Alex Simiyu, Author at A Rocha Kenya

Two Verreaux’s Eagle-Owls get a second chance.

18 June 2024

by Alex Simiyu with No Comment News

Duncan and Fred

Two Verreaux’s Eagle-Owls were handed in to Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Honorary Warden Duncan Mitchell at Vipingo Ridge on 26/05/2024. Duncan has an infectious passion for raptors and has been instrumental in rescuing many birds of all shapes and sizes from a sad fate across the Kenyan coast. He collaborates closely with Fred Okoko, a raptor fanatic who negotiates with villagers not to kill raptors and travels excellent distances day or night to recover raptors.

Duncan administered first aid upon their arrival, checking the owls’ condition and providing oral fluids to deal with dehydration before they could safely eat. Both birds were severely dehydrated, near starvation, and in total shock from their ordeal. Imagine the stress of going from a quiet, nocturnal life to being tied up and riding on the back of motorbikes in the sun for hours. The owls rested and stabilized sufficiently overnight, so Duncan arranged for Fred to travel to Watamu Raptor Rescue the following morning. There, they received further checks and care from The Kenya Bird of Prey Trust, which provided advice, and A Rocha Kenya, which also supported them.

Indeed, people are afraid of what they don't know

These owls had been trapped and captured by villagers who did not want them around for superstitious reasons and feared they were eating their chicken. They first caught one of the owls and tied it up in an open area near the same trap to attract its mate for later capture. They eventually caught the second owl, and due to rising fear that KWS would intervene, some villagers traveled to Vipingo and handed both owls to Duncan. Although the owls arrived at Duncan’s place in a state of starvation and complete shock, they, fortunately, had no actual injuries, so after treatment for dehydration, they only needed some rest and lots of food to fatten up before release. Photographs received since their arrival suggest that a Spotted Eagle-Owl has unfortunately not been so fortunate, having been killed by a catapult in the same village days later. They fattened up by eating up to 17-day-old chicks between them per night!

Time to fly

We all quickly developed a soft spot for this beautiful pair of owls. They were always together while being surprisingly gentle and well-mannered despite the mistreatment they had suffered at the hands of people before us. Duncan named this pair Mr & Mrs Smith, which seems fitting if you’ve watched the 2005 action movie where Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt pretend to be an average sweet couple by day but are secretly both assassins by night.

On 9 June 2024, Roy Bealey, Eric Kinoti (A Rocha), and Fred Okoko traveled to Tsavo East National Park with the owls. With many thanks to coordination by KWS Warden Salim Makomba, they were joined at Sala Gate by CPL. James Ondieki of KWS was taken to an excellent remote release site with large trees bordering the Galana River. The team successfully released the owls in the late afternoon light. We thank Fred and Duncan for their tireless efforts in saving many raptors along the coast, The Kenya Bird of Prey Trust and A Rocha Kenya for their eager assistance, and KWS for helping facilitate this release into a beautiful and safe area where the owls can now live out their lives in peace without the persecution they faced in their old home.

The environment is already filled with plastics, what will one less plastic do?

12 June 2024

by Alex Simiyu with No Comment News

Plastics are everywhere, does the efforts of one person really matter?

One morning, my wife and I were on our way to work, riding through the calm streets of Watamu. As we were passing the surrounding vibandas (kiosks), she mentioned something that I couldn’t get out of my mind for the rest of the day. She really wanted to get some mahamri (a donut, if it was triangular and without a hole) but couldn’t because she was afraid they would use a plastic bag for packaging. At first, that just seemed absurd to hear, since we were literally passing a pile of single use plastics dumped a few centimeters from the road. The whole street, and almost all the other streets in the area, was full of plastics.

My wife, who is an Environmental Education Officer, didn’t seem to notice how ironic her statement sounded or how astounded I looked. Which made me even more curious to hear her reasoning. I mean, why refuse to buy something she really wanted just because they would package it in a plastic carrier bag? The environment was already full of them anyway. Besides, I knew she would dispose of it in the right way- she always segregates the rubbish at home. In addition, we have millions of single use plastics in circulation, and almost everyone I know uses them. I have to admit, it didn’t occur to me what she was hoping to achieve with what seemed like a very feeble effort to me?

Loren's Starfish story

As she took her time to explain, she deepened my understanding and convictions of conservation. It turns out, at the end of the day, conservation isn’t just about the big events, but the small things in our day to day lives. As I sat pondering over her insights, I realized the correlation between what she was saying and Loren Eisley’s Starfish Story. Loren writes;

“One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean. Approaching the boy, he asked, “What are you doing?” The youth replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up, and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.” “Son,” the man said, “don’t you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can’t make a difference!”

After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish, and threw it back into the surf. Then, smiling at the man, he said…” I made a difference for that one.”- From Starfish Story by Loren Eisley

Yes, the efforts of an individual matters

As an individual, I have always held Loren’s story close to the heart. I love how it demonstrates resilience,hope and continuity in the eyes of almost guaranteed defeat. Even when all hope seems lost and all the odds stacked against us, the call is to make the bold step forward and do the next right thing.

To bring this back to the original story. I realized that it was true for me, as it is to most of us, we have in some ways “given up”. We are like that man looking at the many starfish on the beach and thinking, “they are so many, we will never get them all in time, why bother?”. Even though we know that plastics are harmful to the environment, we rarely do anything about it, or worse, won’t stop using them. This is because we think our individual efforts won’t amount to much. And so, we choose to just go with the flow because we believe the earth is doomed anyway, why waste your energy trying to do anything about it?

Our stories vary from person to person and from place to place. Maybe for you, it is the overwhelming number of people in your area using single-use plastics, or maybe it is the excess number of plastics already dumped in the oceans or environment near you, or maybe you live next to a company or know someone who works with a company that produces plastics, or maybe it a combination of two or all the scenarios listed above. The bottom-line is, with the current situation in the world, it is almost impossible not to have a good excuse as to why you have lost hope in conservation.

Saving the world, one plastic bag at a time

But if there is anything I learned from my wife and the boy from Loren’s story, is that every individual effort matters! Standing as an individual and refusing to use single-use plastics matters! It may not seem like much in the eyes of what is going on, but it matters! Taking your own container to the shop to reduce the number of plastics you bring in your home matters! Recycling and re-using the plastics you already have at home matters!

And just like the boy, you don’t have to transform the lives of thousands or everyone in your circle regarding the use of plastics. Even if you manage to change just the attitude of your neighbour, husband or wife, children at home or a friend, that will amount to something. It may take time, and it will, but together, in the long run, we will realize a stabilizing curve in the use of plastics. Imagine if all of us decided to say no to single-use plastics! That is what I learned that morning, that the only guaranteed way of stopping the production of single-use plastics is by stopping to use them altogether. Recycling and re-using will only reduce the number of what is dumped in the environment, but it won’t stop it.

Also, the governments can only do so much. In Kenya for example, the government banned plastic carrier bags in 2017, but they are still in use! Policies can only go so far, really transformation, comes from a changed attitude.

If you started reading this post thinking that your small individual efforts doesn’t amount to anything, I hope you are leaving hopeful and strengthened, knowing exactly the future you are fighting for. Gosh, it is beautiful! And hey, chin up, there is a lot of beautiful souls like you out there doing what you are doing. Refusing to use single-use plastics doesn’t make you an old-timer, it makes you a visionary.

Camping experience at Dakatcha Woodlands

23 May 2024

by Alex Simiyu with No Comment News

Along the coastal forest of Kenya, lies Dakatcha woodland, a fragile ecosystem that has been threatened by deforestation. To protect this diverse habitat, A Rocha protects this area through conversation and purchasing of land to be kept as a nature reserve.
Having not studied butterflies and moths before, we were really interested to discover more about these beautiful creatures. Dakatcha was an amazing opportunity to explore more about these species.

On arriving through meandering paths weaving along tapestries of trees and bush, we felt fully immersed in the calm serenity of wilderness. To see the range of different species of butterfly, we put up nets in a wide range of area. As we wandered to set up the traps, we were struck by the natural, unspoilt beauty of Dakatcha. Speckled among the oasis of trees and plants, butterflies gracefully flew in the breeze. A really exciting activity was to collect as many species of butterfly as possible with a sweeping net, which could then be used for identification. The variety of species we collected showed the spectacular biodiversity of this area.

One of our highlights of the trip was watching the striking Sokoke Scopes Owl resting in its second discovered roosting site. After waking up in the peaceful early hours of the morning, we followed the distinctive call of the owl through thickets of woodland, to where it sat peacefully nestled in the tree, its vast, wise eyes calmy staring. An added touch of the enchantment, were the fireflies that sparkled subtly, gently lighting up the darkness of the trees.

At night, in the depths of the peaceful darkness of the forest, we headed down from camp to explore the wetland area for frogs. The moon softly lit up the tranquil, mysterious water. Amid the muddy banks, frogs were scattered around, glistening in the light of our torch.

This experience in Dakatcha was extremely worthwhile as we learnt about how to carry out fieldwork on butterflies and moths. We really enjoyed and appreciated being able to discover another memorising world out there of nature, wildlife and peacefulness. We have left the nature reserve with a greater appreciation for the interconnectedness of the natural world.

Unraveling Nature’s Mysteries: The Importance of Bird Ringing

2 May 2024

by Alex Simiyu with No Comment News

Bird ringing, also known as bird banding, is a practice that may seem simple at first glance – attaching tiny bands to the legs of birds. However, its significance stretches far beyond this seemingly mundane task. It serves as a crucial tool in the hands of scientists and conservationists, offering invaluable insights into the lives of our feathered friends and the ecosystems they inhabit. Let’s delve into why bird ringing is so important.

Tracking Migration Patterns

Birds are some of the world’s most remarkable travelers, undertaking incredible journeys across continents and oceans. Bird ringing allows researchers to track these migrations by tagging birds with uniquely numbered bands. When these birds are recaptured or spotted elsewhere, scientists can piece together their routes, timing, and stopover sites. This information is not only fascinating but also vital for understanding migration patterns and identifying areas crucial for conservation.

Monitoring Population Dynamics

The health of bird populations is a key indicator of ecosystem vitality. By banding birds and monitoring their numbers over time, researchers can track population trends, assess breeding success, and identify factors impacting bird populations. Whether it’s a decline in numbers or a surge in a particular species, bird ringing provides essential data for conservation efforts, helping us better protect these avian communities.

Studying Behavior and Ecology

Bird ringing offers a window into the intricate world of bird behavior and ecology. By observing banded individuals, researchers can study various aspects of their lives, such as breeding behavior, habitat use, foraging patterns, and interactions with other species. These insights contribute to our understanding of ecosystem dynamics and help inform conservation strategies aimed at preserving biodiversity.

Advancing Scientific Knowledge

Every banded bird carries with it a wealth of information waiting to be discovered. From lifespan and survival rates to dispersal patterns and migratory connectivity, bird ringing provides data crucial for advancing scientific knowledge in ornithology and related fields. By unraveling the mysteries of bird biology, researchers can address broader questions about evolution, ecology, and the impacts of environmental change.

Supporting Conservation Efforts

At its core, bird ringing is a tool for conservation. The data collected through ringing programs inform habitat management decisions, guide species recovery efforts, and highlight areas in need of protection. By understanding the factors driving population declines or endangerment, conservationists can develop targeted strategies to mitigate threats and safeguard bird species for future generations.

In conclusion, bird ringing may involve something as simple as attaching a small band to a bird’s leg, but its impact is profound. It offers a glimpse into the hidden lives of birds, helping us unravel the mysteries of migration, population dynamics, behavior, and ecology. As stewards of our planet, it is our responsibility to support and promote bird ringing efforts, ensuring that we continue to learn from and protect these remarkable creatures that share our world. This is why A Rocha Kenya is dedicated to conduct Bird ringing sessions every Thursday at Mwamba Field study Centre.

The Future guardians of Conservation

11 April 2024

by Alex Simiyu with No Comment News

In the realm of conservation, the involvement of young people is not just desirable; it’s essential. As custodians of the Earth’s future, today’s youth hold the key to preserving our planet’s biodiversity, natural resources, and ecological balance. Empowering them in conservation efforts not only ensures the sustainability of our environment but also cultivates a generation of environmentally conscious leaders.

Recognizing the Role of Youth:

Young people bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and boundless energy to the table. Their passion for environmental causes, coupled with their adeptness with technology and social media, makes them potent agents of change. Moreover, engaging youth in conservation fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility towards nature from an early age, instilling lifelong environmental stewardship.

Education as a Catalyst:

Education forms the cornerstone of empowering young individuals in conservation. By integrating environmental studies into school curricula and extracurricular activities, we can nurture a generation that understands the intricate relationships between humans and nature. Hands-on experiences, field trips, and outdoor education programs not only enhance academic learning but also foster a deeper connection with the natural world.

Mentorship and Skill Development:

Providing mentorship opportunities and skill-building programs is crucial for nurturing the next generation of conservationists. Experienced professionals can guide young enthusiasts, share insights, and impart practical knowledge about conservation techniques, biodiversity monitoring, and sustainable practices. Moreover, offering internships, workshops, and volunteer programs allows young people to gain firsthand experience and develop essential skills in environmental management and advocacy.

Amplifying Youth Voices:

Empowering young people in conservation also entails amplifying their voices and incorporating their perspectives into decision-making processes. Establishing youth councils, advisory boards, and participatory platforms enables them to contribute ideas, influence policies, and drive grassroots initiatives. By actively involving youth in conservation planning and implementation, we not only harness their creativity and enthusiasm but also foster a sense of ownership and commitment towards conservation goals.

Leveraging Technology and Innovation:

In today’s digital age, technology serves as a powerful tool for engaging and empowering young people in conservation efforts. From crowdsourcing biodiversity data through citizen science projects to using social media platforms for advocacy and awareness-raising campaigns, technology offers myriad opportunities for youth involvement. Embracing innovation, such as GIS mapping, remote sensing, and blockchain for conservation, not only enhances the effectiveness of conservation initiatives but also appeals to tech-savvy youth.

Building Collaborative Networks:

Collaboration is key to empowering young people in conservation on a global scale. Creating networks, partnerships, and alliances among youth organizations, environmental NGOs, educational institutions, and governmental agencies fosters knowledge exchange, resource sharing, and collective action. By connecting young conservationists across borders and cultures, we can leverage their collective power to address pressing environmental challenges and catalyze positive change worldwide.

Cultivating a Culture of Empowerment:

Ultimately, empowering young people in conservation requires fostering a culture of inclusivity, diversity, and empowerment. By creating safe and supportive spaces where young individuals feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute, we can unlock their full potential as catalysts for environmental sustainability. Celebrating their achievements, acknowledging their efforts, and providing opportunities for leadership and growth nurtures a generation of confident and motivated conservation leaders.

Conclusion:

Empowering young people in conservation is not just a moral imperative; it’s an investment in our planet’s future. By harnessing their passion, creativity, and potential, we can address the pressing environmental challenges of our time and build a more sustainable and resilient world for generations to come. Through education, mentorship, technology, collaboration, and a culture of empowerment, let us empower young people to become the guardians of conservation and stewards of our planet’s precious resources.

The Coral Crisis; Understanding Corals and Coral Bleaching

9 April 2024

by Alex Simiyu with No Comment News

Introduction

In the mesmerizing depths of our oceans lies a wonder of nature: the coral reefs. These vibrant ecosystems, often called the rainforests of the sea, teem with life and color, providing a habitat for a myriad of marine creatures. However, beneath their beauty lies a silent crisis – coral bleaching.

The Marvels of Corals

Corals are marine invertebrates that form colonies, primarily found in tropical oceans where the water is clear and shallow. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, ranging from the branching Acropora to the massive brain corals. Despite their stony appearance, corals are living organisms, with tiny polyps building calcium carbonate skeletons over generations, forming the intricate structures we recognize as coral reefs.

These reefs serve as vital ecosystems, supporting a quarter of all marine life despite covering less than one percent of the ocean floor. They protect coastlines from erosion, provide food for millions of people, and are hotspots of biodiversity.

The Bleaching Plague

Coral bleaching is a phenomenon that occurs when corals expel the algae living in their tissues, causing them to turn white. These algae, called zooxanthellae, provide corals with their vibrant colors and most of their energy through photosynthesis. When corals are stressed due to changes in conditions like temperature, light, or pollution, they expel these algae, leaving behind a pale, ghostly skeleton.

The primary driver of coral bleaching is rising sea temperatures, attributed to climate change. As oceans warm, corals experience heat stress, leading to bleaching events on a large scale. Other stressors like pollution, overfishing, and ocean acidification exacerbate the problem, making corals more vulnerable to bleaching.

The Devastating Impact

Coral bleaching is not just an aesthetic issue; it has severe consequences for marine ecosystems and the millions of people who depend on them. When corals bleach, they become weak and more susceptible to disease, reducing their ability to provide habitat and support marine life. This can lead to a collapse of entire reef ecosystems, causing ripple effects throughout the food chain.

Furthermore, coral reefs contribute significantly to the economy through tourism, fisheries, and shoreline protection. The loss of coral reefs can devastate coastal communities that rely on these resources for their livelihoods.

Hope on the Horizon

Despite the bleak outlook, there is hope for the future of corals. Conservation efforts such as marine protected areas, sustainable fishing practices, and reducing carbon emissions can help mitigate the impacts of coral bleaching. Scientists are also exploring innovative solutions like coral restoration and breeding programs to enhance the resilience of corals to stressors.

Individuals can also make a difference by reducing their carbon footprint, supporting sustainable seafood, and raising awareness about the importance of coral reefs. By coming together and taking action, we can protect these invaluable ecosystems for generations to come.

Conclusion

Corals and coral bleaching represent a critical environmental issue that demands our attention and action. As stewards of the planet, it is our responsibility to protect these fragile ecosystems and ensure a sustainable future for marine life and coastal communities. By understanding the marvels of corals and the threats they face, we can work towards solutions that preserve these underwater wonders for future generations to marvel at.

Our marine team at A Rocha Kenya is keen to follow up and find out just how best can we prevent or reduce the risks of killing the entire colonies that we have at the moment. Feel free to support our work and volunteer with us.

Another Southern Banded Snake Eagle Rescue

2 April 2024

by Alex Simiyu with No Comment News

Introduction

Excuse the pun but our partners at the Watamu Raptor Centre are off to a flying start with another Southern Banded Snake Eagle rescue last week. For such a rare, endangered and unknown species of snake eagle that is confined to declining coastal forests, it’s both interesting and concerning that two of these eagles have needed assistance over recent months. It is also telling of the need for the new Watamu Raptor Centre to provide raptor rescue, rehabilitation and research at the coast.

Late in the afternoon of March 27^th, Leslie Kadane of Primate Global (the same person who alerted us to the prior snake eagle’s predicament) reached out to Roy Bealey from the Watamu Raptor Centre to share that another unwell raptor was being held for collection at the KWS office in the Arabuko Sokoke Forest. He rushed over to collect the bird and was stunned to see another Southern Banded Snake Eagle in need of help. He quickly noted with relief that this eagle did not have an identifying ring or tracker attached, reassuring him that this was not a case of the recently released snake eagle, Ngala, getting himself into trouble again already. Mr Salim Makomba, Warden of Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve and National Park, had kindly stayed after hours to ensure the eagle was safely retrieved and assisted Roy in his initial checks of the bird’s condition.

The eagle was picked up after some KWS rangers had noticed it behaving strangely during their patrols, firstly being stood on the road and then repeatedly flying only a few meters before again landing on the ground when approached. Mr. Timothy Baya Mweri, a researcher in attendance who works for Friends of Arabuko Sokoke Forest, was able to capture the eagle, which they provided with some water before returning to the KWS office. The eagle vomited en-route and the Warden informed Roy that it was weak and drooling on arrival. It did seem dazed on collection but by the time Roy had returned home and given the eagle some energising glucose fluids it was looking strong, ready for a fight and highly unimpressed about receiving so much human attention.

With technical guidance from the Kenya Bird of Prey Trust team, a full assessment of the eagles’ condition was conducted, and nothing was found to be clearly wrong anymore. A night of rest under ICU conditions gave the eagle a chance to rehydrate and recover from the prior day’s ordeal, and it was then relocated to one of the brand new Watamu Raptor Centre pens. After three days of observation, with no further signs of weakness, injury or illness and in fact being very fat, strong and grumpy about being retained, the decision was made to return this eagle to where it belongs the following morning. While any raptor that can be captured by hand is usually in a critical condition, and we’ll probably never fully solve the mystery of what initially brought this eagle to the ground, with the recent start of rains at the coast we were also acutely aware that this eagle may have a mate, chicks and various domestic duties to attend to in the forest. There was no clear reason to retain it in captivity any longer. Due to the timing over Easter Weekend, Bea Anderson Schipper, who generously financed construction of the brand new Watamu Raptor Centre on her property, aptly named this beautiful eagle Magdalena.

The recent start of rains in Watamu may provide a clue as to what might have happened to this eagle, however. With the first heavy rains following a dry spell, many amphibians become much more active, including toads. Toads contain bufotoxins, which, if eaten can lead to illness, drooling and animals behaving intoxicated. Intoxication can last for a relatively short period of time before a full recovery, but these toxins can also be deadly, so vomiting en-route to the KWS office may have actually saved Magdalena’s life.

Warden Makomba was kept updated about the eagles’ condition throughout its time at the Watamu Raptor Centre and showed great concern for its wellbeing. After placing an identifying ring on Magdalena’s left leg, opposite leg to Ngala so we can differentiate them from a distance or photos, we congregated together with various concerned KWS rangers, the Arabuko’s Head Forester, and members of the Arocha Kenya and Primate Global teams who had also helped save Ngala, the prior snake eagle. We convened at the beautiful and newly refurbished Nyari Viewpoint which closely overlooks the site where Magdalena had originally been collected. Warden Makomba swiftly released the eagle and in a flash it rocketed off back to its freedom within the stunning Arabuko Sokoke Forest. We hope that by now it has reunited with its potential mate and settled back into its rightful home, perhaps also a bit less inclined to snack on toads in future

KWS Warden Salim Makomba releasing Magdalena (left) and the team of concerned citizens, Head Forester Truphena Njaka, and other concerned citizens that attended the early morning release at the beautiful Nyari Viewpoint (right).

The receptiveness, collaborative spirit and genuine concern shown not only by officials of KWS and other authorities, but also by a great diversity of regular people living along the coast has been very encouraging and inspires all who love raptors to continue expanding upon recent successes at the coast. We take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to everyone involved, including a special new mention of Kenchick who have now generously started donating young chickens to the Watamu Raptor Centre on a weekly basis to provide an important food source for raptors in their care. It would be remiss of us to not add that, thanks to the satellite tracker kindly donated by The Peregrine Fund, we know the previously released southern banded snake eagle, Ngala, has been on the move and is currently also in the main Arabuko Sokoke forest after spending a few days in the forest surrounding the Gede National Monument immediately following release. He may have even been spotted by local birder extraordinaire Jonathan Baya near the Arabuko Sokoke Forest swamp last week. You can read more about his remarkable journey back to freedom here and, who knows – he and Magdalena may become a pair one day.

Sustainable sources of livelihood-Kitchen garden

21 March 2024

by Alex Simiyu with No Comment News

Kitchen garderning training at Bogamachuko

The kitchen gardening training at Bogamachuko was a wonderful experience. We got to learn the different farming methods the individuals were embracing and the output status in terms of yield and crop production. Defining Kitchen gardening is vital to answer the questions on why it is a kitchen garden? what crops I should plant on the garden and how should I maintain the garden, these were among the myriads of questions that this training session sought to answer. Our Environmental officer, Lenah Akoth and Gideon Kishoyan who were both well acquainted with the agricultural and environmental conservation matters took the lead on this training.

Showing previous successes and performance of other farmers in the different area around the Arabuko- Sokoke Forest seemed to have been a better encouragement as their eyes would beam at the different pictures and images of the kitchen garden that has been set up by different farmers. They were so encouraged that this project was doable, and they felt confident that they would put every part of the Kitchen gardening installation into practice at home. Having shown this great commitment we proceeded to the practical training which was led by Kishoyan.

The Kitchen gardening installation process involves different stages which are crucial and therefore ought to be followed keenly to the end. The first stage is the mixing of manure and soil in the ratio of 1:1 near the site of the sack garden. This will make transportation easier and save you time, for it could get heavier as you add other components. Then we placed a hollow tin in the middle of the polythene/bag at the bottom this helps your sack to be steady and straight up.

The hollow sack was filled with ballast and the space between the tin and the polythene bag with a mix of manure and the topsoil, then the sack was unfolded as we filled the sack with ballast. Once it was filled to the top, it was pulled out and any new spaces filled with stones. This stage was done repeatedly until the whole polythene bag or sack had a tunnel down in the middle. Right after this holes were made the holes were the size of a coin on the bag wall using a sharp stick each having a gap of 15 cm between each hole. It was important to note that the holes would form a “V” shape, and that the holes are not in the same vertical line to prevent blocking some from getting direct sunlight.

Finally, our facilitators demonstrated how to plant seedlings in the holes carefully so as not to damage the roots by pressing the soil around the seedlings using the fingers to make it firm. It is advisable that if the farmers wanted to plant different types of crops, root crops (eg, bulb onions) were the best solution and they were to be planted at the top and leafy vegetables (spinach or kale) on the sides. Most of these other crops like the bulb onion have strong antibiotic and antimicrobial properties which are used to inhibit soil-borne diseases. Water is a necessity and the farmers were advised to pour water down the ballast tunnel they would need approximately 20 litres (1 jerry can) of water for 2 days. We pray and hope that the kitchen gardens would thrive!!

Volunteer stories; Sabaki Waterbird counts.

8 March 2024

by Alex Simiyu with No Comment News

Sabaki Water bird count activity was an amazing experience for me, seeing the beauty of God’s creation in matters relating to birds. Getting to see different species of birds, different colors of feathers and different sounds which were so captivating and mind blowing. The sounds of the birds in the sky brought about a rhythm that was so relaxing. The great efforts from our team leader Mr Kirao, the bird count process went down smoothly, every member got a role, this made me feel involved and engaged in this wonderful and exciting experience.

Consequently, accurate data was collected data was collected. This made me appreciate teamwork and its effectiveness in the achievement of goals. The process of data collection and count requires several tools to be successful and are as follows; binoculars and telescopes are used to view the different species of birds from a distance to avoid distracting the birds hence flying away. Data entry application which records the species of birds that have been counted.

I got to realize that most of the feeding zones for the birds were occupied by mangrove, resulting to most of the birds such as whimbrel, grey plover, common greenshank, sooty gull, lesser crested tern, and little egret relocating to find new feeding zones this significantly led to the reduction in their population. To my surprise I found out that there are flamingos around the coastal region and actually this was so new to me, I have never thought I would see them here and it was such an eye opener and I can confidently say that there are flamingos in the coastal region even in places like Sabaki River mouth.

Walking in the slippery mud was such a huge challenge for me, you would risk falling and sinking in the mud if you do not balance your feet quite well to maneuver. I am grateful that I got an opportunity to volunteer with A Rocha Kenya and I don’t regret this decision. I have grown even in the things and ventures I never pictured in my entire life. The team and staff are so friendly and are willing to teach and engage volunteers in whatever aspect they would want to learn from. One lesson I would love to pass on to someone who would consider volunteering at A Rocha Kenya is, be flexible and have the heart of service to serve God’s creation.

Written by Ernest, Volunteer

Working and growing together.

27 February 2024

by Alex Simiyu with No Comment News

Working together and learning from one another.

Cooperation is one of the C’s that A Rocha derives its meaning from. Cooperation simply means the action or process of working together towards the same end of focusing to the same outcome. A Rocha Kenya has colluded with the Kenya Community Development Fund(KCDF) and I&Mfoundation to grease the wheels for the different projects fixated on environmental conservation, community development and sustainable livelihoods. We can surely say that this partnership predominantly uplifted the rate at which roles were executed and this consequently increased the level of productivity.

For three consecutive days I&MFoundation and KCDF organized the learning event for the I&M Environmental Conservation project early this month. The three day learning event aimed at the following; to share learning experiences and innovations for the three years of the project implementation, the implementing parties that is KCDF and I&M Foundation to be jointly exposed to the projects done by MEDA-F and A Rocha Kenya and lastly the event was to fundamentally help the different organizations harness ideas for future programming and implementation.

Their Project on environmental education at Kagombani primary school was so apparent, the moment we set our feet to the school the energy from the students could not be outmatched. Their jolly faces could plainly show that they were so excited to receive the guests. They did a number of presentations on songs and dances which I later on asked the headteacher how long it took them to prepare all that and she said, “just a day”. The number of fruit trees in their garden was impressive and the drip irrigation is handy especially during the drought times.

Day one with MEDA-Foundation at Cerebral palsy center.

On the first day, the meeting was held at Malindi hosted by the MEDA-Foundation at Sinbad Park which was officially their new residence having set up their offices and their vocation training center in the 6 Acre piece of land they claim to have recently purchased. MEDA- foundation CEO took us through the different projects they run in their foundation. MEDA-foundation runs a Cerebral Palsy Centre in Malindi. The cerebral Palsy Centre is a gift to the community in Malindi, the children living with Autism and Cerebral palsy are well taken care of and the caregivers are happy to give their lives to this children. On a one-on-one conversation with one of the caregivers, the duty of serving the children is not because of the pay but it all stems out from the desire to serve and the hope she have that one day a child who walked in with weak bones, will walk again or will hold a spoon again.

At A Rocha Kenya

The second day the team was at A Rocha Kenya, Mwamba Conservation center .Judith Ochieng The projects coordinator joined the meeting and clearly explained the duties and activities conducted under the various departments and where the vision of the organization is derived for it came out clearly that the organization is more focused on conserving environment more so the threatened habitats for threatened species appearing on the red list as indicated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature( IUCN).

Later on, the team went to Mida Primary where they exuberantly congratulated the young ‘wangari Maathai’, Viola Karisa who managed to plant 350 trees with 285 of these surviving the drought. Shomani girls also did an exemplary work with their school looking all green and their principal commenting that their environmental club had over 100 committed members and this translated to enormous number of trees around the school. The energy saving jiko is another gift to the school from this project. The school chef is truly grateful, he said that were it not for the jiko he would have left the occupation, yet this jiko not only save him time food preparation but also saves him from the deadly smoke in the kitchen.

Last but not least..

Last but not least seems to be an understatement to express the occurrences from the last day.The meeting was held at Sea view hotel Malindi. A Rocha Kenya, MEDA-foundation, Nguzo-Africa and Nkoilale community Development Foundation-NCDF made presentations on their highs and lows in their projects. The different stakeholders such as the county government of Malindi, The Kenya Forest Service(KFS) ,principal and teachers from the different schools that were invited graced the occasion.

James Gatere head of the I&M Foundation helped the different organizations to their heads together focusing on the future and how they ought to be prepared for the impacts and for the change that would come out of the amazing projects that have been implemented. There is need for more awareness at the community level on matters environmental conservation.