Do not throw away leftover

Woman in Korogocho have created a cheaper form of fuel through leftover Page 5

No Idling any more Motorbikes changing slum youths life from crime Page 6

www.shininghopeforcommunities.org

Do not buy
ISSUE: 8

FREE

Kibra CDF after Railas exit

Slums receive the highest amount CDF fund from the central government.
By Mirror team
have received Nairobi slums the highest money share of the recently distributed Constituency Development Fund (CDF) with Mathare scoring the highest. Kibra slum is number two with 97 million, and all eyes are on Kenneth Okoth, who took over from the Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga to be the Member of Parliament of Kibra. After a blood sweating victory following the journey to March 4th elections, losers would like to sit back and see the downfall of the first timer MP, given that elections for the Kibra CDF committee already appeared master mined. So far we have no plans because those are just projected allocations but the money is not yet in the CDFs custody. We shall interact with the community when we have one. Says Kibra MP Ken Okoth. We shall give out the money accordingly, to the needy people and shall not entertain any business to do with corruption, tribalism and discrimination. We are going to make sure nothing like that happens. According to the constitution, Mr. Ken okoth calculates 25% of the money (24 million) to go to bursaries and scholarships The bursary shall be given to the secondary and tertiary education students of Kibera. Our plan right now shall not deal with primary schools and so we shall not provide bursaries for primary schools. He announces. As for Opete Opete, a famous politician and former Sarangombe ward representative, the bursary beneficiaries selection process should be very open and transparent people must not be told to take fee structures to the CDF office, they should call the event in open fields per ward, and invite the press. The notorious politician urges the Kibra CDF leaders to balance all the slum villages with transparency. Openness will make the citizens witness how their tax money is spent Opete added I would be happy to see the allocated money tarmac Kibera roads like Mathare. Continued

Ghetto Mirror
Real life stories from slums
AUG/SEPT 2013 facebook/ghettomirror

The rusty iron sheets of the houses in Kibera slums, thousands of thin wires running over the roofs to provide electricity to the houses are just among other things that could perhaps mean how residents lack basic essentials. But there is a lot hope among reidents as the central goverment allocates 97 million for the development of the slum and new MP promises a lot.
Photo: Peter Ombedha

Organized criminal gangs in Nairobis slums

By Peter Ombedha
14 illegally organized criminal gangs are terrorizing Nairobi Slums. A report by The National Crime Researcher Center (NCRC) has revealed. The NCRC report identifies gangs as Kamukunji Boys in Kamukunji slum, Munyipi, in Mathare, Super Power in Eastleigh, Kenya Youth Alliance, Taliban in Kayole and Dandora, Jeshi La Wazee in Kangemi, Kamjeshi in Eastlands, Al-Shabaab, Jeshi La Embakasi, and Mungiki. The late last month released report also revealed that the main organized gangs operating in Kibera slums include Siafu, Yes We Can, 1-10, Kamukunji Pressure Group, Kibera Battalion and Nubians. The Siafu in Kibera, locally known as yuthe known for their security provide, mobilize of people to attend political ral lies, resolve disputes, extortion and providing water and electricity illegally while Continued on Page 3

on Page 6

Advertise here for free and grow your business

call:0727-669660

TALKING POINT
Politics is always a game-a very dirty game. Having known this, the common man is left with only few options, of either forgetting the political and ethnical difference or do so. Health education is needed for both our young girls and boys, to overcome early pregnancies and contraction of STIs not to mention drugs infrastructure is still an issue people are still politically divided across the whole country. Schools have come out to save on the girl child Kibera School for girls, is one that is laying a wonderful foundation to slum girls, unbelievably bright in deed. The jobless also need rent for shelter, clothing and have mouths to feed, thus putting them in a straining situation. Lots of youth choose to turn to talent, which at underground level doesnt pay. This brings frustration to them a bridge that can be used to get other ill platforms as money source to clothe and feed. as I am writing this, a footballer who have plaid this game for eight years now is confirming that most of the gangsters shot down are footballers. What is missing? Is it the society that is failing to handle this? who is wrong? All the differences must only be left behind for people focus on working together for the future of this lovely nation regardless of political affiliations and differences. Most of the people do not know how to access the money allocated in the relevant government offices some even think that the money is meant for those with phones. Currently the government and CDF committees are hard pressed to deliver according to the promises parties and individual victorious MPs given that the needs of the people are unlimited yet the allocation of funds is limited.

Ghetto Mirror

AUG/SEPT 2013: ISSUE 8

We welcome letters on topical issues or the stories we publish and comments on ghettomirrornews@gmail.com or ghettomirror@shininghopeforcommunities.org. You can also drop them at our office at Gatwekera near PAG Church, Kibera.

The time has come when people have to forget the These are the expectation at the CDF offices past and be transparent with the public funds

Quote of the month

The brave man is not the one who has no fears, he is the one who triumphs over his fears. Nelson Mandela
A publication of Shining Hope for Communities
Calvice Ochieng Designer Paul Owino Illustration Photo editor Boniface Mutie Peter Ombedha

Line Editor

KIBERA TEAM: Godwin Oyindo, Abuto Rashid, Sylvlia Nekesa, David Otieno, Nicodemus Odalo, Mary Otieno, Sheila Kavzi, Adan Ibrahim, `Esther Maleya MATHARE TEAM: Dennis Onyango, Geofrey Mimas, Irene Adhiambo, Maurice Adienge, Berryl Okello, Joseph Ochieng, Crispine Oginga, Gladys Akoth, Juma Onesmus, Mercy Aymah

As we complain and point our fingers at the Nairobi Governor and Kibra Member of Parliament Kenneth Okoth to step in and work on the annoying sewer near Karanja stage that has overflown to the road, it is our wish as the Uweza Journalism Club to make a request to Kibera residents to mind the environment and find better ways of disposing of garbage. During our tour around the affected area, we noticed a lot of garbage that has been deposited on areas that are to be used by the dirty water to flow freely and join the Nairobi River. We noticed things such as polythene bags, kale sticks, sugarcane peelings, maize cobs and many more, which could be recycled to manure or other productive waste. These items were blocking the water way, contributing to the overflow of sewage and water. We wish to remind all those who deposit waste materials around the area or any other place to mind the risk to which they are exposing themselves and others. After the sewer is not able to flow as expected and overflows to the road, remember that there are those doing businesses along the road. As vehicles pass

Plea to Kibera Residents

Uweza Journalism Club

Reason for youths to smile back

After long time of life in darkness, a new down has come for Kibra society under the umbrella of Shining Hope for Communities (SHOFCO). The youths are now privileged to access of awareness which is being provided by Youth Peer Providers (YPP) in the organization. YPP provides information about sexual reproducer health which has a plenty of information on safe sex and contraceptives. The main reason of availing information to Kibra society is because of the high rate of issues ranked to unplanned pregnancies, school dropouts and crime. Unsafe sax can lead to unsafe abortion which may even lead to death, it also leads simultaneous miscarriages it future and also the slims. Through safe sex we can plan our future well and at the same time prevent infections and unplanned pregnancies, this in due to a feat of most youths are sexualally active but again majority lacks information or has no information completely.

The Calvert in Karanja road where the water is supposed to pass-through has been turned to dumping site. Photo: David Nyongesa
this area, not all drivers put into consideration other road users thus splash the sewage water on them and even food stuff being sold along the road. Many risk getting bilharzia, cholera, and typhoid, among other ailments that might come as a result of the dirty water. At this point we wish to make a plea to the governor and the area MP to try and set more proper dumping sites so that Kibera dwellers have places to dump their garbage rather that throwing it in places that are to be used by flowing water. We also call upon Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company to work out the issue along Kibera drive near Karanja stage because it is an on and off problem.

YPP Members

Technical assistance
Dan Whipple & Kathleen Bogan

Want NEWS as it

E-mail: ghettomirrornews@gmail.com

HAPPENS?

OR
@GMirrorKenya /ghettomirror

AUG/SEPT 2013: ISSUE 8

Ghetto Mirror
By Boniface Nyamu
The collaboration of civil societies of Kenya who came together to champion the implementation of devolution Act was finally launched on Thursday 29th August at the famous Kibra Social Ground (D.Cs). The campaign dubbed civic education to communities on devolution will encourage citizens participation and ensure proper implementation of constitution. The campaign was organized by USAID, CHR international and Kituo Cha Sheria saw twelve theatre art club from four villages within Nairobi county (Kibra, Mathare, Korogocho and Kiambiu ) battling it out for a shopping vouchers and one year contract deal meant for conducting civic education within villages in Nairobi county and some regions. The teams that took the stage included; the Legends, Kosoyo and Transformers all from Korogocho, Chipukizi,

Meet Magdalene a woman who has been making and reparing shoes over 14 years
By Nicodemus Odhiambo
What men can do, women can do better situation has been going unmentioned in Kibera for the last 14 years. A family where the mother is a specialized shoe maker while her husband popular known as baba mboga. Magdalene Mwendwa 38 is the only woman involved in shoe making business in Kibera. She started this business in 1999 at Ngumo estate near Kenyatta Market. I was introduced into this business by my husband. But I knew everything through training by my husbands friend. She says. Magdalene a mother of three children, her son knows how to repair shoes and handbags. She became a point of attention in the year 2000 when many of her friends and family members accused her of being ignorant. They believe Magdalene was well educated to get a better job than the shoe making. They say this job belongs only to men who are jobless people and is job. Says Magdalene, she stopped her education at form four. We divide their daily income with Magdalene without any problems or without saying that I own the workshop or trained her job. Juma also says. Being the only woman, repairing shoes in Kibera is giving her a very busy and challenging day because a lot of people bring dirty shoes or sandals then expect me to wash them before repairing, complains the mother of three. As Magdalene continues shares the down side of the job, saying it is a hard job because a lot of women take it as a job that belongs to men. If you are not patient you will never stay on to do the job. Sometimes you will have moody customers who will make noise for late deliverances. Magdalenes husband, Simon Mwendwa is not an idle man either; he is as ironical as his wife, a vegetable vender at Tai Market. Mwendwa describes her wife Magdalene as faithful. Maggi is a hardworking woman and easy to understand in every situation we pass through with support of our three children. He says to the writer. Their son is the first born, and is in form one. He knows how to repair shoes and handbags and usually to help his mother every weekend afternoon in the business. The other two; a form one and a KCPE candidate, help their father to count the days shake in Toi market. The number of unemployment in Kenya has been increasing every year for the past 50 years from promises to promises that has been made in all the transition presidencies since early 80s and Magdalene believes that leaders will give young people promises that they cannot fulfill. This has been a bigger challenge to Kenyan leaders as well as slum opinion leaders.

Civil Societies champion the constitution implementation

the creators impacts and Jambo Africa all from Mathare, Wasanii sanaa, power of hope and KYPD all from Kibra other groups from Kiambiu were Vimulimuli, Luminant and Kuza Africa After a thorough series of presentation from each group who were allocated 20minutes for both choral verses, skits and dances did rock the podium as the adjudicators and invited guest watched keenly to select the best group for the day. Speeches from the invited guest his Excellency deputy Governor Muike made the crowed dare for more as he promised to take a lunch the winning team/group and encouraged youth to take part in development project. The grand finale came to sight as judges unanimously announced the winners in descending order and as prophesied The Creators Impacts from mathare with a dramatized Choral verse took the top most prize while power of hope and wasani sanaa both from Kibra took 1st and 2rd runners up respectively

Magdalene repairing handbag during herinterview with Mirror Reporter in her working place along Kibera drive near DC bus top, she has been making shoes since 1999 and she has managed to train three women who were impressed by her kindness.
Photo: Nicodemus Odhiambo

Since she started her shoes repairing job she has inspired many women in Kibera, Kawangware and other visitors who visit the environs of Kibera, they get so much encouraged by her.

We work for a better future without complaining that am a man or woman says Magdalene.

From the year 2006 up to now Magdalene has been training women to repair shoes, handbags and lather items. She managed to train three women who were inspired by her humble work in 2006. The three today own their workshops in Ukambani where they operate and the job is their daily income. By the time she become a shoes maker she struggled so much with her young daughter who was only one year old by then, I was being chased after, all the time by the city council officers at my working place due to lack of license. she remembers. Magdalene can earn between KS. 200 to 500 per day

depending on how the business is according to weather Business is good during raining season and that where I get a lot of work to do, when it rains a lot of shoes get spoilt when they touch water, added Magdalene. Her workmate Mohamed Juma who has lived in Kibera since 1977 and has been working with Magdalene since 1999 describes Magdalene as a woman who has a heart of gold among many people he has worked with She works very hard like a man and always keeps time and I get so much inspiration by the hard work that Magdalene does, describes juma, the experienced shoe maker.

Organized criminal gangs in Nairobis slums

From Page 1
Kamukunji Pressure Group are known by extortion, such as demanding money to anyone carrying TV Aerial, polls, iron sheets. The report which was released earlier this month shows that gangs earns their funding through extortion, stealing form public, robbery, blackmailing politicians, and selling of stolen goods. Nubians the group known as Kibera Kanjo are collecting money from bus conductors from stages for at least 150 a trip. In Mathare where the Mungiki and Taliban reign, confrontations are common as rival gangs fight for supremacy. The two gangs create opportunities for older members to resolve the turf wars by convening negotiations in which contested areas are mapped out and gang members ordered to restrict their activities to areas within their jurisdictions. Dandoras Jeshi la Wazee is taking control every single minute by harassing residents stealing money from M-Pesa even in a broad daylight. The gangs who came to rob me were more than 15 people and took at least KSh. 65, 000, the money I made all the day. Said Jared* whose M-pesa outlet was attacked in Dandora on 3rd September 2013 The report by the NCRC says that most gangs use children and women to commit crimes and invest their stolen loot and also to receive more baking from politicians. Children are used by gangs that specialize in burglary by bushing them through small openings where an adult cannot fit. They come in handy, ferry illegal guns and hard drugs such as bang or cocaine, for the gangs, the report. Women are used for spying and the safe-keeping of stolen loot, drug trafficking, act as agents, provide sexual services to the male gangs, they also act as prostitutes with an aim of getting closer to the targets which These crimes have become a common concern both for the government and citizens not only in Kenya but across the globe and have impacted negatively on personal safety and security, said Onyango. Police were accused of colluding with members of these illegal groups to the extent of blackmailing their fellow officers. And all these happen; its the common citizens of Kenya that face the rath.

A man who was part of thugs that was shot by Police officer after gun shoot-out and recovers a gun and uniform belonging to the administration policer, Photos: Peter Ombedha
have been ordered to spy on. During its launch National Crime Research Center director Oriri Onyango said the country was witnessing the emergence of more organized criminal groups in even more complex crimes such as terrorism, piracy, cyber-crime, corruption , drug trafficking, money laundering, sexual abuse and gender-based violence.

Number of illigal criminal gangs in Nairobi

14

Ghetto Mirror

AUG/SEPT 2013: ISSUE 8

Pic Speak

FRESH FISH: It seems the market of fresh fish is doing good to the man selling fresh fish near the gate of Olympic Primary School in Kibera. The man has been selling fish everyday evening.
Photo: Peter Ombedha

CHILD LABOUR: This we do when we are out on holidays. These four children were captured by our paparazzi during the three week School holiday when they tuned to human patriarch, transporting luggage from one stage to another.
Photo: Peter Ombedha

POINT BLANK: Sometimes we may lack how to make money but according to the man doing this business he realized that rubber shoes can do better in market and can also do well in the kitchen can cook just as firewood or charcoal. Photo: Peter Ombedha Lets love each other Blue Moon we trust Jesus hotel that the massage when you reaches Korogocho slum you must know when you want to eat you must love one another and trust Jesus like a woman seating outside of hotel.
Photo: Peter Ombedha

Children can sometime sentertain more than you expected, meet fruitful young entertainers who are ready to entertain youthfully President Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta at Nairobi Trade Fare at the ground show end of this month.
Photo: fruitful crew

SOOT: Where there is a smoke there is a fire this was a word from Wiseman and if your collogue has ever told you that you smoke like Kenya Railways train this what he meant.
Photo: Peter Ombedha

Download free QR reader from the internet and scan this code with your smart phone for constant photos, news and vdeos from the informal settlements

AUG/SEPT 2013: ISSUE 8

My

In this column, the Ghetto Mirror brings you details about the ghettos of Nairobi, one ghetto at a time. This month it is Korogocho. If you want us to come to your hood, just send us an email.
ties, educational programs, electricity and sanitation are challenges in Koch, lack of adequate water still remains the major problem in the slum. Korogocho lacks health care facilities and water and sanitation. It is plagued by unemployment, prostitution, drug addiction, alcoholism, rape, crime and domestic violence. Many street children flee here to escape from police round ups in Nairobi CBD, to find a hideout in the slum. Many illegal firearms find a place here. People find it increasingly difficult to overcome the hardships in this environment but they are forced to stay because they seem to have no alternative. Koch FM is a community radio station which is located at Korogocho Division chiefs camp just next to Korogocho health centre. The station extends to Koch Studios, a fully equipped and state-of-the-art music recording label located at Sanoda Building in Kariobangi. The studio started in early 2012 as a project of Koch FM, aimed at promoting musical talents among the young population of Korogocho and other informal areas of Nairobi. Since its inception, Koch studios haves created opportunities for over 50 young artists in Korogocho who record and produce quality music. A majority of the ghetto residents are either uneducated or school dropouts at primary level, according to a resent United Nations study. Only 29 percent of the men and 18 percent of the women have a secondary school education. There is only one public school, Daniel Comboni School, and several private learning institutions like St. Clare Primary a catholic school. There is one public health facility, Korogocho Health care. Several NGOS have established facilities, including Tumaini Vision and Raved health care, which also serve the many people seek medical assistance in neighbouring Kariobangi. The slum has no social hall, big hotels, restaurant, or bar. Tthe only lodgings in slums are those measured 10-by-10 feet, as residents substitute the famous illicit (changaa) and moratina, a traditional brew, for beer.

HOOD

Ghetto Mirror

According to the recent report released by the Attorney General Kibra constituncy leads in the number of illegal gangs. Mathare constituency
Munyipi

Organised criminal gangs in slums

Embakasi Constituency
Jeshi la Embakasi.

Kamukunji Constituency
Kamkunji boys

Kangemi

Jeshi la Mzee Kibra Constituency 1: Nubians 2: Kibera batalion 3: Siafu 4: Kamkunji pressure group 5: 1-10 6: Yes we can

An ariel view of Korogoch slums that houses close to 300,000 people. Its a place that has an estimated percentage of 29 an 18 men and women respectively having recieved secPhoto: Courtesy Koch Fm ondary school education. whom we found selling scrap metals By Peter Ombedha
ombedha@gmail.com
Korogocho is a Swahili term meaning Crowded shoulder to shoulder. Many people simply refer to it as Koch. Korogocho slum is Nairobis fourth largest after Kibera, Mathare Valley and Mukuru Kwa Njenga in population, according to the 2009 government census. Its located in Kasarani Division, in eastern Nairobi, about 11 kilometers from the central business district . To reach Koch you will take matatu number 14 at OTC city centre at Ronald Ngala Street. Via Thika Road it will take you 20 minutes to reach Koch. The slum covers 1.5 square kilometres, originally vacant government-owned land. The slum was founded by rural migrants to the city in the 1970s. There are about 300,000 people living in Koch. A majority of them are elderly and youths, says Richard Ochieng, a village elder along the roadside. This is his 36th year in the slum. Most of these people live in 10-by-10 foot shanty houses, adds Ochieng, who is in his sixties. Korogocho is about three kilometers from Kariobangi, which covers one square kilometer. Its ten villages include; Kisumu Ndogo, Githaturu, Grogan A, Grogan B, Nyayo, High ridge, Korogocho A, Korogocho B, Ngunyumu, Ngomongo. A majority of the families earn very little money. In 2004 among men age 18 years and older, only 11 percent were in salaried employment, 10 percent in established trading, 34 percent in casual work, 29 percent in petty trading. Fifteen percent were without any income generating activity, according to (NUHDSS). Many of the youths in Koch are Boda Boda riders. Gilbert Mumba who gave this writer security assistance and directions, narrates how the business has

300,000
The total population of Korogocho

changed his life and that of many youths in the slum. I was not like this some three years back, he says, I was one of those bad boys but my life has positively changed because of this motorbike. The homes and businesses are packed close together, divided by narrow paths which are, at the same time, sewer and drain. The roads are impassable during the rains, and extremely dusty in the other periods. Human waste and refuse litter the roads and the drains. Like many other informal settlements situated on government land, Korogocho suffers poor security, lack of social facilities, inadequate infrastructures, and other ugly problems of a Kenyan ghetto. Although work opportuni-

Notorious illicit liquor seller arrested

By Mirror Reporter

Three notorious illicit liquor sellers were on Friday 31st August arrested with 160 liters of illicit in Sinai. The three were arrested after police officer arrested 12 suspects and confiscated 120 liters of illicit on 25th of August, Viwandani Administration police boss Alphonce Mulinge said that they raided the den at Sinai slum allocated near industrial area following a tipoff. Mulinge said the three notorious suspects have been escaping police dragnet. The other 11 suspects were found consuming the liquor, he added.

Food leftovers turned to cheap source of fuel

By Davide Otieno
Beatrice Wanjiku, a 34-year-oldlady from Korogocho slums, is running a business that makes fuel from food leftovers. Beatrice, a graduate of Nairobi University, makes good money from her innovative fuel making idea. After my graduation, I search for job for about five years and unfortunately didnt land on any, said Wanjiku, a mother of five. Since I am the sole breadwinner of my family, I never gave up on struggle to get food to table. I thought of starting my own business, by making cheapest cooking fuel from food leftovers, in which I was to be my own boss to free myself from the stress of searching job, she said. She added, smiling, At first it was very difficult especially in searching the raw material for example leftovers of ugali, fish bones or beef bones. Mrs. Wanjiku said her new business idea is unique, and that before she started it, nobody, including the neighbors with whom she first shared the idea, believed it would work. Before starting I used to ask my neighbors to keep me the leftovers, which I walked from door to door to collect, she said. The leftovers of food that Mrs. Wanjiku collected from her neighbors were mainly ugali, kales, bones from fish and those from meat. She worked alone for some months. When the business grew, she decided to form a group with likeminded individuals to help her push her dream to the next level. Currently I have a group of 36 members working with me. Weve been working together as a team where each one of us as a role to play, said Wanjiku. During the interview with Ghetto Mirror Mrs. Wanjiku explained that her business puts in orders for food leftovers to hotels and they keep the raw materials for her to use at a fee. After buying the raw materials, Mrs. Wanjiku. And her associates dry the food in the sun, and then mix them thoroughly before placing them into a grinding machine. What emerges is a substance that is powdery and soft like flour, she explained as she touched it. We then sprinkle little water on the flour, and then use these small containers to come up with the required shape. The containers act like molds and the moistened flour hardens into a shape that can be removed from the containers, and burned for fuel. We sell one solid fuel for ksh 5 and per day we can sell as many as 3,000 solids. We normally distribute our products to slum residents, some hotels in town, Kenyatta market just to mention a few, she said. Jacinta Kavuzi, a longtime member and also employee of Jitegemee Kenya Association, said the newly innovated cooking fuel idea is not only cheap but effective. To me I prefer these types of fuel to charcoal since they are affordable for both the rich and poor, Kavuzi said. I personally must admit that I have benefited a lot ever since I joined this group and to be sincere my life has changed. Mr. Mark Karanja and Mrs. Milka Wandeti, all customers of Jitegemee Association, also gave positive comment on the productspraising their quality and price. To me, this type of fuel is actually the best, they really cook well and very fast as compared to charcoal or paraffin, Milka added. As always, the business faces challenges. According to Mrs. Wanjiku the founder and now C.E.O. of the Jitegemee Kenya Association, their greatest

Puguza | Alternative cheap fuel.

Punguza as they are called made from food leftovers in Korogocho slums turns to be an alternative source of cheap fuel for the residents. Photo : Peter Ombedha
challenge is water. As a parting shot to fellow youths and any other unemployed person out there, I just wish to challenge them to always be big-hearted instead of giving up so easily, she said. I believe there are several opportunities out here, so fellow youths should not just sit and wait for government to intervene when they are jobless, even if you have degree or diploma papers you should not sit in the name of waiting for job, Mrs. Wanjiku said as she served one of her customers. Finally I am glad that the little idea I had borne fruit and we are now helping a number of families who are now employed and working as Jitegemee Kenya Association, she says.

Motorbikes uprising slum youths into making a living

By Peter Ombedha
Its early morning, around 5 a.m. A group of young men sit, while others stand by waiting for customers to carry. Jared Wanyonyi is among the young men standing by near their motorbikes. Wanyonyi, 22, was once a criminal, spending five years of his life high jacking, robbing or blackmailing. Now hes a boda boda motorbike rider since being released from Kodiaga prison three years ago. Hes been given this new lease on life by the Millennium Development Goal in Korogocho slum. Wanyonyi discovered a way to improve his life in the slums by providing two-wheeled taxi service. I use these bikes when I want to reach somewhere faster and when it is late from workplace, because the road is not safe during the night, said Wanyonyis passenger, who has just been dropped from town to Korogocho. Korogocho youths have a reputation for robbing, hijacking and other crime. This has cost job opportunities. After seeing this, Wanyonyi decided to buy his second-hand motorbike and use it as a taxi. After three years, he had saved enough money to buy two more motorbikes to employ other youths. Boniface Omondi is 28. I was not a good person who someone could send somewhere to do something, and when I start it I didnt have female customers, said Omondi. Omondi has a group of 30 people working in different stages in Kibra, most of them working in Makina stage. Brenda Adhiambo, who joined the group in January this year, said that since she started being a member of the boda boda operators, she has achieved more things than she ever thought she would. She is the only woman in the business. The business is how you take it - hard it will be hard to you, easy it will also be easy to you, she said. Adhiambo explained some of the challenges they face. She said police traffic and county council workers are the big challenges they have. Those people took money from us morning to evening. There is nothing you can save to do something, she said. Gilbert Ndegwa is a Korogocho resident who sells second-hand clothes. He sometimes uses the boda boda service. Most of these guys are reformed criminals, he said. If they carry you, you will feel safer than walking because they cant robe you and you are their customer, they are afraid of losing their customers. The motorbike riders can get about Ksh 4,000 a day if

Ghetto Mirror

AUG/SEPT 2013: ISSUE 8

NOTE IDLE ANYMORE: Boda boda operators out to make a living wait patiently for customers outside the Nakumatt Prestige Mall along Ngong Road. Most of them are slum dwellers. Photo: Courtesy
He joined a group of 15 youths to empower them through using motorbikescalled boda bodasusing them as taxis to gain a little money, as much as Ksh 4,000 per day. I had an idea and bought second hand motorbike at lower price of Ksh 36,000 and set up a (boda boda) stage, said Wanyonyi. He also adds that the business varies, some days its good and some days bad. And instead of returning to crime, wed like to just do this work, and gradually well get licenses, added Omondi. Motorbike taxi service is being run by precisely the kind of young men who might have menaced their passengers in the past. Many of them are boys who were once offenders. In Kibra, its estimated that 34 percent of them were gangsters. Omondi, who start the motorbike business in Kibra, said that he was not a good person in the past and, for him, doing this has saved his life.

business is good. He or she will pay the bike owner about Ksh 400 a day. Business can be slow if there is an Ngong Road jam or Thika Road jam. As well as being motorcycle riders, more youths working in these two different slums also wash cars, if all motorbikes are out. I work here in the morning as a car wash, but in the midday I work as boda boda, said Rashid Ismail, who we found at Zulu Car Wash, which is located at along Karanja Road at Kibra Drive. I use to hang around in this stages running up and down looking for a matatu because I didnt have money to start my own business. I explain to my boss and he gave me a chance to work with his people and now I have my own plans and am planning to buy my own motorcycle so that me to someone can come to me, boss this the money I have manage to get today, says Ismail, with full happiness on his face.

I was not a good person who someone could send somewhere to do something, and when I started it I didnt have female customers,
Boniface Omondi

Kibra CDF after Railas exit

From Page 1
promises, she says as she serves her customers. I ones followed the bursary fund for my daughters collage fees with no success and until now I am bored with those preached waters. Rose laments. But Anyone who needs our help is welcomed and our office is open to all without corruption, tribalism and discrimination. We shall attend to your needs so long as you provide the necessary documents. Is Okoths taking on the beneficiaries? For the last 21 years, Rose has been selling peanuts right opposite Kamukunji-across the railway line, therefore she is famously known as Mama Njugu. Most of my customers are youths who have no jobs. The fund should help get employments for these young people. Says 58 years old mama njugu. History has it that Kibera CDF funds have not been doing good coming to development of the community over the years. In 2003/04 when Kibera was still part of Langata Constituency, the slum received Ksh6, 000,000 allocations which were intended to make better roads and schools. In 2010/11 Langata also received Ksh40, 053,371 which the former prime minister claims was used in making Langata High School. The PM also said that he used the money allocated on putting Security lights mast at Laini Saba, drainages and in upgrading of the Laini Saba sports ground, the sport grounds. Many other people interviewed by the Mirror Team either lack confidence in how CDF funds are managed or do not know the procedure to access relevant CDF funds. One of them is a 65 year old woman Banta Atieno who known to many as shosho. She prioritizes building of better roads to shorten and fasten her long walks in search for the daily bread. KSh6 billion, meant for March 4th elections has been allocated for youth and women under the Uwezo fund. While the Youth Enterprise Development Fund got KSh.137.7 million and the Women Enterprise Fund got KSh.167.2 million. The cash transfers to vulnerable poor people mainly the old and those who live in slums will be managed through the Ministry of Labour and Social Security. Said Kazungu Kambi the Cabinet Secretary. The huge allocation is meant to give the MPs the opportunity to raise the living standards of people of their constituencies by implementing projects to change their lives. You just see how Olympic roads and the environment are very poor! When I was a counselor, you couldnt find Olympic like this bragged Opete Opete who admitted that he does not want to look like challenging the current office if I speak a lot, I would look like an inciter Opete said. Our idea is to work in the next two years to see a polytechnic in Kibera to help the local people and our main challenge is to find a piece of land but we shall consult with the city governorship and see how it can help. Okoth continued. The Kibra constituency bursaries shall be provided for hair dressing courses, nursing, mechanical courses like carpentry, regular university courses and short, two year courses. The new MP promises. Rosemary Achieng is a common business lady in Kibera. CDF is all about politics, we are used to the politicians empty

Benta Atieno 65, eggs and onions vender

I do fall on my way home from hustling and I wood want better roads and if I could get the money I would pump it to my business.

Fredrick Mugana, Rosmary Achieng, shoeshiner at 58 groundnut Olympics stage vendor

We people with disabilitie are suferring, we are lonely and lucking, hospital and education. CDF should not forget the disabled. I once follwed CDF busary for long but failed until now am bored with CDF, it is polictics and politicians have empty promises.

Total CDF allocated to Kibra Constituency

97M

AUG/SEPT 2013: ISSUE 8

Hope and Joy; a slum support group makes life better

Ghetto Mirror

Kids Corner
Davis Okoth, 12 Class 6 Kibera Primary

My Holidays

Community Health Workers from Mukuru Fuata Nyayo during a launch of their group taught the residents on how to take care of their health. Photo: Peter Ombedha.
By Calvince Ochieng
Two hundred people living with HIV/AIDS in Mukuru Kayaba location have decided to spread the gospel. Hope And Joy support group in the overpopulated slum has choses not to spread the virus, but to take part in finding solutions in the fight against it. Hope And Joy support group is a group of people living with HIV/AIDS, who come together to unite and share their common dailly encounters with the virus. Members may also include others, like family members who impacted by the virus, though they are not infected themselves. Everyone is taught the skills for positive living. The group takes care of the economic needs of the members, which involves making crafts as a source of income. Visitors and well wishers buy their crafted products to support them. Kananza Nancy is the founder and leader of Hope And Joy. She is HIV positive and a mother of three. According to Nancy, the support groups offers services on prevention, signs and symptoms, and drug adherence. They also do referrals. 11 members of Hope And Joy have died because as a support group, we cant provide everything. Yet drugs will eat you if you dont eat well, she confirms. Many households in the slums live on less than a dollar a day. This makes it tricky to survive when one is on medication, especially for those families where the breadwinner is the infected. Nancy believes that living with HIV is a journey. In this journey, denial is the worst decision to make. Couples are advised to disclose their HIV status to their partners. I always tell people to use condoms for protection. As for me, my hands are my husbands because I am just doing my jobs to take care of my kids, Nancy says. Just like many other people living with AIDS, Nancy found it very hard to disclose her status

to her kids. When I told them, I thought that they would tell on me. But to mu surprise, they have been very supportive. With the help of GOLA Kenya, a humanitarian organisation, good number of the Kayaba community health workers have benefited from training . Speaking to the Mirror, in a community health worker event organised by public health in partnership with GOAL kenya, area senior Chief Mr. Abdiwahad Ahmed called for more education on HIV/AIDS. He called it a unique disease. Apart from educating people, we should regulate marriages by reducing traditional marriages and encourage the legal marriages, he said. The chief also urges slum residents to own government policies saying that the government officials and other partners are just service providers. All the donors will go at the end of their projects but will we will remain here with our usual challenges, he said. The chiefs office is the cornerstone for fight against HIV/AIDS in the area , having formed several units of around 50 people. The units are our ambasadors, the reliable information source for us in the bigger committee Mukuru Kayaba is one of the most densely populated slums. It borders South B Estates, which is also a region where many colleges like RTI, KIMC, Kenya Water Institute, Kenya Polytechnic and many other college hostelsare located.

I didnt go for tuition as my parents could not afford to pay the tuition fees. Leunida Chessy, 14 Class 8, NSHG School

I was doing revision with other candidates from other schools in Kibera for three weeks. Jackson Ochieng, 13 Class 5 at Toi Primary

The holiday was very short. I played with my agemates and visited my friends live around.

Nutrition Centre in Kibera

By Erick Owenga
Carolina for Kibera (CFK) haslaunched a nutrition Centre that will take care of malnutrition problem to children below five years The center that is dubbed Lishe BoraMtaaniis located 250 meters from CFKs main offices adjacent to the railway line near Kamunji ground. The center that is purposely meant to promote health education to the parents and caregivers on nutrition and exclusive breast-feeding and hygiene, is currently serving 44 kids. Speaking during the launch, Langata District Nutrition Officer Mrs. Joyce Njoroge said that such a noble program is worth being in a place like Kibera. She stated emphasized the importance of this initiative since most mothers in the area have no access to health education and has focused their attention on education of their children. According to the Nutrition officers it has been realized that most women lack nutrition information during pregnancy and lactating period.Most childhood illness are attributed to malnutrition. In turn, a gastrointestinal infections place children at even greater risk for nutrient deficiencies because nutrients are unable to be absorbed properly. Consequently, nutrient deficiency combined with infection can cause growth delays and other development problems. Additionally, malnutrition negatively effects brain development-causing delays in motor and cognitive development, such as attention deficit disorder, impaired school performance,decreased Intelligent Quotient scores, memory deficiency, learning disabilities, reduced social skills, reduced language development reduced, problem-solving abilities among others issues. Esther Opana, the CFK officer-in-charge of nutrition center, noted that majority of babies in Kibera are not being fed food on balanced diets. Most meals are largely constituted of starch. The nutritionists train mothers and care givers on complimentary feeding, food security and hygiene. We manage children who are severely and moderately malnourished where we monitor their daily progress and give them food supplement, said Esther. She further added that as CFK they teach mothers on nutrition complimentary feeding, food security hygiene and sanitation. Commenting on the Kibera communitys response on the project, she said that the locals are happy about the center and they are appreciating and thanking the organization for coming up with the idea to help the Kibera kids. A parent whose two-yearold son is in the Centre said that she has not seen such a facility in Kibera before and she was grateful for it. Fenny Bithengo added that previously her son was not eating well since he did not have an appetite for food but after recruited in the Centre there is huge improvement to his health and feeding habits.

Waiting patiently: As the launch of nuitriotion centre is set women take their children for special treatment and advice on nuitrition
On my side I thank Carolina for Kibera for this project since it has helped because this kid was not eating well and now he is eating sound, Bithengo said with the son on her lap. She further maintained that in Kibera children are prone to many diseases due to environment and many ditches ferrying dirty water. The mother noted that when toddlers play, they easily land on these ditches absorb the rot leading to diarrhea and cholera and other infections. The nutrition project that is sponsored by Glenmarkwillpromote health education for caregivers. The Centre is currently recruiting children from three villages of Kibera that is Soweto, Gatwekra and Kianda which are just pilots that will finally expand to the other villages of Kibera. According to Mark Muasa, CFKs Head of Health Department, the organization is seeking to integrate nutrition education and feeding to help curb malnutrition We view this program as an investment in the future that would lead to adults with a greater capacity for healthy, productive lives. Attention to child feeding, the control of infections, and good care results in improvements in child growth and other crucial functions, Mr. Mark noted.

Ghetto Mirror

Kibra league creating and nurturing young talents

By George Sakwa
For many years, Kibera and other slums have been left behind when it comes to nurturing sports talent. The irony is that the few young people who have been identified from the slums are outstanding enough to give Kenyan sports a direction. Kibera has decided to start an all-categories league to support the worlds leading sport from the slums perspective. We must keep our youths busy in order to reduce the level of insecurity and other vices in our community, said Charles Kaindi, the team manager of Uweza Soccer Academy and founder of Kibra League. This was the main reason why Uweza Academy was started in August 2008. Currently, Uweza teams include boys: Under-8, Under10, Under-12, Under-14, Under16 and senior team and girls: Under-12 and Under-16. Uweza Soccer Academy has four teams participating in different categories of the Kibra league. Since its inception, it has achieved a lot. Teams act as a support system where coaches are the mentors for the players and interact with parents to ensure players overall well-being. Teams include players from different ethnic and tribal backgrounds in Kibera in an effort to reduce tribalism. They keep players away from drugs, crime, and other negative behav-

Sports

AUG/SEPT 2013: ISSUE 8

STANDINGS
KIBRA LEAGUE
Boys under 8
P 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 TEAM Uweza Academy GYFF Marren Kibera Egan K. Mighty Lions More Fire Brothers K.S Academy Otada P 13 14 14 14 14 12 13 12 14 W 9 7 8 4 4 4 2 2 0 D 3 5 1 7 5 4 6 4 6 L 1 2 5 3 5 4 5 6 8 PTS 30 26 25 19 17 16 11 10 6

Red Stars player Jane, in action during their previous match with Kibera Starlets at Toi Primary.

Photo: Peter Ombedha

iors by keeping them busy. In addition to creating skilled soccer players, it equips players with skills such as discipline, leadership, and teamwork through a points system. Coaches award players with points at each training session. Kibra League is the largest youth soccer league in Kibera. It includes teams from more than 20 Kibera clubs in the Boys Under-8, Under-11, Under-13 and Girls Under-16 categories.

It started in 2012 to keep young people busy. It is run and managed like the top national Tusker premier league where matches are played every week. Most of the matches are played on Sundays, since the players go to school from Monday to Saturday. Most of our players are school-going children and therefore we have to cope with the school calendar. As much as we are nurturing talent, we are also interested in their education,

Kaindi said. Players are encouraged to attend (with) tuition provided by Uweza Aid Foundation after-school. Every term, all players are provided with school notebooks and pens. We also award skill building points, and winners of these points receive additional education awards like mathematical sets. Players are also asked to submit their school reports of term so that coaches can follow up with their academic progress,

he added. Kibra league is an initiative of Uweza foundation in partnership with Amani Kibera. Sports are now a source of employment. If we can partner with many organizations in Kibera, then we can help our youths by providing an alternative rather than just idling. It will provide employment for our youths, said Saidi Mohamed, the under11 coach. The league starts every year in March and ends in November. Currently, there are only under-8, under-11, under13 and girls under-16 categories that participate in the league. Plans are underway to include under-15 categories by beginning of next season, in 2014. I encourage local clubs to include players parents in managing their club. The parents assist us very much as they buy training boot for their kids. Our teams are managed by parent committees. This has made our work easier and simpler as they allow their kids to come for training on time, Kaindi said. The government, through the ministry of sports, is encouraged to improve the level of soccer in slums if we are to achieve our dreams in future. We hope that very soon all our teams will participate in the national leagues since as at now, the Uweza senior team is participating in the Football Kenya Federations Nairobi County League, said Calvin Ochieng KIMTAA soccer team coaches.

Boys under 11
P 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 TEAM C. Ambassadors Uweza Academy More Fire K.S Academy GYFF Tiger Stars Red Planet Kibera Egan Marren Brothers Magic 90 K. Mighty Lions Caro Foundation KIMMTA P 17 17 20 18 17 18 18 18 16 17 17 19 18 18 W 15 15 9 8 7 7 7 6 6 5 4 3 3 2 D 2 2 5 3 5 4 3 5 4 5 6 6 2 1 L 0 0 6 7 5 7 8 7 6 7 7 10 13 15 PTS 47 47 32 27 26 25 24 23 22 20 18 15 11 7

Girls under 16
P 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 TEAM Kibera Starlets Uweza Queens Red Stars Challengers More Fire Queens P 8 7 10 8 9 W 6 5 4 4 3 2 0 D 0 1 3 1 3 4 0 L 2 1 3 3 3 3 9 PTS 18 16 15 13 12 10 0

KIMMTA Queens 9 Marren Queens 9

Uprising beat Slum boxing reaches high standard Ayany to clinch Ramadhan Cup
By Paul Owino By Adan Ibrahim
Uprising FC from Nairobis Majengo slums beat Kibras Ayany FC by a solitary goal in the final of a football tournament at Woodley grounds marking the end of the holy month of Ramadhan. The goal was scored by Uprisings striker Sheikh Elmi in the dying minutes of the game after a wonderful exhibition of team play from his mates. The well matched teams played close in both halves. But it was Elims solitary goal in the 78th minute that would make the difference. The tournament was organised by Equity Banks Kibra branch. There were several guests on hand, including four Members of Parliament: Hon. Ken Okoth, the MP for Kibra constituency; Hon. Irshad Sumra of Embakasi South; Hon. Ogutu Omondi of Embakasi East and Hon. Tim Wanyonyi of Westlands. We shall in future organise such competitions, more frequently anf inlcude disciplines like netball, voleyball, basketball and other games to tap talents, Kenneth Okoth Mp Kibra Among the invited guests attending the tournament were Kenyas second goal keeper and Gor Mahia, Football Clubs Captain Jerim Onyango, the secretary of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Mr. Robert Asembo, the national football team manager Gabriel Olangand businessman Fred Amayo who is an aspirant for the Kibra Constituency parliamentary race. Boxers from Kenyas slums defeated opponents from Tanzania and Uganda at the professional boxing tournament held at Toi Market in Kiberia on 10 August. In the tournaments top match, National middleweight boxing champion Daniel Wanyonyi, 25-year-old sweat blood to beat Med Sebyala from Uganda with points in a match that went the full ten rounds. Wanyonyi was awarded the WBF Intercontinental Belt; a victory that slotted him for a flight to the United States for more boxing contests. The chase was tough but I thank God today was my day, Wanyonyi said after the contest. Winning WBF Intercontinental Belt to me is a given opportunity; this is history of my life. Vowing to make Kenya proud at the next level of competition, Wanyonyi finished with happiness all over his face. In another heavyweight contest, Kenyan Maurice Okola beat his countryman Joseph Ayieko with a technical knockout in the third round to clinch a national title. In earlier action, Kenyan Peter Opondo carried home a national belt after beating Robert Ochung with a technical knockout in the fifth round. OIpondo qualified for an upcoming boxing contest to be held in Uganda this September. The one womens fight in the tournament offered proofs that what men can do, women can do better. Super featherweight Jane Kavulani demolished Nicotine Achieng with another technical knock out in round three. Joshua Omula from Tanzania loses for Michael Nyawade in light weight mens national category. Speaking to The Mirror, Julias Odhiambo, former boxer and coach to the famous Conjestina Achieng (Conje) and boxing queen Fatuma Zarika said that boxing industry is doing well in Kenya but the Kenyan government does not recognize it, unlike football, rugby and athletes. The government of Kenya should appreciate the good work of Kenya boxers has done to the country, urged Mr. Odhiembo, who was the event organizer.

Daniel Wanyonyi, national middle wieght boxer lifted the WBF Intercontinental Belt after defeating his opponent a Ugandan Med Sebyala by points after ten rounds. Photo: Peter Ombedha
Absent from the tournament were Nairobi Senator Gideon Mbuvi, area Member of Parliament Kenneth Okoth, neither of whom showed up nor sent an apology. Its becoming a worrying and a trend that Kenyan sportsmen and women live in abject poverty after retirement from active sports; from the tracks, soccer pitches and boxing rings these sportsmen and women have nothing to show for their hard work and their work are not being appreciated.

The Ghetto Mirror, is a monthly newspaper published and distributed for free by Shining Hope For Communities as part of its programs aimed at empowering the youth through developing their media skills and also to bring attention to the issues affecting the residents of the informal settlements. All the work that goes into production of this newspaper is done by youth from the slums. Correspondence should be addressed to ghettomirrornews@ gmail.com. You can also visit our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ghettomirror for constant news updates, photos and videos . News and advertising: 0727669660.