Kenya fast facts: coffee and tea

Here at Kenya Aid we firmly believe in sustainable development. All our projects are considered with the community in mind, and it it hoped that with the completion of our current project, the new Shikunga clinic, we will be able to further develop this idea by making the clinic largely self sustaining. Not only will this increase community involvement with the project, and reduce dependence on foreign aid, but also generate employment for some of the local population.

We believe that it's this sort of support that matters most to developing countries, and another way you can help is by buying fair trade goods wherever possible. Western Kenya is a particularly large growing area for cash crops such as coffee and tea, yet levels of poverty remain high. This is mostly due to large areas of land being controlled by outside companies or individuals, and low wages for locals.

The People for Fair Trade can help you - check our their site to find out where you can buy fair trade coffee and tea that supports impoverished farmers around the world.

Kenya Aid update: budget finalised for 2008

This year is a big year for the Kenya Aid team and their partner, MURUDEF, in Shikunga. The new clinic is to be built and while construction is progressing we're still a little short for the budget required to complete the building.

There will be another fantastic Kenya Aid event mid-year, though we'd like to call on all those who can spare a few dollars a month to sign up for our regular donation program to help us complete this project.

You can donate via the secure Kenya Aid donation page, and are able to choose from either a regular contribution or a one off donation. To date, we need to raise a further $12,000 to finish the clinic building.

We'd like to thank our regular contributors for all their help in both supporting the building of the new clinic, and in supplying medicine and staff for the current clinic in Shikunga. It is only with your help that we are able to offer our continued support to this area, and the patients and staff are most grateful for your generosity!

Kenya news: violence due to poverty

I often hear people asking why Africa is such a violent place, why there's so much war and fighting. There's usually a subtle undertone that suggests a certain savagery, Africa being 'uncivilised' and a 'big black hole' that sucks aid and money on a constant basis because people just can't get along.

The violence in many developing nations doesn't come down to skin colour, or a particular race being more or less prone to aggression than another. It isn't really about greed, or a lack of 'civilisation' and order. Often it isn't even completely tribal, as is suggested to be the root cause in Kenya's recent elections. Mostly, it comes from poverty. People are poor. And when you are poor, it is only human to do whatever you can to get yourself out of that straining situation.

It's hard to imagine living with the reality of extreme poverty. Sure, most of us have struggled at some point or another in paying a bill, or being able to afford a new TV or party dress. It's frustrating - perhaps we look at our neighbour with envy and the thought that life just isn't fair. Some of us may have even gone without the odd meal, or done the 40 famine to show our empathy with those that go without regular meals for most of their lives. And it's usually on this basis that we pass judgment.

But we don't really know what it's like to live every day without a full stomach, or to watch our children suffer and die because a doctor is too far away or medicines too expensive. We have hope that when we get sick, we will be cared for or that an end to hardship won't be further away than the next pay packet. In Kenya, most people live without this hope. And while violence in any form cannot be condoned or deemed in any way acceptable, it's not entirely surprising.

So while parts of Africa, and indeed Kenya, might not be the most peaceful places on this earth it doesn’t mean that these countries should be left or ignored, or condemned as pockets of savagery where no matter what is done there will always be trouble. One of the most effective solutions to violence is a real understanding of the cause, and sustainable aid that really makes a difference and a dent in reducing poverty.

http://www.oxfam.org/en/programs/emergencies/kenya_political_crisis

Kenya news: emergency within an emergency

The latest updates from Kenya indicate there's still no resolution to the political violence that erupted during the 2007 elections. While the death toll is bad enough, an 'emergency within an emergency' is becoming apparent with many displaced citizens unable to access their life-saving anti-retroviral drugs.

There's an estimated 21,000 persons with HIV now unable to continue their daily antiretroviral regimen due to displacement, violence restricting movement, or because their status documents were burnt with their houses. Many will not seek out treatment in temporary camps due to distress surrounding stigma of the disease, and many are suffering from an increase in sexual violence within these camps that will only lead to a further increase in the spread of HIV.

The election violence and subsequent instability affect Kenya in many ways beyond the economic issues that will result from a loss of tourism and trade. There is a huge human cost as well that will prove to be ongoing if this crisis is not resolved.

It's now more important than ever to support the work of local clinics who are able to help HIV positive citizens access the drugs they need. While government fighting continues, support those who are really suffering, and join the call to end unncessary fighting in Kenya.

Travelling tales: Mike's arrival

As Kenya Aid’s Public Officer, Mike might have been considered easy prey for the seasoned African travelers in our most recent trip to Kenya. While we did our best to scare him before departure, and while I’d like to be able to say he didn’t believe a bar of it, he did pretty well considering some of the tall tales we had to tell.

Mike is an experienced traveller with many international trips under his belt. But a trip to Africa was a new experience for him, and since every ‘arrival’ is different, we thought we’d ask him what it was like for a first timer in Shikunga.

“Mike, we met you in Nairobi, and aside from forgetting you at the airport (oops), what was your first thought when you turned up to Shikunga?”

To be honest when I first arrived at Kisumu airport I was so glad to be out of the major cities. It was funny to see that the only road to their main airport was a muddy backstreet covered in ditches as we headed straight off for our 2 hour journey in one of the local buses, a matatu. The drive was beautiful and the area was a lot more lush than I expected. My first thought is that the land here ‘should’ be able to support its people, were it not for the greed and corruption.

“We know you were a little worried about the food situation in Kenya. Was there anything else that you were concerned about?”

I’m always thinking about my stomach, to the amusement of my fellow travelers I bought almost a whole suitcase full of food, anything from tinned two fruits to protein bars. To my relief I really didn’t need any of it because the local food was quite sufficient. I was really scared about getting sick, I had conjured up pictures of mosquitoes absolutely everywhere and I was certain I was going to get Malaria. Once again I was relieved to find that I barely even saw any mosquitoes and with the amount of DEET repellant I had on, they didn’t have a chance. Although I must say the looming threat of Ebola just across the border was not the most comforting of thoughts…



“The first night in any new place is always special. What was best about your first night in the village?”

The first night was beautiful we had some sort of weird and wonderful meal in a mud hut in the middle of no where then looked at the stars that appeared brighter than anywhere I had ever seen before. Settling down in my tent I was amazed by the amount of sounds. There was so much going on even though it was all so distant in the valley. I heard drums beating and some kind of ceremony going on, strange noises I hadn’t heard before. The valley seemed alive with activity but at the same time peaceful. I don’t know if I should have but I felt perfectly safe. I’ve traveled a fair bit and that first night was the first time in a long time that I can say everything felt new and exciting.

“There certainly is a special quality to Shikunga. What did you like most about the village?”

This one’s an easy question to answer, the people. For me it was all about the people, the nature was amazing, the Mud huts the long red dirt/clay roads were great, I enjoyed riding on boda bodas but at the end of the day having young Kenyan kids running out with huge smiles on their face yelling “Howareyou” as though it were one word, was a great feeling. All the locals from young to old were extremely friendly and appreciative. We respected them and they respected the reason that we were there. I had elders in the village come up and tell me how much the medical camps meant to their people. It was a touching experience.

“It sounds like you had a great experience. It was great for all of us to see your excitement at being there, and it was a wonderful thing for us all to share. Last question though – after all our terrible tales, was there anything you experienced that you never want to see again?”

Well, I was warned not to do it but I couldn’t help myself. It’s like telling a kid not to touch wet paint. Come night time in the Kenyan wilderness, if you need to go to the drop dunnee, DO NOT shine your torch down the toilet... The whole pile is alive and moving. It’s quite disturbing when you’re about to hover over it half naked!!! Just a hint… morning time is always your best bet!!

Kenya Aid update: Holdsworth House sponsorship

This week we've been busy working away at the Kenya Aid headquarters to complete the paperwork for our DGR (deductible gift recipient) status. This is a vital step for Kenya Aid as it will ensure we are able to offer our donors tax deductability as a reward for their generosity. We've also been notified by the Tax Office that DGR is retrospective so please get in touch with us if you require any receipts!

Dr. Ryan had a meeting yesterday with one of our sponsors who has helped us out again - this time offering his 50th birthday as a fundraising event. We'd like to offer a big thanks to Dr. Bloch of Holdsworth House who has generously suggested (in lieu of presents) donations to Kenya Aid instead, as well as our best birthday wishes for him on the day.

Lastly, we're gearing up for the next Kenya Aid event to be held around June, 2008. While there's still some debate as to the theme and venue, one thing can be assured - it's going to be another fabulous event! We'll keep you posted.

Kenya fast facts: national motto

While looking around for some facts on Kenya today, I came across something I hadn't heard before - the Kenyan national motto. In Swahili the word is 'Harambee', translated to 'Let us all pull together'.

On hearing that, I wondered how many Kenyan's are remembering their country's motto these days, with the political violence dividing tribes right throughout the country. I wonder why their leaders don't take a step back from all their name calling and claims of injustice and remember, just for a moment, the simple grace of Harambee.

It's our hope here at Kenya Aid that this political conflict is soon resolved; not just to put an end to violence but to ensure that all Kenya's hard work over the past few years is not completely undone. Time and time again we see communities all 'pulling together' in the most dire of circumstances. Let's see the nation’s leaders do the same for the sake of their people and their country.

Travelling tales: first glimpse of Kenya

I remember the first time I went to Kenya - it was my first big adventure, and like all adventures, I was prepared to take some risks. I didn't want the normal safari tour; I wanted to see life as it really was in Africa. I certainly didn't want to do the volunteer tour either - what is, essentially, an extension of the game parks but involving a lot of bleeding hearts gawping at the 'poor starving Africans' and building schools that never have enough funding to actually run. No. I wanted to add some value, and do something that was actually going to have an effect on the small community I was going to stay with. I just didn't know quite what that would be.

To cut a long story short I made it there and back, not without my adventure and not without starting something that was going to make a difference. I met a whole host of wonderful people, not least the Kenya Aid team with whom I travelled back to Kenya with in December 2007. And from my experiences the first time round I was able to tell a whole host of horror stories that I used to terrify the new volunteers we were taking with us.

Oh the joy of retelling my first arrival in Kenya; the bus that took 8 hours over a dusty, bumpy road only to turn up to an even more dilapidated 'taxi' that lost a tire, was missing seatbelts and an intact windscreen, and that ended up crashing us into a tree when the brakes finally failed on the long road to Shikunga. Or the lean days between harvests when all we had to eat was ugali and sukomowiki. The special stories I got to share of malaria and violent stomach bugs that left me dehydrated and exhausted after a week's worth of illness, and crazy matatu drivers that knew neither road markings nor speed limits.

To say I left some of our party a little shaken pre-departure might have been considered an understatement until poor Mike turned up with half a suitcase full of canned food and some serious concerns about the prevalence of malaria. We all laughed until the smell of 2 minute noodles or spaghetti and meatballs wafted over our tents. It was a laugh I very nearly choked on when, having paid him out about his mozzie hat, I managed to get malaria for a second time and he walked away disease free.

But, like the rest of us, Mike has is own arrival story to tell and his own memories of his time in Kenya. We'll talk to him next week about his first impressions of Kenya, and whether he is crazy enough to come back with us next time!

Faces of Kenya: Mr Onesmus Mmasi

MURUFEF's wonderful program coordinator, Mr Onesmus Mmasi (Nes). Nes is an inspiring man who gives all he has and more to reduce poverty in his community. He is also our host, and welcomes volunteers into his home to share his life and vision.

The Kenya Aid Team

Time to put some faces to names, so here are some the latest pictures from the Kenya Aid team.

This picture was taken on the last day in Shikunga, 2007, after a long day at one of our medical camps. The lovely girls in blue were nurses and translators for the four doctors, with Caroline and Verity helping in the pharmacy and Mike doing many hours of valuable filming for the group.

Kenya Aid update: toilets and trenches

With Kenya in the midst of ethnic turmoil, we're always happy to hear updates from our in country partner and program co-ordinator, Mr Onesmus Mmasi.

Some Kenya Aid members will remember Onesmus from his recent trip to Australia; I'm sure all will be pleased to know he and his family are safe, and building is continuing in Shikunga for the new clinic.

The Kenya Aid Team were lucky enough to see the land that was purchased late 2007 for the proposed clinic and we were thrilled at the quality and location of the site.

Having commissioned a local contractor (Christopher) in December, we were happy to see the building begin with the symbolic planting of trees ensuring the growth of the clinic for years to come.

Our latest update included photos from Onesmus of trenches and toilets being dug, and construction is continuing despite political unrest, with ongoing support from the community.

We'd like to thank our members and donors for their ongoing support of this project - it's truly a dream come true for the community of Shikunga and the Kenya Aid Team!

Travelling tales

Kenya. The Cradle of Humanity. Beyond the safari parks and tourist resorts it's a country like no other; a place full of contradictions and smiles that surpass all the pains of poverty.

Each trip the Kenya Aid Team gets to see a little more of life in Kenya. While we still only scrape the surface of Kenyan culture, we get to experience some of the daily struggles of life in a rural community while providing relief and, I'm sure, some quite comical entertainment along the way.

And when we leave, we leave with a whole host of new memories and stories that we'd like to share to help bring our members closer to the people they help, and show the difference each and every contribution makes.

Our travelling tales will begin next week with some first impressions of life in Kenya. We hope you will all enjoy our stories of adventure and feel inspired to visit Kenya one day!

In-country updates

Many of our members are interested to know just what's going on in Kenya right now. Despite the current political situation making travel extremely difficult, we are still receiving regular country updates from our partner, Mr. Onesmus Mmasi, Program Coordinator for MURUDEF.

Each week we will pass these updates on to our members with news from the field and project developments concerning the building of the new clinic.

While political tension is still high, especially in Western Kenya, our projects are still progressing with the aid of our in-country partner and we are happy to see that construction continues. We are still on target to complete the new clinic structure by September 2008.

So keep an eye out for the latest news as we receive it direct from Kenya!

Introducing the Kenya Aid Team

There's a number of special people behind Kenya Aid; our wonderful sponsors, our members, our generous donors and of course, the board members of Kenya Aid who give their time so generously to keep everything running smoothly.

In a series of interviews get to know some of wonderful people who support Kenya Aid; how they came to be a part of the team and why they are committed to the goals of poverty reduction through quality healthcare provision.

Look out for our first interview profile next week; we'll be introducing Dr Ryan Snaith, President of Kenya Aid and Resident at Nepean Hospital.

Welcome!

Well, here we are with the first post for the new Kenya Aid blog! As our community slowly grows, we thought a blog would be a great way to keep in touch with all our members, as well as a place to share our knowledge on Kenya, health care for developing countries, and what it's like to be involved in an international charity.

Please feel welcome and take a look around at our photos, useful links and informative articles. Make sure you check back regularly to to keep up to date with our events schedule and see what's happening as we build our brand new clinic in Kakamega.

If you have any suggestions, or would like to know more about how you can support Kenya Aid, you can visit the Kenya Aid website for contact details, or leave a comment right here and we'll get back to you as soon as we can. Enjoy!