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Articles by Paul Letiwa
Mutumba Women Group score big after National Land Commission’s admission over disputed Lang'ata land
The revelation was made during a session of the Departmental Committee on Lands at Parliament Buildings, where key government officials were expected to shed light on the matter. [Photo/Courtesy] A protracted land ownership dispute involving the Wilson Mutumba Women Group and the National Police Service took a significant turn on Tuesday, after the National Land Commission (NLC) confirmed that a controversial piece of land was legally registered to the women’s group.
Samburu: Economic struggles hurting Maralal businesses
For years, Maralal, the headquarters of Samburu County, thrived as a popular destination for both local and international tourists, especially during high seasons when hotels would fill to capacity. Visitors flocked to experience the stunning landscapes, rich culture, and unique wildlife. However, in recent months, the landscape has changed dramatically. Many businesses in the area are now struggling to stay afloat.
Meet William Napei, Samburu’s mobile chief
By Paul Letiwa In the vast semi-arid landscapes of Samburu North, where nomadic traditions and livestock migrations shape life, Chief William Napei has taken an unconventional approach to leadership. Unlike most chiefs who remain in fixed offices, Napei moves with his community, ensuring they always have access to government services. In February, he relocated his office from Marti to Lomirok, over 50 kilometers away, to follow his community’s migration in search of grazing land.
How pasture farming is curbing hunger and malnutrition in Samburu
For generations, nomadic herders in Samburu have faced perennial threat of drought, forcing them to migrate long distances in search of pasture and water for their livestock, their economic mainstay. This tedious journey has often led among other things to malnutrition, particularly among children. 36-year-old Nouyam Learpora, a mother of seven children, has for years endured long, gruelling journeys across the arid landscape, often walking hundreds of kilometres.
Thugs risk life and limb to ‘harvest’ SGR metals
Vandals have been sawing off and stealing metal from the Nairobi-Narok Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) line. The economic saboteurs have destroyed the Nairobi-Narok SGR line – ‘harvesting’ bridge steel bars and carting away the loot to sell to scrap metal dealers. The thieves, seemingly taking advantage of lax security in the area, are also vandalizing fly-over bridges on the Olkeri road that leads to Matasia, Ngong' and Kiserian towns.
Rongai: Where nightfall brings no rest as raw sewage takes over streets
Ongata Rongai town in Kajiado North has a tale of two worlds. By day, it wears the cloak of tranquillity; its streets bustling with life and its residents going about their daily routines. However, in the dead of the night is when the darker side of the town emerges, a toxic smell of raw sewage fills the quiet air, serving as a constant and unpleasant reminder of the town's ongoing night-time problem.
Rongai: Thugs attack former MP as cases of insecurity rise
Former Laikipia North Member of Parliament, Mathew Lempurkel, fell victim to a brazen attack by robbers in the Rongai area of Kajiado County. Lempurkel was assaulted last night by three assailants on a motorcycle shortly after being dropped off by a taxi at his residence. "Immediately I got out of the taxi, four people approached me near the main gate and started beating me up, the night guard came out and they run away," he said.
'No drinking until 5pm': New rule leaves Kajiado residents fighting 'almighty thirst'
Revellers in Kajiado are facing a new and unexpected challenge: they can't have a quiet drink until the clock hits 5 pm. It's like waiting for the bell to ring at school! Imagine this: it's lunchtime on a Friday in Kitengela town, but the streets are empty, quiet. Normally, you would see people enjoying drinks, and nyama choma, but not in the past few days as bars and nightclubs follow recent government directives. The situation is the same in Kiserian, Isinya, Rongai and Ngong towns.
We can’t sleep, Rongai residents complain over noise from bars
Despite ongoing efforts to address the escalation of bars across the country, residents of Ongata Rongai in Kajiado North, continue to face the disruptive presence of these establishments in their neighbourhoods. Some of the residents told Wananchi Reporting that the issue has worsened to a point where it's not just a matter of inconvenience, but a significant threat to the well-being and quality of life for those living in affected areas.
Why new apartments in Rongai are struggling to attract tenants
Ongata Rongai town. Photo/Courtesy In Ongata Rongai, in the outskirts of Nairobi, landlords with newly constructed apartments are facing a huge challenge as vacancy rates soar. The situation has reached a critical point as they struggle to attract tenants, and existing ones grappling with tenants moving out. A good example is a new apartment complex located in the Olekasasi area, where construction was completed in mid-January this year.
Kajiado residents up in arms over deafening noise from bars
Residents of Kajiado County are at their wit's end as liquor shops, bars, and restaurants continue to disregard county noise control directives.
Kenyan fishermen continue to stare at empty nets as imported fish flood market
At the break of dawn, with their nets in hand and their boats sailing in calm waters, fishermen embark on their daily journey to Lake Victoria. This is a scene that has been repeated for generations. Among the communities residing along the lake, fishing has long served as their economic lifeline, offering employment opportunities and sustaining their way of life.
Maasai Mara University reveals plans for School of Medicine
Maasai Mara University has announced plans to upgrade it's department of health sciences to a full School of Medicine as it eyes medical research and teaching as a key growth area. Speaking during the University's 9th graduation, the chairman of the University Council, Dr Kennedy Olekerei said the university will start making major investments towards that end.
How pasture farming has led to reduced cattle rustling
Sunday, January 03, 2021 Mr David Biwott, who is in charge of livestock and pasture production at the Kerio Valley Development Authority (KVDA), looks on as a herd of Sahiwal cows graze at the authority's Chemeron Station in Marigat sub-county in Baringo County. African Foxtail Grass farming has reduced cattle rustling in the region.
How brand protection can help save company
Summary Major firms have gone bust over the years with some promising products ending up obsolete in the blink of an eye. A report by the Kenyan Association of Manufacturers shows that contraband goods are mainly from India and China. Advertisement By PAUL LETIWA In the ever-changing world of technology, a company needs to do more than just keep up with the times in order to ride the storm.
Killer cactus
Summary When elephants swallow it, glochids (small spines on the fruit) get lodged in their throats, stomachs or intestines. If they get stuck in the elephants’ mouths, the beasts develop abscesses and eventually starve to death because they can no longer eat,” he says. At the Naibunga Conservancy in Laikipia North, the cactus has already taken over about 17,000 acres. Mr Lekurtut says the arid conditions in the vast area have made it easy for the cactus to spread rapidly.
Clashes over pasture make life unbearable
Summary Curious, we follow them. We learn that one of the victims has a bullet lodged in one of his nostrils and is having trouble breathing. Another was shot twice in the stomach, and in his private parts. There are small groups outside the hospital. There is a huge security presence, with heavily-armed, mean-looking men patrolling the area.
Coronavirus: Woman discharged from Mbagathi returns to hospital
Must Read Coronavirus: Woman discharged from Mbagathi returns to hospital A woman who was among the people put on isolation at Mbagathi Hospital in Nairobi over coronavirus fears has returned to the facility 24 hours after she was discharged. Speaking to the Nation by phone, the 23-year-old woman said that she started experiencing a sore throat, dry cough, running nose and a headache on Monday night. “My test showed I was negative. But I started feeling symptoms of the normal flu last night.
Kenya: Woman Discharged From Mbagathi Returns to Hospital and Readmitted
A woman who was among the people put on isolation at Mbagathi Hospital in Nairobi over coronavirus fears has returned to the facility 24 hours after she was discharged. Speaking to the Nation by phone, the 23-year-old woman said that she started experiencing sore throat, dry cough, running nose and a headache on Monday night. "My test showed I was negative. But I started feeling symptoms of the normal flu last night. I decided to go back as advised by doctors," she said.
Coronavirus: Woman discharged from Mbagathi returns to hospital
Hashtag Coronavirus: Woman discharged from Mbagathi returns to hospital A woman who was among the people put on isolation at Mbagathi Hospital in Nairobi over coronavirus fears has returned to the facility 24 hours after she was discharged. Speaking to the Nation by phone, the 23-year-old woman said that she started experiencing a sore throat, dry cough, running nose and a headache on Monday night. “My test showed I was negative. But I started feeling symptoms of the normal flu last night.
Virus fear: Woman returns to hospital after release
Woman discharged from Mbagathi returns to hospital Tuesday March 17 2020 An isolation room at Mbagathi Hospital in Nairobi. A woman who was among the people put on isolation at the hospital over coronavirus fears has returned to the facility 24 hours after she was discharged. PHOTO | FILE | NATION MEDIA GROUP In Summary She started experiencing sore throat, dry cough, running nose and a headache on Monday night.
Key witness in Lenolkulal graft case says he has no evidence
Key witness in Lenolkulal graft case says he has no evidence Friday February 28 2020 Samburu Governor Moses Kasaine Lenolkulal in a Nairobi court on February 12, 2020, during the hearing of a Sh87.6 million fraud case. PHOTO | PAUL WAWERU | NATION MEDIA GROUP In Summary Before Judge Thomas Nzioki on Thursday, a key witness in the case said he had no evidence against the governor and 10 other accused persons.
Kenya: Governor Lenolkulal Didn't Conspire to Steal County Cash, Witness
Samburu Governor Moses Lenolkulal and 10 other accused persons did not conspire to steal public funds, a Nairobi court was told on Friday. During the cross examination, head of Samburu Treasury Joseph Lekalkuli said he was not aware of any scheme by the 11 accused persons to steal from the county funds. "I don't know of any plot by the accused persons to steal public property in Samburu County," Mr Lekalkuli told Judge Thomas Nzioki.
Governor Lenolkulal didn't conspire to steal county cash, witness
Governor Lenolkulal didn't conspire to steal county cash, witness Saturday February 22 2020 Samburu Governor Moses Kasaine Lenolkulal in a Nairobi Court on February 12, 2020, during the hearing of a case where he is charged with conspiracy to defraud the county of Sh87.6 million.
Club warns loan seekers of fake mobile apps
Club warns loan seekers of fake mobile apps Tuesday December 10 2019 The Digital Lenders Association of Kenya (DLAK) has warned mobile loan borrowers to be wary of fake money lending apps that have flooded the market. FILE PHOTO | NATION MEDIA GROUP In Summary The organisation has come up with guidelines as a way of helping thousands of digital borrowers identify these fake apps and to avoid being swindled.
KRA targets real estate firm directors in Sh20bn tax probe
KRA targets real estate firm directors in Sh20bn tax probe Monday September 30 2019 KRA headquarters Times Tower in Nairobi. FILE PHOTO | NMG In Summary Among the firms on the KRA radar are Banda Homes, Greenspan, Superior Homes Kenya and Nexgen Office Suites, Muga Developers and Chigwell. Realtors have frequently blamed poor sales for the underperformance of the segment that has lately been flagged for increased loans defaults that has seen many half-done houses being auctioned.
KRA targets real estate firm directors in Sh20bn tax probe
Economy KRA targets real estate firm directors in Sh20bn tax probe Monday, September 30, 2019 22:00 By PAUL LETIWA | KRA headquarters Times Tower in Nairobi. FILE PHOTO | NMG The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) says it is poring through bank records, tax returns and other transaction details of more than 30 real estate companies in effort to recover up to Sh20 billion.
LETIWA: Pastoralists are not enemies of nature
In Summary Nomadic herders in the semi-arid north have lived peacefully with wildlife for centuries; they are the unsung heroes of wildlife conservation. Therefore, pushing them out of their traditional lands will only escalate the battle between the mainly conservationists and pastoralist communities. Striking a balance where both can benefit is very important, especially in reducing the perennial conflicts between pastoralists for limited pasture and water.
Pastoralists are not enemies of nature
Tuesday, September 03, 2019 — updated on July 04, 2020 By Paul Letiwa Feature writer Nation Media Group What you need to know: Nomadic herders in the semi-arid north have lived peacefully with wildlife for centuries; they are the unsung heroes of wildlife conservation. Therefore, pushing them out of their traditional lands will only escalate the battle between the mainly conservationists and pastoralist communities.
Herders protest as wildlife conservancies drive them out
By PAUL LETIWA More by this Author As the signs of dawn emerge over the Isiolo rangelands, low voices are heard inside wattle homes planning for a new day. Every word is amplified in the stillness of early morning. A child cries for food. An old man coughs and livestock are heard bleating in their pen. This tranquillity is shattered by the crack of firewood being hewn for the breakfast fire.
We are educated, but our sons must be ‘cut’ the Samburu way
By PAUL LETIWA More by this Author A rope is drawn tightly around the neck of a bull to expose the jugular vein. A specially blocked small arrow is shot from close range to pierce the wall of the vein. The blood that spurts out is tapped into a gourd. When the required amount has been tapped, Gabriel Leneng’wesi, one of the village elders, stuffs a few hairs into the puncture. He then squeezes the wound until the blood coagulates. The animal is then released.
Police fuelling banditry in Samburu
By PAUL LETIWA More by this Author Bullets used by the National Police Service are so easily available at Marti trading centre in Samburu County that this writer was able to buy three of them in less than 30 minutes. After months of investigations, the culmination of our quest was surprisingly quick and easy. Our aim was to ensure we knew who to contact and where to go in the punishing terrain across the semi-arid region.
Police fuelling banditry in Samburu with deadly trade in bullets
Friday, February 08, 2019 — updated on June 28, 2020 By Paul Letiwa Feature writer Nation Media Group What you need to know: The ease with which Saturday Nation team was able to buy deadly ammunition in bandit-prone region is horrifying. Police in Maralal town are said to sell bullets to middlemen, who later sell them to armed herders. And bullet prices go up every time there is conflict between the Turkana and Samburu communities.
Kenya: Mau Schools Going Green to Save Endangered Forest
By Paul LetiwaWith increased focus on environmental conservation and the growing pressure on the government to spearhead the conservation of the country's natural resources, there has been a growing push and focus for schools to go green. That is why schools along the edge of the Maasai Mau Forest are slowly abandoning desks and tables made of wood and turning to metal furniture so that they can spare the remaining trees in one of the country's largest water towers.
Mau schools going green to save endangered forest
With increased focus on environmental conservation and the growing pressure on the government to spearhead the conservation of the country’s natural resources, there has been a growing push and focus for schools to go green. That is why schools along the edge of the Maasai Mau Forest are slowly abandoning desks and tables made of wood and turning to metal furniture so that they can spare the remaining trees in one of the country’s largest water towers.
Kenya: Pastoralists Struggling to Cope With Climate Change
opinion By Paul LetiwaThe stench from the pit is still strong, with bleached carcasses and bones bearing gruesome witness to the recent catastrophic drought. This is where the last of Mr Bulleh Abdullahi's once thriving herds were dumped. Families in Bor, about 50km from Wajir town, now live in a riverside makeshift settlement tending a few camels and donkeys. Malaria is common in the area and frequently affects the children. And the nearest water source is more than five kilometres away.
Pastoralists struggling to cope with climate change
Families in Bor, about 50km from Wajir town, now live in a riverside makeshift settlement tending a few camels and donkeys. Malaria is common in the area and frequently affects the children. And the nearest water source is more than five kilometres away. “We spend our entire life moving, we have done this for centuries. It is our way of life. But we are losing our livelihoods, we didn’t settle here by choice,” says Mr Abdullahi, a father of five.
Kenya: Charcoal Trade, Logging Wiping Out Mau Forest
By Paul Letiwa and Eric MataraIn the heart of Maasai Mau Forest, inside the mud and wattle homes, low voices are heard planning for a new day. The tranquillity is shattered by the crack of chopping firewood for breakfast fire. A child cries for food. An old man coughs. And as the emerging sun covers the vanishing trees of Mau Forest, where a number households live, a herd of donkeys in their hundreds stream out with their owners driving them to the nearby Tipis trading centre.
Charcoal trade, logging wiping out Mau Forest
Illegal logging is also a daily activity here with the narrow roads in the forest jammed with tractors. And as the emerging sun covers the vanishing trees of Mau Forest, where a number households live, a herd of donkeys in their hundreds stream out with their owners driving them to the nearby Tipis trading centre.
New twist to human-wildlife conflict
Nadutari Masaine was walking home from a water point with a jerrican of water when three baboons appeared. She tried to shoo them away but one of them jumped from a nearby tree and grabbed her jerrican. She fled, leaving her jerrican behind. In another incident, a troop of thirsty monkeys attacked young girls at Sait Naudo, stoning, scratching and biting them.
Company banks on defensive driving to cut accident rates
Distracted drivers are a major cause of the increasing road carnage, a motoring association has said. They are either on the phone, scanning magazines or sometimes eating while driving. According to findings by the Automobile Association of Kenya (AAK), 90 per cent of road accidents in Kenya are caused by human error. Mr Francis Theuri, director general of AAK, says whereas it is hard to control the actions of other road users, one can learn defensive techniques.
Company banks on defensive driving to cut accident rates
Company banks on defensive driving to cut accident rates Sunday, February 4, 2018 20:32 By PAUL LETIWA | A road accident scene. Driving takes a lot of concentration and focus. FILE PHOTO | NMG Distracted drivers are a major cause of the increasing road carnage, a motoring association has said.
Due diligence checks vital for investors
In the last few years, a number of Kenyans have been left licking their wounds after being conned of their life savings by phony scheme architects. Changing economic fortunes, over the past five years, have also seen struggling companies in Kenya look for partners in a bid to raise new capital, create synergies and build economies of scale to tackle increasing competition.
From herdsboy to county Speaker
Less than a decade ago, he was a herdsboy in a small, dusty village along Ewaso Nyiro River in Samburu County tending to his father’s cattle in the forest during school breaks. Mr Solomon Lempere’s life revolved around herding livestock and dancing with other warriors in the evening. “I was exposed to the pastoralist way of life and going to school was not a priority to my father who is a herdsman,” Mr Lempere recalls.
A land ravaged by famine and fighting
By MILLICENT MWOLOLO More by this Author After a seven-hour drive from Nairobi, we wind up deep in the wilderness of Samburu County, somewhere on the Samburu-Maralal Road.It is a Sunday afternoon, and for a long time we see no traces of human activity.Then, about 20 kilometres from Baragoi Shopping Centre, we come across groups of women and children begging for water and bread by the roadside.
From trading post to modern metropolis
Legend has it that Marsabit was named after a Burji farmer called Marsa, who was brought from Ethiopia, by colonialists, to teach the locals farming. “When his masters called out his name, Marsa would answer ‘abit’ (which means ‘yes’ in Amharic). And so the place came to be known as Marsa-Abeit, and later Marsabit,” says Celine Adalo a businesswoman in Marsabit town.
Kenya: Foes Turned Friends
Photo: Paul Letiwa/Daily Nation Joseph Loingojine, a caregiver at the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, feeds a baby elephant with a specially developed formula. By Paul LetiwaNot too long ago, Samburu warriors who came across an injured or abandoned baby elephant would have gladly killed it, or at best, left it to die. For many years the herders in the vast, rugged region that is Samburuland saw elephants as enemies.
Foes turned friends
Not too long ago, Samburu warriors who came across an injured or abandoned baby elephant would have gladly killed it, or at best, left it to die. For many years the herders in the vast, rugged region that is Samburuland saw elephants as enemies.
Women count on factory to shore up leather trade
Women in the village on the outskirts of Narok Town in Maasailand have for a long time been considered their husbands’ property, so they owned nothing and could not earn an income. However, this is changing for women in Narok County as more and more of them turn to income-generating activities to support their families. This has seen some of them move from the village to nearby trading centres, mainly to sell hides and skins.
Hassan Omar cut his teeth in student politics
In 1998, while standing on a broken chair next to Moi University’s administration block in Eldoret, he led thousands of students in calling on the University to disassociate itself from “shameless dictator Moi” by changing its name.
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