Tobacco was first introduced in Uriri Constituency in early 70s, and at that time, Uriri constituency (the former Kanyamkago location) was a virgin land with population of averagely 100,000 people.
The constituency was prone to heavy rainfall with thunderstorms in the afternoon. The constituency was receiving rains virtually four to five times every week. It had beautiful and spectacular scenery, with canopies along the riverbanks, and on the slopes as well as on top of several hills in the constituency, which influenced the convectional rainfall around the Lake basin region.
Some of the hills which potentially influenced the weather pattern in the constituency include, Sigawa and Got Jope hills (Oyani Masai) on the eastern side boardering Transmara District, God Olima on South East , God Rombee in Kanyamkago, God Amoso and Akonjo in Kanyamkago, and God Ting’na, God Sibuoche, and God jaoko in West Kanyamkago.
Frequent heavy thunderstorms, with hailstones experienced in the afternoons were frequent, influenced by overheating in Lake Victoria, which is hardly twenty (20) Kilometres away.
The constituency is highly cosmopolitan, perhaps the highest in Kenya, with different clans and tribes. Among many others are Kanyamkago, Luhyas, Gem, Kakremba, Kamreri, Kamgungho, Karachuanyo, ALego, Kisii, Kuria, Masai etc.
The modest rainfall during summer period enhanced alot of soil nutrients, followed with continuous heavy rains during winter period, and as a result, it created naturally fertile Agricultural land which could could grow any kind of cash crop.
Three decades ago, residents of Uriri constituency were hardly using fertilizers to motivate crop development in their farms. Nevertheless the produce from their farms were overwhelming because of natural fertility.
With the advent of BAT in early 70s, in the constituency, resident of Uriri constituency got attracted to the economic benefit derived from the proceeds of sale on smoked tobacco product. Since the process of developing tobacco upto the final stage, ready for sale, involves alot of smoking the matured product.
This necessitated the need to do deforestation, in order to obtain logs for use as firewood for smoking the harvested product. This, as a result, interfered with naturaly green environment. Little did the locals know that in the process of looking for economic benefit, they were doing harm than good to their natural green environment.
Currently, canopies along the river banks, on the slopes and on top of hills, which were highly responsive for convention rainfall, have since disappeared, and what is left are dry shrubs which have little influence on weather pattern.
The residents Uriri, Rongo, Nyatike, Kuria and Transmara, feel that BAT and SUPER MATCH should be held responsible for climate degradation on the aforesaid districts.
They are appealing to the two companies to allocate sufficient funds to finance afforestation on the above Districts in order to bring back the ever green environment that was there before.
Farmers in the above districts are also complaining about delays in settlement of the proceeds of the delivered product to the two companies. They want the companies to ensure that farmers are paid promptly in order to assist them meet their basic needs.
BOB AWITI OTANGE – URIRI CONSTITUENCY
this is a truly enlightening piece. its unfortunate that the tobacco industry has managed to create a positive impression on itself in terms of contribution to the National economy, yet no one really cares to analyze their negative impact on the environment, as you rightfully point out; but also on the socio- economic welfare of individuals and the country as a whole.
these companies should be held responsible for all their activities, including the impact of their products and processes on the environment, tobacco growers and workers as well as consumers of their harmful products.
I like the historical connection of facts and relating it to the current environmental developments in the area. The enactment of the Tobacco Control Act 2007, was aimed at ensuring that production, manufacture, advertising, sale etc is done within the legislative framework.
There are grounds for bring the firms to account so that the lost glory of the area can be restored for the benefit of the current and future generations. This is what meaningful development should achieve as opposed to what has transpired in the area.
The back stops with leadership, it is wanting. Who would engage the companies and unite the divide residents of uriri. The isms must stop if uriri has to prosper. There are a lot of resources out there but who would champion the case for uriri. Why have we for two times, elected Hon Omamba or the innocumbent Hon. omollo at the expense of Obado or any other vibrant educated candidates.? We all knew the limitations of the former.
The tobacco companies are not solely to blame. where do farmers take the millions of tree seedlings they prepare each year in nurseries? Suppose they where planning the same each year, by now we would be another abadare. How about Wisely spending CDF in massive tree planting exercise to reclaim the lost glory.