Mr Josiah Omotto Gives Raila A Lesson In Leadership

[PHP]

Kibera slum wakes to bright dawn
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


By Samuel Otieno

Open, running of sewers reeking human waste crisscross Kibera, one of the largest slums in the world.


Mr Josiah Omotto, Umande Trust managing trustee, displays a trophy awarded during the Africities summit in Nairobi.

A walk between the shanties that house millions of poor is a delicate balancing act, miss a step and you are messed up.

It is here where the world conjured up the notion of flying toilets.

But things are looking up — the murky streams are slowly drying up and the flying objects could soon disappear from the Kibera airspace.

Residents are now embracing a new dawn of improved sanitation through increased access to clean water, a basic right that they have been denied for ages.

And the slum dwellers, who had to grapple with raging poverty, are now cashing in on some innovative simple technologies that could rid their lives of unhealthy practices.

The slums had been a tourist attraction of sorts. This has attracted top environmentalists, human rights activists and local and international non-governmental organisations.

Kibera’s ‘fame’ has also beckoned high-profile persons such as the United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki Moon. The Executive Director of the UN Habitat, Dr Anna Tibaijuka, has been a regular figure in the slums.

But it is a community organisation that has brought the good tidings. Umande Trust believes that modest resources strategically invested in community-led initiatives will significantly improve access to water and sanitation.

Umande has mobilised groups in Katwekera, Laini Saba and other sections of the sprawling slum.

"We seek to be an instrument of transformation by building on the resourcefulness of individuals, groups and coalitions of communities to protect their dignity and to demand equitable, accountable and efficient services," says Mr Josiah Omotto, Umande managing trustee.

The Trust, founded about three years ago, is striving to promote active partnerships with the public and civil society organisations in Kisumu and Nairobi.

It has started a project to transform human waste into biogas and liquid fertilizer.

The bio-centre comprises circular towers with toilets and showers on the ground floor, while the first floor hosts a meeting room, offices and information resources.

On the top floor is an open space under a simple makuti thatched roof where communities hold barazas.


A bio-centre in Katwekera, Kibera, where human waste is converted to cooking gas. Picture by Collins Kweyu

"This bio-sanitation facility is an attempt to find a permanent solution that converts human waste into biogas energy for cooking and liquid fertilizers for sale," says Omotto.

Toilets are a rare facility and a preserve of the slum’s ‘elite’. Children born and brought up in the area perceive them a luxury.

One centre lies in Katwekera, the heart of the slum, and another is under construction less than a kilometre away.

"The drive for the bio-centres was derived from the fact that the existing pit latrines were a short-time solution to the sanitation problem," says Omotto.

He adds: "People are then forced to turn back to their old ways when eventually the latrines are filled up and the waste starts spilling in front of houses."

The situation is at its worst during rainy seasons when toilets are flooded and the area is awash with human waste.

One bio-centre has about six pit latrines and four bathrooms, which serve close to 400 people. Residents pay Sh2 to use them. Some 30 households have been issued with cards, at a cost of Sh80 per month, to enable them to use the facilities all through.

Other clients are two schools, which pay Sh150 each per month, three clubs and a church.

The centre also sells water at Sh1 per 20 litres. "Here, people cut their cost of purchasing water since other people charge them Sh5 for similar quantity of water," says Mr James Onyango, chairman of one of the groups running the bio-centre.

The total annual collection, according to Onyango, is envisaged to hit Sh250, 000 mark, and would be distributed among members of the five community groups running the project.

"In liaison with Muungano wa Wanavijiji (coalition of villagers), we have set up a fund in Nairobi and Kisumu, managed by elected representatives," says Omotto.

To demonstrate their accountability, members display their accounts on a notice board at the centre.

Plans are under way to have biogas pipes connected to households for cooking. This will go along way in saving money spent on cooking fuel.

Onyango says the fertilizers will be sold to large-scale flower farmers.

One centre cost Sh1.7 million in materials. In addition, the Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company connected supplies, while the Athi Water Services donated a tank.

"A UK engineering firm gave £10, 000 and the communities provided labour and some building materials," says Omotto.

The centre also has a kitchen, which will by next week be equipped with modern cookers courtesy of GTZ, a German organisation.

Office space has been leased to the Tourism Board and a doctor. The groups also plan to hire out the top floor for seminars at Sh2,000.

It is for such efforts that Omotto, a social scientist, earned recognition at Africities summit held in Nairobi recently.

Omotto says 20 bio-centres will be replicated in different places in Kibera, Kibagari in Westlands, Mukuru, Korogocho and Kisumu with the support from the French Development Agency by April next year. He describes the community’s response overwhelming.

The Trust, according to Omotto, has taken a different approach to first convince the community that it is not like other organisations that have turned the slums into a cash cow, drawing donor aid in the pretext of providing humanitarian services.

"Civil society organisations have for long been a theatre of corruption, so our main aim is to tackle the vice at the community level," he says.

The centre does more than offer services. "We strive to educate the community of their right to sufficient and clean water … Sanitation is now part of the international human rights agenda," says Omotto.

The Trust also derives its funding from the Swedish International Development Co-operation Agency, United Nations Environment Programme, United Nations Development Program, HALCROW Foundation, and families of Per Josefsson and Torbjorn Gunnarsson of Sweden.


Headlines | Kibera slum wakes to bright dawn

[old school]

Originally Posted by PHP

Kibera slum wakes to bright dawn
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


By Samuel Otieno

Open, running of sewers reeking human waste crisscross Kibera, one of the largest slums in the world.


Mr Josiah Omotto, Umande Trust managing trustee, displays a trophy awarded during the Africities summit in Nairobi.

A walk between the shanties that house millions of poor is a delicate balancing act, miss a step and you are messed up.

It is here where the world conjured up the notion of flying toilets.

But things are looking up — the murky streams are slowly drying up and the flying objects could soon disappear from the Kibera airspace.

Residents are now embracing a new dawn of improved sanitation through increased access to clean water, a basic right that they have been denied for ages.

And the slum dwellers, who had to grapple with raging poverty, are now cashing in on some innovative simple technologies that could rid their lives of unhealthy practices.

The slums had been a tourist attraction of sorts. This has attracted top environmentalists, human rights activists and local and international non-governmental organisations.

Kibera’s ‘fame’ has also beckoned high-profile persons such as the United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki Moon. The Executive Director of the UN Habitat, Dr Anna Tibaijuka, has been a regular figure in the slums.

But it is a community organisation that has brought the good tidings. Umande Trust believes that modest resources strategically invested in community-led initiatives will significantly improve access to water and sanitation.

Umande has mobilised groups in Katwekera, Laini Saba and other sections of the sprawling slum.

"We seek to be an instrument of transformation by building on the resourcefulness of individuals, groups and coalitions of communities to protect their dignity and to demand equitable, accountable and efficient services," says Mr Josiah Omotto, Umande managing trustee.

The Trust, founded about three years ago, is striving to promote active partnerships with the public and civil society organisations in Kisumu and Nairobi.

It has started a project to transform human waste into biogas and liquid fertilizer.

The bio-centre comprises circular towers with toilets and showers on the ground floor, while the first floor hosts a meeting room, offices and information resources.

On the top floor is an open space under a simple makuti thatched roof where communities hold barazas.


A bio-centre in Katwekera, Kibera, where human waste is converted to cooking gas. Picture by Collins Kweyu

"This bio-sanitation facility is an attempt to find a permanent solution that converts human waste into biogas energy for cooking and liquid fertilizers for sale," says Omotto.

Toilets are a rare facility and a preserve of the slum’s ‘elite’. Children born and brought up in the area perceive them a luxury.

One centre lies in Katwekera, the heart of the slum, and another is under construction less than a kilometre away.

"The drive for the bio-centres was derived from the fact that the existing pit latrines were a short-time solution to the sanitation problem," says Omotto.

He adds: "People are then forced to turn back to their old ways when eventually the latrines are filled up and the waste starts spilling in front of houses."

The situation is at its worst during rainy seasons when toilets are flooded and the area is awash with human waste.

One bio-centre has about six pit latrines and four bathrooms, which serve close to 400 people. Residents pay Sh2 to use them. Some 30 households have been issued with cards, at a cost of Sh80 per month, to enable them to use the facilities all through.

Other clients are two schools, which pay Sh150 each per month, three clubs and a church.

The centre also sells water at Sh1 per 20 litres. "Here, people cut their cost of purchasing water since other people charge them Sh5 for similar quantity of water," says Mr James Onyango, chairman of one of the groups running the bio-centre.

The total annual collection, according to Onyango, is envisaged to hit Sh250, 000 mark, and would be distributed among members of the five community groups running the project.

"In liaison with Muungano wa Wanavijiji (coalition of villagers), we have set up a fund in Nairobi and Kisumu, managed by elected representatives," says Omotto.

To demonstrate their accountability, members display their accounts on a notice board at the centre.

Plans are under way to have biogas pipes connected to households for cooking. This will go along way in saving money spent on cooking fuel.

Onyango says the fertilizers will be sold to large-scale flower farmers.

One centre cost Sh1.7 million in materials. In addition, the Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company connected supplies, while the Athi Water Services donated a tank.

"A UK engineering firm gave £10, 000 and the communities provided labour and some building materials," says Omotto.

The centre also has a kitchen, which will by next week be equipped with modern cookers courtesy of GTZ, a German organisation.

Office space has been leased to the Tourism Board and a doctor. The groups also plan to hire out the top floor for seminars at Sh2,000.

It is for such efforts that Omotto, a social scientist, earned recognition at Africities summit held in Nairobi recently.

Omotto says 20 bio-centres will be replicated in different places in Kibera, Kibagari in Westlands, Mukuru, Korogocho and Kisumu with the support from the French Development Agency by April next year. He describes the community’s response overwhelming.

The Trust, according to Omotto, has taken a different approach to first convince the community that it is not like other organisations that have turned the slums into a cash cow, drawing donor aid in the pretext of providing humanitarian services.

"Civil society organisations have for long been a theatre of corruption, so our main aim is to tackle the vice at the community level," he says.

The centre does more than offer services. "We strive to educate the community of their right to sufficient and clean water … Sanitation is now part of the international human rights agenda," says Omotto.

The Trust also derives its funding from the Swedish International Development Co-operation Agency, United Nations Environment Programme, United Nations Development Program, HALCROW Foundation, and families of Per Josefsson and Torbjorn Gunnarsson of Sweden.


Headlines | Kibera slum wakes to bright dawn

Stupid title and your logic is very warped.

When there is development in Kenya by Kibaki's ministers or anyone else then Kibaki can take the credit for his hands-off management style.

However, if anything positive happens in Kibera then Raila cant take the credit even when he is there to welcome the UN head. For him he has to be seen to be working in Kibaki's govt for you to believe it.

Rubbish.This is what I call blind Raila phobia or should I call it Othaya mania.

You dont have to twist everything to make Raila look bad.

Stick to your script of posting newspaper articles in the name of development instead of thinking through winning elections.

[PHP]

Raila has no input in this project. That is a fact! If raila had joined the army, the highest rank he would have attained would've been a sergent. He is not a leader but a motivator with a serious case of narcissism. If you've not noticed, all the toilets and murram roads constructed using CDF cash in Kibera have all been named raila this, raila that. E.g. Raila East Lavatories, Raila Corner Road, Raila Village Toilets, e.t.c. That's Raila for you - our own Idi Amin Dada, Holder of ADUI Genocide Ideology.

[old school]

Originally Posted by PHP

Raila has no input in this project. That is a fact! If raila had joined the army, the highest rank he would have attained would've been a sergent. He is not a leader but a motivator with a serious case of narcissism. If you've not noticed, all the toilets and murram roads constructed using CDF cash in Kibera have all been named raila this, raila that. E.g. Raila East Lavatories, Raila Corner Road, Raila Village Toilets, e.t.c. That's Raila for you - our own Idi Amin Dada, Holder of ADUI Genocide Ideology.

Please educate me. What are your sources for this information on Raila this, Raila that toilets? I used to live near Kibera Line saba and had relas on the other side of Kibera...but have not been there in the last year so please educate me.

I agree with Adui being the kikuyus sorrounding the President but not the average kikuyu who works hard. I feel nothing for Murungaru, Michuki group...They should go. However I respect the likes of Mutahi, Kimunya. The young ones who are a little bit more objective.

[old school]

Originally Posted by PHP

Raila has no input in this project. That is a fact! If raila had joined the army, the highest rank he would have attained would've been a sergent. He is not a leader but a motivator with a serious case of narcissism. If you've not noticed, all the toilets and murram roads constructed using CDF cash in Kibera have all been named raila this, raila that. E.g. Raila East Lavatories, Raila Corner Road, Raila Village Toilets, e.t.c. That's Raila for you - our own Idi Amin Dada, Holder of ADUI Genocide Ideology.

Dont give your crap on Raila this Raila that unless you have sources...

Langata 2006-2007

[PHP]

"tractors demolished the settlement commonly referred to as Raila village"
IAI - CAMPAIGN AGAINST FORCED EVICTIONS IN THE INFORMAL SETTLEMENTS IN NAIROBI

Raila’s campaign is centred at the Raila Odinga Centre at Upper Hill, Nairobi and at the ODM secretariat in Kilimani.
Headlines | Top guns prepare troops

Raila Education centre-Kibera
Kwetu Home of Peace :: Profiles

[NamLolwe]

Originally Posted by PHP

Raila has no input in this project. That is a fact! If raila had joined the army, the highest rank he would have attained would've been a sergent. He is not a leader but a motivator with a serious case of narcissism. If you've not noticed, all the toilets and murram roads constructed using CDF cash in Kibera have all been named raila this, raila that. E.g. Raila East Lavatories, Raila Corner Road, Raila Village Toilets, e.t.c. That's Raila for you - our own Idi Amin Dada, Holder of ADUI Genocide Ideology.

As you have been clearly told by Old School you are just a case of RailaPhobia or better put 'OthayaMania"

[m kenya]

PHP, thank you for enlightening us on that new development of naming everything in Kibera after Raila.

This man suffers seriously from attention deficit disorder, lack of leadership qualities and is a demogogue to the bone.

What he needs to tell the world, is why he uses tax payers money to build toilets and then names those toilets after himself.

Shyiiet...

Odingas Doomed Morons will be clutching at empty air as they try to box every real and imagined Railas opponent into the 'kikuyu' box. They will hang themselves when they discover Kibaki enjoys massive support across the country. They will post pictures of snakes next to Kibaki, they will call him names etc...

But Kenyans are intelligent. No one wants a person without a development record, whose only claim to fame is a photo with Obama, while wearing green pajamas.

We want development, the kind that is taking place in Kibera, we want 10% growth, we DONT want to measure Kenyas growth using a 'happiness index.'

Full stop. Kibaki abaki

[old school]

Originally Posted by PHP

"tractors demolished the settlement commonly referred to as Raila village"
IAI - CAMPAIGN AGAINST FORCED EVICTIONS IN THE INFORMAL SETTLEMENTS IN NAIROBI

Raila’s campaign is centred at the Raila Odinga Centre at Upper Hill, Nairobi and at the ODM secretariat in Kilimani.
Headlines | Top guns prepare troops

Raila Education centre-Kibera
Kwetu Home of Peace :: Profiles

PHP,

I am losing my respect for you. The bone of contention was that Raila has named all CDF projects after his name. I have directed you to the official CDF government site and you post newspaper articles that are totally irrelevant.

If you cant remain objective and rational in campaigning for Kibaki then you are no better than the old mama in Othaya...

Stick to the development agenda.

By the way are you an economist? I want us to debate this growth thing objectively rather than you posting newspaper articles as if everything there is the truth.

[old school]

Originally Posted by m kenya

This is Othaya mania of the highest order. Can you go to the CDF site and check your facts instead of believing PHP's propaganda!

This man suffers seriously from attention deficit disorder, lack of leadership qualities and is a demogogue to the bone.

What he needs to tell the world, is why he uses tax payers money to build toilets and then names those toilets after himself.

Shyiiet...

Odingas Doomed Morons will be clutching at empty air as they try to box every real and imagined Railas opponent into the 'kikuyu' box. They will hang themselves when they discover Kibaki enjoys massive support across the country. They will post pictures of snakes next to Kibaki, they will call him names etc...

But Kenyans are intelligent. No one wants a person without a development record, whose only claim to fame is a photo with Obama, while wearing green pajamas.

We want development, the kind that is taking place in Kibera, we want 10% growth, we DONT want to measure Kenyas growth using a 'happiness index.'

Full stop. Kibaki abaki

Old School