KCDN Food Initiative; A report 7th Match 2009
On, 7th March 2009, we held the KCDN Food Initiative at our offices in Komarock Phase 2. We brought in 134 children, whom we gave 3 packets of unga each; thanks to the support we got from you, more specifically, Mr. Chacha Odera, a friend of Irene in South Africa [the friend requests to remain anonymous] and Dr. PLO Lumumba. We had many other friends who said they will chip in. I am hoping to receive their support.
We also gave 35 girls who have come of age, some sanitary towels, thanks to Ms. Irene Wasike and Barclays Bank Haille Sellassie Avenue Branch. This will be a monthly support and we must again give our thanks and appreciation to Irene and her staff at Barclays for this undertaking.
We also gave out more stationery and exercise books again thanks to a cheque of Kshs 59,000.00 that was given to us by Barclays Bank staff led by Ms Wasike on 23rd January 2009.
On hand to give these items out was the Assistant Chief for Komarock, Mrs. Elizabeth Omondi. She was accompanied by Mr. Tom Wambua from her office, and Elijah, Susan and Teresiah from the Chiefs office in Kayole.
Mr. Joash Lovy, the new Chairman of Komarocks Residents Association was also in attendance and he was accompanied by the KRA Secretary General. Irene was supposed to join us but was unable due to emergencies that cropped up in the morning.
Joining the children in attendance were their parents/guardians and relatives.
I am happy to report that the chief promised to mobilize for our children relief food from the government as an immediate measure. She thanked KCDN for being mindful of the nutritional welfare of the children, even as we mobilize educational support as our core functions. She also took on the moment to inform the people about the many things government is engaged in for the benefit of the children and the women, things like the Youth and Women Funds.
She encouraged the people to be informed so that they can become better citizens. Lastly she thanked all the people who have supported KCDN so far. Responding to the story of KCDN, she insisted that as I pass her regards to our partners, I mention them by name. In response to that, I am posting that list as the report continues;
Support to KCDN so far from January 2008;
| Source | Amount | Purpose |
| Mr. Jairus K’Onyiego-USA | Kshs 232,997.86 | Setting up KCDN and logistical support with Internally Displaced Persons. |
| Phoenix Aviation Ltd | Kshs 100,000.00 | KCDN Child Support Initiative |
| Mr. Samuel O. Okello- USA | Kshs 72,546.45 | Setting up KCDN and logistical support with Internally Displaced Persons. |
| Barclays Bank, Haille Sellassie Branch- Ms Irene Wasike | Kshs 59,000.00, plus Kshs 4,000.00 | KCDN Child Support Initiative, KCDN Sanitary Towels Initiative |
| SGS Kenya Ltd | Kshs 50,000.00 | KCDN Embakasi Peace Run |
| Dr George Omburo- USA | Kshs 40,872.00 | KCDN Office & Communications |
| Ms Irene Ngugi- SA | Kshs 5,000.00 plus Kshs 20,000.00 | KCDN Child Support Initiative, KCDN Food Initiative |
| Mr. Leonard Amolo- Kenya | Kshs 22,000.00 | KCDN Office & Communication, KCDN Child Support Initiative |
| Capital Airlines Ltd | Kshs 20,000.00 | KCDN Child Support Initiative |
| Express Connections Ltd | Kshs 20,000.00 | KCDN Child Support Initiative |
| Taxplus Consult Ltd | Kshs 20,000.00 | KCDN Office & Communications |
| Mr. Joram Odus- UK | Kshs 20,000.00 plus a Digital Camera | Internally Displaced Persons |
| Ms Pamela Ohonde- UK | Kshs 20,000.00 | Internally Displaced Persons |
| Mini Bakeries [Nairobi] Ltd | Kshs 10,000.00 | KCDN Embakasi Peace Run |
| Mr. Sebastian Onyango- Finland | Kshs 10,000.00 | Internally Displaced Persons |
| Mr. Chacha Odera- Kenya | Kshs 10,000.00 | KCDN Child Support Initiative, KCDN Food Initiative |
| Mr. Rodgers Orero- UK | Kshs 9,860.00 | KCDN Embakasi Peace Run |
| Dr Paul Nyandoto- Finland | Kshs 7,972.00 | KCDN Office & Communications |
| Mr. Richard Mungla- Mozambique | Kshs 6,500.00 | Internally Displaced Persons |
| Mr. Regem Lugonzo- Kenya | Kshs 6,500.00 | KCDN Child Support Initiative |
| Dr Matunda Nyanchama- Canada | Kshs 6,000.00 | KCDN Child Support Initiative |
| Rachier & Amolo Advocates- Mr. Otiende Amolo | Kshs 5,000.00 | KCDN Embakasi Peace Run |
| Ms Caroline Otieno- Arusha TZ | Kshs 5,000.00 | Internally Displaced Persons |
| Dr. PLO Lumumba- Kenya | Kshs 4,000.00 | KCDN Food Initiative |
| Staff Aristocrats Insurance Brokers Ltd | Kshs 2,300.00 | KCDN Child Support Initiative |
| Ms Elisabeth Onyango Auma | Kshs 2,000.00 | KCDN Child Support Initiative |
| Mr. John Maina- USA | Kshs 2,000.00 | KCDN Office & Communication |
| Text Book Centre Ltd | 1000pcs Exercise Books 80 pages | KCDN Embakasi Peace Run |
| Phoenix Publishers Ltd | Assorted Story Books | KCDN Embakasi Peace Run |
| East African Educational Publishers | Assorted Text Books | KCDN Embakasi Peace Run |
| Erdemann Company Ltd | 500 bottles of water | KCDN Embakasi Peace Run |
| Matunda and Zedekiah Nyanchama- USA | Laptop- Zanaworld Computers | KCDN Office & Communication |
Mr. Lovy challenged the government, institutions, individuals and donor agencies to work with institutions such as KCDN so that they can bring development closer to the people. He was appreciative of what KCDN has done in their short history and promised to encourage the residents of Komarock to support KCDN in whatsoever way they can.
Lastly, when we made this latest call for support, Mr. Matunda Nyanchama asked me what efforts we were making to have KCDN to be self sustaining. I will give my take on this based on what we have done so far.
In our strategic plan, we have developmental issues we are laying grounds for. You will appreciate that last year was our first involvement with the educational support for these children.
In our first call for support, we identified lack of books, stationery and uniform as the key areas that need intervention. In so intervening, we made it clear to all our partners and people of goodwill that we will initiate developmental issues so that in 5 years time, KCDN will be self sufficient to undertake all the child support by ourselves.
To reach that stage where we need no fish, we are in that stage where we must still eat the fish from people of goodwill. I am appreciative of all the support we are getting from all our friends and people of goodwill as at now, taking into account that we are just celebrating our first year in action.
That first year has been very good for us at KCDN. In that first year, we have been very deliberate. We got involved with the rescue of Kenyans who were victims of the clashes of January 2008. Besides bringing some 32 of those families to safety in Nairobi, we were able to mobilize used items for them. Again, we saw that clear resolve from willing friends, people who responded positively to our call and gave out what they did not use.
As part of teaching some of our people how to fish, we are happy to note that what we spent on the IDPs did not go in vain. We were able to place 9 young men in car washing business in Komarock Phase 2 at the shopping centre. They have settled down very well to this and they have decided to settle in Kayole and live their lives. They do not come to us for any more support.
As part of teaching some of our people how to fish, we placed some women into businesses by the road. Some progressed so well and soon, they were fending for themselves and their families. They also do not come anymore to KCDN for handouts.
We were also able to place a few men into security jobs within Komarock Phase 2. I talked with the then Chairman of Komarocks Residents Association, Mr. Juma and his then secretary, Eng Barrack Okal and they allowed me two slots for security officers. These two men are still in the employment of KRA and they are happy with the little that they are earning.
We wanted to start a self help group for the local residents where members could be guaranteeing each other small loans. We shelved this because of the bad history associated with the pyramid schemes where many people lost their savings. We thought the people had not gotten the gist of what we were talking about. We are still working on this. We are engaging in civic education with a view to imparting pertinent knowledge that will make this scheme a success.
This will show you that we are first learners, and we are learning how to fish by ourselves very fast. We are moving on very deliberately so that in the shortest time possible, KCDN can be self sustaining.
Now for the children, it must be investment by KCDN. Through what we are doing now, and with support from our friends and development partners, we are building a foundation for investment. Your support for us now gives us the kind of CV that we need. It gives us the confidence to engage more established donor agencies just like I have explained in the first letter. Our performance also inspires confidence from any other key donor agencies. This will make KCDN invest in ventures that will guarantee prudent returns.
We are in discussion with donor agencies that can make a difference for KCDN. We need your support to reach out to more of these institutions and donor agencies that can be of help. It is our desire to invest in areas that can make KCDN self reliant. We can only do this when we join hands.
In short, we are learning how to fish as we get fish for the immediate meal. This is captured in our strategic plan of action.
Thank you for supporting KCDN. God bless you, God bless KCDN and God bless Kenya.
Odhiambo T Oketch,
CEO KCDN Nairobi,
PO Box 47890-00100,
Nairobi, Kenya.
Tel; 0735 529 126, 0724 365 557,
Email; komarockswatch@yahoo.com
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