PROF NEHEMY NDIRANGO KIHARA-LAIKIPIA SENATOR 2012 - 2017

Laikipia County under my Senator Watch will ensure that criminals will no longer hide among us and will no longer terrorize our families, homes, businesses and places of Worship, with impunity as they seem to have been doing. I will collaborate with the efforts of the County Professionals, who have continued to develop new ideas of investment creation we will rejuvenate growth and develop agriculture and new industries. I will lead the effort to increase our schools to accommodate all those who need to go to school. And at the least lead to the building of one or two Universities before 2017.

BACKGROUND: EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCES

I was born in Nanyuki, Laikipia at the down of colonial emergency. I grew up and was reared in the area. My early primary schooling begun at Timau and went to Nairobi for secondary education. Later I attended and graduated from St. Paul’s [United Theological College] University, Limuru. 

My career began as a licensed and ordained Minister of the Presbyterian Church of East Africa. I served as the Moderator of the larger Muthithi Parish, and Secretary of the Board/Principal of Muthithi Secondary School [which I had revived after it had been discontinued due to mismanagement]. I was elected and served also as the Clerk of the wider Murang’a Presbytery based in Thika 

Later I left for overseas higher education; where I  attained a Bachelor of Theology [B.Th.] in Biblical Literature and History, then graduated with a Master of Divinity [M.Div.] in Ethics, Psychology of Religion and Counseling] from the Interdenominational Theological  Center [Johnson Smith Theological Seminary] at  the Clark Atlanta University Center.

Finally, I graduated with a Doctor of Philosophy [Ph.D.] in Anthropology/Sociology of Religion and Political Science. Emory University, Atlanta GA. 

Almost a decade later, I returned from overseas and taught at the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies as well as Sociology [which I helped to establish] at Kenyatta University. I was also elected as a University Senator and Representative of the larger Faculty of Arts in the Senate. 

SOCIAL JUSTICE ADVOCACY AND POLITICAL ACTIVISM

It was difficulty for me to keep silent about the injustice and unfairness and lack of principles in the academia and in the nation. By default I became an academic freedom activist in the unregistered UASU-University Academic Staff Union, and during its nine month strike was elected as Chairman for Strategic and Operational Support Committee [which was financially supporting lecturers and sustaining the strike]. I was one of the last two senior lecturers to stand until the end. I had decided during the strike that I will always help the graduate students that I supervised, and any undergraduate in need of an emergence academic advice. I had learned important strategies and lessons on how to be on strike and to demand one’s rights without victimizing others who are equally oppressed by the same system.

Unfortunately, due to my continual on campus and outside community democratization, advocacy and activism, I was indefinitely dismissed from the university, while on a medical [dental] emergence overseas.   I was also charged with causing student riots in absentia, authoring subversive literature, leaving the country without Presidential clearance among many other issues that were typical, during the Moi regime. 

It was hard to believe that after more than a decade of university teaching, service, research and development contributions it had to result into a wrongful and unjust dismissal. But I humbly, accepted this as a prize and medal for my sacrifices.

CURRENT TEACHING, JOURNALISM AND COMMUNITY SERVICE

Since then I have taught as an Adjunct Professor [Ethics] at University of St .Francis, Jolliet, IL. College of Health, Henry Medical Center, GA. Professor of Sociology/Social Sciences, Saint Leo University, FL and at the Atlanta Campus based in the Fort McPherson Army Base, East Point, GA.

I also work as a Broadcast Journalist/Radio Show Host/Producer-at WATB 1420 AM. The radio station streams live in English and Swahili every Saturday [East African -Sagal Radio]. I also serve as a Commentator and Political Analyst at the African Association of Georgia panel [AAGA] live online broadcast on Tuesday evenings at the Pan-Africa Radio Network [ARN].

I’m trained and Certified as a Search and Rescue Specialist [and Disaster Management] with Georgia State Defense Forces. I’m certified as a trainer in biological and chemical water quality monitoring. [Georgia State, Department of Natural Resources]. I’m a consulting Anthropologist, Southside Creek Stream Keepers Association (Cascade Nature Preserve - Utoy Creek.)

COMMITTIMENT TO DEMOCRACY AND CIVIL EDUCATION

My motivation to be  the Senator for Laikipia, is based on my believe that the Almighty Creator expects me to live by his Divine principles, in humbleness and total submission to his loving Will so that we can  live in a more peaceful environment  and show the Creator’s mercy  to all  Humanity and Creation.

I have been a keen observer and participant in the Kenyan geo-political landscape. I had the opportunity as an academic researcher, interacted with almost all ethno-linguistic groups as well as visiting all corners of the country and the bordering nations. During the KANU Review Committee at Nyeri I was able to second proposals for change with my colleague in the struggle and fellow Clergy Rev. Dr. Timothy Njoya, and also joined a colleague - Academician –Prof Wamere Dadet [K.U. French Dept.; Head] for another educational reform proposal in the same sitting at Central Provincial Headquarters.

My support for all those struggling to change the Nyayo Regime included visiting and hanging at night with the Striking Mothers at Uhuru/Freedom corner, where I met not only our dear sister the late Prof. Wangari Mathaai but very principled Mothers of our Nation.

Later, I was engaged in Civil Education all over the nation with the Ecumenical Institute for Peace and Justice as a Trainer /Civil Educator and Interfaith Justice and Political Democratization Facilitator.  Developed voter education manuals and supervised election monitors with the African Bureau of Electoral Education, Research and Monitoring. [BEERAM] Supervisor and Trainer - election monitors / Observers for Kenya’s first Multi-party National Elections (1992); for the National Council of Women of Kenya [NCWK].

LAIKIPIA COUNTY, RIFT VALLEY REGION

Laikipia County is located in the [Bode la Ufa] Rift Valley Region of Kenya. It has three National Assembly Constituencies namely: North Laikipia, East Laikipia, and West Laikipia. The county has seven administrative areas, namely Central, Lamuria, Mukogondo, Rumuruti, Nyahururu, Ol Moran and Ngarua. It borders Samburu [north], Isiolo[northeast], Meru[southeast], Nyeri [south], Nyandarua [southwest], Nakuru [southwest], Koibatek[west], Baringo[west].

SENATOR AS A LINK OF NATIONAL AND COUNTY GOVERNANCE

The devolution system of governance has a national government [Nairobi] and 47 County governments [Laikipia County in our case]. In order to participate in our own governance, the role of the Senator is crucial as a link National body of all counties. As Senator, Laikipians can be assured that they will develop the capacity to participate as citizens in their own governance. I will struggle to make it a government that works for the people, driven for the people and chosen by the people. We cannot keep repeating the same mistakes. 

We send M.P.s to Parliaments who end up increasing their own salaries and retirement [from politics] packages that lead to overtaxing of other Kenya citizens who struggle daily, with high food and fuel prices. Our teachers and medics get low deals in salaries among many other service providers. When a person has represented us previously and nothing has changed for us as the people, why should we think that if we return them again there will be change and anything for us? We can see how their lives and status change. Most of them have the guts to come around campaigning with new and latest machines or even the birds of the air they call helicopters. With a few kilos of sugar, chicken feet and goat heads, they bribe their way back to make fools of us. 

Political representation must not be turned into a career of one or particular groups of people. We need a flesh, bold and beyond corruption Senator. That is what I am offering Laikipians. We must change things together. God willing we will change things.

AGRICULTURAL AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT

The backbone of Laikipia economy is mainly horticultural, greenhouse and grain crops. The main grains include maize, beans and peas; potatoes, tomatoes, vegetables and many other varieties are also grown including wheat, barley and pyrethrum. 

Laikipia can grow enough food to feed itself, its neighbors and market its products. The small scale farmers are hardworking, but unfortunately, many brokers and middlepersons exploit them when selling their agricultural products to export companies. These farmers must be mobilized to organize themselves into marketing groups. Without unity and one strong voice, they stand to be exploited by those greedy brokers, whose interests are their own enrichment.

Nanyuki used to be the home of Mount Kenya Textiles, which is just one example of potential industries that can be developed. At least in collaboration with the efforts of the county Professionals, who have continued to develop new ideas of investment creation we will rejuvenate growth and develop agriculture and new industries.

RECREATION FACILITIES AND SPORTS DEVELOPMENT

The county needs to create more parks for the locals and international tourists. We have the natural beauty, where people could find a place to rest, to walk, to meditate, jog or run. These parks will create employment, since they will need security and maintenance. We also need to create swimming facilities and natural beaches where our children can play with the sand. If some private tour facilities in the county can have them, there is no excuse for the county to have them at affordable fees. Our hills and mountains are natural beauties where recreational sports, such as hiking, picnics and camping can easily developed. The local authority can create facilities charging minimal and affordable administrative and maintenance fees.  The local schools, churches and masjids [mosques] and other community institutions will have to collaborate to ensure that our youth spend their leisure time in competitive and rewarding sports; instead of abusing alcohol, drugs and chemical substances, or getting caught up in anti-social community terrorizing gangster behaviors.

EDUCATION AND YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AND JOB CREATION

Laikipia County has 274 Primary Schools,[total of 84,000 pupils] 60 Secondary Schools, [total of 13,000 students]. Most of the early childhood educational facilities are operated by the private sector. The trend should be encouraged but proper regulations must ensure that the communities are protected from substandard and predatory individuals running such daycares. 

We appreciate the help that the Ministry of Youth Affairs gave West Laikipia three operating Polytechnics. These institutes are crucial in rural development, since they can, [if well-staffed and supported]; create the needed skills, for employment and also self-employment. We need at least six more of these in all three constituencies of the County envisioned between 2012-2017.The needed equipment such as computers, tools and tutors. Some our retired and patriotic artisans, willing industries and companies can be approached to offer their services. We will increase our schools to accommodate all those who need to go to school. At least we will also build two or one University before 2017.

CULTURAL PRESERVATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION

Preserving our cultural heritage and conserving our natural environment are two issues that the county must deal with. Laikipia’s population is one of the most ethnically mixed in the nation. We have to preserve this cultural wealth by creating museums that continue to collect and maintain the material culture of these ethno-linguistic groups. We must improve the quality and quantity of our libraries, so that research and scholarship can improve in the County.

Laikipia County has the reputation of being second to Maasai Mara, in terms of having the largest diversity of wildlife in Kenya. We are proud of the Laikipia Wildlife Forum that has been at the forefront of conservation in the country. While rivers continue to dry due to possible climatic changes, most of the county’s rivers have dried due to greedy and selfish people, who by illegal abstractions divert water at the upper reaches, to water their gardens, which in turn makes it impossible for the people at the lower reaches to get any water. Water management strategies and proper policing must be encouraged, in order to ensure water quality and quantity and improved catchment.

PEACE KEEPING, POLICING AND COMMUNITY SECURITY

Among the reasons why most Kenyans, include Laikipians, never trusted the Police is that over the years the Force ‘Kikosi’ has maintained a colonial perception that their number one enemy is the Citizen, [‘raia ni adui’]. As a result a recruit or rookie [flesh graduate from training] faced the other citizens as enemies, and while outside the police lines, behaved as if he is on enemy territory. Therefore, the citizens responded in a similar manner, where the police were seen as enemies who cannot be trusted. When they continued demanding bribery in lieu of false charges and arrests, the citizens responded to their blackmailing, as they would to any hated crooks. This has to change. 

The Constitution does not deny us self-defense as communities. Community policing allows us to be friendly and cooperate with the Police, while the Force too is legally required to treat the citizens with due respect. In cooperation with the police we intend to organize into Neighborhood Watch Zones, where we keep security around manageable blocks of households, with elected or volunteer block captains under a ‘Community Peace and Security Committees’. We expect the police to cooperate with us as taxpayers and by default their employers; in order to secure our communities. Within such a vision ‘police posts’ will be organized within reasonable distances. Laikipia County can be easily secured and terrorizing gangs, or raids can be a thing of the past. No proper policing can be done without the cooperation of the local community. Cooperation cannot be possible without mutual trust. We assume that the Kenya Police and Administrative Police, Forestry and Wildlife Forces are now reforming to comply with the new Constitution and our expectations. We expect our police to be ‘servants to all citizens, without behaving like community terrorists. Every citizen should always be assumed to be innocent until found guilty by a Court of Law.