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May 14, 2008

ECO-ETHICS FESTIVAL

Dr. Ali Abdullahi, Ph.D is the Former chair for EEIU Nabuur. He is also the Director for the Research and Development Committee for EEIU Initiatives in East Africa. Currently, he is the Co - Chair of the Institute for African Ecology and Philosophy.

In the recent past, there has been a continuous effort by the NGO's in Kenya to promote environmental ethics, ecological patriotism and more so, ecological development and conservation. The greatest problem has remained the high capacity of Kenyan's to act ignorant.

It is said that the concept of time differs in great detail when defined the Kenyan way, more to say, the African concept of time is really ambiguous. Many claim that Africa is a place where time, as a commodity, is created or produced. And that other continents are the regions where this time is to be bought, utilized or exchanged for the better. I have never understood this superstitious inclination.

The oil companies in Kenya have joined together in a common accord of promoting the environmental management act as defined by the Kenyan constitution. The have put in place, deliberate measures that encourage volunteer participation in this wonderful process of ecological awareness. The event is best termed as "Eco-Challenge".

The most outstanding oil company in this initiative is 'Total Oil' a retail chain that has branches in all economic corners of Kenya. And with the success of the 'Total Oil Eco-Challenge 2007', many other organizations that are non-governmental have adopted the idea, teamed up and joined in the same issue. They have opted for a different way of addressing the problem, they claim that it is not a challenge to promote eco-ethics, they say that as per the motives and moods of the Kenyan population, festivity is a way of life, and it is the best way of passing on information.

The event is now officially recognized as 'Eco-Fest', a word formed from Ecology and Festival.

The Institute for African Ecology and Philosophy has induced a more adorable meaning by magnifying the success of Eco-Ethics International Union on the issues that are currently of great concern to many companies in Kenya. We have therefore agreed that the event, as from July 2008, will be termed, Eco-Ethics Festival.

The outstanding financiers are the Sarakasi Trust, the Kijani Trust, Adhengo Foundation, Nation Media Group, Total Oil, Kenya Shell, Mashariki Motors and the Institute for African Ecology and Philosophy.

We were hoping to secure funds from the Kenya Wildlife Service, but they dismissed our late application, though, admitting that this idea is the best concept in the entire process of eco-challenge to eco-fest. We are now in the great track of exporting the best moral codes in the business of conservation, ecological construction and ethical debate.

We are hoping that the Project Nabuur Initiatives, as dubbed in the United Nations Environmental Programme, will be successful in bringing together volunteers, not for money, but for the purposes of demonstrating commitment to this notion of celebrating the good ethics as practiced by ourselves.

We intend to involve the youth in every way we can. We intend to bring together the various elements of our society through music, dance and art.

We will have musicians, youthful and aged perform on stage. Delivering a message of eco-ethics to our audience. This will be supported in full by my co-chairs in Eco-Ethics International Union. We hope to see the chapters in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu and Central provinces united in a common accord. To represent the concepts and develop the best thesis possible for replication in other parts or elsewhere in our global association, the Eco-Ethics International Union.

FOREST CONSERVATION POLICIES NOT WORKING

The legislation which calls for more community participation in management is the latest victim of post election violence in some parts of Kenya, writes Kennedy Masibo.

The laws established under the Kenya Forest Service Act 2005 to mobilize communities residing within forest areas to assist conservation of forests is facing strong challenges.

The new forests regime provides for participatory forest management while expanding the supervisory role of KFS to local authority and private forests.

The chairman of the National Alliance of Community Forest Association, Mr. Clement Kariuki says in Rift Valley the mistrust among the different communities does not augur well for the role of the association.

The executive officer of the Friends of Mau Water catchment Mr. Jacob Mwanduka says although the idea is good, there are communities within the same area with different interests which leads to conflict. He points out that KFS should not entirely transfer its capacity to protect and rehabilitate the forest to those communities.

On the other hand, Mr. Kariuki argues that a challenge facing the association is insecurity, since when they are in the field, they are not guaranteed of security. That resource mobilization is another hurdle with a great need of funding required to sustain the operations.

It is not also clear how the association will partner with the re-branded system of 'Non-Resident Cultivation' within forest reserves popularly known as the "Shamba System". The system was banned by the government some time back because it had contributed to destruction of forests. The system ban was lifted and a pilot project done in Dundori and Bahati forests in Nakuru North district.

Elsewhere, Koibatek district in Rift Valley province is the leading area with indigenous forest cover in the country as per the EEIU Nabuur findings. The community in this area has not been responsive in assisting the Forest Department in fighting destruction.

Some indigenous tree species found here have a high market demand and are frequently poached by loggers (EEIU NABUUR: 2008). Some of the trees take as long as 50 to over 100 years to mature and have been targeted because of their high demand in the market.

The area, according to Ms. Fauzia Makena, has about 53,000 hectares under forest, which represents 25 percent of the land mass in the district.

Some unscrupulous individuals have in the recent past been involved in destruction of the forest with little regard to its sustainability.

Under the new laws, forest adjacent communities are required to mobilize themselves and form the Community Forest Association, and apply to the Director of Kenya Forest Service to be considered for participation in forest management.

Recently, the European Union donated 150 beehives to the community residing around Lembus forest, to engage in bee keeping to promote conservation.

To ensure that the community does not engage in destruction, according to Mr. Adhengo of the Institute for African Ecology and Philosophy, the company will purchase all the honey the farmers produce for marketing in the country and for export in Europe.

The Lembus Forests Integrated Conservation and Development through Project Nabuur aims at conserving the Lembus forest for future generations and provide sustainable development for the communities living around the forests. The project also aims on emphasizing the Eco-Ethics concepts and thesis as published by Prof. Otto Kinne.

Report, May 2008

A dumpsite in Maringo Estate that EEIU Nabuur is strifing to eradicate through the development of waste management manuals.

Jawabu Youth Project Office in Maringo Teleposta Estate. This is where the youth volunteers in Maringo register for EEIU Projects.

A new dumpsite developing in Ukunda Estate, near our Mombasa Office. Currently, the East African Whale Sharks Trust is working on a collaborative concept that will steer mutual involvement between the community and EEIU Volunteers in general.

A green grocer selling some results from the EEIU Nabuur garden in Maringo.

A student practicing at the Institute for African Ecology and Philosophy, the Maringo Self - Help Project.

An overview of the Mombasa location where our HIV/AIDs project is still ongoing.

Mzee Macharia and a student at the Organic Action Project in Maringo.

Report, April 2008

Visitors from Slovenia, Ms. Natasa Zebovec and Mr. Jerno met to discuss ways in which the EEIU Nabuur Chapter could start a publication that would address University students in East Africa and also air the views of students of ecology but residing in Arid areas of Kenya. We met at the Institute for African Ecology and Philosophy before proceeding to the University of Nairobi. They gave a speech about "Africa's Position on International Policies for Climate Change".

Report, April 2008

ANOTHER WORLD IS POSSIBLE?

Promoting Eco -Ethics remains an international activity and with the cropping up of events as the world social forum, organizations such as Project Nabuur Intiatives can chip in and assist.

In January 2007, our mother affiliate, the Institute for African Ecology and Philosophy participated in great detail to organize the World Social Forum, held in Kenya. There were many ecological enthusiasts from all over, and in record numbers. It was a month when we saw many democratic activities being practiced and we saw many campaigns being put in place. The most astonishing was the 15% Now Campaign delivered by Nobel Laureate Wangari Maathai and Hon. Desmond Tutu at Safari Park. This talk was an initiative to put the African Union in compulsory support for conservation measures and poverty eradication steps.

Ms. Makena also played a key role in representing the Eco -Ethics International Union. She had a stall for Tanzania, show casing agricultural products, artistic works and her publications on the long standing works of Forestry.

We hope that in future, events like World Social Forum, will bring to the fore, a mixed gathering and create a viable avenue for concepts such as Eco-Ethics.

The Institute for African Ecology and Philosophy is in the process of organizing an ecological conference and we hope to achieve a lot.

The EEIU Nabuur Chapter has developed in a complex capacity, capable of assisting with environmental dilemmas and educating others in eco-ethics.

GIANT RODENTS CAUSING MISCHIEF IN CITY ESTATES

Sometimes in 2005 there was jubilation when over 6000 rats were killed during a cleanup of Nairobi's Wakulima Market, popularly known as Marikiti, but many more were reported to have fled to estates east of the city. Now the street wise rodents are said to be fighting back, writes JOSEPH KABIA.

More than two years ago, one of Nairobi's busiest fresh produce markets, Wakulima, was given a rare clean-up, ridding it of tonnes of garbage, killing a record of 6,000 rats and displacing thousands of others which are now said to have acquired an arrogant swagger in Muthurwa, Shauri Moyo, Burma, Kaloleni, Bahati and Buruburu estates - and presenting a perfect reservoir for diseases. The lifespan of a rat is between two to three years.

In Eastlands, the invading rats are now called the Kombo survivors, described as very large and bold. "They have bloodshot eyes as if they smoke marijuana", says Mzee Mburu, a resident of Buruburu. Explaining the bloodshot eyes, a veterinarian says this is the result of a particular gland in the rats eyeball which secrets a red lubricant.

The secretion sometimes gives the appearance of blood, but contains little or no blood. The worst hit are food kiosks, grocery shops, milk bars and butcheries. At Kamkunji, John Kioko, the operator of Soweto Mini Butchery says the rats are so shameless and just like cats, will impatiently wait for crumbs at tables as customers feed.

Most of the food kiosk operators say they have been in business for a long time but have never witnessed such rats. "I think the City Council failed us, they did not have plans for the run away rats when cleaning Wakulima market", says Ouma Okello, a traditional liquor seller in Shauri Moyo.

Residents say the rats have struck cosy relationship with the cats and even share food with stray dogs. Before invasion, stray dogs were the first to feed at garbage dumps, but soon after cleaning of the market, the 'city rats' joined the dogs at the dinning table.

"Initially the dogs would snarl and try to drive the rats away, but the latter would not give even an inch, eventually they seemed to have agreed to live and let live,"says George Makau, a mkokoteni* pusher at Burma Market.

The same goes with cats: "The first time the rats invaded my home, our cat, Spookey, showed little resistance initially, but has since given them space to rout the house,"says Wachira Nderitu, an electrician. Many nights Wachira is woken up by the rats thinking burglars have broken into the house.

Most mornings, Jason Kaniaru, a milk vendor is always counting loses. "Before I caught up on them, I used to wonder where my milk was disappearing to, but now I know the culprits," he says.

He has tried poisoning them but with only a little success. They are said to kill whole chicken and heartily enjoy puddings of cabbage, carrots, fruits, tomatoes and potatoes at the local grocers'. Others like Lydia of Maringo have divergent views. "If rat racing was an established game in Kenya, as it is elsewhere, the local residents here would make a kill from tourists."

Many people loathe rats and associate them with disease and filth. But the truth is, according to Mr. Boaz Adhengo (ADHENGO: 2006), they are highly intelligent animals, have been amazingly beneficial in medicine and can be very affectionate pets.

Dr. Kristina Kalivoda, a small animal instructor in the College of Vetinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, believes rats are among the most misunderstood of all animals and are not the horror from the sewer as people tend to think they are.

"Rats are very smart and are known for their problem - solving skills," says Mr. Adhengo.

"Many people believe they are nasty, filthy creatures, and that's not true at all. In fact, rats wash themselves several times a day, about as often as do most cats." Rats are rodents, and rodents comes from Latin word meaning to "gnaw". Rats do like to chew and they are constantly searching for food.

They tend to live where humans live for two reasons - food and shelter. Although most people will happily welcome Tom and Jerry into their sitting rooms, the same does not hold true of rats. Some rat facts include:

1. Their lifespan is between 1-3 years
2. They have no gall bladder
3. Rats have a belly button
4. Rats can't vomit
5. They are prolific breeders: A pair of rats can produce 15,000 descendants in their lifetime, and female rats spend almost their entire life pregnant.
6. Rats teeth are incredibly strong and can chew walls, plumbing and even concrete.
7. Rats come in different colours such as blond, silver, grey, black and albino. Some have short floppy ears.
8. The largest rat, the African Rat, can be 3 feet in length - about the size of a small dog.
9. Rats are expert swimmers
10. Rats can laugh and do so with a high chirping sound when amused.

Rats are very smart and can figure out things very quickly, Dr. Kalivoda adds. "If you put them in a maze, they can find their way out in no time at all. They are social creatures and can be very affectionate.

They are also easily trained and can do many tricks. "The difference between a rat and a mouse, Kalivoda explains, is size. Rats are much larger than mice, often three of four times as large, and mice don't live as long as rats. Despite their frisky mannerisms, many rats have internal health issues, mainly cancerous tumours.

Kalivoda says rats often develop mammary tumours or other cancers, and rats also frequently suffer from respiratory illnesses. But their benefit in medicine have been phenomenal. In research laboratories around the world, rats have contributed to more cures than any other animal, and in that regard, have no doubt saved millions of lives.

EEIU Nabuur's position is that rats need to be controlled and put to use in research environments.

Report, March 2008

An Adventure into Marine Science:
THE WHALE SHARK

In the recent years there has been a significant increase in whale shark sightings along the Kenyan coast. There is a clear pattern of daily whale shark sightings emerging all year round with the peak season being between the months of November and April. Whereas 10 years ago 20 whale sharks would be sighted in a year, it is now not uncommon to see 20 a day during the "whale shark" season. It is unknown at present whether the increase in whale sharks is due to the congested shipping lanes between South Africa, Madagascar and the Seychelles or due to the increase of mantis shrimp. It is clear however that there are many more whale sharks along the south coast of Kenya, in particular off Chale island and further that they are under threat from the local fishermen.

A fisherman and graduate from the Institute for African Ecology and Philosophy

ABOUT THE WHALE SHARK

The whale shark is the largest member of the shark family, it is not a whale. Its mouth is at the front of its head (not on the underside of the head like most sharks) and can be up to 4m wide. It has a wide, flat head, a rounded snout and small eyes. It has 5 very large gill slits, 2 dorsal fins on its back and 2 pectoral fins on its sides. The spiracle (a vestigial first gill slit used for breathing when the shark is resting on the sea floor) is located just behind the shark's eye. Its tail has a top fin much larger that the lower fin.

The whale shark has distinctive light-yellow markings (seemingly random circles and stripes) on its very thick dark grey skin. In Kiswahili it is called "papa shillingi" - literally translated as a 'shark covered in silver coins'. Its skin is up to 10cm (4 inches) thick. There are 3 prominent ridges running along each side of the shark's body.

Whale sharks grow up to 18m (60 ft) and can weigh up to 20 tons. The average size is 7.6m (25 ft). The whale shark is the largest fish in the world. Like most shark groups, the female is larger than the male.

They are filter feeders and sieve plankton and small animals from the water. As they swim with their mouths open, they suck masses of water filled with prey into their mouths and through the spongy tissue between their 5 large gill arches. After closing their mouths, they use gill rakers that filter the nourishment from the water. Anything that does not pass through the gills is eaten. Gill rakers are bristly structures (thousands of bristles that are about 10cm (4 inches) long) in the shark's mouth that trap the small organisms which the shark then swallows. The water is expelled through the shark's 5 pairs of gill slits. The prey includes plankton, krill, small fish and squid. The shark can process over 1500 gallons (6000 litres) of water each hour.

Whale sharks are solitary creatures and groups of whale sharks are rarely seen. Interestingly they are often seen in groups along the Kenya coast. They live in warm water near the equator both along the coast and in the open seas. They spend most of their time near the surface. They are slow swimmers, going no more than 5kph (3mph) and they swim by moving their entire bodies from side to side, not just their tails like most sharks.

The whale shark was long thought to be oviparous. An egg 36cm (14 inches) long was found in the Gulf of Mexico in 1953; this would be the largest egg in the world. Recently pregnant females have been found containing hundreds of pups so whale sharks are in fact viviparous, giving birth to live young. Newborns are over 60cm (2 ft) long. Whale sharks are sexually mature at 30 years old. It was thought previously that whale sharks grow to be 100 -150 years old; however Japanese scientists have recently determined the growth rate by observing captive specimens in Osaka and off the coast of Okinawa. When force-fed they grow less than a centimeter a year, meaning they are 200 - 300 years old so one assumes they grow faster in the wild. Sharks grow very slowly compared to mammals and bony fish. Whale sharks are born just a few feet in length so unless they grow faster than the blue whale, grown individuals must be this old.

Whale sharks are harmless to people and indifferent to divers. It is considered one of the most exciting of diving experiences to have dived with a whale shark.

WHALE SHARK RESEARCH

The increase in the number of whale sharks along the south coast of Kenya has meant that they have become more of a target for local fisherman. It has been reported that a whale shark liver can be sold for more than Ksh 12,000 to those interested in the shark liver oil, noting that the whale shark has the largest liver of all animals in proportion to its size. It is used internationally and locally. The local fishing community uses the oil to protect their fishing boats from rot. Further, the fins fetch between $80-130 per kilo (dried) and are in high demand in oriental cuisine. Not much is known scientifically about these gentle giants, and there are only a few research centers around the world. Fascination is growing however and it will of course be necessary to liase with the existing research centers to share data and create a wider knowledge base.

The Trust will operate from Aqualand Watersports Centre situated next to Pinewood Hotel on Diani/Kinondo Beach. Aqualand offers the widest variety of watersports along the East African coast. The range of facilities include a beach bar and pizzeria making it the perfect place from which to operate the Trust. Aqualand is currently one of the Trust's main sponsors, kindly providing its premises and free use of the facilities. Southern Cross Scuba sponsors the diving for the Trust's team and will offer diving with whale sharks for visitors.

The research will be carried out together with Universeum and Chalmers University in Sweden. The design of the satellite tags will be incorporated into the relevant doctorate program which is of particular benefit to the Trust given one satellite tag cost around $3000 and is only expected to last about a year.

TRUSTEES

Mr. Jan Westin, Founder of Universeum, Sweden
Mr. Carey Ngini, Corporate Executive
Mr. Torben Rune, Managing Director, Southern Cross Safaris
Ms. Jeni Kenyatta, PR Coordinator

THE WAY FORWARD

The Trust will have to plan a careful marketing and fundraising campaign. A DVD has been produced by a contact based in Norway and a further documentary will be produced locally. Contact with other whale shark societies has been made, in particular The Whale Shark Society based in the Seychelles. Steps are in place to begin the implementation of our goals. Members of EEIU Nabuur are working in collaboration with the Trust.

™ Project Nabuur Inc ©2008

ORGANIC ACTION PROJECT FOR MARINGO VILLAGE

An urban community in a slum in Nairobi, that faces a lack of jobs and education, and where AIDS/HIV and other diseases as well as social evils are rampant, is where the Organic Action Project is to take place. It is the youth who feel the effects of poverty and it is them who engage in the most harmful activities within the communities, some are classified as legitimate crimes (constitutional) others are classified as ethical crimes (community defined). If these issues are neglected or continue to be neglected by the communities, we will be suffering from Brain Drain, Human trafficking and other international experiences that crop in due to lack of knowledge on how to tackle poverty.

ISSUE

Youth Unemployment and poverty

Kenya has the greatest percentage of youth population in Africa. It is estimated to be at least 75%. Young men are dropping out of High School due to lack of school fees, poor family incomes and social problems. If nothing is done they will engage in crime, prostitution and unethical ways of income generation.

FOCUS

Improving organic fertilizers

Members of the community collect garbage in schools and other places. After sorting it out they make organic fertilizers, which they sell to schools and farmers. They would like to learn how to make better fertilizers and provide training to as many members as possible so that there is a source of income for them.

At Maringo we participate in tenders at schools to collect garbage which needs little sorting out and provides good raw material for organic fertilizers. In those schools where we collect garbage, we plant trees. We would like to involve more youth by providing more education on organic fertilizers, so that each of them can also become in independent tender in garbage collection and sale of fertilizers. Questions that focus on getting a better quality of organic fertilizers or have more people involved in making fertilizers on their own, and making a living out of it need to be addressed with the help of expert volunteers.

Making of the Organic Fertilizer at the City Garbage Receycling plant in Maringo.

ACTIONS NEEDED

1. Find an expert who is willing to visit Maringo and advise on skill development. Contact organizations such as SNV and USAID to have an expert come onsite an assess our present situation and help us to decide how to best move forward.

2. Contact AGROMISA about information/advise on organic fertilizers

Agromisa has considerable experience in agricultural related matters, one of which is organic fertilizers.

EEIU Nabuur is constantly working on new ways to assist in developing active business plans for our volunteers and our resource centers. For more information on how to assist, call our offices or email our Marking and Cooperate Relations Director, Ms. Fauzia Makena.

™ Project Nabuur Inc ©2008

Report, February 2008 (Chair Ali Abdullahi)

TEACHING AFRICAN ECOLOGY TO CHILDREN

This was an initiative by EEIU Nabuur to promote the idea of unity in ethics as defined by the concepts of Eco - Ethics International Union. We will replicate these actions in chosen regions within the East African Community.

Below is a report by Sarah Adesh, a volunteer for Project Nabuur Initiatives.

It is now almost a year since we started the school clubs for project Nabuur. The 'Eco-Teen' is a club that is now fully operational in twelve schools. Nairobi remains its most active zone.

Teaching Eco - Ethics to children has been a major challenge for Project Nabuur Initiatives. We have constantly thought of the best curriculam for the young minds, a curriculam that is motivational towards cultural conservation and ecological appreciation.

The Institute for African Ecology and Philosophy (IAEP) has organized various orientation tours for us volunteers. Personally, I visited New York and Madrid. And it is amazing to see how children in these areas are quick at learning the ethical standards for environmental management, how motivated they are in doing it themselves.

As the officer responsible for child volunteers, a lot of issues remain shady. The mind of an African child is completely different from that of a child from Europe or America. African children are slow and difficult to motivate academically. They prefer adventures, camps, practical experiences but not concepts or principles as a way of learning.

It is through this discovery that the Institute for African Ecology and Philosophy through EEIU Nabuur has organized a series of events geared towards emancipating the African child from ecological ignorance. A camping adventure at 'Roarland' in Kibera, Nairobi (26 -31 Januray, 2008) has left a positive impact on the organizers and the sixty children who benefited.

The recruitment of these children was a huge task for the Marketing and Cooperate Relations Committee, chaired by Ms. Fauzia Makena. The children were mobilized from four different areas that are of great interest to Project Nabuur. We chose Mombasa, Nyeri, Kisumu and Narok. Though twenty children were from Mombasa following our ongoing HIV/AIDs awareness programme, the other towns had fifteen, ten and fifteen respectively. We did not recruit children from Nairobi because the camping site is in Nairobi and opening applications to parents in Nairobi would have made it difficult in primary selection, given the current political climate in Kenya. Nairobi residents are very sensitive.

All of the children attending the January camp have parents which are members of EEIU Nabuur and supporters of the Institute for African Ecology and Philosophy.

Apart from teaching them the names of various indigenous trees we have in Africa, the children had an opportunity to share their cultural experiences and to know the importance of Ethics as defined by Eco - Ethics International Union, thank you to the volunteers from the University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University and the United States International University (Africa) who made this plan a reality.

Ms. Fauzia Makena is consulting with various schools, both in Kenya and Tanzania to explore the possibility of having a regional exchange programme. She is also establishing a partnership pact with the leading tour operators in East Africa. This will help a lot. The most important is the ongoing agreement with leading resorts in East Africa. The Serena Group of Hotels has branches in strategic areas in both Kenya and Tanzania. And we hope that our international volunteers will have a joyful moment every time they chose the task of teaching ecology to the 'African Child'

The ongoing awareness programme along the coastal strip with emphasis on eco-ethics, health and culture will have a fruitful yield when a revived membership will be recorded by EEIU.

Project Nabuur Initiatives will strive to get the best results possible from its programmes, and with the new initiative of an 'African Forum', I believe that the Chapter Chairs have no reason to be dormant.

As a secular humanist, I believe that no deity will assist humanity. The solutions to our problems will only be solved through critical thinking and corroboration of unstable ethical codes. We need to create dimensions that will carry our best policies forward, the best ideal to propagate our strife for Ecological Ethics by involving the young at heart, the young at mind and the young of age.

The Eco - Teens, a club managed by Project Nabuur Initiatives through EEIU Nabuur is gaining recognition and popularity all over Kenya. We hope that by September 2008,we will have patrons in all EEIU Chapter areas and elsewhere. We also anticipate that our Financial Planning Committee will be more advanced in its methods of fund - raising as the goals become bigger and complex. ™ Project Nabuur Inc ©2008

CAPACITY BUILDING PROGRAMME: PARTNERS SELF-EVALUATION EXERCISE AT THE INSTITUTE FOR AFRICAN ECOLOGY AND PHILOSOPHY ON 25-29 JANUARY, 2008

The Capacity Building Action Programme was a four months project commenced in the month of September 2007 and was projected to end on 12th January, 2008.

CHALLENGES

SUSTAINABILITY

GOOD PRACTICES

1. Mainstreaming EEIU Concepts into the Project Nabuur Initiatives programmes and operations.
2. Policy and legislative development e.g. national ecology ethics policy
3. Enforcement and administration of the legislation related to the ethics of our ecosystems.
4. Establishment of information resource center to provide storage for data, analyse it and disseminate to other partners, stakeholders and general public.
5. Information sharing - networking
6. Monitoring and evaluation
7. Advocacy and awareness raising

IDENTIFIED GAPS

• Need for training of more staff and volunteers.
• Volunteer turnover for Project Nabuur Initiatives and at the local levels.
• No budget line for EEIU Nabuur.
• Meeting the target set due to budget constraint.

™ Project Nabuur Inc ©2008

Report, January 10 2008 (Chair Ali Abdullahi)

COMMUNITY POLICING: Promoting Morality through Involvement

In 2006, the Institute for African Ecology and Philosophy published a three page document that put the government on alert. It had analyzed the growth of democracy in crime, the sophisticated nature of negligence by the police and the increasing demand by the citizenry to improve their living standards. Also, in the same year, the Africities Summit was convened in Nairobi and the same issues on an international scale were discussed. This is not to say that Nairobi is unsafe. No! Indeed we are one of the most dynamic capitals in the world. The road network has improved, the suburban lighting is more effective and crime rate has had a drastic reduction.

Project Nabuur Initiatives looks at its past accomplishes and enjoys the landscape of the rewarding turmoil's. The Kenya Human Rights Commission has promoted several of our initiatives through joint ventures. More so, we have also participated in their visions.

When citizens were complaining of the incompetent and mostly inhuman ways of the police force in handling the increasing levels of crime cases, the government threw in the towel and enabled the villages to form vigilante groups. These groups were to protect them within their communities and were to educate the civil police on the best ways of protecting the civilians. This called for a harmonization of interest, both by the police in their duties and the civilians in their rights from taxes paid.

In a full day event organized by Project Nabuur, the Maringo community was emancipated from the problem of increasing crime. The IAEP survey had tabulated the community as the hub of the most notorious criminals, from rapists to murderers. And with the dilemmas of parenthood, shoot-to-kill orders, some ethics of humanity had to be honored. Lives had to be saved and people changed.

With sponsorship from the Nation Media Group, Kiss FM, Coca Cola, Brookside Milk Products and Acquamist Mineral Water, a full day sensitization event was organized by the Kenya Police and Project Nabuur Initiatives at Maringo community, the Dr. Krapt Primary School Open Field. The event comprised of a sports league between the police and the residents, just to create good relations. After that, ways of better cubbing the levels of crime were discussed and parents whose children had been killed by police, spoke of why crime was endless.

Some claimed that poverty forced the children out of school into the streets to earn a living. And truly speaking, many of the sophisticated gun men were children below eighteen years. That increasing level of criminal juveniles was highly and widely witnessed within the Maringo community.

Adequate solutions to this problem have been put in theory and we believe that our initiatives through Eco - Ethics International Union, will endeavor to promote the humanist values.

The area member of parliament Mr. Ndolo and the representatives from Kenya Police waiting to present trophies.

Report, December 2007 (Chair Ali Abdullahi)

The EEIU Nabuur Chapter report for December 2007 touches on various topics.

• Enchanting Island: A visit to Zanzibar's Stone Town is like a trip hundreds of years back in time, writes ELLY WAMARI, who visited the island recently.
• Democracy, Ethics And The Paranormal: By Ali Abdullahi
• Endangered Nile Perch In Retreat: Pollution has made fish to move to deep areas of lake where pirates maraud. By Tim Querengesser
• Four Questions To Mr. Adhengo
• Fishermen Cast Nets Deeper And Wide, But For Less: Illegal trawlers wreak havoc on Malindi's waters that were once resource-rich. By Ken Opala

The full report can be downloaded here in PDF format (196k).

Monkey Sighting in new habitat stirs climate fears in Kenya.

The discovery in Kenya of a new population of monkeys far from their normal habitat is a sign of how climate change may already be changing Africa's ecology, a leading volunteer informed the Project Nabuur Conservation Unlimited.

The white-bearded De Brazza's monkeys were found in the Great Rift Valley, a place they had never been spotted before, says Dr. Richard Leakey

"That is telling us a lot about the climate change scenarios we are looking at now". It puts climate change as the most critical consideration as we plan for the future.

The monkeys had moved into an area of forest which had dried out as the country's climate had become more arid. Africa is expected to be hid hardest by global warming blamed on carbon dioxide emissions from industry, transport and modern lifestyles in rich countries. It is also the continent least ready to cope with the droughts, floods and extreme weather predicted by scientists.

Leakey, whose paleontologist father, Louis, caused a radical rethink of human evolution with key fossil finds in East Africa, said African governments lacked funds to do their own climate change studies, and so had to rely on researchers who he said were typically more focused on temperate regions.

But he said he had witnessed dramatic ecological changes in northern Kenya himself, including a 50 - foot (15 meter) fall in the level of Lake Turkana over the last four decades. African leaders were not taking the climate threat seriously, he added.

Governments must be urged to save indigenous forests, plant trees, utilize rainwater and ban charcoal burning.

"Why do we think that we are somehow not going to have to deal with this issue? Until recently, de Brazza's monkey was not known to occur east of the Rift Valley.

Mombasa woman who lived with home - made diaphragm for 16 years

Women have been known to go to great lengths to protect themselves against unwanted pregnancies, but not possibly to the extent that a 44 - year old resident of Mombasa went through.

Reported in the January issue of the East African Medical Journal, the woman used a home-made diaphragm for 16 years to protect herself from pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. The woman stitched a piece of cloth with folded polythene inside her body.

Although the study, investigating the acceptability of diaphragms among women in Mombasa is short on details, it tells of the woman who had completed nine years of school, is divorced, and has had three first - trimester miscarriages.

However, she is said to have recently switched to the latex diaphragm, provide through the diaphragm acceptability study. "Although latex diaphragm is harder to remove than her old device and offers less protection against STI infection, overall she prefers the new diaphragm as it causes less discomfort during sex and is easier to insert", says lead researcher Dr. A Schroth for the International Center for Reproductive Health, Kenya.

The study had set out on the premise that female and male condoms offer dual protection against pregnancy and STI. Limited evidence from observational studies suggests that the diaphragm provides protection against gonorrhea, pelvic inflammatory disease and tubal infertility. This claims the study is biologically plausible as the cervix is a primary site of entry for several STIs, including HIV and human papilloma virus.

The diaphragm, formerly a widely used contraceptive method, is currently not available in family-planning services in Kenya. Physical barriers covering the cervix have been used for centuries to prevent pregnancy. Ancient texts document use of lemon halves, bees-wax-plugs and crocodile-dung. "Mass production of the diaphragm began more than a hundred years ago and by the 1940's, it was the most commonly used contraceptive method in several countries. With development of more effective and coitus-independent contraception, diaphragm use decreased markedly and, at present, is not included in the contraceptive method mix in many countries" says the study.

Despite this study, the researchers say little is known about the use of home-made diaphragms.

"But cultural beliefs about objects entering the stomach through uterus could potentially decrease uptake of the diaphragm and related technology", says the study

Plastic threatens Lake Nakuru Park

Plastic bags have become the biggest environmental pollutant in Nakuru threatening the existence of one of the country's most beautiful parks, writes MICHAEL NJUGUNA

Swirling winds send dozens of used plastic bags flying in the air from Lake Nakuru Municipal Councils dumpsite on the slopes of Menengai Hill.

Some of the flying bags land on buildings in the town or on pastures at the Lake Nakuru National Park while others end up on tree tops. Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) officials at the Lake Nakuru National Park now say that the collection of solid waste material swept into the park by winds and storm water has become a big inconvenience. The dumpsite located in an old fault - line becomes the major source of pollutants during the wet season when raging floods sweep down the hill carrying huge loads of pollutants into the town and the beautiful Park.

A manager at one of the supermarkets in Nakuru town says that sometimes the outlet releases more that 1,000 plastic bags daily. Research scientist Jackson Raini of Flamingonet, an NGO involved in conservation programmes says that the recycling of waste plastics was one of the best options for Nakuru owing to the town's proximity to a lake which has a very delicate ecosystem. Mr. Raini said there was a plan to engage residents in converting the waste plastic bags into items that they could sell and earn a living. "Over 300 women from the low income- high density residential areas will be trained each year to learn to crochet, knit and plait plastics bags and will earn a living by selling the items", Mr. Raini says in a paper of a proposed project to the Institute for African Ecology and Philosophy.

The plastic bags will be reused to make various articles including hats, mats, nets, baskets, and curtain. The waste bits will be stuffed into sewn fibre bags to make dog mattress and cushion. Mr. Raini said that according to a study, making one hat requires an average of 20-30 bags depending on the thickness. One table mat will take about 10 bags, a shower mat about 20-25 plastic bags, a shower curtain about 60-70 bags and a shopping basket approximately 30-35 plastic bags.

If one purchases one of each of the items, it would have at least helped prevent at least 140 plastic bags from the environment or being washed into Lake Nakuru. Street children and disadvantaged groups will be hired to collect and clean the plastic bags.

According to Ms. Fauzia Makena, Nakuru town generates an estimated 240 metric tones of domestic solid waste while the commercial sector accounts for another 2,400 tonnes daily. Only about 60 percent of this is removed to approved dumping sites while the rest accumulates in the environment and is eventually swept into Lake Nakuru by storm water and wind. She says that pre-treatment of industrial waste was the exception rather than the rule and that storm water was discharged into the lake without prior treatment.

Nakuru is the fourth largest town in Kenya supporting a population of more than 400,000 people. For the last three decades, the urban population has been growing at a rate of 10% per annum.

Mr. Raini said that like most cities, Nakuru was a huge consumer of resources, and a prodigious producer of waste and that although only 19% of the town was connected to the Municipal Council's sewerage system, a total of 9,000 m3 of sewerage was generated each day, and processed in two treatment plants before being discharged to Lake Nakuru.

Ms. Makena informs that environmental health committees had been formed in 15 high density-low income residential estates in Nakuru town. Each committee will conduct at least one clean up per month in each of the estates.

Solid waste indiscriminately discarded on the streets will be collected and deposited in refuse chambers already in existence. The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) built refuse chambers in various estates in the town. The committees will also maintain vigilance on the waste disposal habits of the residents of their respective estates and pressurize offenders to comply with the new Municipal Council of Nakuru - environmental by-laws, 2006.

Ms. Fauzia Makena said that although some organic garbage had been used as fertilizer by composting on a small scale in Nakuru. It will be difficult to apply a large scale composting system mainly because of compositional reasons.

Domestic solid waste is mixed up with various materials and segregation of organic garbage from others such as waste paper, waste glass and waste plastic is difficult, consequently, any compost obtained will not be of good quality.

Mr. Raini said that if public agencies preferentially purchased recycled products, it might increase the recycling business. Waste plastic recycling is expected to increase significantly among various recycling businesses. Construction material such as sheathing plates, U-drains, posts, benches, flower pots and others can be produced from waste plastic.

Ms. Fauzia has been carrying out waste management and refuse collection campaigns in low income estates of Lakeview, Pangani, Kaptembwa, London, Free Area and Lake Nakuru National Park. She has an ongoing project in Nairobi, the City Garbage Recycling Plant in Maringo Estate.

Have you been abducted?

The truth is really out there, CAROL ODERO tells alien buffs (codero@eam.co.ke)

Have you been abducted? Not by gun-totting carjackers or Somaliland war lords but by other beings? The wind howls mournfully outside an empty street, along a dark alley. A lone can clatters sharply over the pavement; pieces of paper are blown every which way as a cat meows softly and runs away into hiding. The neighbourhoods do rises from its big, lazy bum and whines, runs to its owners' door, scratching and growing feverish before finally barking frantically. A swift, bright light takes over the lane, and that quiet house that minded its own business is suddenly one occupant less. Don't you remember that night when some strangely illuminated creatures walked through the wall of your house and completely changed your life? If you are the chosen one, chances are, they will return again and again, to take whatever it is that they want from you. They are, after all, the Pod People.

Nothing has captured collective imagination as much as alien invasions. They are beings who allegedly posses a superior intellect. Despite the number of movies and television series made, the aliens never tell us what it is they want. Or what we did to them. They have in equal measure grown sinister by intending to destroy us, or merely aspire to educate us. Some are friendly, some not so much. Extra Terrestrials ceased to be inexplicable and foreign, the moment Steven Spielberg brought ET to the planet Earth. This very friendly, sweet and lovable alien with grey skin has disproportionately large cranium with the intellectual capacity of three geniuses. ET became the stereotype alien. They and their hybrid offspring have crash-landed on our screens and are now walking among us and their story is just as important as ours.

In scripts out of the twilight zone, books, television and radio shows and programmes and especially the internet, have been flooded with alien conspiracies. Something is out there, people say, but the government is hiding it. You would be surprised at the amount of trivia that has been generated and the sediment that has settled in your head regarding aliens. You realize you expect a microchip implant, the aliens' way of staying in touch with their abductees'. There is always a slew of disbelievers, the fascinating mix of abductees, people who actually long for an abduction, the experts who seem to know everything, that one individual whose quest in life is to find out exactly what the hell is going on. May be there will be formation in crops. Experts called ufologists think it very arrogant of mankind to presume that we are the only living species in the universe.

Religions exist that believed on the turn of the century that the mother ship would come for them. Books have been written by people who are perceived as perfectly sane, productive members of society on aliens. Most of those who have held an encounter, have described them as less than five feet, with poorly formed bodies, two or three fingers on each hand, gigantic heads, and a most unusual way of communicating with each other - telepathy. Scripts have evolved however and now aliens have recognizably human traits. Area 51in Nevada is perceived by alien buffs as the meeting place between us and them. Inexplicable life forms are under scrutiny of US scientists. The US government maintains that is a military base. The area is declared off limits. If there was a "grey area" it would be this stretch of land. In much the same way, the aliens have treated us is how we treated them. They prod, dissect and study humans trying to find what makes us tick. We do the same when we find one of them albeit the trauma lasts on both ends. You would be surprised at the amount of trivia generated and the sediment that has settled into your head regarding aliens. You expect the alien. Even so, the proof is doubtful. Then again the truth really is out there.

Spare a thought for the poor refugee
Outside the box, Beatrice Ofwona bofwona@yahoo.com

A sentiment was expressed the other day having buses ferry refugees from one camp to another is something (a luxury?) Kenya cannot afford. Listening to these sentiments one may be forgiven for being confused about who these terrifying foreigners, who could only exist in isolation, are.

There are all shades of opinions about refugees; some of us dismiss them as lazy war-mongers who choose to be where they are. But recently, Kenyans were treated to what is fast becoming a not-so-rare spectacle. Right in front of their eyes and as if to mock their civilized existence, Molo, Kuresoi and Mt. Elgon as well as Kibera and Mathare at some point became battlefields and residents were forced out.

Kenyans are left in no doubt that the peace they enjoy should never be taken for granted and that to be a refugee is now not an "if" question but rather a "when" one that in one night, people who have co-existed as brothers and sisters should turn against one another, mercilessly killing, maiming and burning like the demented beings they portray, all thought of brotherly love and cultural tolerance forgotten in insane moments of hatred, barbarism and destruction, is truly disturbing.

To have the roof over our heads ripped of, nay, torched is as easy as it takes to forget that which unites us - respect for cultural diversities and dissimilarities. And yet we must always be reminded of what the good book calls love for our neighbours and keepers of our brothers.

Why must we therefore align ourselves with people we perceive as being of "our" tribe even when they perform despicable acts of wanton destruction? And instead of condemning their actions we remain aloof, smug, vindictive and unforgiving, forgetting that its is this very country that the future generations must inhabit even as the cancer of tribalism spreads, making people who feel marginalized have more, forever planning and determined to revenge.

Before we dismiss refugees as people whom we would rather dissociate ourselves from, let us remember that the camps that they inhabit are abodes of disease, disempowerment and despair. Not to know when it will ever be safe to go back home is as despairing and traumatic as it could ever get. To have dreams curtailed, school attendance interrupted and marriages put on hold is as frustrating as the deafening silence that accompanies our leaders' non - reaction in making their lives better.

But mostly, to be subjected to what a writer of refugees journal Wajibu refers to as "monotonous food rations", knowing well that we were once farmers, producers, bread -earners and happy-go-lucky children before all the mayhem and smog that clouded our days is what is most depressing. Before we get too comfortable with ourselves and our lives, let's give a thought to people who are not so lucky to have a roof over their heads and who must contend with overcrowded, mostly unhygienic, crime-infested camps. Give a thought to your neighbour, too, but mostly, give love and tolerance. For who knows where we could be tomorrow or even (God Forbid) this very day? Let us promote the ethics within our ecosystem, let us unite!

Nabuur Report, (from Chair: Ali Abdullahi)

Towards the East African Federation of Eco - Ethics International Union

I have been in continuous consultation with my members and the distinguished members of the Eco-Ethics International Union who at the moment are members of various chapter. These members have agreed to identify with the newly formed chapter, EEIU Nabuur, and indeed, they are supportive of the concept of Regional Integration. They agree that they are sitting on important ideas that the world needs to know. They pray that a channel for communicating the important topics that they have at this time of "Climatic Crisis" be well defined.

As the Chapter Chair for EEIU Nabuur, I assure members of union, that they can feel free to identify with our initiatives, either as supporters or volunteers in a participatory status.

Participants at a networking session before entry to our Pre-World Philosophy Day seminars organized by UNESCO and facilitated by the Institute for African Ecology and Philosophy through the Project Nabuur Initiative.

Nobel Laureate Prof. Wangari Maathai having a networking session during the conference on Climatic Change organized by the Institute for African Ecology and Philosophy in 2006 at Grand Regency Hotel.

Prof. Wole Soyinka being escorted to a conference on African Art and Biodiversity organized by the Institute for African Ecology and Philosophy and the Project Nabuur, Stand Up Against Poverty, campaign initiative.

German Ambassador to Kenya (right) speaking with Ms. Fauzia Makena during the conference on Climate Change organized by the Institute for African Ecology and Philosophy in 2006 at the Grand Regency Hotel, Nairobi.

Mr. Boaz Adhengo of the Project Nabuur initiative sits attentively during the conference on " Climatic Change" at the Grand Regency Hotel.

Overall 2006 had been a marvelous experience for the Project Nabuur initiative, and in 2007 we joined the global network on Ecological Ethics, the EEIU, thereby attaining a full Chapter status as at 13th September 2007. We have not been visible for long but our effects prior to being unionized are evident by the remarks made by the Media and Kenyans at large.

The Project Nabuur Initiative has embarked on recruiting its membership in a non - partisan way, the Kenya Petroleum Oil Workers Union which has a growing membership that currently stands at 1560 has agreed to be our partners in the spirit of promoting ecological ethics. We will hence engage in our tree planting initiatives and seek their assistance in the EEIU Brochure translation.

We are still meeting with the special committees for the Institute for African Ecology through our distinguished colleagues, Ms. Fauzia Makena and Mr. Boaz Adhengo, to deliberate the way forward in negotiating the effective representation of workers involved in environmental duties through the Project Nabuur Initiative.

I am looking forward to a continued support and my we continue working together!

Yours truly,
For Project Nabuur Initiative

Ali Abdullahi Chapter Chair, EEIU Nabuur

Note : Please read our strategy on the East African Federation for Eco - Ethics International Union as put below.

Statement of the Problem: Most chapters as visualized within the Kenya websites are dormant, having mission strategies upon formation but not progressive. Ecology as a way of life is ever transformative, with clear influence and radical changes that need constant monitoring. Ethics is a wider definition of morality, yet it is true to say that moral system of various chapters link towards a specific ethical perception. By having an East African Federation of Eco-Ethics, we will be in a position to operate progressively, relate and more so, touch the livelihood of many who define the ecosystems we represent. I have thus tentatively highlighted the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats that we might have, if at all, we operate as a unit.

1. Strength: It will be easier to attract donors for specific projects. And upon identification of certain activities, equal participation of the chapters within the partnership will be a priority. It will also be easier to have regional seminars at different towns within East Africa, hence creating awareness of the EEIU, attracting more members and identifying new issues.
2. Weakness: The most notable weakness of having a regional unit will be leadership. As known to many, every organization must have an anchor or in other words, various arms of operation. The weakness could be too much pressure on the federation, increased dormancy of chapters or even, getting the best structure and constitution for smooth relations.
3. Opportunities: The advantage of operating as a federation are endless, mostly linked to strength. But specifically, the chapters who will agree voluntarily to be part of the partnership, will have a chance of traveling to other locations, visiting the EEIU components within the region because of common interest, hence, increasing the chapters experience and scope of operation.
4. Threats: I cannot think of any threats at the moment!!

The Way Forward:
The Project Nabuur Initiative has taken the lead in implementing its founding documents. We have become motivated by our inspirational mentors, the EEIU Morogoro chapter, with whom we will be partners in our strides toward ecological conservation. It is thus agreed that Project Nabuur Initiatives will be introduced in areas where EEIU Chapters exist (Kenya and Tanzania) thus, Project Nabuur will be the sole unifying factor for the chapters. The Project Nabuur Initiative will be a Memorandum of Understanding following from a Collective Bargaining Agreement by the Chapter Chairs willing to be included in the federation. And to put the stone on the roll, Project Nabuur Initiative is in operation in both Tanzania and Kenya. In Tanzania, it is being managed by EEIU Morogoro while in Kenya, EEIU Nabuur has taken the role, being housed by the Institute for African Ecology and Philosophy. EEIU Nabuur will recruit and mobilize support needed for the federation to progress. But as we know, "two is a group" and we encourage other Chapters to follow on our initiatives, to join and assist the federation in voluntary growth as required by the principles of democracy.

EEIU Nabuur also being a national organization with an NGO status (non - governmental organization) will embark its campaign throughout Kenya and will plant the seeds of Project Nabuur in areas where it has planned interest i.e. Mombasa, Kisumu, Isiolo and Maraland. We will be honoured to have other chapters being party to this wonderful strategy. We have also agreed that EEIU Morogoro being the sole chapter in Tanzania, will establish programs of Project Nabuur in Zanzibar, Morogoro, Dar - es -Salaam, Serengeti and Arusha.

Action and Focus:
At the moment, as this report has proposed, we are in the process of organizing a regional conference to be attended by members of the EEIU within East Africa.

Ms. Fauzia Makena being the principal consultant for the Institute for African Ecology and Philosophy has engaged the Lake Basin Management Authority in a negotiation that should result in the growth of EEIU towards Uganda. She is at the process of establishing the Project Nabuur Initiative for Lake Victoria as a unifying factor for Uganda, Tanzania and Kenyan scholars on sanitation, drainage and ecological hygine within the basin. Thus, a consortium operating as Project Nabuur Initiative will be established in Njinja town of Uganda.

Nabuur Report, Summer 2007 (from Chair Chair: Ali Abdullahi)

I am happy to have been introduced to Eco Ethics International Union by Ms. Makenas involvement in realizing our project of organic fertilizer in Nairobi.

EEIU Nabuur being the newest chapter on this network, we will be happy to bring into light the active participation of our members. Though we are still in the tide for a full Chapter status, our tracks are open for anyone to scrutinize and give advice as to what ways are best for our collaboration.

EEIU Morogoro is steps ahead on the regional integration, as is EEIU Mombasa, which is a Kenyan chapter.

Though I have not met with Okeyo I am sure that a joint participation of all chapters will steer an adequate realization of a formal NGO system, capable of attracting major funding, and performing major activity.

The Institute for African Ecology and Philosophy in Tanzania, together with the Sokoinne University for Agriculture are supporting the regional integration of our chapters (though a volunteer initiative). They only suggested, in a meeting which I was present, that, no chapter should be eroded of its influence capacity. That it should be much more of a democratic interaction, not based on patriotic interests but ecological science.

Ms. Nimu Njonjo, who is the manager for the East African Whales Sharks Trust has agreed to put much effort into seeing a smooth operative of this regional initiative should Ms. Makena succeed.

As for EEIU Nabuur, we are in the development stage, and as we pull together resources our focus will become more clear. We are currently working on a journal.

As of now, it could be only three chapters in collaboration i.e. Nabuur, Mombasa and Morogoro, although we hope to have more join.

I have also started the EEIU Brochure translation into Arabic, this will be done with the help of two Universities - Dar - es Salaam and Nairobi after which a major ecology conference for its approval will be scheduled at Makerere in Uganda.

Let us unite, and let us promote ethics in its ecological understanding as united East Africans.

Dr. Ali Abdullahi Ph.D
Chapter Chair, EEIU Nabuur
International Representative, IAEP
International Association for Environmental Philosophy
www.environmentalphilosophy.org

Tree planting

Ms. Fauzia Makena who is the Principle Consultant for the Institute for African Ecology and Philosophy plants a tree at the Voi village along Mombasa road.

Ms. Ahsna Fatuma of the Maendeleo ya Wanawake plants a tree at Ngong Hills in Nairobi. The activity was sponsored by the Kenya Commercial Bank Ltd.

Pupils of Brookhouse Primary School and St. Marys Academy participate in a tree planting event at UHURU Park grounds in Nairobi.

Residents of Kilifi participate on the Project Nabuur Initiative to promote waste garbage recycling by utilizing the fertilizer to plant trees. They planted fifty trees and are set for Kibwezi town. This was organized by the Kilifi Islmia Women.

The task force in charge for National tree planting campaign poses for a photo shoot at Kisumu town, 2km from Lake Victoria.

This page was last updated on 29 May 2008.