Nyangweta Forest Excision; just a Tip of Conservation Crisis in Kisii County (PART 1)

Kisii County was part of the defunct Nyanza Province, the New Constitution 2010 having introduced devolution. It is probably one of the best placed counties, among the 47, to set good development records owing to its strategic location in the fertile soils of Gusii Land, good rains and consistent and plenty of professionals. The Kisii County Government has many plans and projects that will make it stay true to its mission of “Prosperity for All.” However, some of the projects are quite ambitious, some of which might lead to serious environmental impacts and permanent changes in the county’s natural resource base. One of such projects is a Ksh. 5 billion sugar factory that the County Government wants to set up in Nyangweta Forest, one of the few forests in the county. This is in addition to plans of further excising the forest (Nyangweta), to set up an Agricultural Campus for Kisii University. In this piece, I will highlight how this project affects the already threatened Nyangweta Forest ecosystem, is full of contradictions, with scanty information, and how the County Government has generally failed to conserve and sustainable manage natural resources within its jurisdiction.

PROJECT OVERVIEW
The Kisii County Government is planning to excise 120 acres of the Nyangweta Forest, to set up a Sugar Factory, worth Ksh. 5 billion (The Standard , Capital News). The motion has already beeen tabled in the Kenyan Senate by Professor Ongeri (Kisii County Senator) who said that this will leave only 18 acres of the forest. Although there are no clear statistics about the total area of the forest, an approximation puts it at 138 acres. This means that they are planning to clear over 80% of the forest- literally no forest will be left.

STATUS OF NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION IN KISII COUNTY

According to statistics, the total forest cover in Kisii County is about 2.6% (8, 540 acres out of total land area of 321,731 acres- 1302 sq. km). The Constitution of Kenya (2010) and Vision 2030 set a target of at least 10% forest cover in Kenya, meaning that each county should contribute to this target. Kisii County is therefore, lagging behind in addressing this target due to various reasons. The most important factor/hindrance, is that the county government seems to not have a FOREST POLICY to guide its forestry operations. If at all the policy exists, it is only in the books and no serious implementation is being done. In the New Constitution 2010, FOREST EXTENSION is one of the devolved functions, thus a responsibility of the county government. The County Government talks of having District Forest Extension Officers (DFEOs) whose mandate is to promote forestry extension in the county. However, it seems these DFEOs, if they indeed were recruited, are not doing their extension work properly. This is going by the current situation of environmental challenges in the county; e.g. ignorant (sometimes intentional) planting of particular trees species in unwanted areas such as planting of eucalyptus in wetlands and other water sources, low forest cover in farmlands throughout the county, drying water sources, and reclamation of wetlands through brick making among other things. Despite the government introducing the three months moratorium, destruction of forests is rife in Kisii County. This tells that the County Government has not displayed any passion or efforts to promote forest conservation and management, but they are willing to excise part of its little forests for establishment of a sugar industry.

CONTRADICTIONS AND SCANTY INFORMATION

In trying to display their efforts to conserve the environment, the County Government is said to have identified 13 forests which they will allocate to the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) for conservation and management. The Kisii County Government claims that Former CS for Environment and Natural Resources gazetted some forests within the County, the 13 forests being among them. This is indeed a good move to enhance conservation and management of the forests. However, this Gazette notice is not in the public domain, meaning that this might be false. Actually, information from the forest department in the county says that, “The County does not have a gazetted forest.” This is a total contradiction that calls for careful evaluation of the gazette claims. During his presentation in the Senate, Professor Ongeri noted that the County Government has received a nod from key stakeholders, including the Kisii County Assembly, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) from NEMA, approval by the Kenya Forest Service (KFS). He also mentioned that the there was public participation from the community members, who also gave it an approval. However, there is no document in the public domain to proof that such activities took place, including the feasibility test document! Why is the County Government hiding such key documents from the public, if at all they are available? If the documents are shelved, they county government should make efforts to avail them to the public through their website. 

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

According to the Kisii County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP 2013-17), Nyangweta Forest is a GEOLOGICAL AREA that can serve as 1) TOURISM and RECREATION site 2) be used for CULTURAL/HERITAGE issues and 3) Conservation of WATER, SOIL and BIODIVERSITY. This is line with the Forest Conservation and Management Act (2016). So, are the 13 forests the County is allocating to KFS serving the functions as those mentioned above (Nyangweta Forest)? Of course NO, because you cannot replace an Ecosystem Service! You can only enhance it.

LANDSLIDES
The same CIDP (2013-17) report mentions that Nyangweta Forest is threatened with encroachment, overgrazing, and soil erosion. Indeed, the Kenya Red Cross issued a landslide notice in Nyangweta area in November 2015. This already confirms that Nyangweta Forest is an endangered ecosystem, due to mismanagement. Shockingly, there are no recorded efforts of trying to address these environmental challenges, but the County Government wants to go ahead and excise part of this forest. This will only spell doom for Nyangweta area because landslides and other hazards might be the order of the day.

We should not only look at the economic aspects, but also the long term environmental impacts that this project will have on the surrounding community now and in the future!

PLEASE STAY TUNED FOR PART TWO, FOR MORE ANALYSIS AND THOUGHTS/ SUGGESTIONS/ RECOMMENDATIONS ABOUT THE PROJECT.

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Omomura Egesora

NOTE: This poem is written in my native language (Kisii). The Kisii people live in Western Parts of Kenya (former Nyanza Province).

Kae omwana ekebago,

Tacha koba ekeb’ago,

Maambia aimokie obokombe,

Aburugere chinsiaga.

Erio mambia ae chiombe,

Na mogoroba aimokie egekombe,

Kogenda konywa amabere,

Na gokombi amakombi.

Ase engencho ne’yaye,

Igo akonywa atari gosoka,

Erio mambia kagosoka,

Igo akororekana egesora!

Akoiyeria emete,

Obutora boronge,

Orangeria Barongo,

Banyebeka irongo,

Eyende baira Birongo.

Moisonde naira chibao Nyabara Ibere,

Bakamoa emerongo ebere,

Korende tagogetigwe nonya,

Aya onsi nase’enengecho atamaeti amariko!

Ma’iga bono oiranire esukuru,

Nario mambia atanga’ainwe naende,

Na mambia ende agende mache ng’umbu,

Gakoirana abe omorai,

Gose omoraria,

Arete oborabu sobo,

Na gotoa ogosemeria,

Oywo nere omomura egesora!

My Japanese Girlfriend

I am sitting here,

Everything seems to be right here,

But that is not the case,

For something is amiss,

What could be the mess?

My heart beats faster,

My mind so restless,

I am dumb,

My hands so numb,

My legs can’t move,

The eyes out of focus,

Seeing the same image in everything.

All these troubles caused by one situation,

That I met at the auction,

I can’t believe I took the action,

Because I didn’t like such actions,

I don’t know why!

Many had come my way,

I pushed them away,

But things changed at her arrival,

Glad she didn’t find a rival.

No rivalry to my Japanese girlfriend,

She is the only one,

Who knows what I need at what time,

If I need a ride,

She is right there for me,

Just a little lubrication,

Sit on and I keep it calm,

Enjoying the moment.

But oh my!

She demands too much servicing,

Being inflated all the time,

Because deflation is not a choice.

This is task is sometimes daunting,

But I will never give up,

My ego cannot allow that,

For she is too precious,

Too invaluable,

So important,

No option,

She is mine.

She is so loyal,

Making me feel royal,

So eco-friendly,

Making me friendly,

She takes care of me,

I take care of her,

So we take care of each other,

Oh this Japanese girlfriend,

My BICYCLE!

Judgement

When you say I am educated, remember I searched for it,

I accepted to be a fool,

And the dream became full,

It has taken me time,

And the struggle continues.

When you say I am rich, remember I was ones penniless,

Struggling to get a shilling that I could call mine,

It never came that easy.

When you say I am full, remember there was a time I slept hungry,

My stomach roared,

Downing a cup of strong tea made the night for me.

When you say I am smart, remember I was ones in tatters,

All my clothes full of patches,

Talk of school uniform,

My Sunday best,

And my beloved soccer shorts.

When you say I am riding, remember I ones walked shoeless,

Walking all the miles to school,

And sometimes all the way to the grandma’s place.

When you say I am proud, think of where I have come from,

Only then will you realize the reason for that ‘pride.’

So, please don’t judge me by the present,

But rather where I have come from,

I gave up on many things,

Some good, some bad,

Some sweet, some sour,

Some painful, some pleasurable,

…all those!

That is what it took to be me,

And I am sure it is not too late for you to do it.   

Forest Certification

Do you read the label of products that you buy? And if you do, what motivates you? I bet most of us could say it is the ingredients because of maybe allergies and religious believes. However, we always fail to consider the channel or the origin of such products; whether the production process was (is) legal or standard. For instance, when we buy wood products, we care less about the certification standards but rather the quality and maybe price. It is require that all forest products should undergo Forest Certification before they are available in the market. The Wild Worldwide Fund (WWF) defines Forest Certification as a “system of inspection and tracking timber, pulp and other forest products to ensure they have been harvested according to a strict set of guidelines.” A number of organizations do Forest Certification, but the most credible one is the Forest Stewardship Council (SFC). Founded in 1994, SFC was a result of the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, that suggested formation of an independent worldwide forest certification scheme. This scheme needed to be free of any governmental, political, or regional influences, thus SFC came up.

SFC has established principles that are considered before giving certification to the forest owners. The principles not only consider the type of trees cut but also on the socio-economic aspects of the forests such as the welfare forest employees, benefits to the community including indigenous rights, usage tenure rights, and environmental management and conservation measures. It is only by showing credible application of the ten solid principles that SFC can certify a particular forest. Program for Endorsement of Forest Certification Schemes (PEFC) is also another famous forest certification body.     

I think forest certification has to be the major point of focus if we want to promote sustainable forest management practices (SFM). With most business people rushing for cheap and illegally logged forest products, a strict implementation Forest Certification principle can help address such issues. It should be a law that all commercial forest products must have a “Forest Certification” seal to save on our forests for both the present and the future. Notably, lack of implementing and enforcing such policies as Forest Certification, have seen regions like Sub-Saharan Africa incur huge losses due to illegal logging;  about 17 billion US dollars, while the global loss is 100 billion US dollars (Africa Progress Report, 2014). In his encyclical, “Laudato Si” (Our Common Home), Pope Francis laments that it is quite unfortunate that most countries have masterpieces of laws and policies, but they end up on shelves without implementation and enforcement. As such, it might be difficult to go by these Forest Certification rules, but with cooperation among various stakeholders ranging from global, regional, national, local and private organizations, it is cannot be any challenging. Indeed, Forest Certification is the best way to create a world where social, economic, and ecological aspects positively converge.    

References

WWF. Forest Certification. 

 FSC principles and criteria. 

Forest Certification. 

Pope Francis. Laudato Si (Our Common Home)

Africa Progress Report, 2014 

Heart-on collision

My soul searched,

My eyes saw,

My heart felt,

My spirit accepted,

And my mind discovered.

That you are water in its purest form,

Water tapped before the mountains went forestless,

Water tapped before the rivers knew pollution,

Water tapped before the lakes went saline,

And wells ran dry,

Water driving everyone thirsty.

The water gave me a love potion,

And today I wana make a proposition,

Though it might meet opposition,

I am sure it will be a heart-on collision,

Thus an amazing coronation,

Calling you my queen,

And me your king.

Then we shall belong to the palace,

Which is the only place,

Where you find solace,

Servants untying your shoelace,

As you step in shoeless,

Your shoulders shawl-less,

But to the world you will show less.

When you call me for revenge,

Please don’t find it strange,

For I will bring drama on stage,

And put the enemies in the cage,

As we enjoy at the edge,

Watching the sun come of age,

Thus turning our page.

The Japanese new-year preparation and celebration; culture at its best

Most people in the world consider the New Year a very special day, where each country/region has its own way of celebrating it. Having celebrated the New Year twice in Japan, I have to say that for Japanese people, this period goes beyond fun and entertainment. Oshogatsu, as Japanese refer to it, is a period characterized with busy schedules of various activities. I think this is the biggest holiday in Japan, for they do not really celebrate Christmas. In Japan, Christmas is more of a commercial activity where you find people buying and or wearing Christmas brands and products, illuminations in the cities, and “Santa clause” on a motorbike to deliver some pizza! But in the real sense, Christmas day in Japan is the time to evaluate your business, finish some experiment or attend a lecture, and most probably plan for an appointment with your client in January. I think end year period is quite hectic for the working class, but the New Year holidays give them a reason to smile and probably rejuvenate for subsequent working days.

Preparations (Decorations)     

They are not decorations as such, but for lack of a better word, I will call them so. Each of them has own meaning with the designs and components specified. 

Kadomatsu

One of such decorations is the “kadomatsu,” composing of plum, pine and bamboo plants. Going around shopping areas, offices, and even homes, the Kadomatsu stands conspicuously along the doorsteps clearly setting you into the New Year celebration mood. 

Hanging on the main doors of buildings is the “shimenawa,” consisting of twisted rice straws and white paper that sandwich an orange. The Japanese people believe that Shimenawa will protect them from evil and any danger throughout the year. “Bonsai” is another ornamental object (mini-garden) that has growing pine, plum and bamboo plants. 

Shimenawa 

Generally, the growing plants on the decorations symbolize longevity and prosperity. 
As such, any time you visit a Japanese house, office, or institution in the New Year you better beware of the importance of such decorations/objects.

Food and Prayer

Although Japanese are not strictly religious, they have time for prayer and meditation in the New Year. One is not compelled to visit the temple or shrine all through the year, but in the New Year, the urge and motivation can be felt. Temples and shrines all over Japan are filled with both the old and young. They all flock in these religious places for special prayers to ask for blessings and good luck for the whole year. Here, they also draw or buy lucky charms for success in one’s activities like sports, passing exams among others. Prayers petitions can also be written on wooden chips and be left in temple or shrine to be prayed over.     

Osechi

Notably, special food (osechi in Japanese) is served in the New Year with every component of the food having its own meaning. One of such foods is kazunoko (fish eggs) that mean one be blessed with many children. Other foods include black beans, egg roulade, and shrimp or prawn, which symbolize health, wealth, and long life respectively. 

However, the taste and appearance of some of the foods has made me not sample (eat) all of them yet. I hope I will before I leave Japan!

New Year Cards

With all the enthusiasm and anxiety that comes with the Christmas celebrations and New Year, most of us like to show and receive love from the people we value in our lives. This can be expressed through various ways such as gifts, sending cards, and making calls. However, in Japan there is a 1,000-year-old culture of making the New Year even more interesting. This is by sending of the New Cards (nengajo in Japanese) to friends, family members, and business partners. Nengajo have been in use since the Heian Period, but came to a halt during World War II when there was a lot of tension in the country. The culture was again revived towards the end of the end World War II, when people used them to confirm the safety of their friends and relatives. According to Masami Ito’s article in the Japan Times, ones the cards reached the receivers, they could respond to confirm that they were alive and safe. The cards have a specific message written in Japanese: “Akemashite omedetou gozaimasu. Kotoshimo yoroshiku ongaishimasu” (Happiness to you on the dawn of the New Year. I hope for your favor again in the coming year- translation by Nihongo Instructor Club). However, in the current times, one can write an additional message or even personalize it to meet what they want to communicate. 

Some of the cards I received in the
New Year (2016)

Moreover, foreigners can write the message in their own language; I am yet to write one in Swahili. That is my self-challenge for 2017!
  
The nengajo has indeed been and is still one of the major lines of business in the Japan Post, but “With more and more people communicating via social media…one has to wonder how much longer thisannual New Year’s tradition will continue.” Indeed, technology has come in a big way to enhance communications especially for those who cannot be able to join their loved ones or friends for the celebrations. That is why Savvy Kenya implores you "keep up to date with the latest tech trends so that you never lose sight of family members during the holidays throughout 2016." In regard to this, Japan post has tried to introduce some new tactics such as personalizing the nengajo, where clients can go online and order for incorporation of photos and special messages before the cards are printed. It is my hope the young generation will have the urge to conserve this millennium-old culture.   

Yosakoi 2

NOTE: If you have not read part 1, you can do so by clicking here 

Preparations

To set the record straight, I have to admit that the event is quite organized, well decorated… actually nothing seems to go on err! That tells you that preparations are done on time; i.e. for the performing groups and the organizers. There were over 200 hundred performing groups in this year (2015), from within and without Kochi. Notably, various institutions and companies; private and public, commercial and non-commercial ones, sponsor the performing groups. Thus, most of the groups bear the names of institutions or companies that sponsor them. Indeed, this is one of the best CSR activities, among other benefits that accrue.

The real task comes during the practice time, where some groups start a couple of months before the event, while others a few months to. My group practiced for about one and half (1.5) months; every day for 2 hours except for days off. That was one of the most challenging and engaging moments in life, because of various reasons. The obvious reason is my background; I was born and bred in Africa, a continent known for vigor and energy in music performances; uniquely, movement of virtually all the body parts at ago! Then, here comes Yosakoi, where I need to be a bit calm, and accurately coordinate all the body parts, in a specific position, hold the Naruko in the required way and alignment. Make sure the Naruko shakes at the required time; poor you if you are out of order. Actually, Naruko was an extra burden because I am used to dancing without any instrument on my hand.

My group members

Language was definitely another issue; talk of the song, instructions and interactions- all in Japanese! Although my Japanese was not that bad, I had to depend on my Japanese partners in front and beside me during instruction time. It was funny though, because sometimes it could backfire, when all of them were doing something different; who the hell is doing the right thing? Fortunate enough, the continuous practice did me good, and for sure, I did make it…yaay!

The performances are held in different parts of the city (Kochi), thus necessity for early preparations. This is a time you will see an erection of temporary structures along streets, open spaces, and even halls. Even some major roads and streets are barricaded for Yosakoi purposes; it is party time! All these places are equipped with all safety measures, lighting systems, observation points and decorations that paint the face of a true Yosakoi mood.

Notably, every group have to work on their own sound system, which is normally a truck loaded with all the necessary equipment. The sound system is part and parcel of the convoy during performances in any of locations.

My group's sound system

Festival day

On the Yosakoi eve, there are normally fireworks held to switch on the real festive mood. However, the fireworks may be done after Yosakoi, depending on weather conditions, especially rain. Thankfully, this year’s weather was quite favorable, enabling a 2-hour non-stop fireworks at the Kagami Kawa (river) of Kochi City. That was probably the longest and most interesting fireworks I have ever seen; just sit on the riverbank at night, be drinking some beer and taking snacks as you watch the amazing fireworks explode above you complemented by their beautiful reflection in the Kagami Kawa waters. That is how Yosakoi times gradually role in. 

The fireworks was real fun

"Niagara falls" fireworks at Kagami Kawa

The presentation days (four in total) are marked with colorful streets, and ever-busy operations and movements. Talking of colour color, I am referring to both people (tourists from within and without Japan) and decorations. People really travel from far and wide just to witness how Yosakoi goes down. The presenting groups line up, just to ensure organization and time management. The truck carrying the sound system is always in front, with the announcer (MC) introducing the Group Name, their dance song among other things. The announcers are mostly men with deep voices, shouting at their highest volume, accompanied with excitements! This was probably the first time I saw a Japanese perform and talk vigorously one-on-one. Mostly, I see this on Japanese TV shows and movies. A “Hai” voice signals the start of the dance…come on, let us do this! This is the time to shake it off, igniting the Samurai and the real “ganbarimasyou” spirit.

Most of the songs are about 3-4 minutes, but the dances are done repetitively- meaning replays of the song. This is because some of the distances to be covered are so long. I remember my group dancing for over 30-minutes non-stop from one end to the other! I Cannot forget to mention that sometimes two groups perform simultaneously, or they start immediately behind you. Woe unto you or your group if the sound system in weak because you will be out of order! Glad that my group had one of the best sound systems.

My group in Action

 Mind you, it is summer. You can imagine the sweating rates and fatigue; you got to be strong on this. Actually one of my friends referred to this as literally “swimming in your clothes!” The sweating and fatigue notwithstanding, the audience is always awesome cheering you to the end. They are always lined on both sides of the streets, maybe sited or standing, leaving the performances to astound them. There is no good feeling as to when you realize that someone is enjoying what you are doing; that keeps you moving and pushing on to the end. Some of the audiences even try to “fan at you” (if there is such a phrase) just to cool you down. きもちがいいね (it is such a nice feeling).  

Rival groups in action
(notice the various costumes)

Prizes

My two medals 

There are various prizes won during the Yosakoi festival, but I would like to emphasize on MEDALS! There are judge benches in all the performance, areas. The work of the judges is to identify best dancers, to whom the medals are given. One can collect as many medals as possible; the better your moves are, so are your chances to collect medals. It is actually a bad feeling if one fails to collect a medal in all the 3-4 days of performance! 私は二つメダルとった (I won two medals). One of the medals that I won is called はなメダル (flower medal), and it is said to be the best of all medals in Yosakoi! Glad this happened to me…

The Real Feel

My case was even unique, because I was the only African (not really sure) and maybe the first ever Kenyan to dance Yosakoi…yaay! So, most the times faces could be turning at me- not only the audience but including the media…but do I say! “Sugoi” “Sugoi” were vocabularies of the day. Actually, I promised the media people that I want to teach Yosakoi moves back in Kenya; off course Kenyans need to know about Naruko and the “Monk in Love!”

Yosakoi Interview by Asahi NewsPaper

Yosakoi Interview by Kochi NewsPaper

Indeed, the participation in Yosakoi was a great happening to me. I may not participate in the subsequent ones but I will be always be heads high, spirit burning, and proudly saying “よさこいできった” (I made it in Yosakoi)!

Special Mention

Takeuchi san: This is an awesome person, who made it happen for me. God bless you abundantly. You can visit his company website, Takeuchi Rebuilt, if in need of second-hand cars, and spare parts (will add URL soon)

Jia san: Thank you for always driving back and forth the practicing venue. Enough respect.

Kochi Toyota: The sponsor for my group. May your boundaries expand even more.

Mwangi san: This is the guy that was to dance in my position at Yosakoi. Unfortunately, he has two left legs, meaning he cannot dance…haha! Thanks for the nomination man; always a brother!

Kochi Toyota no Nishiyama Group: My group name; you guys were awesome! Though the teachers were a bit strict (きびしいですね!). Miss you all!

Source Credit: 

Japan Monthly Web Magazine (2011). Awa Odori (Awa Dance Festival) & Yosakoi (Yosakoi Festival). Online (http://japan-magazine.jnto.go.jp/en/1106_awaodori.html)