Why we can’t help but eat Ugali with a dose of poison

Every day of the week, PointBlank can bet that the meal on the dinner table, or floor for that matter, of 99.9 per cent of Nairobi families is Ugali. We can hazard a second guess—that in 95 per cent of these homes, ugali is eaten with sukuma wiki.

A new study by researchers from University of Nairobi and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, says that much of the sukuma (kales) on sale in Nairobi is highly contaminated and poses a serious health risk to consumers. The study found that   kales sold in some open markets and supermarkets contained faecal matter and multiple germs.

This news is gut-wrenching and makes sukuma eaters want to throw up. Ugali and sukuma are our staple foods; cheap and convenient and poor Kenyans can’t do without them. That’s why even after it was recently reported that city farmers were growing the crop using “sewage water”, no one stopped eating sukuma. Even with this new report, no one will boycott sukuma. That’s why we urge Ms Beth Mugo to crack the whip and ensure that what’s sold in our markets is fit for human consumption.

NWSC has no tears over spilt water

It appears that Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company has too much water and cannot be bothered by “minor” leaks. For the past one month, there has been a burst pipe outside Kisembe estate in Karen, according to Alindwa SO, which the firm has not sealed, despite being informed about it.

“We called to report this and they thanked us. However there was no sign of Nairobi Water technicians. We called again and followed up with an e-enquiry (via their website), but still, no sign of a technician.” Never mind that their website promises that any leakage reports will be acted upon within 48 hours! Alindwa can be contacted on 0717559067.

The case is no different at  South “C” Shopping Centre, where a burst pipe has been irrigating the rear of R Soin’s shop. Numerous reports have been made to the water firm, but the irrigation still continues unabated. “Every time I call, I’m given a different story,” says  Soin who complains that the company is losing thousands of shillings. He adds: “I cannot use my plumber as I will face litigation. Will this problem ever be resolved?” Soin can be contacted on 0722306306.

Tononoka estate turned into cesspit

A resident of Tononoka estate in Mombasa would like to thank the Ministry of Housing, estates department, for allowing him and others to rent the State-owned houses.

The resident who requests anonymity for fear of being kicked out by the “Government eviction squad”, however, laments that the landlord has forgotten to provide the tenants with basic sanitation.

For some time now, the sewerage system in the estate has been out of order leading to an over-flow of raw sewage in their compounds. Toilet tabs in the houses, he says, are filled to the brim with excrement.

Despite endless protests and visits to the estates department in Mombasa, he reveals that no action has been taken to  improve the situation.

 “Why don’t they (Ministry of Housing) treat our concerns with seriousness that they deserve? Our health will be at risk if the problem is not addressed quickly,” he says.

 He adds that venturing out at night is a dangerous affair as most manholes are not covered and relentlessly spew smelly sewage. From where you sit,  can smell it, Housing Minister Soita Shitanda?

 

DON’T YOU FORGET

 

Did Olkejuado County Council finally wake up?  

 

Some residents of Ongata Rongai wrote to PointBlank on March 26, claiming that Olkejuado County Council was in deep slumber and had neglected the area. For almost one year now, they said, motorists have had difficulties driving on the busy Magadi Road due to huge potholes, especially on the section around Ongata Rongai town.

 The residents also alleged that in its slumber, the council had forgotten to construct culverts at the junctions of Magadi-Sololo and Magadi-Mage roads in Laiser Hill that they said serve schools, churches and a growing population.

The residents also asked the council to do something about traffic jams in the town, especially in the mornings, evenings and weekends. Did the council wake up from the purported deep slumber?

Power bills make client shudder

Power consumer Timothy Osundwa (Account no. 3173407-01) is pleading with Kenya Power to shed some light on its billing system.

 Osundwa, who lives in Matunda, Kitale says his bill “keeps fluctuating from Sh600 to Sh3000” and he can’t understand why as he only uses the electricity for lighting, powering a radio and television set.

 “Last month I went to the KPLC office in Eldoret and complained. They came and made an assessment and, to my surprise, I got a bill of Sh4,212.” Is his bill exaggerated, Kenya Power? He can be contacted on 0724930900.

 

Right of Reply
Apology over teacher’s protracted probation

The Teachers Service Commission has noted with concern a complaint raised by Edner Kemuma Makori (TSC No. 429274) a teacher at Chebiasis High School, Eldoret.

She raised concerns about not being confirmed from probationary status into permanent and pensionable status despite having worked for six years.

The Commission wishes to reassure the teacher that the letter she received dated February 16, 2009 actually confirmed her as being on permanent and pensionable status. 

The lack of change in her payslip was due to an oversight which has since been amended to reflect the change in status in her November 2012 pay slip.

This however, did not disadvantage her in any way as there is no monetary difference effected by the change in status.

The numerous visits that she made did not bear any fruit as a letter of confirmation was already in her file.

The commission, howeve,r regrets any inconveniences caused her as we consider all our employees worthy of efficient and effective service.

 

Catherine K Lenairoshi

Corporate Communications Office

For Commission Secretary,

Teachers Service Commission

Thanks for helping client, please avail Nokia parts

Thumbs up PointBlank and Nokia for their quick response to their customer’s plea for a keypad via this column. I thank the customer, Joshua Ochieng from Kisumu, for raising the issue.

Mine is just to plead with Nokia Kenya  to avail keypads and casings to their clients who buy their smartphones only to dispose them after one year because there are no available replacements for  casings and the screen covers.

I bought a Nokia (6730 c series) sometime back but can no longer use it since I accidentally stepped on its keypad leading to a crack, which made it difficult for me to handle it. It’s a real pain.

Dan Awi,

Eldoret

Point of Order

Man pleads for Airtel money 

Sammy Okaro is worried that his complaints to Airtel Money through their 111 hotline (more than 10 times) and their customer care centres on October 9, 11, 16 and 23 have fallen on deaf ears. Since he deposited Sh2200 at Nakumatt West Gate on October 9, Mr Okaro has not been able to check balance, buy airtime, send or withdraw the money and needs help. His contact is 0726149935.