NGURUMAN COMMUNITY EMBRACE A CHANGE ON IRRIGATION SYSTEM

By Maison Nteetu

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

A sprinkler set ready to use

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.

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.

Initially used water canal

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.

“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.

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.

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.

A farmer watering his plants through canal irrigation

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.

The project however, is incomplete and upon completion, the president of Kenya is expected to launch it officially before the end of this year.

The New Face of a Kiosk, Solar Kiosk

By Maison Nteetu

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.

In August 2013 on 22^th, a Solar Kiosk was installed in Nguruman and officially opened on 26^th. 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.

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.

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.

Side view of Nguruman solar Kiosk

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.

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. 

An Indigo internet services providers' booster

The Kiosk is know under expansion. Another room which will act as a saloon and a kinyozi is under construction.

Together We Can End Poverty

By Maison Nteetu

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.

Ushirika, is the name they give to their small groups. Ushirika 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.

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.

A planted field of one member. 

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.

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.

Group members performing duties   

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.

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.

OLORIKA FOUNDATION, THE MOTHER OF MANY

By Maison Nteetu

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.

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.

The foundation has sponsored the following in its mission of helping the needy. 

•  Students’ school fees payment      
•  Provision of teachers’ salary.    
•    Provision of water drams and 
•    Provision of library books for some schools.

Students’ school fees payment

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.

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.

Teachers’ Salaries

 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.

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.

Olorika foundation beneficiaries in a meeting.

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.
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.

Mr. Bonde addressing the meeting.

“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. 

Crop diseases, a challenge to nguruman farmers

By Maison Nteetu

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.

Maize lethal necrosis disease for example, has made a lot of farmers to almost lose hope on growing maize after a serious destruction of the crops.

Some of the characteristics of the disease include among others, yellow stripes on leafs and stem of the affected plant. 

 An affected plant. photo by Maison

A good example is a farmer who planted half an acre of maize and the farm was affected by maize lethal necrosis disease. This leaves many hopeless and unwilling to continue growing crops.

After a month almost all the plants turned brown. They seem to be ready for harvest but they bear no grains.

Maize lethal necrosis disease 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.

 

Mr Kibinge, A plant doctor analysing some samples. Photo by Maison

Some of the preventions include:

•  Avoid moving plants from infected regions to non-infected regions to reduce spread of the disease.
• Avoid continues planting of maize crops to stop persistence of virus and possible vectors.  Practice crop rotation.
•  Avoid planting recycled seeds.
• Keep the field free from weeds.

Once the plant is affected, the farmer is advised to uproot and destroy the plant by burning or burying it 1m deep.

Nguruman Maarifa Advisory committee strengthened

Nguruman 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.

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.

Community members following proceedings during the Launching of the Maarifa centre

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.

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 farmers keen on Market curtails

Farmers 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 ALIN 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.

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.

DAO Adressing meeting participants

"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.

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 Sokopepe 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.

A community elder contributing to the discussion

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.

"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.

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 Farmers embrace Sokopepe

Farmers around Nguruman irrigation scheme have embraced new marketing strategy  and have been visiting Nguruman Maarifa centre in response to Sokopepe mobile registration feedback SMS which requires them to visit the nearest agent with the details for further advice.

Sokopepe is an initiative of Arid Lands Information Networks (ALIN) 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.

Youth accessing Sokopepe information at the Maarifa centre

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.

"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..

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.

Jacob Naipaa, A young farmer who represented Nguruman community during sokopepe launching harvesting his Tomato crop

How to register
For one to register for Sokopepe, he/she needs to have a mobile phone not necessarily an internet enabled one.

Send an SMS to 20245:
REG#IDNumber#FirstName#LastName#County
Example: REG#2234524#Samuel#Kilovoo#Kajiado

Other services
To get market prices, send an SMS to 20245:
Price#Commodity#Town
Example: Price#Beans#Nairobi

To get farming tips, send an SMS to 20245:
Tip#ProductName
Example: Tip#watermelon

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'.

http://www.thepeople.co.ke/15383/changing-face-of-farming/

http://www.nation.co.ke/life+style/smartcompany/Online+market+connects+farmers+with+top+buyers/-/1226/1969088/-/ywq3r4/-/index.html

Rabbit keeping earnings enables a farmer to buy a dairy goat

Small 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.

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..."

Mrs Wateri removing hair from rabbit meat

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.

Kamau at the dairy goat barn

 "I will use the money I spent buying milk to expand my rabbit keeping enterprise" she added.

Nguruman 'Plant Clinic' Launched

A plant clinic was launched at the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, Magadi division grounds on 18^th 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.

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.

Plant wise, 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).

Seniour Officers from MOA head quarters handing over the clinic equipments and
reference materials to IWUA officials

CABI 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 ALIN 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.

The clinic has been equipped with necessary tools to diagnose diseases including micro-organisms 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. 

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.

Plant doctors attending to farmers during the Launch

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.

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.

Local administration relocation set to boost Maarifa centre services

Construction 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.

Local Administration block under construction 

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.

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.

The building as seen from the Maarifa centre

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.

"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

A farmer ignores disability and strives to earn a livelihood

People 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.

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.

Mr kasifu attending to his beans block.
 photo by Tony kimathi.

 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.

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.

 "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"

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 (NFDK) where the body donated some items which they will use to improve their livelihoods.

"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.

Mr Kasifu responding to enquiries during a Maarifa centre outreach activity.
Photo by Samuel Nzioka

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.

Addressing information gap empowers a farmer to venture into African Indigenous vegetable farming

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.

When ALIN and PA 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.

Black night shade vegetables on Mr Mburus Farm

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.

Mr Mburu helping a customer to harvest cow peas vegetable blocks

 Since he ventured in to the business, his 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.

Maarifa centre community library promotes a reading culture among students and residents

Residents 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.

"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."

James is an ICT graduate and says that, the skills gained have helped him use computers with ease.

Students reading at Nguruman Maarifa  library

A community member at the Maarifa centre library

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.

“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.”

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.

“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"

A community member accessing on-line materials with her laptop at the Maarifa centre library

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.

“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 ”

Enabling access for 2012 KCPE and KCSE results

It 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.

The KCPE students and their class teacher had visited the Maarifa centre sometimes last year (New technology for KCPE candidates) 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.

Some 2012 KCPE & KCSE students during  ICT training session

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."

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.

George after receiving a print out of his KCSE results

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.

Youths and ICT trainees secure Jobs

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.

 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.

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. 

Elizabeth Mintoi, a second year Business Information Technology (BIT) student at Mount Kenya university (MKU) said  that, the centre was an eye opener and motivated her to choose her career.

"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.

BVR clerks at Olkiramatian registering voters during a community event. Photo by Koinet

John chaure, a youth and a IT student said that he has successfully applied for jobs and does his practice at  the centre.

"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.

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. 

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.

"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.

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. 

"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.

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.

"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.

Deaf and Dumb... but ICT compliant

Disability 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.

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.

Zakayo typing a document at the Maarifa centre

"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.

Zakayo training his friend how use a computer..

 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.

Practical answers, a solution to Technical Enquiries

Practical Answers is an online 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 initiated by Practical Action an NGO that works in over 40 developing countries and uses appropriate technology to challenge poverty. 

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. These technologies can be easily replicated. 

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. The requested practical information is therefore send to the enquirer via email, SMS or call back. 

These forms are also available at the Maarifa Centres and one can get one-on-one response to technical enquiries. 

For more information, visit  Practical Answers website or their Knowledge-base.

New wind energy for Nguruman Maarifa centre

Nguruman 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.

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.

"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.

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.

"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.

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.

Focus Energy technitian assembling wind turbine.  photo by Lucky Martins

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.

"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.

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.

"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..


"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.

"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.

Installed wind turbine at the Maarifa centre compound. Photo by Samuel Nzioka

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.

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.

Farmers advised to form marketing groups for better market prices

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). 

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.

Farmers being taken through gross margin analysis Exercise at MOA grounds. Photo by Samuel Nzioka

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.

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.

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.