from AKR|Association of Kenyans Living in Rwanda
Dear Fellow Kenyan,
The AKR Executive Committee is pleased to welcome you to the Jamhuri day Celebrations and End of Year Party to be held on Friday 16th December 2011 at the Sports View Hotel from 6.00pm.
Come we Dine and Dance together as we celebrate successes and drown frustrations of the year gone by.
Further details will be circulated in due course.
Kind regards,
Carol
from AKR|Association of Kenyans Living in Rwanda
Dear Fellow Kenyan,
Compliments of the Season.
My earlier email on the above subject matter refers and wish to
provide the following further information regarding the prayer day:
Venue: The High Commission Chancery, Kacyiru (Opposite Laico Hotel)
Start time: 2.00 pm
Date: Saturday 10th December 2011
Note: Kindly liaise with your respective representatives as indicated
below for any further clarifications and contributions towards success
of the occasion.
Carol.
—–Original Message—–
From: AKR|Association of Kenyans Living in Rwanda
Date: Thu, 24 Nov 2011 13:10:33
Subject: WELCOME TO AN INTER-DENOMINATIONAL PRAYER DAY ON 10TH DECEMBER 2011
Dear Fellow Kenyan,
The AKR Executive Committee invites you to an Inter-denominational
Prayer day to be held on Saturday 10th December 2011. Let us all meet
and pray for our Country Kenya and for our brothers and sisters
fighting in Somalia as well as give thanks for the mercies visited on
us throughout the year and for peace and prosperity of our host
nation.
The following will help the EC coordinate:
(1) The Catholic Community – Carol Ndinya and Sam Kebongo;
(2) Pentecostals – Rebson Dzala;
(3) SDA Community – Mark Rachuonyo and Mike Mutisya;
(4) The Muslim Community -TBA.
The program is planned to start in the afternoon. I will share with
you the finer details and advise of the Venue in due course.
Further, be advised that, AKR shall not participate in this month’s
Umuganda as earlier planned. You are however encouraged to join your
local community and do the needful.
THE FAMILY THAT EATS AND PRAYS TOGETHER, STAYS TOGETHER !
Carol.
from AKR|Association of Kenyans Living in Rwanda
Jabes,
We wish you all the best in your future engagements and thank you for the great support that you gave to AKR.
Carol.
On Sun, Nov 6, 2011 at 12:34 PM, jabes okeyo wrote:
Mr. Chairman,
I wish to notify the association through your esteemed office that I will be leaving Rwanda and also my current organisation, Akamba Public Road Services from the 10th of November 2011.
I have enjoyed my tenure here and greatly appreciate the time I had relating to anumber of members either through the association or in line of business. Mr. Antony Mugarura from Uganda is taking over from me on acting capacity until the company formaly appoints the new country manager. Antony can be reached on cell phone number +250784981712. I appeal to you to continue supporting APRS.
Meanwhile, I’m rellocating back to Nairobi to pursue interest in a different field. For those who may want to get in tough with me, my cell phone numbers are +254722200744/0736200744. Email jabes.okeyo@yahoo.co.uk
Let me take this opportunity to wish the association continued growth and prosperity.
Jabes Okeyo
Akamba Public Road services
Kigali.
from AKR|Association of Kenyans Living in Rwanda
Dear Fellow Kenyan,
The morning was bright and the sky clear as AKR members woke up early to celebrate the life of our Heroine through what she enjoyed doing – planting trees and conserving the environment. My poor estimate puts the number in attendance during the tree planting on Saturday 29th November 2011 at well over 2,000. The locals of Nduva cell, Nyacyonga came out in large numbers to join the Mayor of Gasabo and the Kenyans led by our High Commissioner to plant trees and bond.
The Chairman and the entire AKR Executive Committee deeply appreciate the role that members played in making the day a big success. It was a befitting send-off for a great Kenyan.
Many thanks to the following:
1) The High Commissioner and all staff, Kenya Mission, Kigali for gracing the occasion;
2) The Mayor of Gasabo District – for gracing the occasion and providing seedlings, site allocation and mobilization of the locals who attended;
3) Gregory Muli – Coordinating with Ministry of Forestry and the Mayor for seedlings and allocation of tree planting site;
4) Nation Media – for covering the event and attendance by staff;
5) David Ngaracu – Transportation of seedlings to the site;
6) KCB staff for participation;
7) Nakumatt for donating drinking water, transportation of members and staff attendance;
8) Group of Rwanda students in Kenyan Universities – for attendance;
9) Isaac of KQ and Muia of Serena for facilitating the site preparation;
10) Mount Kenya University for the transportation of AKR members and staff attendance;
11) James Kiarie – Transportation of hoes and spades to the site;
12) Hon. Mutava Musyi – for treating Kenyans to a sumptuous lunch and getting time to be with us;
We believe that those who missed out owing to various reasons were with us in prayers and they will be attending the next umuganda. Following request from the Mayor, we are planning for another tree planting session during the next umuganda that will be on November 26th 2011, at the same site. We shall give you more details on this in due course.
;;
Carol for chairman.
from AKR|Association of Kenyans Living in Rwanda
Dear Kenyans,
Find appeal below from David Anjichi for your support. Let us come out in large numbers through our Kenyan spirit of Harambee, to help David and any other Kenyan(s) who might be in distress and need our help.
David and Charlotte,
From AKR, receive our sympathies. We pray that the young boy grows to good health and realize his full potential.
Carol
– – – – – – – – – – –
From: David Anjichi
Date: Wed, Oct 5, 2011 at 7:52 PM
Subject: The info for the request to be circulated via AKR
Dear Fellow Kenyans,
Receive greetings from my family. This is to let you know that my wife and I were blessed with a baby boy on the 8th of August this year. However, he was born premature at 6.5 months and was placed in ICU at the King Faisal Hospital here in Kigali. God has sustained him and even though he was born extremely underweight (at 715 gms) he is growing and has gained up to 1.6 Kg. He is now out of ICU but is still in the general wards for probably another two to three weeks.
Kindly stand by us in prayer. We also appeal for your support financially as we try to raise the required 5 million Francs to settle the hospital bill. We have organized a funds raising event on Saturday 15th of October at Grill and BBQ (Wahomes, Carwash 2) from 3 p.m. In the meantime the organizing committee, friends and well wishers will meet on Tuesday 11th Oct 2011 at 6:30 pm at Roasters Inn and on Thursday 13th Oct 2011 at 6:30 p.m at Grill & BBQ.
Thank you and God bless,
Kind regards,
Anjichi David
Tel: 0783611809
from AKR|Association of Kenyans Living in Rwanda
Fellow Kenyans,
Most of you may be aware of the demise of Professor Wangari Maathai on Sunday the 25th September 2011. Her death is untimely and a great loss to our country Kenya and the world at large. She inspired many of us through her commitment to conservation, democracy, women’s empowerment, the eradication of poverty and civic engagement.
For those wishing to express their condolences on the passing of Professor Maathai, a condolence book has been opened at the Kenya High Commission office, Kacyiru. You can visit and sign during the normal working hours.
Please remember the family during this difficult moment.
Carol.
from AKR|Association of Kenyans Living in Rwanda
Dear Kenyans,
Find attached the June 2011 Bulletin from Kenya High Commission.
KENYA_HIGH_COMMISSION_Bulletin_June_2011.pdf
1421K
Read or d/l pdf document;
photo of the new AKR office bearers with H.E the High Commissioner and staff from the High Commission.
From L to R:
John Ndunyu (Partner KPMG) – Presided over the elections;
Pauline Kariuki – Secretary
Ann Mwaura – Treasurer
Boniface Mutua – Chairman
H.E Mrs. Makena Muchiri – High Commissioner
Caroline Odero-Ndinya – Org. secretary
Mark Rachuonyo Ogendi – Vice Chairman
Fred Eshikuta – High Commission staff
Edwin Mutava – High Commission staff
Not on the photo: Michael Mutisya – Vice Treasurer
Caroline
from kenyansinrwanda
RE:AKR EXECUTIVE OFFICE CANDIDATES
It is my pleasure to submit to you the persons who have submitted their nomination papers for forth coming AKR elections. The names have been cleared by the Election Committee for the posts they applied for.
SI.No.; Post; Candidate’s Name; Number of persons Vying;
1 Chairman; Boniface Mutua; One
2 V/chairman; Mark Rachuonyo; One
3 Secretary; Pauline Kariuki; One
4 Organizing Secretary; Caroline Odero Ndinya; One
5 Treasurer; James Ngatia;
Anne Wambui Mwaura; Two
6 V/Treasurer; Michael Mutisya Joshua; one
Also attached herein, find the election register. In case any member is missing on this list,please let us know. The deadline for registration of new members who will be eligible to vote is 3rd September 2011.
NB:in our new kenya constitution chapter 7,section 81 b, it requires that not more than two-thirds of the members of elective public bodies shall be of one gender.
MANZI Joseph Kavali
Chairman-Election Committee
from Association KenyansinRwanda
DEAR AKR OFFICE ASPIRANTS
Attached is a copy of nomination forms to be filled and returned to the election committee officials. each aspirant is expected to to fill the form which must also be signed by at least twenty (20) registered AKR members. the duly filled forms can be dropped at the Kenya high commission office at Kacyiru on Wednesday or be handed over to the committee members at the same venue on Thursday the 25th august 2011 at 3 pm all aspirants are expected to meet the committee members on Thursday the 25th august at 3 pm at the Kenya high commission office, this meeting will discuss election guidelines and any other issues pertaining to the forth coming elections
MANZI Joseph kavali
chair- election committee
– – – – – – – – – – –
AKR ELECTION
NOMINATION FORM
(This form should
be filled in Duplicate)
POSITION: ___________________
DATE: _______________
NAMES: _________________________________
ADDRESS ____________________EMAIL
_____________
TELEPHONE: _______________
COMPANY/INSTITUTION__________
RESIDENCE: ________________
Name and Contacts
of Proposer
(20 Signatures
to accompany this form in case of Chairman’s Position and 10 signatures
for other Positions)
| SI.NO | NAMES | CELLPHONE | SIGNATURE |
| 1. | |||
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| 19. | |||
| 20. |
Submitted By: _______________
Sign ________________ Date _____________
Received By: __________________ Witnessed
By: ____________
Sign
__________Date
Sign __________ Date
AKR Moving Forward
Dear All,
Following concerns from many Kenyans about AKR’s future , a meeting was held on Tuesday evening between the outgoing Ex. Committee and some Kenyans elected at a social gathering at Grill and Barbecue last Saturday.
Several resolutions were passed in our meeting which will be communicated to you soon.
Key among the resolutions was that the current executive committee will create room for a team of moderators to normalize the membership list and to facilitate the election. By this email we kindly request all Kenyans to grant the team cooperation and to support them with ideas and recommendations on the way forward.
The members of the team are Joseph Manzi, James Kingori, Kepher Usenge, Julius Keter, Berry Odhiambo, Lilian Onyango and Anne Kimani
On behalf of the current executive committee I would like to thank all those who took their time to attend our monthly meetings, our sports day, our tree planting exercise and most of all our fund raising exercise.
I also take this opportunity to thank KCB for their support of our website which is hosted at www.kenyansinrwanda.net and request a volunteer to assist in updating and posting content to it. I also thank the Kenyans who made us wiser by their speeches Robert Mathu of CMA , Prof Njoroge of KIE and those who supported us through sponsorship of the Monthly Mbuzi and other events of the association.
On behalf of my team, and those who have kept AKR alive in the past we are grateful and look forward to engage you and friends of Kenya again after seeking a democratic mandate from you.
John Kamwengu
Acting Chair AKR
From: Daniel Koech
We have noted as the outgoing committee with great sadness that some Kenyans have decided to circulate email calling for elections of AKR against the advise our high commission with false claims of refusal to be housed!
We are of the view that a leader or one aspiring to be a leader has first to respect others, We wish to request Kenyans of good will to keep off that meeting and follow the advise of postponement of AKR elections as earlier advised.
We also advise Kenyans that anyone wishing to register as a member of AKR should be patient and wait for the contentious issue of membership to be addressed
We urge all Kenyans to stick with our government representatives here in Rwanda because that is our point of unity.
signed
Acting Chairman
John Kamwengu
AKR
Send by
Org Sec
Daniel Koech
from Boniface Mutua
Fellow Kenyans,
There was a letter that was circulated this morning by the out-going chairman purporting to postpone the elections scheduled for saturday 6th August 2011. I wrote the attached protest note to the High Commission, but unfortunately I have not recieved any response to this point.
Despite the foregoing, we shall go on with our elections as scheduled. Before end of day tommorrow, we shall advise you the venue and time.
Meanwhile, I shall circulate to you the updated list of paid-up members as recieved this afternoon. Kindly go through the list and ensure your membership is upto date. Let us all turn up on saturday and vote.
We need to get over this and focus on how to help out our brothers and sisters who are dying of hunger back at home and other more beneficial initiatives.
Mutua
AKR elections_reply to letter from high commission.pdf
75K View Download
3rdAugust 2011
Boniface Mutua
P.O. Box 341
Kigali,
The Kenya High Commission
Kigali, Rwanda.
Attn: Fred Eshikuta
AKR ELECTIONS
Kindly receive my highest regards.
Your letter KHK/CONS/12/(80) received today morning refers.
With all due respect, I beg to differ with your position. Kindly be advised that the mission has nomandate to postpone AKR elections. The power to do so rests on the members in a generalassembly and Kenyans are ready for elections. All we are asking for from the High Commissionis facilitation as the patron and given the fact that the out-going committee has totally failed in execution of its roles. Any further postponement will increase the acrimony among Kenyans and further deepen the lack of trust in the affairs of the association.
The term of the current Executive Committee is already expired and thus they are in office illegally. We need fresh mandate and energy to steer AKR forward. This was stronglydemonstrated by your intervention to get AKR back on track and the meeting you called on 25thJune 2011. On the invitation email sent out by the ag. Chairman, the elections were fixed to takeplace on 16thJuly 2011 at 2pm. This was later on postponed to 6thAugust 2011. On an email of24 May 2011, from the outgoing Organizing Secretary, Mr. Koech, “The Executive Committeeas is constituted at the moment cannot function. The team has been dormant since we last held a meeting three or four months ago” He further observed that “We need fresh team and sincethe Chairman has not call any meeting, orhas had any mention of Elections, I request members to make suggestions on the way forwardI propose Elections”.
Your request that all members aspiring to vie for various offices to familiarize themselves with the provisions of the AKR Constitution approved on 16thJuly 2011 is totally unacceptable for thepurposes of this elections. One issue that we should all bear in mind is that, you cannot applyamendments to statutes retrospectively. Secondly all members need access to minutes of theprevious AKR meetings and attendant list (if any) as provided for under the constitution. Further,the decision to re-register members from 1stJuly 2010 was illegal and unconstitutional.
KRBA held their elections a few weeks ago, without the involvement of the High Commission.Your direction on the AKR matter appears to give credibility to the rumours that, they did not seethe need to involve the High Commission for fear of interference.
————
Page 2
In view of the foregoing, I disagree with your position and insist that, elections will be held on 6thAugust 2011 as scheduled.
We reiterate our highest consideration.
Yours Sincerely,
Boniface MutuaASPIRANT0788-713619
– – – – – – – – – – –
from Thomas Kamire
Let us watch call first then we deal with these people after. For vs Tusker 0 0
Thomas Kamire
from Daniel Koech
Dear All,
We do agree that there is a serious issue which needs to be addressed especially on the issue of the constitution
I wish to draw the attention of everyone purporting to be sending mail to AKR members to read carefully ARTICLE 4 section 7 a-e concerning communication via any format to AKR members
As the current organizing Secretary I have not at any time received a mail which mail should be given the go ahead by at least any three members of the executive committee to communicate to Kenyans
Please lets us respect the constitution- This email applies to all AKR members.
It is only the organizing Sec who can send mail to AKR members! AKR Members wishing to communicate should follow the same rule
ARTICLE 7
Section 7: Communication to AKR Members
All official written communication and correspondence to other organisations shall be sent out by the Chair of the association.
All email communication to members shall be sent out by the Organising Secretary .
All sms communication to members shall be sent out by the Organising Secretary
Procedure of communication by email.
Any member of the executive committee shall be able to originate a message to members. This message shall be drafted by the originating party and sent out to all members of the executive committee. The Organising Secretary shall wait for an ‘okay’ response from at least 4 of the seven members of the executive committee one of which will be the chair of the committee .
Any message that will not be approved by the chair of the association shall not be valid to be sent out to members.
Procedure for communication by SMS
Any member of the Executive Commitee shall be able to originate an SMS message to all members. This SMS shall be drafted by the originating party then sent to all members of the executive committee. The Organising Secretary shall wait for an ‘Okay’ response from the Chairman and three other members of the committee before sending the SMS to the general members.
from Association KenyansinRwanda
Dear All,
Kindly find attached a copy of the constitutition which was approved by members on 16th July 2011. Please read the document especially if you want to serve AKR in a official capacity because it is our fall back when things are not clear.
The election were set to 6th August. The procedures will be clarified by the newly formed elections committee according to the new constitution.
Thanks
John Kamwengu
Acting Chair
– – – – – – – – – – –
ASSOCIATION OF KENYANS IN RWANDA (AKR)
CONSTITUTION AND BY LAWS
June 2011
Notes on this Constitution
Included:
Clear guidelines about what happens when an Executive Committee is not operating properly.
Clear guidelines about responsibilities of the Executive Committee .
Clear guidelines about duties and responsibilities of the officers of exc com.
Changes in the compostion of the executive committee.
Clear guidelines on membership , dues and cessation of membership.
ARTICLES OF THE CONSTITUTION
1. Name, Mission Statement, Vision, Purpose, and Objectives
2. Jurisdiction
3. Membership
4. Officers/Executive Committee of Directors
5. Financial Provisions
6. Meetings
7. Bylaws
ARTICLES OF THE BYLAWS
I. Membership
II. Executive Committee
III. The Executive Committee
IV. Election of the Executive Committee
V. Authority
VI. Meetings
VII. Financial Provisions
VIII. Committees
IX. Bylaw Amendments
X. Termination
CONSTITUTION
ARTICLE 1: NAME, MISSION STATEMENT, VISION, PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES
Section 1: Name
The name of this organization shall be the Association of Kenyans in Rwanda(AKR), hereafter referred to as AKR. AKR shall be a non-profit community based organization.
Section 2: Mission Statement
The mission of AKR is to encourage and foster successful participation and integration of the Kenyans in Rwanda in the educational, social, political, civic, and economic activities of Rwanda. AKR is a welcoming and integrating organization, and will strive to provide the tangible and intangible social infrastructures that are needed to settle and motivate new migrants of Kenyan descent in Rwanda temporarily or permanently.
Section 3: Vision
AKR envisions a society in which all individuals of Kenyan descent, have equitable opportunities to realise their full potential and to participate meaningfully in the building of their careers and personal growth during their stay in Rwanda.
Section 4: Purpose
AKR’s purpose is to provide services to its members and to network with all levels of business, government and with other organizations for the benefit of its members and the community at large.
Section 5: Objectives
To partner with government departments, public and private organizations and agencies in attracting, settling, integrating, and retaining Kenyans in Rwanda.
To support the provision of services that encourage education, social services, civic, political and economic participation of the Kenyan community.
To collaborate with government departments and agencies, public and private organizations and agencies to reduce barriers that hinder the full participation of Kenyans in the development of Rwanda.
To encourage and to promote the participation of people of Kenyan descent in the building of Rwanda through cultural, educational, political and social network and activities.
To generate and maintain a comprehensive database of Kenyan Diaspora that will serve as a resource base for members, organizations, and the general public.
To sustain a collaborative and cooperative relationship with public and private agencies.
ARTICLE 2: JURISDICTION
Section 1: Scope of Opération
The activities of AKR are to be carried on within Rwanda or within such geographical area as the Executive Committee may from time to time define.
AKR office shall be in Kigali.
Section 2: Registered Office
The registered office of AKR shall be
C/O Kenya High Commission Kenya
P.O. Box 6159
KIGALI-RWANDA
ARTICLE 3: MEMBERSHIP
Categories of Membership
Membership will be of three classes; Regular, Corporate and Honorary
ARTICLE 4: OFFICERS/EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF DIRECTORS
AKR shall be governed by an Executive Committee of elected members. The governing committee shall be known as The Executive Committee
ARTICLE 5: FINANCIAL PROVISIONS
Section 1: Budget
A detailed budget approved by the Executive Committee shall be presented to the general membership for ratification one month after the AGM.
Section 2: Liability
AKR is not responsible for personal liability or property damage that occurs during the Association activities.
ARTICLE 6: MEETINGS
Regular general membership meetings will be held every month.
ARTICLE 7: BYLAWS
AKR may adopt such bylaws as it deems necessary, and may amend them or set them aside by majority vote of those present and voting with the provision that no such bylaw may contravene this constitution.
BYLAWS
ARTICLE I: MEMBERSHIP
Section 1: Class of Membership
Membership in AKR shall be open to individuals or groups of Kenyan descent as stated in the constitution Article 1. (2) (3) (4) (5) and subscribe to these bylaws.
Membership will be of three classes, Regular, Honorary and Corporate, as stated in the Article 3 of the constitution.
Section 2: Definition of Membership
Regular Membership:
Regular membership is limited to individuals of Kenyan descent and the non-Kenyan spouses and dependents of Kenyan immigrants.
Regular Members in good standing may vote, participate in all general membership activities and join committees.
Regular Members who meet requirements may hold any position on the Executive Committee.
A regular member will maintain membership by attending at least 60% of the general meetings , paying annual membership fee and being fully paid up in all contributions.
Membership will be renewable annually at the AGM.
Honorary Membership:
An individual, not a member of AKR Association, having performed outstanding service for the community of AKR , upon whom this association desires to confer special distinction.
A past member of the association currently not resident in Rwanda whom the executive committee may bestow upon this membership. This member shall not pay monthly subscription fees but may attend meetings and vote on resolutions but shall not be entitled to vie for any office.
Corporate Membership:
Corporate Membership will be extended to:
Groups: registered organizations that meet conditions set in Article I, Section 1 (a) of AKR’s bylaws.
Corporations: Any registered businesses that have met the conditions for corporate membership.
All applications or recommendations for Corporate Membership in AKR shall be submitted to the Executive Committee and approved by a simple majority of members of the Executive Committee .
Corporate Members cannot vote and shall not hold any position on the Executive Committee.
Section 3: Membership Obligations
Every Member is expected to pay annual dues and levies to remain in good standing.
Members should actively participate in AKR events.
Section 4: Dues
Membership dues for Regular and Corporate classes will be set by the Executive Committee and are approved by the community at an annual general meeting of AKR.
All Regular and Corporate Members must complete a membership application form and pay the prescribed dues.
In special cases membership dues for a Regular member may be waived by the Executive Committee. An application for fee waiver must be made to the Executive Committee for consideration.
Section 5: Cessation of Membership
Membership of AKR shall cease if a member fails to pay annual registration fees payable in a year.
Membership of AKR shall cease if a member submits in writing a resignation letter to the Executive Committee (voluntary resignation).
Membership can be revoked on the recommendation of 2/3 of members .
Resignation or revoked membership does not provide relief to any financial obligations the member may owe to AKR prior to cessation of membership.
ARTICLE II: THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Section 1: The Executive Committee
The Executive Committee shall consist of a maximum of 9 and a minimum 7 elected members.
The entire Executive Committee shall be elected at the AGM
Only members who have paid the full amount of the monthly and annual subscription fees and attended at least 60% of the monthly meetings are electable.
Members of the Executive Committee are volunteers and shall receive no financial compensation from AKR. However they shall be entitled to refunds for all expenses incurred as indicated in a budget approved by members.
If any member of the Executive Committee, for any reason desires to serve AKR in a paid position, he/she must first resign from the Executive Committee , second meet the requirements of the paid position, third compete with external and internal candidates for the paid position.
Section 2: The Executive Committee Membership
Each elected official of the Executive Committee shall serve for a period of one year and shall be eligible for re-election for not more than two consecutive terms.
No vacancy in the The Executive Committee shall be filled by appointment.
In the situation where the entire The Executive Committee is recalled, the functions of the The Executive Committee shall be automatically transferred to a caretaker committee appointed by the Kenya High Commission.
The caretaker committee shall call an AGM for the election of a new The Executive Committee within a period of six weeks from the date of the dissolution of the Executive Committee.
Section 3: Composition of The Executive Committee
The composition of the Executive Committee shall reflect the diversity of AKR and should endeavour to include men, women, youth and minorities whenever possible.
The Executive Committee must be duly elected Regular Members and shall include the Chair of the Executive Committee, Vice Chair, Treasurer, Organising Secretary/ Public Relations Officer, Vice Treasurer, Secretary and 3 regional representatives.
Section 4: Recall of Executive Committee members
Any member of the Executive Committee, who is found to be lacking in his/her performance of the assigned duties shall be removed by majority of votes of the members in good standing at a special meeting of AKR called for that purpose.
In order to recall an Executive Committee member, a meeting must be called through a petition signed by at least 60 regular members in good standing.
Recall will be by majority vote of the regular members in good standing who are present.
The recalled Executive Committee member must return all records, documents or assets of AKR in their possession.
Resignation or recall does not provide relief to any financial obligations the Executive Committee member may owe to AKR prior to cessation of membership.
ARTICLE III: DUTIES OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Section 1: The Chair of The Executive Committee
Presides as chairperson of all General and all Executive Committee meetings.
Functions as the joint official representative of AKR.
Is authorized to affix his or her signature to contracts, obligations and correspondence pertaining to AKR and its policies.
In consultation with the Executive Committee can establish and approve special committees.
Shall serve as an ex-officio advisory member of all committees.
Represent the Association in any related activities that cover the interests of AKR members.
May delegate an existing Executive Committee member to represent the Chair of the Executive Committee if the Vice-Chair is unable to serve in a designated capacity.
Directs and liaises with all paid staff members.
Negotiates with businesses on behalf of AKR.
Shall submit a written report to the Executive Committee before every community meeting.
Section 2: The Vice Chair
In the event of the absence or inability of the Chair of the Executive Committee to serve or function in any of his/her assigned duties, the Vice- Chair shall act in the place of and with the authority and duties of the Chair of the Executive Committee .
Assumes other responsibilities delegated by the Chair of the Executive Committee .
Shall act as the secretary of the corporate chapter of AKR and shall record and note details of all meetings of the Corporate Chapter of AKR.
Section 3 The Organising Secretary and Public Relations Officer
Shall gather, maintain and or disseminate relevant data and information that would benefit AKR and its members, the public and the local community.
Shall identify and solicit eminent individuals and bodies in both private and public sectors for AKR’s activities.
Shall have access to the complete record of all AKR members and shall open and maintain a line of communication with all categories of members.
Shall develop communication and marketing strategies for AKR, work in close consultation with the Chair and other Executive Committee members to promote AKR activities within and outside the community.
Shall submit a written report to the Executive Committee before every community meeting.
Section 4: Treasurer
Shall receive safeguard, and account for funds and other assets in accordance with policies and procedures established by AKR’s Executive Committee and Membership.
Is responsible for all financial records and accounts of AKR.
Pays all bills and obligations approved for payment by the Executive Committee of Directors.
Keeps a true account of all transactions of AKR.
Presents a full financial report at each Executive Committee and Membership meeting.
Arranges for an annual audit of the Association’s receipts and expenditures at the end of the fiscal year.
Maintains a record for member’s dues.
Shall submit a written report to the Executive Committee before every community meeting.
Section 5: Secretary
Keeps accurate minutes of all Membership and Executive Committee meetings.
Shall distribute copies of the Executive Committee minutes to all Executive Committee members prior to next Executive Committee meeting.
Serves as custodian of the minutes and any other records pertaining to AKR
Has responsibility for necessary Executive Committee correspondence.
Keeps membership records up to date and maintains a mailing list of all members, including name, email address, postal and home address, and telephone number.
Shall submit a written report to the Executive Committee before every community meeting.
Section 6: Vice Treasurer
Shall assist the treasurer in his/her duties.
Shall assist the secretary in data entry and validation of membership lists.
Shall collect all monies due from members on behalf of the Treasurer.
Shall keep a single receipt book to be used for collection of membership fees.
Shall assist the treasurer to collect debts and monies owed to the association.
Section 7 : Regional Representative (3)
The association will have 3 regional representatives from the East, West and South provinces. The regional representatives will be appointed by the in- coming executive committee at the AGM. (The incoming chair shall name them as part of his team should he win office.)
Shall represent AKR in the various regions away from Kigali.
Shall collect monies owed to the association from members.
Shall register new members in their respective regions
Shall chair regional meetings of the Association.
Shall attend all meetings of the executive committee and vote on matters arising in meetings.
Shall assist the organising secretary to take minutes at General Meetings of members where the organising secretary may be busy on other matters.
ARTICLE IV: ELECTION OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Section 1: Nomination
There shall be a nominating / election committee formed on the last Saturday of April of each year.
The committee shall facilitate the election of a new Executive Committee.
Terms of reference for the nominating/election committee shall be recommended by Executive Committee and approved at the meeting forming the committee.
The nominating election committee shall consist of three members in good standing plus a legal officer from the Kenya High Commission.
Shall prepare a slate of officers for the AGM.
Members shall propose a list of officers to the nominating committee for presentation at the AGM.
The nominating committee shall serve as the elections committee at the AGM.
Section 2: Date of elections
The AGM (Election will be at AGM) will be held in the 3rd week of June of each year except for this transitional period of July 2011.
The Executive Committee shall be elected at the annual general meeting (AGM) by secret ballot of all members in good standing present.
Voice vote may not be used to accept a slate as presented.
There will be no nominations from the floor.
Early voting will not be allowed.
Section 3: Elections AGM
Observers will be appointed at the AGM for the voting process.
The voting shall be handled by a credible auditing firm.
The candidate receiving the largest number of votes for each position shall be declared elected by the Nomination/Election Committee.
Rules of Order will be the standard for all elections and meetings.
ARTICLE V: AUTHORITY
Section 1: Authority
The authority of this organization is vested in the members. The Executive Committee acts on behalf of the membership.
Section 2: Authority to make and execute
The Chair of the Executive Committee shall have the authority to make and execute on behalf of AKR, any deed, lease, mortgage or other instrument relating to real and personal property of AKR.
The Executive Committee will have three signatories for its account, The Chair, The Secretary and the Treasurer. All transactions will be signed by the Chair and Treasurer while the Secretary will sign in case of a temporary absence of either the Chair or Treasurer .
Section 3: Meetings of the Executive Committee
The meeting of the Executive Committee shall be held at least monthly.
The Executive Committee shall set the date of their meetings.
Meetings of the AKR Executive Committee of Directors shall be held at least monthly to discuss and conduct routine AKR business.
A quorum to conduct business is 50% of AKR’s Executive Committee.
The Chair of the Executive Committee may call special meetings of the Executive Committee when necessary to discuss and vote on special matters.
Special meetings of the Executive Committee may be called by the Chair, when a written request is received for such a meeting that states the purpose of the meeting and is signed by five (5) Regular Members or by written or oral notice to the Chair from three members of the Executive Committee.
In a situation where the Executive Committee is unable to meet due to lack of quorum for two consecutive scheduled meetings the Organising Secretary is required to call a general meeting of AKR members to resolve the problem through recall or election.
Section 5: Minutes
Minutes of AKR’s Committees and Executive Committee shall be kept as a public document
The Secretary shall keep records of all Executive Committee and general meetings.
Section 6: Notice of Meetings
The Executive Committee members shall be notified at least two (2) working days prior to their meetings.
Section 7: Communication to AKR Members
All official written communication and correspondence to other organisations shall be sent out by the Chair of the association.
All email communication to members shall be sent out by the Organising Secretary .
All sms communication to members shall be sent out by the Organising Secretary
Procedure of communication by email.
Any member of the executive committee shall be able to originate a message to members. This message shall be drafted by the originating party and sent out to all members of the executive committee. The Organising Secretary shall wait for an ‘okay’ response from at least 4 of the seven members of the executive committee one of which will be the chair of the committee .
Any message that will not be approved by the chair of the association shall not be valid to be sent out to members.
Procedure for communication by SMS
Any member of the Executive Commitee shall be able to originate an SMS message to all members. This SMS shall be drafted by the originating party then sent to all members of the executive committee. The Organising Secretary shall wait for an ‘Okay’ response from the Chairman and three other members of the committee before sending the SMS to the general members.
Section 8: Executive Committee Vacancy
If any office in the executive committee shall fall vacant, then this is the order in which the vacancies shall be filled until the next general election .
In the event that the office of the Chair shall fall vacant, then Vice Chair shall automatically succeed.
In the event that the office of the Vice Chair, shall fall vacant, the Organising Secretary & PRO shall automatically succeed.
In the event that the office of the Organising Secretary &PRO shall fall vacant, the Secretary shall automatically succeed.
In the event that the office of the Treasurer shall fall vacant, the Vice Treasurer shall shall automatically succeed.
In absence of both the Treasurer and Vice Treasurer, a by election shall be held within one month to fill the position of treasurer.
For a vacancy in any other position the executive committee shall fill the position from among their ranks.
If the office of the Chair, Vice Chair and Organising Secretary shall fall vacant within the course of the AKR year, then a by election shall be held to fill those positions.
If more than 50% of the offices fall vacant in the course of the AKR year then the remaining Executive Committee shall call for a by election to fill the vacancies.
Voting will be by secret ballot. The voting process will follow the same process as employed in an AGM
ARTICLE VI: MEETINGS
Section 1: General membership meetings
AKR’s general membership shall hold monthly meetings at a time and place designated by AKR’s Executive Committee .
The Executive Committee may call special meetings when it is deemed necessary.
The Executive Committee may also call a special meeting when it has received a written request for such a meeting that states the purpose of the meeting and is signed by twelve Regular Members.
Section 2: Committee meetings
The chair of a committee or program may set up and conduct meetings as necessary to carry out the routine activities of AKR for special projects or standing committee activities.
ARTICLE VII: FINANCIAL PROVISIONS
Section 1: Dues
Dues will be set by the Executive Committee and will run from 1st July to June 30th the following year.
Regular and Corporate Members shall pay annual dues in the amount fixed by the Executive Committee.
All members Coroproate and General shall pay the annual fees and the monthly membership fees in order to remain in good standing.
Section 2: Donations
Donations or grants may be received with the approval of the Executive Committee .
Section 3: Budgeted funds
Each year, the Executive Committee shall set a detailed draft annual budget one month after election .
The annual budget must be presented and ratified by the general membership each year.
Any decision to spend any money in excess of the budgeted amount or a re-allocation, must be approved by the Executive Committee .
Section 4: Audits
An audit firm shall be competitively sourced by the executive team one month after election to audit the association’s books for a period of one year. The term of the audit firm will be renewable depending on the view general membership presented at the AGM.
Audits shall be conducted the professional firm that is competitively; at least twice a year (December) and towards the end of the financial year (April ). The results of the audit shall be presented in the subsequent general meeting or when the general assembly deems necessary.
Section 5: Income
All monies received by AKR and its activities shall be deposited in the name of AKR in an insured banking facility.
Donations or grants may be received with the approval of the Executive Committee.
Section 6: Funds Disbursement
The persons authorized to disburse funds are the Treasurer, the Chair and the Secretary who are designated as signatories to AKR’s bank account.
Checks drawn against AKR’s account shall be valid only when signed by any two of the authorized persons.
Charitable donations can be made by AKR. Such donation requests will be researched and a proposal for the donation be presented to the Executive Committee for approval.
ARTICLE VIII – SPECIAL COMMITTEES
Section 1: Committees
Establishment of Committees:
Special Committees may be established for the purpose of carrying out the routine activities of AKR and shall be created by the Chair of the association. These committees shall be dissolved by the appointing authority or on the lapse of the authority’s tenure of office.
General duties of Committee Chairs:
Shall coordinate the activities of their committee.
Shall be responsible for preparing a budget and financial statement for any events or activities their committee stages once the event is complete.
Shall prepare an annual report for the Association, Executive Committee and committee files.
Section 2: Committee Records
The Executive Committee members of each committee shall maintain complete records of past and present activity of that committee.
Each Executive Committee member shall submit the records of the committee on to the Executive Committee Secretary, who will safeguard the records for future use.
ARTICLE IX: BYLAW AMENDMENTS
Section 1: Amendments
These bylaws may only be amended at any regular meeting or a special meeting called for that purpose by a vote of the majority of the regular members present, provided that the membership has been given five days notice in writing of the proposed amendment.
The proposed amendments will be brought via the Executive Committee who will be responsible for circulating copies of the proposed Bylaw change to the membership.
Proposed bylaw amendments must be presented at a General Meeting of AKR in a manner that allows for discussion.
ARTICLE X – TERMINATION
Section 1: Dissolution of Executive Committee
In the event the Association is dissolved, the Officers of the Executive Committee then in office shall continue until all affairs of the Association have been officially terminated.
After settling all liabilities of AKR, any remaining assets/funds will be given to an organisation with similar goal and objectives.
from Association KenyansinRwanda
Dear All,
The Executive Committee of AKR would like to thank those who have supported us in the past one year in whatever capacity they have contributed and also extend invitations to other Kenyans to continue supporting AKR.
We have had a good year with lots of activities which we shall report to you soon.
As we approach the end of our term, I take this opportunity, on behalf of the executive team, to invite you to our final monthly meeting this coming Saturday 25th June 2011 at a venue to be communicated in the next two days. The agenda of the meeting will be:
• Annual Activity Report of the current committee.
• Audited Account Statements.
• Amended Draft Constitutition for members input.
• Election Procedures for coming election.
I also formally inform you that elections shall be held on 9th July 2011 from 2.00 pm at the Kenya High Commission.
Sponsors for this Saturday’s meeting are welcome in parts or in whole. (Usually between 250,000/-Frw -400,000) depending on expected turn up.
Thanks
John Kamwengu
Acting Chairman
AKR
from odhiambo okecth
Friends,
I was watching CNN this morning and I really appreciated their Future Cities segment that focused on Omuganda Day in Rwanda besides other positive things taking place in Rwanda.
This should be a must watch for lovers of Mother Nature. It was a pleasure watching Rwandese, led by their President, doing manual work in the streets. It was a pleasure watching the Mayor of Kigali leading the people in slashing an area that was over grown with bush and thereafter rupturing in song and dance in appreciating some work well done..
It was a pleasure seeing the enthusiasm of the Rwandese as they participated in the clean-ups.
I bet this should be something worth emulating. At KCDN, we are happy that we have been in the front line mobilizing Kenyans to the Monthly Nationwide Clean-up Campaigns. We are happy that through a partnership with the City Council of Nairobi, we launched a City Wide Clean-up Campaign on 18th September 2010 at Eastleigh. It is our pleasure that this effort has picked up and many teams across all Nairobi have joined in the Monthly Nationwide Clean-up Campaign in Nairobi, the latest being the Kenya National Muslim Alliance, again, at Eastleigh.
We then moved to Mombasa and on 22nd February 2011, in partnership with the Municipal Council of Mombasa, MCTA, Bembe Leza Taka, and other groups, we officially launched the Monthly Nationwide Clean-up Campaign as a National Drive in a function that was presided over by Hon Amazon Kingi- the Minister for Fisheries Development on behalf of the Rt Hon Prime Minister of the Republic of Kenya. We are happy that the Town Clerk and his team and our partners in Mombasa have picked this up and they are mobilizing the clean-ups every month.
This Saturday- the 21st May 2011, we are rolling the same campaign in Eldoret Town at Huruma Estate and this is going to be the Turning Point for Kenya and Kenyans in the Monthly Nationwide Clean-up Campaign. It is going to be big and exciting. We are going to clean, dance, chat and have fun. We must make cleaning our Towns a lovely and lively affair. We must dance, cheer and clean, and all Kenyans are being invited to this fun.
The event will bring together the Town Clerks of the City Council of Nairobi, Municipal Council of Mombasa, the Municipal Council of Eldoret and the County Clerk County Council of Wareng together as we show case what we can all do as a team if we so want. We have also invited all the local Members of Parliament- Eldoret East MP, Eldoret South MP and Eldoret North MP, the Director of KACC, the PSs for Environment, Housing, Local Government and Education. Our Guest of Honour will be Hon Prof George Saitoti- the Minister for Provincial Administration and Internal Security.
As we invite Kenyans to make the Monthly Nationwide Clean-up Campaign a monthly affair, let us make the drive lively and lovely. It brakes no bones to dance as we clean.
Lastly, we want to thank our local partners in organizing the Eldoret Clean-up at Huruma and the tree planting at Baharini Dam on the same day. We want to thank the following groups for their partnership so far;
Town Clerk- Municipal Council of Eldoret
County Clerk- County Council of Wareng
Mr. Paul Lelei- Chairman Middle Sosiani Water Resources Users Association
Mr. Mohamed Ali- Chairman Eldoret Green Town Initiative
Mr. David Busienei- Secretary General- Centre for Community Dialogue and Development
Mr. Moses Tanui- the Olympic Champion and all his colleagues who will be joining us
Major [Rtd] John Seii and the Kalenjin Council of Elders for their moral support
Mr. Obed Anyona- Kenya Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Nema- Eldoret office
KCB Eldoret
Corporates who will be joining us- we will list their names immediately after the events
and the people of Eldoret
Thank you all and let all roads lead to Eldoret Town- Huruma Estate on 21st May 2011 at 7.00am
If it is to be, it is up to me. A Clean Kenya Starts With me. A Peaceful Kenya is my Responsibility.
Peace and blessings,
Odhiambo T Oketch
CEO KCDN Nairobi
Nationwide Coordinator – Monthly Nationwide Clean-up Campaign
PO Box 47890-00100,
Nairobi Kenya .
Tel; 0724 365 557 0735 529 126
Email; oto@kcdnkenya.org, komarockswatch@yahoo.com
www.kcdnkenya.org
http://kcdnkomarockswatch.blogspot.com
friendsofkcdn@yahoogroups.com
Facebook; Odhiambo T Oketch
Odhiambo T Oketch is the current Chairman to the City Council of Nairobi Stakeholders Evaluation Team on Performance Contracting and Rapid Results Management. He is also Chair to the Nyamonye Catholic Church Development Fund.He was also the Co-Chair and Coordinator of The Great Nairobi Walk against Corruption that was held in Nairobi on the 22nd October 2010
Writes Leo Odera Omolo.
Top Rwandan government official was on Tuesday picked up by the five heads of state meeting in Dar Es Salaam as the new Secretary General of the East African Community.
In attendance were Presidents Mwai Kibaki of Kenya, Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania, Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, Paul Kagame of Rwanda and Pierre Nkurunzinza oif Burundi and ther Ministers responsible for the East African Community Affairs.
The summit which was attended by all five presidents of Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi also made some far reaching changes in the administration of the regional body.
The Rwanda Minister for Health Dr Richard Seribera, a Makerere University trained surgeon now takes over from the previous holder of the office Ambassad0r Juma V. Mwapachu a Tanzanian whose tenure of five years terms expired early this month.
This appointment now brings to an end heated discussions and exchange of bitter word between the members states which had threatened to disrupt development and regional integration.
Dr Seribera was picked up during the ninth extra-ordinary summit of the Heads of State summit held in Dar Es Salaam from 17 to 18 April 2011.
Also appointed during the summit was Enos Bukuku who will now be the EAC Deputy Secretary General in-charge of the Infrastructure and Planning. He replaced Aloys Mutabingwa of Rwanda.
Dr Bukuku has been serving as one of the deputies at the Bank of Tanzania in-charge of economic and financial policy. He is a former Permanent Secretary I the Tanzanian Ministry of State for Planning and Privatization
The new Secretary General is expected to spearhead negotiation to the establishment of the EAC Monetary Union. Kenya’s Justice Isaac Leonola is the new presiding Judge of the Arusha based East African Court of Justice. The Kenya High Court Judge had played a leading role in the search for the new set of the country’s constitution when he was named a commissioner in the Constitution of Kenya Review that Prof.Yash Ghai chaired.
Justice Leonola is currently the chair person of the Kenya Mag9strates and Judges Association. The newly appointed team was immediately sworn in on Tuesday afternoon.
The next move by the regional body would now shift to the next pillars of the EAC, the Monetary Union and political Federation.
The new Secretary General s expected to spearhead negotiation for the establishment of the Monetary Union whose proposals are already under discussion. The Monetary Union is expected to establish a single EAC currency which has been slated to be in place by next year.
However, top economists in the region have questioned the ambitious target, citing the European Union experience where currencies were merged after several years of intense debate. How the region will achieve the proposed union now lies with the new CEO.
The new Secretary General will also have an uphill task of oversee the movement of the EAC toward a political federation by 2015, which some analysts have expressed doubt about its viability.
Ends
From: Lucia Akech
There is a leadership vacuum in Kenya right now and corporate controlled western governments are taking full advantage of it! Read the details in the link below:
http://csis.org/multimedia/video-interview-us-ambassador-kenya-michael-e-ranneberger
The ordinary Kenyans must prepare for potential dangerous hidden pitfalls in the forthcoming 2012 election circles!
The 2007/08 Kenya ’s elections brought with it chaos not anticipated by ordinary voting citizens who were expecting some real changes! Instead, they were forced to deal with loss of lives, properties and displacement of about 350,000 people! Foreign businesses, particularly those relying on the Kenya-Uganda Railways to transport goods from Rwanda , Burundi , Uganda and Southern Sudan through Mombasa were also paralyzed. However, these businesses have not been sitting idle since then! What is worrisome is the announcement by ICC prosecutor, Moreno Ocampo that a number of Kenyans may be going to The Hague, a court that has been strategically set up by corporate controlled western governments to create chaos and then prosecute Africans elites who may be temped to engage in the chaos, particularly, if they are not favored by these corporations! In slightly over one year from now, campaigns for the 2012 general elections will begin!
We now have a Coalition government, negotiated by the usual African intellectual proxies like Kofi Annan and others. Nobody knows whether the contested Coalition Government, which has created a gaping power vacuum, was done to protect the 99% of struggling Kenyans, or or to protect foreign entities operating in Kenya who are taking full advantage of it! Knowing that the 2007 elections resulted in the deaths of about 1,500 unarmed Kenyans and left at least 350,000 others running for their lives, ordinary Kenyans citizens cannot afford to bury their heads in the sand and assume that 2012 elections will run smoothly. They must take cues from events that led to the 1994 Rwanda genocide because there are similarities!
Prior to invading Rwanda , Kagame was a powerful general in the Ugandan army. In fact, the RPF (Rwandan Patriotic Front) was an integral part of Ugandan army and whoever endorsed, trained, financed and maintained the incorporation of exiled Rwandans into Ugandan army must have had some specific intent.
On August 4, 1993, the negotiated settlement between the Hutu led Rwandan government of Juvenal Habyarimana and the Ugandan based exiled Tutsi RPF forces, under Paul Kagame, was reached in Arusha, Tanzania: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arusha_Accords
For some mysterious reason(s) yet to be explained, Paul Kagame chose a different path to grab power in Rwanda, resulting in loss of about 800,000 Rwandan civilian lives in a matter of 100 days!
Barely two years after that mayhem, Kagame would proceed to march into Zaire (Democratic Republic of Congo) where about 7,000,000 (7 million or more) unarmed Congolese civilians have been slaughtered!
One would think that the deaths of millions of unarmed civilians would create uproars in every corner of the world, particularly, African. Instead, there has been a news blackout by world’s corporate controlled media and many Africans are not even aware that close to 7 million unarmed Africans have been slaughtered in Zaire (Democratic Republic of Congo)! Even African Union does not dare to talk about what is happening in Congo! It is like nobody values Africans lives, including Africans themselves!
Kofi Annan and Moreno Ocampo, who have been very busy and vocal about the deaths of 1,500 Kenyans, have been very silent about the deaths of 10 million of unarmed Africans in Congo! Annan was the UN Undersecretary responsible for UN Peace Keeping Forces during the Rwandan genocide. He was the UN Secretary General while the Congolese were being slaughtered by the millions. He played it cool by being very limp and mute!
It is bad enough that one unarmed human should be senselessly killed, particularly for the family members left behind. However, it is stunning that the deaths of 1,500 unarmed Kenyans has woken up Kofi Annan while the deaths of 800,000 unarmed Rwandans in 1994 or deaths or 7 millions Congolese that followed were allowed to happen.
Severe attempts have been made by corporate-controlled western governments and the UN to change the subject when it comes to discussing the deaths of 7 million Africans in Congo. Those who have attempted to raise their voices about what is happening in Congo have been met with vicious attacks from the very media and the international communities who have now employed Mr. Annan and Mr. Ocampo to work in Kenya. The vicious critics would rather discuss the diminishing population of gorillas in the Virunga National Park than millions of innocent African men, women and children being annihilated in Congo! It looks like these forces have the power to pick and choose who deserves to live and those African millions whose deaths do not deserve to be mentioned! Why?
http://rwandinfo.com/eng/karegeya-and-nyamwasa-to-the-un-kagame-is-one-of-the-major-if-not-the-principal-stumbling-block-to-peace-and-stability-in-the-great-lakes-region/
Paul Kagame’s corporate supporters have fully endorsed his claim that his march into Congo was in pursuit of the Hutus, blamed for the 1994 Rwandan genocide! The deaths of 7 million Congolese seem to have been explained away as collateral damages which must be ignored! Those collateral damages continue to die in Congo .
For some reason(s), Rwanda has been rewarded with both membership of East African Community and the British Commonwealth! The addition of Rwanda and Burundi as member states in EAC took place in July 2007; the time campaigns for the 2007 Kenyan elections were at their peaks! In less than 6 months, the rigging of the elections and violence that followed would occupy the attention of Kenyans wherever they were on planet earth! While every Kenyan’s attention was fixed on this internal turmoil, a couple of events started taking shape: (a) the formation of Kenyan Coalition government (was and still is) being shoved down the throats of the members of the squabbling two political parties (ODM and PNU) by Kofi Annan (b) some of these Kenyan elites (were and still are) being threatened with prosecution at the ICC court at The Hague by Mr. Moreno Ocampo (c) other members had their travel visas revoked by governments of United States, European Union and Australia (d) some of the newly elected MPs were being eliminated through crafted assassinations (e) rules of engagements in the newly formed East African Community (Rwanda, Burundi, Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania) were being crafted and pushed hard by same people! THIS IS THE POWER VACUUM STARING AT KENYANS AS 2012 ELECTIONS ARE APPROACHING!
All critical events with far-reaching consequences are taking place simultaneously! The questions which the right minded Kenyans must ask are: (a) how have the squabbling Kenyan elites manage to comprehend the implications and feasibility of adding Rwanda and Burundi as members of the EAC? (b) Why are these EAC discussions being pursued with such vigor at time when the attention of the elites who could have effectively represent Kenyans’ interests are elsewhere? (c) Who has been representing Kenyans’ land issues which are at stake at these EAC critical negotiations? Could it be he Paul Kagame or his partner, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni? These war-lords are masters at, intentionally, operating under the radar screen in such chaotic environments because this is are the time when most damage can be done to the whole country! http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=29299
Do not forget that this has also been the period when Uganda has been going after Migingo Island in Lake Victoria ! It is also the time when the Great Lakes’ proxy-in-chief, Paul Kagame, has been suggesting that the governing of Kenya be taken over by the military! http://voicesofafrica.africanews.com/site/list_messages/15343
Kenyans, particularly those with vested interests in or have loved ones around Lake Victoria region, should be very concerned about the presence of Paul Kagame in the newly formed East African Community. Kenyans must find out the real reasons behind (a) EAC failure in 1977 (b) its revival in 2000 (c) why it has been vital to add Rwanda and Burundi as members in 2007! There are interests being served by this move and it may not be poor Kenyans’ interests. Bundling all the tribal groups of Rwanda , Burundi , Kenya , Uganda and Tanzania under one roof will create chaos and nobody knows how the potential chaos will be resolved and by whom! The people pushing these views believe that African lives cannot stand in the way of their resources interests!
There are also talks of lumping together all tribal groups under one super government called Federation of East African with the hope that managing them will miraculously be a cake walk! Unless the brains behind this idea are intending to politically marginalize and/or clean-up some particular tribes, this idea can only serve the purpose of those brains. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_African_Federation.
Nobody knows who the winners and losers of this colossal merged government will be and what will happen to the losers or the marginalized! With the lack of development in healthcare, education, roads construction, water and sewage treatments, power and lighting in individual states, who would be in charge of the Federation of East Africa governments? How would this individual be chosen? How will the daunting task of the severe underdevelopment problems be addressed? How will the land issues be resolved? In other words, who will be calling shots on land ownership or will the marginalized be corralled in Kibera-like slums that may spring everywhere?
What is happening now had happened before. Just as many African countries were gaining their “independence”, the emerging African leaders were being coerced and bamboozled into signing deals that left economic powers in the hands of same colonial rulers who are now making critical decisions about what they see as good for Kenyans and Africans. These decisions turned out to be false and have left Africa in colossal debts with African elites blamed for corruption and failures.
The debts have hindered development in Africa due to the fact that most African resources, including land and infrastructures are held as sureties by creditors who advanced loans, like World Bank Group and IMF. Most, if not all, of Africa ’s borrowed money have gone towards the purchase of second-hand military equipments primarily used to mow down unarmed African civilians who are not allowed to complain!
All African ruling elites are left to perform law enforcement duties of controlling and reigning in on their African citizens to ensure the safety of the foreign war-lords pushing for changes that cater for their security interests! The results have been dead with many unarmed Africans dying!
Reports Leo Odera Omolo
News emerging from the northern Tanzanian City of Arusha says the East African Community member states have signed the Protocol of Foreign Policy Coordination that provides for the coordination in diplomacy and consular matters.
The signing of the protocol took place at a ceremony held at Ngurdoto Mountain Lodge which is located in the outskirts of Arusha, and was witnessed by Presidents Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of Uganda, Mwai Kibaki of Kenya, Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania and Pierre Nkuruzinza, during their 12th summit held in Arusha a week ago.
This Protocol is to be ratified by EAC member states by June next year {2011}. It was signed by Prof. George Saitoti {Kenya}, Benard Membe {Tanzania}, Sam Kutesa {Uganda}, Monique Mukoruliza {Rwanda} and Augustin Sanze of Burundi.
Membe told newsmen that the protocol now binds the EAC partner states to collaborate in multilateral diplomacy. “If, say Kenya has no diplomatic mission in Norway, but Tanzania has, then Tanzanian envoy accredited to that country will play diplomacy role for both partner states”, said Membe.
The blueprint also provides for EAC member states to collaborate in economic and social activities as well as capacity building.
Deputy Secretary General in charge of political federation, Ms. Beatrice Kiraso was quoted widely by the EASTAFRICAN weekly last week as saying the common foreign policy will safeguard the common values for EAC fundamental interests and independence of the region.
“It is also intended to strengthen the security of the community and its partner states in all ways”, Ms. Kiraso explained.
The EAC Secretary General, Ambassador Juma V Mwapachu, said the protocol is legally binding against all partner states to act collectively and operate together on issues of foreign policy.
“EAC partner states will be acting collectively against the regional terrorism, and piracy, which is eroding the economic performance and policy, raising the cost of doing business in the region”, Mwapachu said.
Chapter 23 of the Treaty establishing the EAC provides for co-operation on political matters and the partner states committed themselves to establish common foreign and security policy.
Ends
Writes Leo Odera Omolo
INFORMATION emerging fro the Northern Tanzanian city of Arusha says the East African Community announced last week that it was ready to resume negotiations on Economic Partnership Agreement {EPAs} with European Commission and conclude the deal within one year.
The latest development comes in the wake of the failure by the EAC countries to organize a joint EAC-EC-EPA Ministerial meeting to reach an agreement by the end of September.
The EAC Sectoral Council of Ministers on Trade, Industry, Finance, and Investment {SCTIF}, further adopted a draft road map for the negotiation, according to a statement from the EAC secretariat {details of the road map were, however, not released}.
Trade Ministers from the five member countries of Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi converged in Arusha two weeks ago where they signed the report of the Sectoral Council to raise the funds within the scope of time given.
The Council further directed the EAC Secretariat to convene an experts meeting in January 2011 to prepare a budget ahead of the comprehensive EPA negotiations.
Following the June impasse, the Council again directed the secretariats ensure that it develops the draft into the full a comprehensive negotiations road map to be shared with the EC. The road map should clearly indicate the member countries priorities respectively.
Experts say. a duration of one year compares with the previous four months thru November. It is enough time to enable member countries to meet their dues in readiness for the signing.
Kenya’s Permanent Secretary to the East African Community Affairs Ministry David Nalo was last week quoted by the EASTAFRICA as saying “his decision now opens anew era of serious engagement. It is estimated that this will require about one year from now.”
It is a race to raise required funds, the secretariat says it had mobilized usd.3.4 million from the Swedish international Development Agency to facilitate the comprehensive negotiations for a period ending June 2012, with first disbursement to be made by this month.
He SIDA funding has four main inputs, namely, capacity building for defining ,Trade negotiations, Meeting and Sessions,Technical and sensitization and public awareness on EPA
ends
Writes Leo Odera Omolo,
THE population of the endangered Mountain gorillas in Virunga Massif has increased by 26.3% over the last seven years, the government owned NEWVISION daily has reported this morning.
A statement from the wildlife agencies of Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo, shows that the current gorilla population in Virunga is estimated at 480, up from 380 individuals.
Virunga Massif comprises of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Parc National des Virunga in DR Congo. Gorillas are also found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda.
According to the statement, the annual growth rate of the gorilla population, estimated at 3.7%, matched that of the human population in Uganda.
“The analysis of a census conducted in March and April in the Virunga Massif confirms a 26.3 % increase in the population of mountain gorillas, Gorilla beringei beringei, in this area over the last seven years, with a 3.7 % annual growth rate,” said the agencies.
The census team encountered a total of 480 mountain gorillas in 36 groups and 14 solitary silverback males in the Virunga Massif. Of the 480 gorillas, 352 (73%) were habituated (349 in groups and three solitary males), while 128 were unhabituated (117 in groups and 11 solitary males).
The census was conducted by six teams of 72 people from Rwanda, DR Congo and Uganda, who trekked over 1,000km through the range, documenting fresh signs of mountain gorilla groups.
The last census, conducted in 2006, estimated the gorilla population at 340 in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Ends