Launch of Eastern Africa Sister Cities in Nairobi

Friends,
Ms Mary Kane- President- Sister Cities International yesterday officially launched the Eastern Africa Sister Cities at a function in Nairobi that was graced by His Excellency Ambassador BP Emmanuel Hatega- Uganda High Commission, Nairobi and Permanent Mission to UNCHS [Habitat] and Unep, Mr. Lukwago Erias- Lord Mayor- Kampala Capital City Authority, Cllr Sichele- Mayor- Municipal Council of Kakamega, the Town Clerk Municipal Council of Kakamega and many other guests.
Odhiambo T Oketch, Mr. Lukwago Erias-Lord Mayor Kampala Capital City Authority and Amb BP Emmanuel Hatega- Uganda High Commission, Nairobi and Permanent Mission to UNCHS [Habitat] and Unep at the launch yesterday the 29th Feb 2012
The Eastern Africa Sister Cities [EASC] was established following the signing of a Memeorandum of Understanding between Sister Cities Internation and the Inter Region Economic Network [IREN] in August 2011.
EASC's main goals are to develop, coordinate, incubate, help sustain existing City, Town and Municipality links worldwide with emphasis to promote a south to south City Twinning and Strengthen Sister Cities in Eastern Africa Region. Mr. James Shikwati is the President of EASC while Mr. Raymond Kiptum is the Program Manager.

Mr Raymond Kiptum- EASC, Mr. Albert Kochei- aspiring Governor Uashin Gishu County and Odhiambo T Oketch during the launch

IREN is a leading independent African think tank that promotes ideas and strategies geared towards causing prosperity in Africa through free enterprises and sound public policy. IREN's key focus areas include targeted events, training, research, consultancy, communications and its flagship online magazine, The African Executive is published in English every Wednesday.
Mr. James Shikwati- President of EASC during the launch
Sister Cities International [SCI] was founded in 1956 by USA President Dwight D Eisenhower as a non-profit citizen diplomacy network that creates and strengthens partnerships between USA and International Communities.
Ms Mary Kane- President Sister Cities International during the launch
It strives to build global cooperation at the Municipal Level, promotes cultural understanding and stimulates economic development. The current President is Ms Mary Kane.
Odhiambo T Oketch talking with Cllr Sichele- the Mayor of the Municipal Council of Mombasa. Partly hidden is the Town Clerk- Municipal Council of Kakamega
We at KCDN and The Monthly Nationwide Clean-up Campaign are privileged to have been invited to be part of this great transformation taking place in the Eastern Africa Region. We are looking forward to creating more links and working with the people of Eastern Africa towards a Clean, Green and Litter Less Eastern Africa.
'Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change we seek'- President Barack Obama of the USA.

A Clean, Green and Litter Less Kenya at 50 is possible and achievable.

Odhiambo T Oketch
CEO KCDN Kenya,
National Coordinator- The Monthly Nationwide Clean-up Campaign
Tel; 0724 365 557
Blog; http://kcdnkomarockswatch.blogspot.com
Website; www.kcdnkenya.org
Facebook; Monthly Nationwide Clean up Campaign
Facebook; Odhiambo T Oketch

Odhiambo T Oketch is the immediate former 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 in partnership with KACC and he is the National Co-ordinator of The Monthly Nationwide Clean-up Campaign in Kenya.

                         .......Moving From Talking to Tasking........

The KCDN Team

As we end the Month of February, I want to pay glowing tribute to the Board and Strategic Team and to all Friends of KCDN who have made the ending Month such a resounding success for The Monthly Nationwide Clean-up Campaign.

I want to really appreciate all those Friends of KCDN who were instrumental in our successes for the Month of February. Your financial contribution, advice and words of encouragement ensured that our Work Plan for the Month was implemented.

I must sincerely thank our Board for their support and faith in me and my team. We are proud to have such a dedicated team at KCDN.

It is important to give a glimpse of this team, because, many people have wrongly believed that KCDN is a One Man Show. I am the Face of KCDN because I am the Founder CEO. I live the Vision behind the drive. But with me is a very quiet but efficient Team.

Our Chairman has worked with the UN and the European Union for so long in very Senior Positions. He is currently based in Abuja Nigeria and he is a Finance and Governance Specialist.

The next Board Member is a very Senior Banker. She is currently a Regional Manager of one of the Leading International Banks in Kenya.

The next Board Member is a very Senior Public figure who has remained an engine in the Organization that she heads.

We also have an Internationally respected Lawyer who also works for the UN Systems. He has won many cases for the Marginalized Groups of People in Kenya and his passion for a Clean Kenya is manifested through his actions.

The next Board Member is an Internationally recognized NGO Guru. He has been a voice of reason even in social commentaries and you would not doubt his fight in the second liberation of Kenya. He was firmly in the front lines in the trenches. He has been detained on accounts of his beliefs and he has lived to remain faithful to One Kenya under God.

Then we have a Swiss Lady whose efforts in Kenya has seen her organization avail clean water to over 15,000 Kenyans in a part of Western Kenya. She remains a beacon of Hope to many Kenyans in Western Province and to KCDN, she has been purely inspirational.

We also have a senior Tax Consultant with us in our Board. This is one man whose philosophy has helped shape some of the thinkings we have at KCDN. He is a man of action and brooks no nonsense.

Then we have a team of smart professionals in our Strategic Team. These are men and women whose advice and thinking we have immensely benefited from at KCDN. Their advice is implemented by a very dedicated team with me in the Executive.

This Team is complimented by a very strong army of Friends of KCDN. When we were recently scandalized, this Team rose to the occasion and strengthened our reach and capacity. They made sure that we had the resources to enable us travel and meet with Kenyans in pursuit of a Clean, Green and Litter Less Kenya. You can view this Team from our Website.

This is why we never fail to implement what we have set our eyes on.

As we move into March, we have a loaded calender of events. We have firm faith that this team and more, will once again rise to the occasion and be of maximum support to us. The Clean-up Campaign is not about ego fights. It is about each one of us doing his or her bit to make Kenya Clean.

And we will continue inviting Kenyans to join with us in The Monthly Nationwide Clean-up Campaigns. We will be in Kisumu at Kondele and in Umoja Estate for the Month of March, and we want to invite greater participation from as many Kenyans all across the land.

We want to lastly thank all the Teams that have written to us from across the whole Country. We might not have the capacity to join in many events at the same time across Kenya, but we have faith that we can all join in Cleaning Kenyan across the whole Country at the same time.

Lastly, we want to appreciate the resolve of the Government, the Local Authorities, the Corporates, Friends of KCDN and the many Kenyans who have made the Clean-up Campaigns the success story that it is continuing to be across Kenya.

Let us roll our sleeves and help make Kenya Clean.

'Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change we seek'- President Barack Obama of the USA.

A Clean, Green and Litter Less Kenya at 50 is possible and achievable.

Odhiambo T Oketch
CEO KCDN Kenya,
National Coordinator- The Monthly Nationwide Clean-up Campaign
Tel; 0724 365 557
Blog; http://kcdnkomarockswatch.blogspot.com
Website; www.kcdnkenya.org
Facebook; Monthly Nationwide Clean up Campaign
Facebook; Odhiambo T Oketch

Rest in Peace Hon Michuki

He was an efficient man.

In his public disposition, he was efficient. In his political disposition, he was efficient and at times ruthless. And when his time came, he died efficiently.

That was Hon John Njoroge Michuki, a name that tamed the Mungikis, the Matatu Madness, and cleaned River Nairobi.

As Kenyans mourn this brave son of the soil, we at KCDN want to join all in conveying our heart felt condolences to the man who lived by the rules, and efficiently implemented the same rules.

It was Hon Michuki whose creed we followed at KCDN in implementing The Monthly Nationwide Clean-up Campaign. The man never believed in talking. He was a doer. Our creed of Moving From Talking to Tasking was inspired by his decisive nature.

When he was appointed the Minister for Transport, his first act was to introduce the now famous Michuki Rules. Hitherto, we were used to being packed in Matatus and Buses like sardine. Michuki the man said no, and told all the PSVs that from February of 2004, all PSVs will have a limited capacity for passengers. They attempted to strike, to blackmail him and to threaten, but he stood his ground, and he won.

Kenyans rejoiced ever after.

He was later appointed the Minister for Internal Security where he had his ups and downs. Mungiki had grown horns all across Central Province, Nairobi and some parts of Rift Valley. He cautioned them to take heed and obey the law, and work for their daily upkeep like all Kenyans. When they failed to heed his advice, all hell broke loose. And many young men were caught in the crossfire.

His flip side was the Darkness at Noon that he occasioned the Standard Newspaper. But again, he took this in his stride and gave us the famous quote; if you rattle a snake bla bla bla. The man was one never to waver in his conviction.

When he was appointed the Minister for Environment and Mineral Resources, there had been eternal talk about cleaning the Nairobi River. Then man came in, listened to sound advice, rolled up his sleeves and moved to the trenches.

The end result is the clean Nairobi River that is well tended that we have today.

As we join the world in mourning this gallant son of Kenya, it is our hope that his death will not rob Kenya of Men of action.

We want to invite Kenyans to move to the trenches and work for a Clean, Green and Litter Less Kenya in honour of this Man of Action.

Rest in Peace Old Man. Rest in Peace Man of Action. Rest in Peace Dear John.

'Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change we seek'- President Barack Obama of the USA.

A Clean, Green and Litter Less Kenya at 50 is possible and achievable.

Odhiambo T Oketch
CEO KCDN Kenya,
National Coordinator- The Monthly Nationwide Clean-up Campaign
Tel; 0724 365 557
Blog; http://kcdnkomarockswatch.blogspot.com
Website; www.kcdnkenya.org
Facebook; Monthly Nationwide Clean up Campaign
Facebook; Odhiambo T Oketch

Kondele and Umoja Clean up Campaigns in March

Friends,
On the 2nd March 2012, we will be meeting with the Opinion Leaders from Kondele Estate in Kisumu for an awareness Campaign on Separation of Waste at Source. The meeting will start at 10.00am and the Local Leaders are already mobilizing Stakeholders to attend.
During this Forum, we will be inviting the residents to join us in Separation of Waste at Source in various components that will prove the adage that Waste is Wealth. We will be inviting the participation of the Youth and Women into this as a viable employment opportunity and we are already in discussions with the various Waste Convertors on the best way forward.
On the 9th March 2012, we will again host The Consultative Forum at Kondele with more partners. During this Forum, we will drive the three Thematic Areas that anchor The Monthly Nationwide Clean-up Campaign;

1. Environmental Management; where we will be inviting Kenyans that a Clean Kenya starts with Me.
2. Peace Building; where we discuss the need for us to live in harmony as One People Under God, and
3. Good Governance; where we invite active participation of Kenyans in deciding our destiny as a Country.

On the 13th March 2012, we will be meeting with Stakeholders in Umoja to help plan for the World Clean-up Day which we will celebrate at Umoja Estate.
On the 17th March 2012, we will join with the residents of Kondele in Kisumu for the Clean-up Campaign. On the same date, the leaders and opinion leaders at Kongowea Market will again join with the Municipal Council of Mombasa, Coast Women in Development, International Republican Institute, KCDN and any other willing partner in cleaning Kongowea Wholesale Market.
On this same date, Friends of KCDN will join with Kenyans across the Country in cleaning our neighbourhoods. A Clean, Green and Litter Less Kenya at 50 is Possible.
Then on the 24th March 2012, we will join in the World Clean-up Day at Umoja Estate in Nairobi.
If you are in these areas and you want to participate, please get in touch.
In the meantime, we are in various discussions with Friends of KCDN to see how best to make this Months Calender to be a success. We are hence, as we have done in the past, inviting your support, partnership and participation with us in this Journey of Hope across Kenya.
'Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change we seek'- President Barack Obama of the USA.
A Clean, Green and Litter Less Kenya at 50 is possible and achievable.

Odhiambo T Oketch
CEO KCDN Kenya,
National Coordinator- The Monthly Nationwide Clean-up Campaign
Tel; 0724 365 557
Blog; http://kcdnkomarockswatch.blogspot.com
Website; www.kcdnkenya.org
Facebook; Monthly Nationwide Clean up Campaign
Facebook; Odhiambo T Oketch

The Kongowea Lessons

Cleaning Kongowea Wholesale Market gave us the test of our time.
A Clean Kongowea Market
First, we were maligned and called names. We were dared to even set foot at Kongowea but our resolve was very clear. We were dealing with someone who has perfected the art of rabble rousing, and as such, we were never bothered at all. The only thing that bothered us, but only for a while was when Naomi Cidi joined in the rabble rousing.
We thought that Naomi having worked for Kenya at such senior positions was in a position to rise above smallness. We were mistaken. She descended below her status and it is sad she wants to be a Governor of some County in Kenya. We wish her well.

A dirty Kongowea before the Clean-up Campaign

We went to Mombasa and had a meeting with the Town Clerk and his team. We went back again to meet the local leaders and the market leaders. Then we went back for the Clean-up Campaign, a campaign that was attended by slightly over 5,000 traders and volunteers. A Campaign that now stands as our best effort so far across Kenya.
The result was magnificent. We have posted the photos on our Facebook Page for those who might want to view; Monthly Nationwide Clean Up Campaign and Odhiambo T Oketch.
A few lessons were learnt though and we want to clearly state them as we state our resolve to run The Monthly Nationwide Clean-up Campaign across Kenya.

1. The virulent attack on us was a blessing in disguise for us at KCDN. It made three serious groups invite us for serious discussions about the Campaign and their willingness to be our Partners. The last group just called me yesterday. We will in the fullness of time give details.
2. It exposed how some people behave. We had initiated attempts to romp in some few people to the Campaign so that we can strengthen the process across Kenya. We did not know that they were not interested in working hard for a process to succeed. They were all only interested in what they were going to be paid, but not how to work for the process to become self sustaining. We are happy that at the slightest test on KCDN and on my person, Eric Mburi, Benji Ndolo and Erickson Oduya denied us just like Peter denied Jesus at His most hour of need, and they opted out. The good thing is, we have a team that is working successfully for the Campaign and with tangible results.
3. I was accused of running KCDN as a one man show. If that is true, then I must be congratulated for being this efficient. If the success that we have witnessed across Kenya are my personal triumphs, then the Campaign will go far.
4. I was accused of being a conman and a swindler. I am happy that I am a conman and a swindler who announces what he is doing in broad day light without fear of being arrested for the crimes that I commit. I am happy that such attempts to portray me as a conman and a swindler has instead strengthened my resolve to con and swindle many more people. The good thing is, we post our request for support, partnership and participation in the open and all willing Friends respond out of their own volition.
5. There has been some demands from busy bodies and some idlers that we be transparent and accountable at KCDN. If posting what we are doing in both our blog and website is not being transparent and accountable, then, to this idlers and busy bodies I say this; we will NEVER be accountable to you. We will remain faithful to Friends of KCDN and our Partners as we have always been. We will never change this.
6. Lastly, we have more conviction that the forces of goodness will forever remain above the satanic verses. 

To this end, our Campaign continues and The Monthly Nationwide Clean-up Campaign gets more serious Partners.
A Clean Kongowea Market after the Clean-up
Lastly, in the fullness of time and at our own discretion, we will update the list of Partners in our website. All the Friends of KCDN, Institutions, Corporates and any other Donor to KCDN are well briefed and they have no problem with this intentional delay on our part to update the list of our Partners.
'Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change we seek'- President Barack Obama of the USA.
A Clean, Green and Litter Less Kenya at 50 is possible and achievable.

Odhiambo T Oketch
CEO KCDN Kenya,
National Coordinator- The Monthly Nationwide Clean-up Campaign
Tel; 0724 365 557
Blog; http://kcdnkomarockswatch.blogspot.com
Website; www.kcdnkenya.org
Facebook; Monthly Nationwide Clean up Campaign
Facebook; Odhiambo T Oketch

Kisumu and Umoja Clean-ups in March 2012

Friends,
We have shifted our Focus to Kondele in Kisumu and Umoja Estate in Nairobi as our Focal Points for the Monthly Nationwide Clean-up Campaign in March 2012.
We have been in discussions with leaders from these two Regions and our schedules will be as follows;

1. 2nd March 2012; Awareness Campaign of separation of waste at source at Kondele in Kisumu
2. 9th March 2012; The Consultative Forum with Stakeholders at Kondele in Kisumu
3. 13th March 2012; The Consultative Forum with Stakeholders at Umoja Estate in Nairobi- in partnership with the Nairobi Central Business District Association
   
4. 17th March 2012; Massive Clean-up Campaign at Kondole in Kisumu
5. 24th March 2012; the World Clean-up Day at Umoja Estate in Nairobi.

We are happy with the Friends of KCDN who have stepped forward in their continued efforts at supporting The Monthly Nationwide Clean-up Campaign. A Clean, Green and Litter Less Kenya will not happen by itself. It needs men and women who are tough as steel, people who can withstand the constant pressures that are associated with the mobilization process.
We want to sincerely appreciate the support we have continued to receive from the Friends of KCDN, the Public Service Transformation Department, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and Ministry of Local Government, the Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources, the Ministry of Nairobi Metropolitan Development, UNEP, the various Local Authorities in Kenya, the Akiba Uhaki Foundation, A Better World from Switzerland, the Nairobi Central Business District Association and the members of the KCDN Board. We are truly thankful for all your support.
We at KCDN are equal to the task and we have proved time and again that we do what we say. This is a resolve we are assuring all Friends of KCDN that we will maintain and at the end of the day, a Clean, Green and Litter Less Kenya will be achieved.
We are happy that many Kenyans are organizing themselves in their neighbourhoods and teaming up to Clean their areas. This is one thing we want to stress and we will not tire in inviting for your continued Support, Partnership and Participation in this Campaign.
Lastly, in the fullness of time and at our own discretion, we will update the list of Partners in our website. All the Friends of KCDN, Institutions, Corporates and any other Donor to KCDN are well briefed and they have no problem with this intentional delay on our part to update the list of our Partners.
'Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change we seek'- President Barack Obama of the USA.
A Clean, Green and Litter Less Kenya at 50 is possible and achievable.


Odhiambo T Oketch
CEO KCDN Kenya,
National Coordinator- The Monthly Nationwide Clean-up Campaign
Tel; 0724 365 557
Blog; http://kcdnkomarockswatch.blogspot.com
Website; www.kcdnkenya.org
Facebook; Monthly Nationwide Clean up Campaign
Facebook; Odhiambo T Oketch

The best ever Clean-up Campaign; Kongowea Market

Friends,
Today we hosted the best ever Clean-up Campaign in the history of The Monthly Nationwide Clean-up Campaign at Kongowea Wholesale Market in Mombasa.
Mr Bilafif, Mr. Mulambe-partly hidden, Ms Mwakamba, Ms Sharon, Odhiambo T Oketch and other leaders during the Launch at Kongowea today the 18th Feb 2012
The event was officially launched my Ms Elipida Mwakamba- Deputy Town Clerk Reforms in the company of Mr. MS Bilafif- the Environment Director, Mr. Sylvester Mulambe- Director Education- again, he was today holding brief for the Town Clerk in Mombasa, Mr. Abdalla- the Market Superintendent, Mr. Ali Mtsumi- the Market Chairman Kongowea, Mr. Richard Onyango- Market Secretary Kongowea, Mr. Nyagah, sectional Chairman, Ms Betty Sharon- CEO Coast Women in Development, Mr. Tom Ngar- Field Officer CWID, several leaders and traders from Kongowea Market and the KCDN Team managing The Monthly Nationwide Clean-up Campaign.
The Council provided 6 Lorries, I Tractor and 1 Shovel while the work force was from the following groups;

1. Municipal Council of Mombasa
2. Kongowea Market Traders
3. International Republican Institute
4. Coast Women in Development
5. Mombasa Municipal Fire Brigade
6. Mombasa Integrated Solid Waste Management led by Mr Joseph Katana from Changamwe
7. Public Health Office from Kisauni
8. Canaan Orphanage Project
9. Tunaweza Women with Disability led by Ms Lucy Chesi
10. Community Focus in health Initiative led by Walter from Changamwe
11. and the KCDN Team. 

We were happy to note that the team from Changamwe have started a Waste Recycling Plant with the support of the IRI and great efforts are being made to have the Plant operational to start sorting out the Plastic Menace.
The good thing is, the Market Traders decided on their own that they will be joining the Council every 3rd Saturday of the Month in cleaning the Market and they want Kongowea to be the Model Market in East Africa given that they are also the biggest Market in the East African Region.
Aftermath; Mr. Peter Mbol of KCDN, Richard, Odhiambo- leaving with some water, Sharon and Walter in a CleanKongowea Market
Nyeri had given us the best impact until today when Kongowea recorded the best impact and turnout.
We at the Monthly Nationwide Clean-up Campaign have done our part. The rest is for the people and we are delighted that Coast Women in Development will be playing a key role in this Campaign every Month. I am happy to report that NO ONE was paid to participate and NO ONE was stranded at Kongowea after the Clean-up Campaign.
Our Focal Point for the Month of March will be Kisumu City and Nairobi and already, we are in several discussions that will advance the Clean-up Campaign in those regions.
'Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change we seek'- President Barack Obama of the USA.
A Clean, Green and Litter Less Kenya at 50 is possible and achievable.


Odhiambo T Oketch
CEO KCDN Kenya,
National Coordinator- The Monthly Nationwide Clean-up Campaign
Tel; 0724 365 557
Blog; http://kcdnkomarockswatch.blogspot.com
Website; www.kcdnkenya.org
Facebook; Monthly Nationwide Clean up Campaign
Facebook; Odhiambo T Oketch

Friends,
We are all set up for the Massive Clean-up Campaign across Kenya tomorrow.
We are inviting all to kindly join in cleaning their immediate neighbourhoods even as we converge at Kongowea Wholesale Market as our Focal Point for February. A Clean, Green and Litter Less Kenya is one agenda that we want to achieve as we celebrate our 50 Years of Independence.
We have missed on fighting poverty, disease, illiteracy, adequate shelter for all, water for all and all that. But a Clean, Green and Litter Less Kenya at 50 we can achieve as a People united in this Journey of Hope across Kenya.
We are happy with all the teams that have written to us enjoining in the Clean-up Campaign across Kenya, and as for the Kongowea Wholesale Market Clean-up Campaign, we want to appreciate the following Teams for joining in;

1. The Municipal Council of Mombasa
2. the Kongowea Wholesale Market Leaders and Traders
3. the First Step Initiative
4. the Coast Women in Development
5. the Humanist Resource Network

In our last posting we did say that NO ONE will be paid across Kenya to participate. This is a voluntary affair and only those who feel compelled are invited. Again we did say, and I want to repeat, the much talked about 20 Youths from Changamwe who wanted to get paid for their participation are not welcome.
They are free to join in the Clean-up Campaign, but they will NOT be paid for participating.
We are very happy with the many Kenyans who have since joined in the Clean-up Campaigns across Kenya in a voluntary basis. And like we have been saying, let us roll our sleeves and move to the trenches. A Clean Kenya Starts with Me!
We are also happy that at KCDN, we are driving a Campaign that is soon catching fire across the whole country. We are happy that at least we are doing something. We are just not talking and doing nothing. And we are are happy that we have been blessed with the capacity to sensitize and mobilize Kenyans into action. We are investing a great deal in this and we are happy Kenyans are responding with action.
We are looking forward to more groups joining us at Kongowea as from 10am tomorrow.
Note; this is a voluntary service and NO ONE will be paid for participating.
'Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change we seek'- President Barack Obama of the USA.
A Clean, Green and Litter Less Kenya at 50 is possible and achievable.


Odhiambo T Oketch
CEO KCDN Kenya,

Kongowea on Saturday 18th Feb 2012

Friends,
We will be at Kongowea Wholesale Market for this Months edition of The Monthly Nationwide Clean-up Campaign on Saturday the 18th Feb 2012 as from 10.00am for a massive Clean-up Campaign that will be led by the traders and the locals.

A Clean Mombasa 

We will be joined by many groups and we have made it clear to all those who will be joining us that this is a voluntary exercise. No one will be paid, and as such, we are not expecting to see the Changamwe Youths around.                                                                                                                                                      

To all our Friends across the Country, please keep the flag flying. Let us roll our sleeves and help make Kenya Clean. It is our responsibility and we all need to rise to the occasion.                                                            

For those who are willing to support this Campaign, you are free to reach out to us for further discussions.    

'Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change we seek'- President Barack Obama of the USA.

A Clean, Green and Litter Less Kenya at 50 is possible and achievable.


Odhiambo T Oketch
CEO KCDN Kenya,
National Coordinator- The Monthly Nationwide Clean-up Campaign
Tel; 0724 365 557
Blog; http://kcdnkomarockswatch.blogspot.com
Website; www.kcdnkenya.org
Facebook; Monthly Nationwide Clean up Campaign
Facebook; Odhiambo T Oketch

kenya-can] Humanist Resource Network joins in the Clean up

Friends,
Starting a Programme and ensuring that it becomes successful to achieve the objectives for which it is set up has never been an easy affair. Similarly, initiating and managing The Monthly Nationwide Clean-up Campaign has not been an easy affair.
But we are encouraged by the way our Concept has been accepted across Kenya and today, we welcome the Humanist Resource Network in Mombasa for indicating that they will be taking part in the Kongowea Wholesale Market Clean-up Campaign on Saturday the 18th February 2012.
In the same vain, we want to sincerely appreciate all the Friends of KCDN who have stepped forward in either way to ensure that The Monthly Nationwide Clean-up Campaign succeeds across Kenya. You are our pillar and source of strength.
Our Focal Point for this Month is Mombasa County and in the past two weeks, we have met with the Town Clerk Municipal Council of Mombasa and his Team, the DO 1 Mombasa, the Leaders from Kongowea Wholesale Market and many other willing partners to help plan for the event.
We are happy that our Awareness Campaign and the Consultative Forums have been well attended and participation has been vibrant. This is the Kenya we want, where we all join hands to work for One Kenya as One Family of God and One People.
This is a Programme we are happy with and one for which we will see through.
We are happy with the support we have continued to receive from

1. the People of Kenya,
2. the Public Service Transformation Department
3. the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and Ministry of Local Government
4. the Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources
5. the Ministry of Nairobi Metropolitan Development
6. the various Local Authorities from across Kenya
7. the United Nations Environmental Programme
8. the Provincial Administration
9. Akiba Uhaki Foundation
10. the Nairobi Central Business District Association
11. Kenya Private Sector Alliance
12. the Board of KCDN
13. and the many Partners we have across Kenya and the World- www.kcdnkenya.org.

Working in partnership with all these Institutions and the People of Kenya, we can surely achieve a Clean, Green and Litter Less Kenya at 50.
But as for the Kongowea Wholesale Market Clean-up Campaign, we want to thank the following groups who have volunteered their support and participation;

1. The Municipal Council of Mombasa
2. the Kongowea Wholesale Market Leaders and Traders
3. the First Step Initiative
4. the Coast Women in Development
5. the Humanist Resource Network

We are looking forward to more groups joining us at Kongowea.
Note; this is a voluntary service and NO ONE will be paid for participating.
'Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change we seek'- President Barack Obama of the USA.
A Clean, Green and Litter Less Kenya at 50 is possible and achievable.


Odhiambo T Oketch
CEO KCDN Kenya,
National Coordinator- The Monthly Nationwide Clean-up Campaign
Tel; 0724 365 557
Blog; http://kcdnkomarockswatch.blogspot.com
Website; www.kcdnkenya.org
Facebook; Monthly Nationwide Clean up Campaign
Facebook; Odhiambo T Oketch

Oto's last word

Friends,

I will not engage in any shouting match with any madman in any market place at any time.

The slander on my person and the noise that I have swindled or conned any person of any money will also not move me. If I was a con or a criminal, I would not be posting what we are doing, because, the people I con and swindle and the Police would easily get me.

I will be hiding as I plan my next con.

But at KCDN, we have often made open appeals for which many people have responded. We do not care even if anyone downloads our lists and alters the figures to justify his story. That is for the Police to handle, not KCDN.

Again, we have no capacity to make you love us. The choice is yours. You may want to be part of the Monthly Nationwide Clean-up Campaign, and we are happy that many Institutions have come on board to work with us towards a Clean, Green and Litter Less Kenya at 50.

We have no apologies about our capacity to mobilize and sensitize. If for any reason you cannot do what we are able to easily do at KCDN, it is not our problem. And we have nothing to do with it.

We will remain focused on what we are doing at KCDN and we are well energized to drive The Monthly Nationwide Clean-up Campaign across the country and our work plan will not change.

Any person with sour grapes against me as a person, or against the success story that KCDN has become in relatively such a short time, can do what they like.

To all the Friends of KCDN, your words of support and encouragement during this sad episode has been well received and noted. We promise you that we will deliver, and a Clean, Green and Litter Less Kenya at 50 we shall achieve.

It is your support and resolve that made us meet with the leaders in Mombasa yesterday to help plan for the Kongowea Wholesale Market Clean-up Campaign scheduled to take place on the 18th February 2012.

To all those who would want to hijack KCDN and run the show, my apologies. That will NEVER happen.

Times are such that a hard knock wakes you up to some reality. We have been woken up to that reality and we now know better.

Lastly, we are happy that we have been engaging with leaders all across Kenya, men and women who believe that we can jointly work for the good of Kenya. We do not have time for idlers and we will never meet with any idler again.

We made that mistake last year in February and we will not do that again.

A Clean, Green and Litter Less Kenya at 50 is possible and achievable.


Odhiambo T Oketch
CEO KCDN Kenya,
National Coordinator- The Monthly Nationwide Clean-up Campaign
Tel; 0724 365 557
Blog; http://kcdnkomarockswatch.blogspot.com
Website; www.kcdnkenya.org
Facebook; Monthly Nationwide Clean up Campaign
Facebook; Odhiambo T Oketch

The Kongowea Consultative Forum

Friends,
We hosted the Kongowea Consultative Forum with the Kongowea Traders and Leaders at the Town Hall in Mombasa yesterday the 10th Feb 2012.
Group photo immediately after the meeting yesterday at the Town Hall.
The meeting was chaired by Ms Elipida Mwakamba- Deputy Town Clerk- Reforms and was attended by the leaders, Mr. MS Bilafif- Director Environment at the Municipal Council of Mombasa, Dr Swale Chidagaya- MOH at the Municipal Council of Mombasa, Mr. Abdulla Mwabami- Deputy Director- Social Services, Mr Marigi Njihia- Accountant, Mr. Mohamed Abdalla- Market Superintendent, Mr. Peter Mbol and Mr. Odhiambo T Oketch both of KCDN.
Ms Mwakamba, Odhiambo and Mr. Mwabami following the proceedings
We agreed on the following;

1. The Clean up of Kongowea Wholesale Market will be on the 18th February 2012 starting 10.00am. This is to enable early morning shoppers buy their daily perishables.
2. The Clean-up Exercise will hence forth be a Monthly affair undertaken in partnership with the market leaders and traders.
3. Every trader will keep his stall clean at all the times.
4. Working tools will be provided to the Section Leaders within the Market in good time to allow for proper logistics.
5. The Municipal Council of Mombasa will address the issue of Electrity and Toilet, the twin issues that have been of great concern to the traders.
6. There will be no harrassment of the traders as has been happening in the past whenever such an event is organized, though, law and order will be maintained by an active presence of the Council Askaris and Regular Police.
7. The exercise will be voluntary and NO ONE will be paid to participate.
8. There will be pomp and dance as we start a new Transformation Agenda that will spread to the whole of Mombasa Town.

The Kongowea Clean-up Campaign will be led by His Worship the Mayor and the Town Clerk and there will be a follow-up meeting between the Market Leaders and the Market Superintendent to help plan for the rest of the logistics.
During the Consultative Forum, we discussed;

1. Environmental Management issues and the need for all of us to join in keeping not just the market clean, but all our neighbourhoods.
2. Peace Building as a prerequisite to a healthy nation.
3. Good Governance and the need for all of us to rise up and be active participants.

Kongowea Wholesale Market will be our Focal Point for this Months Nationwide Clean-up Campaign and all are invited across the whole country to kindly join in and clean your immediate neighbourhood.

 A Clean, Green and Litter Less Kenya at 50 is possible and achievable.



Odhiambo T Oketch
CEO KCDN Kenya,
National Coordinator- The Monthly Nationwide Clean-up Campaign
Tel; 0724 365 557
Blog; http://kcdnkomarockswatch.blogspot.com
Website; www.kcdnkenya.org
Facebook; Monthly Nationwide Clean up Campaign
Facebook; Odhiambo T Oketch

VP Kalonzo on dirty Mombasa

The Vice President Hon Steven Kalonzo Musyoka over the weekend decried the dirty state in which Mombasa is. He made specific reference to VOK area and was promptly rebuked by His Worship the Mayor Cllr Modhar.
Drainage indeed! In Nairobi.
We were in Mombasa last week and we will be in Mombasa again from today till Saturday for a series of meetings and we can confirm that the said area the Hon VP made reference to is not dirty. Residents had started dumping their waste and garbage at VOK but the Council moved in with speed and sorted the mess. The area is free of any garbage as we speak.
In driving The Monthly Nationwide Clean-up Campaign, in Nairobi we have been joined by the PC Nairobi Mr. Njoroge Ndirangu, the then Mayor of Nairobi Cllr Geoffrey Majiwa, the Town Clerk Mr. Philip Kisia, Ms Janet Ongera- the Executive Director ODM, Mr. Tim Muriuki- Chairman Nairobi Central Business District Association and many other leaders and residents in the trenches; leaders and residents who believe in action, not talking.
Drainage indeed! In Nairobi
In Mombasa, we have been joined by Hon Amason Kingi- Minister for Fisheries Development, Mr. Tubman Otieno- Town Clerk Municipal Council of Mombasa, Mr. Bilafif- the Environment Director and many other leaders and residents in the trenches; leaders and residents who believe in action, not talking.
In Eldoret, we have been joined by Hon William Ruto, DC Wanjau, Mayor Rono, TC Stan Ondimu, Councillor and other leaders and residents in the trenches; leaders and residents who believe in action, not talking.
In Kisii, we were joined by a battery of Councillors, Ms Janet Ongera and more leaders and residents in the trenches. Leaders and residents who believe in action, not talking.
Well placed Litter Bins in Nairobi to help keep Nairobi Clean.
In Kisumu, His Worship the Mayor Sam Okello, Councillors and the DO 1 and other leaders and residents joined us in the trenches. Leaders and residents who believe in action, not talking.
In Kakamega, Mayor Sichele and a team of Councillors and residents joined us in cleaning the famous Muliro Garden. Leaders and residents who believe in action, not talking.
In Nyeri, Mayor Edward Muteru and a team of Councillors and residents joined us in cleaning the Bus Stage. Leaders and residents who believe in action, not talking.
The same has been witnessed in all the places we have visited.
In defending the efforts being undertaken to keep Mombasa Clean, we are inclined to go with the leaders and the residents who believe in action. Sadly, we will never believe in leaders and residents whose stock in trade is only empty rhetorics without any matching action.
If Mombasa is dirty, the Hon VP and all those who believe in talking should join us on the 18th Feb 2012 at 7.00am as we all join with the traders at Kongowea Market in cleaning the market.
Only then will their snides be of value to a Clean, Green and Litter Less Kenya. Kenya will never be built on empty rhetorics alone. It will be built by decisive action that is geared towards achieving results.
Enough said.
A Clean, Green and Litter Less Kenya at 50 is possible and achievable.


Odhiambo T Oketch
CEO KCDN Kenya,
National Coordinator- The Monthly Nationwide Clean-up Campaign
Tel; 0724 365 557
Blog; http://kcdnkomarockswatch.blogspot.com
Website; www.kcdnkenya.org
Facebook; Monthly Nationwide Clean up Campaign
Facebook; Odhiambo T Oketch

Kenyans taking Charge all over

Friends,
The Monthly Nationwide Clean-up Campaign is slowly and surely taking roots amongst Kenyans.
On Saturday, the students community around Narok joined hands in helping to make Narok Town Clean and they said that they will be doing this every Month.
This is very commendable and we at KCDN are really appreciative of this team of Kenyans who have made this decision.
A Litter Bin conveniently placed at the Divine Word Catholic Church in Kayole.
Again, on Sunday, I went as usual to my Catholic Church in Kayole and was pleasantly surprised to find that they had placed Litter Bins around the Church Compound. This is something we discussed with Father William and the good thing the Church did was to act. Not to talk. They saw that it was a good idea whose time is now.

Is this not Clean, Green and Litter Less?

Besides, the Church Compound is a refreshing Green.
This is the Kenya we want and once more, we want to call for action. Let us go slow on seminars, conferences and hotel meetings, and put our foot firmly on the ground through action. This is why are are really appreciative of Government Officers, Council Heads, Corporate CEOs and the Friends of KCDN who are constantly moving this process forward.
Our Fathers were never wrong when they said that action speaks louder than words.

On the 10th Feb 2012, we will host The Consultative Forum at Kongowea Market with the Stakeholders and the Municipal Council of Mombasa. On the 11th Feb 2012, we will join in the Malaika Festivals at Mwatate with a Clean-up Campaign as from 7.00am. Then on the 18th Feb 2012, we will all join in the Kongowea Market Clean-up in the company of His Worship the Mayor of Mombasa, the Town Clerk and his team, and the residents of Kongowea. 

A Clean, Green and Litter Less Kenya at 50 is possible and achievable.


Odhiambo T Oketch
CEO KCDN Kenya,
National Coordinator- The Monthly Nationwide Clean-up Campaign
Tel; 0724 365 557
Blog; http://kcdnkomarockswatch.blogspot.com
Website; www.kcdnkenya.org
Facebook; Monthly Nationwide Clean up Campaign
Facebook; Odhiambo T Oketch

Let us keep Mombasa Clean

Friends,
We had a series of meetings in Mombasa today to advance The Monthly Nationwide Clean-up Campaign across Kenya and one thing we noted, great efforts have been put in place to make Mombasa Clean, Green and Litter Less.
The Bin speaks for itself- 2nd Feb 2012
In February, our Focal Point in the Nationwide Clean-up Campaign will be Mombasa even as we mobilize all Kenyans to help clean our immediate neighbourhoods all across Kenya on the 18th February 2012.
We first met with Ms Milliscent Odhiambo- the CEO at Mombasa and Coast Tourists Association and invited her Association to play an active role in ensuring that Mombasa remains Clean at all the times. You will all remember that when we launched this campaign in Mombasa last Year in February, MTCA played a great role and their members despite giving us material support, actually took part in the Clean-up.
Odhiambo T Oketch, Ms Milliscent Odhiambo and Mr. Peter Mbol of KCDN- 2nd Feb 2012
Mombasa is our Tourist City and it is in our own interest that the City remains Clean.
Next we met with the Town Clerk Mr. Tubman Otieno who was accompanied by the Deputy Town Clerk Reforms Ms Elipida Mwakamba, the Director of Environment Mr. Bilafif and Eng Keno. We later also met with Mr. Fred Nyamokeri- the Director Social Services as well before making a courtesy call on the DO1 Mombasa Mr. Solomon Chepoton on behalf of the DC Mombasa.

Mr. Mbol, Eng Keno, Odhiambo, Mr. Otieno, Ms Mwakamba and Mr. Bilafif at the Town Clerk's office today morning 2nd Feb 2012.

We agreed to marshal all efforts towards the 18th February 2012 when His Worship the Mayor of Mombasa Cllr Ahmed Mondhar and the Town Clerk Mr. Otieno will lead the Mombasa residents in a major Clean-up at Kongowea Market. However, we were impressed with what we saw in Mombasa today. The Town is Clean.
All stakeholders will be present and will partner with us in this campaign on this date and every 3rd Saturday of every Month from now hence forth.
Can you read this? Mombasa City so it says.
We all agreed that on the same date, His Worship the Mayor and the Town Clerk will officially launch the Clean-up Campaigns in Mombasa as a Monthly Affair.
Lastly, let us join hands in appreciation to the Mombasa Municipal Council for a job well done. You may view the rest of the photos on our Facebook Page; Monthly Nationwide Clean up Campaign
We are inviting all residents of goodwill to join us and help make Mombasa Clean on the 18th Feb and then every 3rd Saturday of every Month.                                                                                                            A Clean, Green and Litter Less Kenya at 50 is possible and achievable.


Odhiambo T Oketch
CEO KCDN Kenya,
National Coordinator- The Monthly Nationwide Clean-up Campaign
Tel; 0724 365 557
Blog; http://kcdnkomarockswatch.blogspot.com
Website; www.kcdnkenya.org
Facebook; Monthly Nationwide Clean up Campaign
Facebook; Odhiambo T Oketch