Of Wheelchairs and Sign Language.

One of the most common forms of disability in our current society is physical disability. When the disability affects the lower limbs, causing crippling, the only aids available are either use of crutches, use of prosthetic legs or use of wheel chairs.

For the able bodied, a wheel chair can seem to be sort of like a toy, resembling the old generation baby walkers, where you simply place an 8-11 month old baby to learn how to make his/her first strides in life. However, for the physically disabled, a wheel chair means a lot more. It means the difference of either getting somewhere or not. It means either being independent or remaining under the whims of anyone with the responsibility of moving you around. In essence, it means either leaving a lasting impact in this world or simply being a victim of circumstances. All brought about by one thing:

Mobility.

Huge Step in the Right Direction

Month: January

Day: Friday the 15^th

This was a big win day for the fraternity of Persons with disabilities in Taita Taveta County. Representatives from the four sub counties all converged at Moi County Referral Hospital in Voi where 100 wheelchairs and hats were distributed to various disability groups in the County.

County Government officials, led by Her Excellency Deputy Governor, Mary Ndiga Kibuka handed over the wheelchairs as received from the National Council of Persons with Disabilities. In attendance were the Members of County Assembly representing Disability Interests: Hon John Maghanga and Hon Rozina Kisochi, Hon Justine Mwambi of Mbololo Ward, Hon Arresmus Mwarabu of Mwatate Ward, Hon Elizabeth Mwatela and officers from the Department of Trade and Community Affairs led by Director Richard Kibengo.

Sign Language – the Universal Language?

Most of the speeches on that day revolved around the theme of the event: the fact that wheelchairs are being handed over to improve the welfare of the physically disabled in the County, which is a noble cause. However, one speech given by Hon Rozina Kisochi stood out from the rest.

Think about it: Swahili is Kenya’s National Language. English and Swahili are Kenya’s Official languages. Is that the same case for our brothers and sisters who are deaf? And Dumb? Does Sign language have a place in mainstream society? Will we ever see a time in our country’s history where ALL students will have to learn sign language as one of the languages in their linguistic arsenal?

After thinking hard, it has definitely dawned on me that sign language is indeed a universal language. It takes advantage of one major component of communication: Body language. Literally! Only this time, you need to master some deft hand movements and facial expressions, which will signify something or lack of it. But the point remains: A smile will mean emotions of happiness whether you are in Timbuktu, Alaska or even Voi.

I pray to see the day when we will have sign language as part of our curriculum. Meanwhile, before then, we can perhaps strive to get more wheelchairs for our County folk as well as encourage more able bodied individuals to learn the Universal language, that is Sign Language.

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The KQ East African Classic Safari Rally back in Taita Taveta County

When I hear the word “rally,” I am immediately taken back to my younger years when I started to identify with the sport. The first name that comes to my mind and many of my peers is the Illustrious Patrick Njiru. He had an almost cult-like following back in the day with breathtaking performances against the likes of Carlos Sainz, Juha Kankunnen and Colin McRae. This was when the Safari rally was still part of the WRC rallying calendar and as a country, we would play host to world-renowned drivers from across the world. However, gone are those days.

Presently, the only opportunity we have to witness international drivers and their machines attempt to go into “battle” against the tough African terrain in what is dubbed “the world’s toughest rally” is the KQ Classic Safari Rally. Now in its seventh edition in its current format, The KQ Classic Safari Rally still demands lots of speed and endurance from its competitors as they take on a brand new route through the lush landscapes of Kenya and Tanzania.

      

The rally will have the ceremonial flagging off from Mombasa on Thursday, 19^th November before the competitors make their way towards Malindi, Kilifi County for their first three competitive stages. 20^th November will be the D-day for Taita Taveta County since all rally cars will pass through Mwatate and Tsavo National Parks en route to Amboseli to tackle the competitive stages, which will be, ran within wildlife conservation areas. This is done deliberately in partnership with Wildlife Works who have put a package together to help rally teams offset their carbon footprint on this year’s rally, while simultaneously supporting conservation in the areas where the rally will pass through.

For one to have a feel of what the drivers have in store for them, take a look at the route descriptions that all drivers have received for the three competitive sections on Day 2.

Competitive Section 4 – CS 4 – 103.94km – The first 30 km is fast and twisty. The section becomes ruff from here with a lot of diversions over broken culverts. On some patches keep on best track you can see as the road condition changes off and on.

CS 5 – 85.25km – A very high-speed open road in complete virgin bush land, with a lot of wild animals, especially elephants. These animals normally move away from rally cars, but one must exercise caution on this road and should you break down, do not walk away from your car! At 52.00 km you approach a very busy, narrow village. Exercise extreme caution here!

CS 6 – 23.50km Ruff and mud holes to start with. Followed twisty thick rocky terrain and to end very fast road.

As we all look forward to enjoying this once-in-two-years spectacle, with the likes of defending champion and veteran Kenyan rally driver, Ian Duncan, Carl ‘Flash’ Tundo, Jonathan Somen and a whole list of championship drivers, safety measures have been put in place to ensure that no casualties are experienced during the gruelling 7 day marathon rally.

All spectators are kindly advised to ensure that:

1. All children are kept off the road and supervised.
2. All domestic animals and livestock are kept away from the road.
3. Do not drive on the rally road in cars, bicycles or motorcycles.
4. Don’t throw stones at the rally cars for it will be reported to the Police.

With all in place, I am ready to witness history unfold yet again in our County as the rally cars rev past us as we cheer them on in the “Crown Jewel of World Marathon Rallies” that is the KQ East African Classic Rally.

Question is: Where will you be?

So close, yet so far! Its 6th position for Mwachabo Racing Team

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. – Lao-tzu, The Way of Lao-tzu
Chinese philosopher (604 BC – 531 BC)

After months of sheer hard work, rolling up and down the hills of Mwatate, it was a near hit case for Mwachabo Racing Team in this year’s Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon.

The starting line of the 21 kilometers wheel chair race was the beginning of a grueling fight for top position, with a total of Kshs 300,000 up for grabs for the top three finishers. Mutuku Matei, the sole representative from Taita Taveta County was on that lineup, together with seasoned athletes, well equipped with racing wheelchairs and gloves to aid in pushing the hubs of their well-oiled machines. You can try doing so with your bare hands for two miles while seated in a conventional wheelchair and you will most definitely give yourself a straight ticket to blister-land. However, Mutuku did it for a whopping 13 miles and emerged in 6^th position. If that is not phenomenal, then its uber-fantastic.

Matei showing off his finshers medal

His position number in the just concluded marathon.

This year’s wheelchair half marathon race had lots of significance, which is not attached to the fact that it was the 13^th edition it was being held courtesy of our good friends at Stanchart.

For the 1^st time, we had our county represented in this race. Taking the fact that we only had one representative (our second, unfortunately did not secure a wheelchair in good time) out of a field of just under 80 participants shows a lot of work has to be done in supporting people with disabilities and giving them a chance for self expression with such initiatives.

From left: Mwaziro, Hon. Rozina Kisochi, myself and Matei outside our hotel before the race.

With support received from the Directorate of Sports domiciled under the office of Trade and Community Affairs plus the Office of the County Assembly Members representing persons with disabilities, all travel and accommodation requirements to and from Mwatate was catered for. Perhaps the only blip in this awesome story is the fact that we never managed to secure a second wheelchair for Mwaziro, who was ready to whizz past the competition in this race. For sure, he will live to ride another day.

As per now, our sights are firmly set in the future. In 2016, we have the First lady’s Half Marathon set for March and the 14^th edition of the marathon slated for October. As Octopizzo and Wyre have aptly put it in a current ad on our legacy media,

“Kitu ni kukachora. Make a plan.”

That is exactly what Mwachabo Racing Team is all about right now. Making plans to seize greatness. And guess what: We have already taken our first step!!

Mwachabo Racing team being hosted to lunch by Hon. Rozina before the race.

Mwachabo Team off to Nairobi

5 months of rolling down hill, sore legs, pushing uphill, shortness of breath , dusty palms charred with tyre wheel smell  and hard core practice all boils down to Sunday 25^th October. The Standard Chartered Nairobi marathon beckons and The Mwachabo Racing Team has heeded to that call.

Two of the most recognizable figures in Mwatate are Mwaziro and Matei. Not recognizable due to their outspoken nature, which they both are. Recognizable because one of them uses a wheelchair and the other uses a tricycle to move around the now growing Mwatate CBD (Yes, we do have a Central Business district in Mwatate). Having observed them severally how they move about town, I have always silently wondered to myself how they go through life, on crutches or on a wheelchair. Am sure that is a thought that has swirled in any able bodied person’s mind when you encounter a person with a physical disability. I was no different.

After getting to know both of them due to the nature of my role in the sub county office, I got to learn quite a bit about these two gents and figured that it would be awesome to look forward to do something together in the near future. During our conversations, they always point to the fact that persons with disabilities are not given the opportunity to express themselves in the sub county and the county by extension.

Then I had a brainwave. “Since I enjoy running, and participate in the marathon every year, why shouldn’t I endeavor to have Matei and Mwaziro represent the County?” After sharing that thought with both of them, naturally, they were excited and there, the journey began. The journey to conquer the streets of Nairobi. With one message to pass to everyone: THAT IT IS POSSIBLE.

Seeking sponsorship for anything can be a challenge. For an event or initiative in its inception stage, getting the attention of potential sponsors remains one of the main challenges. Coupled with the lack of individual resolve and sheer belief in your initiative eventually results in a shelved project mainly due to lack of financing or a low key event or initiative supported by a few well-wishers is always a good compromise.

Abeid Hamisi, Mwatate DSCA handing over sponsorship documents to Matei and Mwaziro. Saleri , Ward Admin Mwatate and myself look on. Photo credit: Boniface Kimuzi, Chawia Ward Admin.

This is the challenge I faced when on behalf of the sub county office, took up that challenge of getting support from willing corporates. So, armed with a proposal, emails were sent, regrets received, meetings arranged and cancelled at the last minute and lackluster phone calls asking for feedback. Ultimately, our good friends at AAR Group of Companies, who coincidentally supported an initiative at Mwangea Secondary School during my undergrad years came through with enough support to cater for our stay in a decent hotel in Nairobi West area and participation in the Marathon on Sunday through provision of the wheelchairs for both Matei and Mwaziro.

Our focus remains unwavering as we fly the County’s flag high. Together with AAR, key sponsors of every Stanchart Marathon edition, who will be at hand to provide any health assistance during the entire marathon course, we shall run the race to finish what we started 5 months ago, from just a simple conversation.

Taita Taveta County LEADING in Kenya

 

 

 

 

 

Taita Taveta County and UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) have enjoyed a cordial relationship since the onset of devolution. From the collaborative set up of the Country’s First Biashara Centre  to the provision of water barrels to women in Maktau area in Bura Ward, this partnership seems to be growing from strength to strength.

In the case of UNDP, one of its key projects in Kenya is to support the quest of devolved governance in Kenya, which will in turn achieve improved governance and socio economic development in Kenya. The project supports three short-term “quick win” devolution-related interventions including

i) support to the devolution process;

ii) capacity on peace building and collaborative leadership; and

iii) support to the Commission on Revenue Allocation (CRA).

The broad interventions and activities were jointly identified by UNDP and the Government of Kenya to address the immediate needs of the Government while the mid- and longer-term interventions in devolution were being developed.

In line with this, 13 counties in Kenya have been involved in various projects, including Taita Taveta and so far Taita Taveta and Kitui Counties are leading in the implementation of their annual work plans.

Indeed we are truly committed to ensuring that our existing partnerships with key stakeholders in various sectors are sustained while taking advantage of them to deliver results to the most important person: The Taita Taveta County Residents.

Onward #Teamtaitataveta

 

 

Determined to Race!!!

“The only disability in life is a bad attitude”           Scott Hamilton

The Story of Matei and Mwaziro.

As Kenya was ushering in a new dawn at the time of independence 52 years ago, a baby boy took in his first breath of life in a desolate house deep in Taita Taveta. Born as a healthy baby, Matei bore the promise of long life full of vigor and resounding success in the eyes of his parents, despite their poverty at the time. However, a missed Polio vaccination appointment sealed his fate to the wheelchair at the tender age of seven.

Matei on his Wheelchair

Mwaziro, outside our Sub County offices.

Exactly 26 years later, a young woman was busy at work with her household chores. Her five-month pregnancy did little to deter her efforts to ensure that her family was well taken care of. In a cruel twist of fate, she slipped and fell on her already bulging belly, totally oblivious of what effect it would have on her unborn baby. Four months later, Mwaziro made his debut on the world stage and grew up as a normal baby would. However, after one year, he missed his walking milestones. A year turned into two, all this time he remained on his fours. After medical intervention, he was diagnosed with Spina bifida, which rendered him unable to use his spine for walking.

Challenging Times

Being disabled can be challenging. People who are not disabled may have a difficult time understanding the plight of those who do. The personal stories of the disabled can offer a refreshing perspective on the meaning of life and the triumph of enduring an entirely new way of living.

Mwachabo Racing Team

An offshoot of Mwachabo Persons with Disability Self Help Group, which is an entity committed in empowering persons living with disability, Mwachabo Racing Team was borne out of the need to spread the spirit of self-reliance amongst people with disability. Based in Mwatate Sub County in Taita Taveta County, the undulating hills of Taita offer the perfect environment for training on wheelchairs due to the sudden change in altitude after a few hundred meters.

With the experience of an elite marathoner, Matei guides his young protégé Mwaziro on how to conquer the harsh Taita Hills at least twice a week. Coupled with the fact that they are instrumental members of Mwachabo Self Help group, Matei and Mwaziro continue to be an inspiration to their members and to the society at large due to their determination and their positive spirit to live.

The Standard Chartered Marathon Dream

Since 2003 on every last Sunday of October, thousands of Kenyans from all walks of life converge in Nairobi to participate in the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon, which is held to raise funds to support the eradication of avoidable blindness in Kenya. This year, the marathon will be held on October 25^th 2015.

Racer line up at the start of the tri-cycle and wheel chair race during the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon 2010

Perhaps oblivious to many able-bodied Kenyans, the marathon also attracts hundreds of disabled participants who seek to put their mark on the event by wheeling for over 42 kilometres, (in case of the Marathon) which is no mean feat.

Since March, Matei and Mwaziro have been training to participate in the upcoming marathon. To them, it’s not simply about going to Nairobi and having a great time. For them, it’s a mission to pass a simple message to their members back at home:

IT IS POSSIBLE.

Having previously represented the country in the 1988 Seoul and 1992 Barcelona Paralympics, Matei is on a personal mission to relive his glory days as he seeks to pass the baton to a younger and more ambitious generation.

In Mwaziro’s case, who is currently a Form 3 student in an adult learning programme in Mwatate and aspires to qualify for university in the next two years, participating in the marathon is a statement of intent in terms of achievement in life for him in the future. Apart from aspiring to be a graduate teacher, he hopes to be the voice of the disabled in the County or National legislature in future.

Want to find out how you can support the Mwachabo Racing Team?

Ways to Support

By supporting Mwachabo Racing Team through your contribution, you will not only be enabling two outstanding individuals fulfill their dream of participating in the Standard Chartered Marathon but also showing your unwavering support in furthering the cause of persons living with disability.

Get in touch with us on 0725 959202. You can download the corporate proposal as well. Mwachabo Team Proposal

A Thrilling Road trip to the top of the Spell binding Taita Hills

The journey from Voi to Wundanyi is set on a dusty road that meanders and twists up and down around the scenic Taita Hills.The road is under construction from Kenyatta High School Mwatate. The boy’s national school that begun in 1970 through a government grant but whose years are neatly tucked behind the white and grey painting of the institution.

It ascends and slices through rocks as the 58 Taita Hills emerge an disappear at intervals. Among the spell binding rocks include the Wesu, Iyale, Shomoto and Mwachora rocks; that seem to have grown out of trees by how they protrude from the vegetation.

Others, have a cloud of mystery hanging around them. For instance, residents here whisper that thieves and sorcerers would be hurled down to death on the Mwachora rocks. Below these rocks are terraces of maize and banana plantations.

They create green staircases that lead to several scattered huts with shiny metal roofs. On the further right, a white mosque immaculately sits atop a rock, a perfect rendition of ‘the house on a hill’ . The rugged but passable road leads into a huge grey rock. In 45 minutes, the journey to the top has involved driving too close to the edge of the road such that if a vehicle veers off the road, it will land on sunk rusty roofs sink below.

The hills set a wall around Wundanyi making it look like an oasis in the middle of an enclosure. A few minutes from Wundanyi town is Taita Rocks Hotel, with its great food but very chilly nights and mornings. The architect put to good use the ascending rocks and green vegetation in the area as the newly constructed rooms with mirrored windows sticking out at the top as a flight of huge stairs carved out of stone spiral downhill.

About 30 minutes from the Taita Rocks Hotel is another scenic site of the county: Ngangao forest. It is home to one of the few remaining indigenous tropical rain forest fragments of the Taita Hills. It is lined with huge palm trees that look like it was cut off from a part  in a beach in Mombasa County. The canopy forest has numerous medicinal trees according to the foresters and as a result, the neighbouring villagers have been sneaking into the forest and harvesting some of the branches and roots of the plants.

From the forest, you get a panoramic view of the many hills in Taita as well catch a glimpse of Mount Kilimanjaro and Usambara Mountains in Tanzania. Right ahead from the Ngangao forest, the Vuria Hill stares back. It is the highest point in the Coast Region.

By Eunice Kilonzo

(ekilonzo@ke.nationmedia.com)

Sub County of Opportunities

As the Default Capital of Taita Taveta County, Mwatate Sub County lends itself naturally to be the number one destination for investment within Taita Taveta County. Strategically placed centrally, Mwatate promises to offer immense opportunities for any upcoming individual seeking an affordable option of investment.

With 2 years already elapsed since the onset of devolution, the once sleepy town has grown to be a confluence of a continuous stream of activities which has injected some energy to the residents of the sub county.

The collective vision of residents is to see the steady growth of the entire sub county to reach the status befitting the location of the County Capital of the Majestic County of Taita Taveta, the county of Opportunities.