THE CUTTING EDGE

The demolition of makeshift food kiosks in Nairobi’s Industrial Area may have done a lot to clear the eyesores in that area, but it’s a disaster for many of the poorly paid workers, Paul Origa moans. Before the decision was taken, he adds, the city council should have considered the plight of the thousands of workers who relied on them for their affordable lunch and dinner. “We’re a forgotten lot! Many of us now don’t have a place where we can even buy a soda. Please, provide an alternative.”

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Daniel Kipchirchir has been wondering about who have been filling vacancies at Kenya Airways as his efforts to apply for the jobs online have not borne fruit. He poses: “Every time I visit their website, either the page can’t be found or is closed for reconstruction. And if one manages to get it, it’s open for several minutes only. Is management aware of this? I want to apply and if possible work for Kenya Airways, the Pride of Africa, one day.” His email is dchirchir2000@yahoo.com.

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Lands minister James Orengo should order a clean-up of the Meru Town lands registry to enable delivery of efficient services to the many people on land title deeds, Kenneth Bundi Kinyua appeals. He says the operations at the Meru offices are not as good as what lands officers in the neighbouring Chuka, Nyeri and Nanyuki are doing. “I’ve been there seeking services and have found out that ‘Do you know anybody?’ is the mantra here.”

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Nakuru businessman Sylvester Maina is really looking forward to the reforms pledged by new Prisons Commissioner Isaiah Samuel Osugo. He hopes Osugo will start by streamlining the procurements section so that suppliers can finally get paid their dues. “He should pay those who have supplied Nakuru Prison with food from last December to date. I need the money to pay my children’s fees,” says Sylvester, whose contact is Tel. 0722864610.

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The people of Nairobi’s Embakasi constituency have a request that could go a long way in easing their lives if granted. Tony Shirekuli says it’s the construction of a by-pass, linking Utawala to Kayole. He says matatus are profiting from their plight, charging Sh40 for a five-kilometre ride, which is the same as what commuters pay from the estate to the city centre, some 20 kilometres away. “Is our MP, Mr Ferdinand Waititu, interested in leading us on this one?” he asks.

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Could this be true? Eddy Mwasi believes there is a direct link between the drying up of Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru and Lake Elmentaita and the thriving Ol Karia geothermal plant. Says he: “What is the source of the steam that drives the geothermal plant other than the waters of the three lakes? The rate at which these lakes are drying up corresponds to the growth of Ol Karia. But the source of the steam water is not limitless. As the lakes dry up, the plant is also threatened?”

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Also on matters of conservation, S. K. Kimani, though welcoming the belated directive in Murang’a North district that all blue gum trees near rivers be felled immediately, is laying blame on agricultural officers, the administration, and the farmers. He wants stern action taken against those who have abdicated their duties for which they earn a salary every month. “Sack all of them now so that measures can be taken to ensure the rivers flow again some day,” says Kimani.

Have a resurgent day, won’t you!

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