The cutting edge

SAVE RESEARCH BODIES. The plan to scrap government-funded research organisations such as Kari and the Tea Research Foundation is ill-advised, notes John Tanui.

No country, he adds, can develop if research is neglected. He is shocked to hear the call attributed to a renowned scientist. “These institutions are highly respected internationally for the work they do,” adds John, who would like to see funding for research increased and more outreach centres established.

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IT'S A RAW DEAL. The Kenya National Highways Authority is giving a raw deal to the people who use the dilapidated Machakos-Kangundo highway, says Sammy Kimatu, adding, it is one of the worst in the country.

Taxpayers, he adds, deserve better than having to manoeuvre through giant potholes at Kithaayoni, Mumbuni, Tumba, Mutituni and Kaloleni. “Is the Ministry of Roads waiting for a major accident to occur before the road is repaired?” Sammy asks.

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PATCH UP THIS ROAD. With the Mau Summit-Kericho-Kisumu highway under construction and motorists having to endure long, torturous diversions, many  drivers now prefer the Nakuru-Kapsabet-Chavakali road while travelling to western Kenya, says Jim Webo.

However, he adds, the heavy traffic on this route is already taking its toll, with huge potholes and craters occurring between Lessos and Kapsabet. “Why can’t Roads Minister Franklin Bett ensure the road is patched up regularly, as major repairs will take a while? There is sickening lack of a maintenance culture in this country,” Jim moans.

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WHERE IS KAJWANG'? Who between Immigration Minister Otieno Kajwang’ and his Foreign Affairs counterpart, Prof Sam Ongeri, would be in a better position to ensure foreigners on a mission to assassinate Prime Minister Raila Odinga, as alleged by Gem MP Jakoyo Midiwo, do not enter the country? poses Isaac Tarus.

The Kajwang’ portfolio, processes foreigners coming in. Isaac is reading other motives in the allegation. “They do not want to challenge their own ODM minister?” His contact is iktaruskogo@yahoo.com.

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AIRTEL HAS FAILED ME. Writing from Garissa, Kennedy Ochoggia is so frustrated that he could easily throw away his Airtel line. Says he:

“It is quite depressing. Every time I try to make a call, I can hardly communicate with the person on the other side of the line. Mark you, it is equally difficult for me to reach Airtel’s customer care desk as well. The line just breaks up and I cannot hear what the other person is saying. Can Airtel help me out?” pleads Kennedy, whose contact is 0736303636 or ochoggia@yahoo.com.

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SLEEPING IN THE JOB. Why is Nema not leading a campaign for the harvesting of rain water as the long rainy season has just begun? asks Kamichore Mutindira.

As the water flows to waste, many urban residents have nothing in their taps. Nema should seek the enactment of legislation to compel all house owners to install gutters and harvest rain water from their roofs.

“Let’s not waste this golden opportunity. I am willing to volunteer to lead this campaign,” he says. His contact is kamichore7@yahoo.com.