By: Kibet Terry
The recent remarks by the Deputy President H.E Rigathi Gachagua to the effect that shamba system should be reintroduced to help boost food production as well as promote forest cover has received varied views.
Heavyweights and environmental conservationists have taken to social media to express their shock courtesy of DP Rigathi’s viewpoint.
Prof James Ole Kiyiapi, Lawyer Ahmednasir Abdullahi, Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina, Dr Miguna Miguna among other leaders were quick to TOTALLY DISAGREE with the proposal citing huge loopholes that in their humble view renders the suggestion retrogressive in its entirety.
As the debate continues eliciting mixed reactions, reference has been made on natural forest which doubles up as water catchment areas being least amongst those that should ever be considered as an option for the said system.
Prof Kiyiapi had this to say “The Shamba system – now renamed Plantation Establishment & Livelihood Improvement System (PELIS) – was used to tender young seedlings in commercial plantations & works under STRICT monitoring & supervision. Should NEVER be allowed in natural forests, especially watershed areas!” while Sen Kina opined thus “There is no Shamba System in Mau Forest so whoever thinks the DP is above the law dream on…”
Proposals on ways of mitigating drought and food situations should always be analysed with an open mindset,the Maa Nation has set a very bad precedence of championing for the preservation of Mau Forest especially the western block in disguise though in reality are pushing for eviction of the Kipsigis residing near the said block.
I’ll be brutally honest that the continuous calls by the Maa leaders (previously Ole Ntimama, and now Ole Kina) on Mau Conservation is purely out of the need to see some quarters out of thier “hard won” county which is a nullity in the context of CoK 2010 (and even the independence constitution) which allows anyone reside anywhere without fear, favour or intimidation.
Under the gallant leadership of the late Hon Kipkalya Kones, the Kipsigis had a leader to lean on and champion their existential threat while the present crop of leaders are remotely controlled by groups pushing selfish commercial interests with the imaginary peace and tranquility presently witnessed.
A long lasting solution on The Mau Complex is long overdue, the Jogoo regime only settled those who were politically right (imported ones ONLY) and awarded them with valid titles while a good portion are under caveat or were thrown out without a pinch of emphathy by the “No Nonsense” George Natembeya, evicted families in Camps (at Saptet & Ol Mekenya) are suffering and some personalities sees it fit for them to endure all the pains and privileges of being laser beings.
This will form the litmus test for #CHAGUARUTO Regime, it’s NOW or NEVER!
kibetterry@yahoo.com @kibetterry