Greek myth tells the tragic story of our depleted forests

Mike Owuor

Greek mythology has the story of King Erysichthon (a name which means ‘earth-tearer’), an arrogant man who did the unthinkable by cutting down trees in a sacred grove that belonged to a goddess. For his impudence, Aethon, the god of famine, was placed in the king’s stomach, giving him insatiable hunger. Despite selling all his possessions, including his daughter, to buy food, the hunger continued.

The tragic tale ends when Erysichthon eventually eats himself to satisfy the raging hunger.

Self-destruction

The symbolism of the story is not lost on PointBlank, considering the destruction of forests, fuelled by myopic politicians, shameless entrepreneurs and corrupt or inept officials. At least every week a reader writes to raise concern on the destruction of forests. Mr Mohinder Dhillon, put the "simple logic taught in junior high school" succinctly on July 1: No forests, no rain, no rivers, no food. This is a reality we cannot ignore.

Like King Erysichthon, we can only blame ourselves when the consequences of our actions haunt us.

Get rid of ethnic pillars in varsities

The crucial role universities play in the country’s development can only be achieved if democratic ideals are upheld and tribalism shunned, points out Mr Donald Sikunyi. This, he says, means decisions on appointments, promotions and allocation of resources to universities should be informed by merit, not ethnic consideration.

"It is disturbing that some public universities are making news for the wrong reasons — tribalism and dictatorship. Appointments of top officials, especially in some public universities and campuses outside Nairobi are based on ethnicity and nepotism," he claims.

How then, asks Sikunyi, are these institutions expected to provide answers to the many social and economic problems affecting our country?

Sikunyi adds: "Administrators who resort to intimidation instead of engaging staff and students in dialogue are also surely on the wrong side of history."

And the political class, which appears to be encouraging such unethical practices in universities, is not blameless. Sikunyi requests Higher Education Minister Sally Kosgei to uphold democracy and end ethnicity in public universities.

Lean, not learned Cabinet

It is well and good that Turkana Central MP Ekwe Ethuro proposes to introduce a bill that restricts Cabinet to 24 ministries and ensures only degree holders are appointed. However, says Mr Clifton Mulegi, while having a lean Cabinet is a great idea, university education should not be a yardstick.

"For example, the 2003 Narc Cabinet had some of the best brains, but ministers concentrated on enriching themselves and bickering," he says.

The "irresponsible behaviour" of some university students, adds Mulegi, is also proof that academic prowess does not necessarily mean good leadership.

"We need leaders who are inspired by the call to serve humanity, and who understand the ethics and virtues of leadership. In other words, they should serve, not rule," he says.

fresh leadership

Mulegi suggests that corruption, inefficiency and recycling of leaders are challenges that must first be addressed.

"There is also lack of transitional leadership and old-timers call the shots," he says.

His conclusion? The country needs reforms in the running of public affairs, and having highly educated ministers is an inconsequential part of the solution.

Is road public or private property?

Off Thika Road, near Roasters Inn through Balozi Estate, is a road whose status Mr James M would like clarified. James occasionally uses it to access Post Bank Training School, and get onto Kiambu Road. However, he is unsure whether the road is public or private property, and asks City Council of Nairobi Town Clerk Philip Kisia for answers .

"There are at least four barriers manned by personnel from private security firms," he says.

But this has not been a major problem until last Monday when, he claims, the road was closed to the public. Mr Kisia, James wonders what road users should make of the move.

These children need not trek 400km to school

The Ministry of Education has done a decent job in the free education programme. But on June 12, Mr Ochieng’ in Lodwar, Turkana, brought to our attention another neglected aspect: Access (’Where girls have to trek 400km to school’). Before the ministry thumps its chest on the success of free education, he said, it should consider the plight of children in Illret.

He claimed the nearest school a girl in that village can attend is in Loiyangalani, near Lake Turkana. That means travelling more than 400km through bad roads and hostile communities. This leaves the question: Can’t free education be made relevant by improving access to school for the children of Illret, Minister Sam Ongeri ?

Right of Reply

Nema determined to end pollution of River Sosiani

Our attention has been drawn to a query by Mr P Gitonga of Pioneer Estate, Eldoret, regarding the pollution of Sosiani River (Don’t’ You Forget: ‘Nema mum on saving stinking River Sosiani,’ July 1). National Environment Management Authority (Nema) officers in Eldoret are currently undertaking an inspection to identify the polluters after which action will be taken to stop any further illegal disposal of waste into the river.

As you might be aware, Nema is participating in the rehabilitation of Nairobi River on pilot basis, with the aim of replicating lessons learnt in the restoration of other rivers countrywide. We want to express our gratitude to members of the public who have continued to draw our attention to cases of environmental pollution throughout the country.

In the principle of public participation, all persons are encouraged to make a contribution towards a clean and healthy environment. We believe environmental conservation is everyone’s responsibility. Complaints can be reported on e-mail, info@nema.go.ke, or our hotline: 020606041.

Ruth Musembi,

Chief Corporate Communications Manager,

National Environment Management Authority.

Syokimau estate power supply will be done soon

I refer to a matter raised in PointBlank on June 26, regarding power supply to Airport End Estate in Syokimau (‘Living in the dark’). Initially, residents requested for power supply under two projects. However, each group raised issues about the difference in costs of the two projects. To make it easier for them, the company merged the schemes.

The processes of quotations, mergers and payments were time consuming and the project was, therefore, delayed. We are currently seeking wayleaves (permission to cross land) for the power lines to cover the whole area, after which power will be installed. We urge the applicants to be patient as they await implementation of the project, in two to three weeks.

Migwi Theuri,

Deputy Manager, Corporate Communications,

Kenya Power and Lighting Company Ltd.

Point of Order

Where is his money?

Mr Dickson Wambue Gathingira retired on November 23, 2005, but his dues have not been paid. The retired teacher requests the Pensions Department to look into reasons for the delay in processing his file (No 202938).