I am Mathews K. Tuikong a Kenyan of Kalenjin extraction working towards my 40th birthday. I have gone the full circle and this is my second lap around the life circle. Mmm. hope to discuss this some time later. though i just wanted to log in that i am now learning what a blog site is and that it can be shared with everyone else in this green and blue marble.
Today the main story where i live is about refugees from our neighbouring country Somali, the number of displaced persons is over one million and according to the Government Spokesman Mr. Alfred Mutua the trek is due to hunger. Some of the affected people having walked over 100s of Kiliometres yet they are Women and Children. He also says the Border is closed though no refugees have been returned but the situation is grave and camps should be built in Somalia. What do we do, please consider sending one unit of your national currency or more to the nearest Red cross or Red Cresent association near you. Food drops would be another good option
Matkong
Jambo it is now 5/8/2011 about two weeks since the first post, what a response to the request for support, this is really encouraging. By 5th August 2011, the Kenyan public have through an initiative of Kenyans for Kenyans raised Kshs 100million through an M pesa initiative. People are giving what they can and there are now T shirts that are being printed with an intention to raise a further Ksh 365 million.The American Red cross in its twitter page also indicates that they have similary given Kshs 1 million towards hunger in the horn of Africa,this amounts to Kshs 90 million. The Kenya Government has mobilised its defence forces to distribute food by road and air, this has hastened to food reaching the deserving recepients including a 106 year old man in Mandera shown on TV last wenesday. Though more needs to be done. It is interesting to read that there is actually technology for making rain under development. I wonder when this may become a real benefit to marginalised communities in the world. Then there also is a debate on the use of Genetically modified foods (GMO). The jury on its use is still out and we hope to hear from them soon.
Today is 7th August 2011, the initative is growing and some of the food has begun reaching the malnaurished families. in the news yesterday evening the Kenyan Minister for special programs indicated that the support required is food for critical malnourished especially babies and the lactating mothers who may not be able to eat solid serials.
Elsewhere after the sucessfull fundraising that grew the Kshs 90 million to Kshs 500million a new target has been raised of Kshs 1billion. this will enable support to be made towards the long term solutions such as supporting the irrigation projects in Turkana and Garissa.
But this initiative so far is targetted at Kenyans and Somali refugees. there is need to also increase the support in Mainland Somalia including improving the security situation.
Please continue to Help these Souls.
Mathews K. Tuikong
