a><span style="color: #222222;"> website or their </span><span style="color: red;"><a href="http://practicalaction.org/knowledge-base">Knowledge-base.</a></span></span>Nguruman Maarifa Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17519944701812473585noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658135735359738353.post-12386018196843118322012-12-05T05:16:00.002-08:002012-12-05T05:18:46.380-08:00New wind energy for Nguruman Maarifa centreNguruman Maarifa centre runs running on solar energy to power computers since its establishment way back in 2005. The journey has not been so easy since whenever there was less sunshine, then power put put from solar energy was low inhibiting smooth operations of the centre. In 2010, a power back-up generator was bought to address the power needs of the centre that also offered communities social entertainment and opportunity to follow the world cup games that were held in south Africa.<br />
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Community members recognized the efforts put in place by ALIN to ensure there is continued access to information and that no community member would visit the centre and go unattended to.<br />
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"We have been keen to ensure that no community member goes without accessing information by reporting the challenges on time. We thank ALIN and the technical team for ensuring that all our requests are addressed..." said Mr. kasifu, the advisory committee chairman.<br />
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ALIN technical team kept in touch with the staff on the ground to follow up on progress while they engaged other professionals for a permanent solution to the problem. A visit by Focus Energy technical staff gave a sign of relief to the ALIN field team. Focus Energy Solutions is a company that installs and distributes renewable energy souces like wind and solar to commmunities.<br />
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"When I saw the wind power technician, I saw it as the best option to address power issues once and for all ..." said Kelvin Koinet, in charge of ICT training.<br />
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The wind turbine is meant to boost the solar system during cloudy days when there is usually a lot of wind. The new source of energy is integrated to the existing solar energy giving a solar-wind hybrid system with more energy output. The system came amidst campaigns by different stakeholders and lobby groups to persuade community members to embrace renewable energy technologies and help mitigate climate change.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Focus Energy technitian assembling wind turbine.</b> <i><b>photo by Lucky Martins</b></i></td></tr>
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News on the wind power system spread widely and Community members came in large numbers to see the technology which is new to the area with majority visiting the site on Sunday.<br />
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"We are amazed by the technology and thank ALIN for bringing it closer to us.. I have only been hearing that wind can generate power but I haven't seen the system..." said one old man on site.<br />
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Community members could not hide their joy as they praised the initiative taken by ALIN to ensure that, they get continued quality Maarifa centre services.<br />
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"I am now happy that, I will not be using a generator during training since it's not reliable, economical and is noisy thus affecting concentration by my students... it also runs on petrol and pollutes the air!... Thanks to ALIN for the action taken..." said Kelvin Koinet amid a broad smile..<br />
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"We are happy to have the system on site since it will be easy for us to show the community how they can tap the renewable energy opportunities within their reach... we are also glad to have continued power supply since this will enable us access information at all times and tap the power to our offices nearby... Thanks to ALIN for the initiative..." said Mr. Mathu, Agricultural environment officer.<br />
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"I feel motivated to use the facility to my maximum... I appreciate efforts that ALIN has put in place to address the power issue..." Said Emmanuel Chichi, a student and a regular Maarifa centre user.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Installed wind turbine at the Maarifa centre compound.<i> Photo by Samuel Nzioka</i></b></td></tr>
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As part of awareness creation to communities on renewable energy resources, the Nguruman Maarifa centre demonstrates use of solar and biogas systems by communities, the additional wind energy resource is a boost to the many options available that can be used in remote areas. The centre plans to start demonstrations on affordable solar lanterns as an alternative lighting system for communities.<br />
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Nguruman maarifa centre in collaboration with Africa Solar Designs a company that promotes low cost solar lelectric systems will elect one community member to be trained on renewable energy sources later this month at masai mara. This will be in bid with ALIN's concern for community involvement in community development projects and also capacity building the community members on maintenance and repair so they can be able to tackle technical challenges accompaning the technologies.Nguruman Maarifa Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17519944701812473585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658135735359738353.post-42754750341646836702012-11-28T23:35:00.001-08:002012-11-28T23:35:35.711-08:00Farmers advised to form marketing groups for better market prices<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">For a long period, farmers within Nguruman
irrigation scheme have been selling their farm produce to middle men who offer
low prices for their produce. This has been a recurring occurance for
quite a long time and this has drawn attention of stakeholders working around
Nguruman probing intervention of Horticultural Crops Development Authority
(HCDA). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Joint efforts between ministry of Agriculture officers
(MOA) and ALIN staff came as a wake up call to farmers who showed interest to
have access to better marketing strategies. A meeting was then called to
identify brokers and on-farm buyers who were given a notice present
their business licence to HCDA staff for verification. the news came as a
relief to farmers as they were taken through gross margin analysis.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Farmers being taken through gross
margin analysis Exercise at MOA grounds. Photo by Samuel Nzioka</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">The exercise was participatory and farmers were
divided in groups according to the crop they produce where they discussed the
cost of all inputs divide by the total production per acreage. The costs gave
them the least buying price they should accept for their farm produce. To
their surprise, they found out that they had been selling their produce at
a loss. For instance, the cost of producing one carton of okra (Asian
vegetable) was Kshs 128.00 and they have been selling a carton at Ksh, 100 or
even sometimes at 80.00.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Divisional Agricultural Extension Officer (DAEO)
Mr. Bainito Atonya advised the farmers to form marketing groups which
will sign a contract with the exporters and supervised by MOA and
HCDA to ensure that terms of the contract are not breached. Farmers were also
advised to abide to the terms by ensuring they produce as per the agreement.
The MOA and HCDA agreed to impose tough sanctions to brokers and exporters who
will be found exploiting farmers an offence that will mean cancellation of
their licence.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Addressing the meeting, the DAEO encouraged the
farmers to make use of information material available at
the Maarifa in order to embrace modern technology and learn the best
practices other farmers are using in other parts of the world. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Nguruman Maarifa Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17519944701812473585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658135735359738353.post-30593797410432813632012-11-03T03:40:00.000-07:002012-11-03T03:40:09.011-07:00Reaching out to Nguruman community<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Nguruman Maarifa centre has been on the fore front to ensure that Nguruman community members have hands on with modern technologies and information as other people within the urban setting. Despite the challenges the community members are facing, majority are determined and willing embrace new technologies and information disseminated.</div>
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With the majority of people living within Maarifa centre vicinity being reached, Nguruman Maarifa centre embarked on an outreach programme in order to reach out to people within other locations. Olkiramatian market day marks the day when traders, buyers and all other members from other location within and beyond Magadi division meet to trade or even have a drink as they chat in groups. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Traders watching a video during one of the past visits</i></b></td></tr>
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The market day held on Wednesday every week is the main meeting point for traders and customers around the location and beyond. We have have seen people from within and far enrol for ICT training being offered at the Maarifa centre and others coming for general enquiries as a result of the visits. Community members who have received on-site services like Internet access welcomed the initiative citing that It will go far to address community information needs. Animal production video shows got the most interest since majority of the community members are pastoralists</div>
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The video below was produced during one of the visits.</div>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tp2BzIjSWAw">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tp2BzIjSWAw</a></div>
Nguruman Maarifa Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17519944701812473585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658135735359738353.post-57044672739502094512012-10-22T02:40:00.000-07:002012-10-22T02:40:07.577-07:00E-government services gaining momentum as more civil servants receive ICT trainingMany public servants working within and around Nguruman have been visiting Nguruman Maarifa centre frequently either to update their GHRIS profile or have their payslip printed for them among other on-line services. The Kenyan Government some times back decided to embrace technology and allow its workers to access some services on-line to ease congestion within their office premises. This trend has forced government workers to either seek for help to access the services or get trained on the skills and access them without much help.<br />
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Nguruman Maarifa centre has been conducting systematic computer training since January and has seen a number of civil servants receive their training. "More than 30 civil servants including Teachers, chiefs and Nurses among others have been trained on computer usage skills and can access these services on their own..." said Kelvin Koinet, computer trainer.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-57qFTdBbYCw/UIUNvo9iEyI/AAAAAAAAA70/rWQwpyRiA-o/s1600/teachers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-57qFTdBbYCw/UIUNvo9iEyI/AAAAAAAAA70/rWQwpyRiA-o/s400/teachers.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Entasopia Primary School Teachers during ICT training lessons. </i></b></td></tr>
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Maureen Omondi, a teacher at Entasopia primary school reported improvement in teachers interest for ICT's since they completed their training on May, 2012. "I have seen teachers interest in use of computers since they got the skills... Personally, I can confidently access any on-line service and also make use of other on-line information resources. The training was of great benefit to us...". she said.<br />
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Mrs Ann Sandera also said that, the school has received some laptops from well wishers though they lack power to run the machines... "We received laptops from friends of our school... though have the skills, we are unable to use the machines since we don't have power to run them..." she lamented.<br />
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She welcomed well wishers who wish to support them with power solar to come forth so the machines can be of benefit to them. "Since we have the skills, we don't need to pay for typing services... we can do it ourselves...the challenge we face is power for our machines..." she added<br />
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Chief Sereu, also a ICT training beneficiary said that, he was able to use many features on his laptop which he wasn't able to use before the training... "I have learned many things during the training which I underutilized while using my laptop..." he said. He has been on the lead to sensitize his community members on the importance of having computer skills and why they need to take opportunity and utilize the free computer training. "You will never find free training anywhere in this world... make use of the opportunity you have now..." said on his speech during launching of the Maarifa centre.Nguruman Maarifa Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17519944701812473585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658135735359738353.post-88383605046682055922012-09-25T08:16:00.000-07:002012-09-25T08:16:58.291-07:00Access to library sharpens students’ dreams<br />
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At the height of teachers’ strike which paralysed learning across
the country, Nguruman Maarifa library was a beehive of activities seeing
students coming from far and wide for their private studies while others
borrowed books for reading at home. Being the only resource centre around
Nguruman with curriculum textbooks and other relevant reading materials,
students flocked to have access to the library resources. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D5QSNU3b8FE/UGG-0oMAJaI/AAAAAAAAA7g/C2pAixu4iUk/s1600/library.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D5QSNU3b8FE/UGG-0oMAJaI/AAAAAAAAA7g/C2pAixu4iUk/s400/library.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Monica Mwangi, form three student at Patterson memorial studying at the Maarifa centre library</b></i></td></tr>
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Fanklin Saitoti, a form one student at Patterson Memorial Secondary
School said that, though teachers strike had a negative effect on their studies,
he had an opportunity to utilize the Maarifa centre library to do his studies… “I
have been using the Maarifa centre library to read ahead of the teacher and I trust
this will help me catch up with what my teachers will teach when studies resume…
this has also kept me busy and helped me refrain from bad company…” added
Frank.</div>
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Emmanuel Kimeu, a form three student at the same school had
a different version of the story… “I have learned how to use computers from the
Maarifa centre and when I feel tired after reading at the centres’ library, I take
20 minutes to get to social media and connect with my on-line friends before
embarking to my studies… Thanks to the supporters of the facility…” He added.</div>
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One of the teachers, Mrs Maureen Omondi who has always been
following to know whether the students are utilizing the facility backed the
initiative and wished all students could realize its importance… “I have my
thumps up for students who are utilizing the facility and I wish to encourage
all students to make use of the facility… thanks to ALIN for the initiative and
support…” she added…</div>
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The same sentiments have been echoed by local leaders while addressing
community members during a past event. Mr Kamango ole Nkaleyia during the re-launch
of the Maarifa centre encouraged the community members have hands on with the
modern technology otherwise ‘they will remain in darkness while the other world
is enjoying light’…” Senior Chief Mr. Sereu also encouraged community members to
utilize the facility sighting that, he is one of the beneficiaries since he has
been a computer student and was graduating after completing his training… “I have
received this certificate today because I have qualified and have every reason
to invite you for the same…” he said holding high his certificate.</div>
Nguruman Maarifa Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17519944701812473585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658135735359738353.post-45490991194069687122012-09-14T06:43:00.001-07:002012-09-14T06:43:34.334-07:00Linking Farmers to Exporters<br />
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Farmers in Nguruman must begin approaching production from a
business point of view. The District Agricultural Officer Mr. Henry Siro advised
farmers that agriculture as a livelihood practice, it should be able to provide
profits to the farmers otherwise it’s a futile endeavor.</div>
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He was speaking at a meeting organized by Nguruman
Irrigation Water Users Association (IWUA) that brought together farmers,
Horticultural Crops Development Authority (HCDA) representatives, Exporters,
Brokers and the Ministry of Agriculture to address low crop prices and market
problems facing horticultural produce for export.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kNVViNf8tb4/UFMv2nDXW3I/AAAAAAAAA7I/XNS-lQI0GQQ/s1600/DAO.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kNVViNf8tb4/UFMv2nDXW3I/AAAAAAAAA7I/XNS-lQI0GQQ/s400/DAO.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Mr. Henry Siro, D.A.O addressing farmers and exporters during a meeting. Photo by Joshua Kisemei</i></b></td></tr>
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He said that farmers in Nguruman have Kenya Agricultural
Research Institute and the Ministry to educate them and guide them on how to
practice profitable farming. He also urged the exporters to buy products in a
price that will benefit farmers.</div>
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Mr. Joseph Sirai, IWUA chair, in the introductions said that
the market structures for horticultural produce in Nguruman was efficient a few
years back but brokers and other intermediaries have spoiled the market and
crop prices.</div>
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Makindu Growers and Packers, the main exporters in Nguruman,
complained that produce from farmers are not stable since farmers sell to
brokers when their prices are high. The exporter complained that farmers are
not giving the recommended harvest period for chemicals sprayed. He recommended
that for produce to be competitive in the market and to fetch good prices, it
should be of good quality.</div>
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Farmers requested that a plan of action should be put in
place to develop ways that the market for horticultural produce will be
streamlined so that they can benefit from their farm produce. Farmers should
have contracts with their brokers and exporters to balance the supply and
prices.</div>
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HCDA announced the enforcing of laws regarding the
registration of all agents operating in horticultural produce has been enacted.
They instructed all agents and brokers working in Nguruman to register before
31<sup>st</sup> October 2012. All agents will be required to present a list of
the farmers supplying them with produce. Those farmers who do not want to
register under an agent can join farmer groups and sell directly to the
exporters.</div>
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The farmers agreed to abide with the set rules and in one voice promised to work with relevant authorities to address the issue of middle men who make a kill out of their produce while they suffer losses.</div>
Nguruman Maarifa Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17519944701812473585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658135735359738353.post-77926406528739516012012-08-11T04:58:00.000-07:002012-08-17T05:35:36.953-07:00Nguruman Maarifa centre re-launched in styleInformation communication technology has taken over all aspects of life and has proved to be a powerful tool for economic and social development. It has also bridged digital divide by fostering equitable access to modern communication technologies. Nguruman area was once ear marked among the 10 most remote tech locations in the world. (<a href="http://crave.cnet.co.uk/gadgets/top-ten-most-remote-tech-locations-on-earth-49303909/">http://crave.cnet.co.uk/gadgets/top-ten-most-remote-tech-locations-on-earth-49303909/</a>). Nguruman Maarifa centre has been instrumental in bridging the gap and now the residents has something to smile about at last.<br />
Nguruman Maarifa centre on 10th August, 2012 had the first formal ICT training graduation held in style where more than ten stakeholders participated in an open day and more than 200 community members attended the pass out which was graced by District Agricultural Officer (DAO)Mr. Henry Siro assisted by Area DO.Mr. Japeth Bikhanga. The activity which had its theme <i>"Using information technology for sustainable livelihoods in Nguruman"</i> kicked off at around 10.00 am where stakeholders had enough time to explain to community members the efforts they are putting to incorporate information technology to improve community's livelihoods.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZUrI2-FkGB8/UC4CHKPboUI/AAAAAAAAA5s/8n4hhejZI60/s1600/amref.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZUrI2-FkGB8/UC4CHKPboUI/AAAAAAAAA5s/8n4hhejZI60/s1600/amref.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Guest of honour inspecting AMREF stand during the open day.</i></b></td></tr>
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The main stake holders who participated included; AMREF Kenya who were showcasing clean light that uses waste paper and used kitchen oil among other reproductive health matters, Entasopia health centre taught people matters on healthy nutrition practices.African Conservation Centre was also represented and informed participants matters concerning biodiversity conservation and people-wildlife conflict.<br />
Agro-chemical companies like Osho and Sygenta also participated among community groups
groups who displayed their products and explained their activities to participants. .<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wWMEzfuP35c/UC4L7umI1nI/AAAAAAAAA6I/Uutt5nNXVNo/s1600/area+chief.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wWMEzfuP35c/UC4L7umI1nI/AAAAAAAAA6I/Uutt5nNXVNo/s1600/area+chief.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Area Chief Mr. Sereu receiving certificates from the chief guest on behalf of government officials. </i></b></td></tr>
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From the speeches made by the days speakers, it was evident that the Maarifa centre has had a great role in sharpening skills for Nguruman ICT gurus . Mr. kasifu, the advisory commitee chair had this to say; "I had no idea on how to operate a computer..., I can now type and send my documents via e-mail. I have been table to participate in business management training course at USIU university through application I made at the Maarifa centre".Chief Sereu had also his side to tell... "I have been able to update my GHRIS details and also as an administration student at Kenyatta university, I have been able to download exams as well as sending my assignments at the Maarifa centre..., Thanks to ALIN for the facility."</div>
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Mr. Anthony Mugo, deputy Director at ALIN assured commuity members that, ALIN will do all it can to ensure that all services offered to them are timely and dress their daily challenges and information needs.<br />
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The guest of honour Mr. Henry Siro in his speech made it clear that its governments interest that every Kenyan citizen becomes ICT compliant and that, in the near future for one to get employment, He/she will be required to be having International computer driving licence (ICDL). </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jFOyv6rUGx8/UC4PrUAzvNI/AAAAAAAAA6c/beG4e27IFTo/s1600/certificates.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jFOyv6rUGx8/UC4PrUAzvNI/AAAAAAAAA6c/beG4e27IFTo/s1600/certificates.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Some Students displaying their certificates after the graduation ceremony.</i></b></td></tr>
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The guest of honour issued certificates of participation to 62 graduates who had completed their training.
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Nguruman Maarifa Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17519944701812473585noreply@blogger.com0