The Langata Giraffe Centre is situated on both the edge of the Nairobi National Park and the edge of the residential area known as Karen. It resides on the grounds of Giraffe Manor, formerly the private home of Jock and Betty Leslie-Melville, now an inn, where guests can expect during lunch to see a giraffe's head swooping in a window in the dining room, begging for food.

This is an educational centre and part of AFEW – African Fund for Endangered Wildlife. The Rothschild giraffes were first brought to this spot by the Leslie-Melvilles in 1972, when they learned there were only 130 of this sub-species left, located on a ranch in western Kenya which was about to be subdivided into smaller farms. They captured first one baby giraffe, then later, others, to breed and release into the wild.

PACKAGE: Please note that the price of this safari does not include flights into kenya and as such, is most suitable to combine with our Beach Holidays packages. Please also see our ready made Safari and Beach Holiday Combinations or alternatively please submit your own special request or customised beach and safari holidays below. If you only want the safari holiday, then please contact us or use the 'flight booking' link below, to check flight prices and availability

Nairobi National Park Tour - PRICES
The park with over 50 species on mammals including the “Big Five” but excluding the elephant , the only park in the world that is within the city center.

Nairobi National Park is one of the most successful of Kenya's rhino sanctuaries that is already generating a stock for reintroduction in the species former range. Due to this success, it is one of the few parks where a visitor can be certain of seeing a black rhino in its natural habitat.

To the south of the park is the Athi-Kapiti Plains and Kitengela Migration Corridor. These are vital areas for herbivores disperse over them during the rains and concentrate in the park in the dry season.

The park has diverse birdlife with 400 species recorded. However all species are not always present and much depends on season. Northern migrants pass through the park primarily during late March through April.

The park has a diversity of environments with characteristic fauna and flora. Open grass plains with scattered acacia bush predominant. The western side has a highland dry forest and a permanent river with a riverine forest. In addition, there are stretches of broken bush country and deep, rocky valleys and gorges with scrub and long grass. Man-made dams have also added a further habitat, favourable to certain species of birds and other aquatic biota. The dams also attract water dependent herbivores during the dry season.

You will have a lecture on the history of the area and also about the production of tea. In the afternoon take a walk through the tea plantations and forests which display the conditions needed for the growth of tea. The lecture on growth of tea is a good learning experience. For instance, you will see tea pickers on the farm plucking the top two leaves and bud from each plantation. Tea needs good rainfall which is plenty in the region so tea is picked all year round. After the tea is picked, they are sent to the factories to be processed and sold to local and export markets. Kenya is the third largest producer of tea after Sri Lanka and India. Afterwards transfer back to you hotel

The 117 km2 Nairobi National Park is unique by being the only protected area in the world with a variety of animals and birds close to a major city. As expected, the park is a principal attraction for visitors to Nairobi. The park also serves many residents and citizens living in the city.

You will be guests for lunch and afternoon tea on Kiambethu Tea Estate with a lecture on local history of the area and production of tea and take part in a guided walk of the nearby forest and the tea plantations.

Depart in the morning to Kiambethu Tea Estate located in the outskirts of Nairobi about 30 km at an altitude of 7000 feet above sea level with lush acres of tea plantations that seem to vanish in the horizon. Here two English families Mitchell & McDonnell in the early 1900's built this Estate. These families are said to be the first to have ventured into the tea business.

As it heads south, however, the valley walls form sheer cliffs rising to 1,900 km (6,232 ft) at Lake Naivasha. After Naivasha, the valley descends again to 580 meters (1,902 feet) at the Tanzanian border. Subterranean movement is common today as the Rift Valley is home to thirty active and semi-active volcanoes and countless hot springs along its length. This string of alkaline lakes and boiling springs northwest of Nairobi includes Lake Baringo, Lake Bogoria, Lake Nakuru, Lake Elementaita, Lake Naivasha, and Lake Magadi in the south.

These lakes are unique because their water is highly concentrated sodium carbonate. This situation is caused by the high alkalinity from the surrounding volcanic rocks coupled with poor drainage outlets due to the steep sides of the valley. The high evaporation of the surface lake water results in sodium carbonate which, in turn, creates an ideal breeding ground for algae. Several species of fish, tilapia in particular, thrive in this environment. As a result, millions of birds flock to these soda lakes to feast on the abundant food supply of algae and fish. Each of the lakes in the Rift Valley string have a slightly different water composition ranging from freshwater to extremely alkaline, highly saline to brackish.

In some places this natural divide is up to 100 km (60 miles) wide, while it reaches its narrowest point just north of Nairobi at 45 km wide. The valley floor is at its lowest near Lake Turkana where there is virtually no distinction between the Great Rift and the surrounding desert.

Some 20 million years ago, the earth's crust weakened and tore itself apart creating a jagged rift, thousands of kilometers long, across the African continent. The land on either side erupted creating great volcanic mountains, while the valley floor gradually sank into a low flat plain. This geologic phenomena, dubbed the Great Rift Valley by the Scottish explorer John Walter Gregory, divides Kenya neatly down the length of the country essentially separating east from west. Today's Rift Valley is characterized by uninhabitable desert and fertile farmland, flat arid plains and steep escarpments.

The Great Rift Valley is approximately 4,000 miles long and 35 miles wide. It was formed due to geological tension in the earth's crust that caused a deep depression, while probably forcing the sides upwards. The floor of the valley is normally below sea level. In Kenya, the Rift Valley gave rise to many lakes that have become a habitat for diverse wildlife. The walls of the Rift Valley are called escarpments; the famous escarpments of Kenya being the Mau Escarpment. The Mau escarpments are famous for their height, which rise over 8500 feet. To the surprise of many tourists, geological movements still occur in the Rift Valley. In 2000, the British media, BBC, reported that Mount Kenya had reduced in height. Both Mount Kenya and Kilimanjaro are almost adjacent to the Rift Valley.

Due credit should be given to the World Wide Fund For Nature organization, and local Kenyan wildlife foundations for supporting the preservation of animals, protection of the rhinoceros population and research into the effects of surrounding communities and industries. Lake Nakuru National Park is the only park in Kenya that is completely fenced. Our Kenya safaris include the visitation of this park.

The Black rhinos have been slowly multiplying over the years, and are well protected. Thanks partially to the government of South Africa. Lake Nakuru National Park also boasts an increase in White rhinos. There are plenty of waterbucks, impalas, dik-diks, grants gazelles, lions and leopards. In 1977, the Rothschild giraffe was introduced to the Park. The park also has large sized python snakes that inhabit the dense woodlands, and can often be seen crossing the roads or dangling from trees.

The Great Rift Valley, mostly known in Kenya as the East African Rift Valley, was formed between 2 and 7 million years ago. It is the longest rift on the surface of the earth. The Rift Valley starts all the way from Jordan, Middle East, and runs through Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Congo, Malawi, and ends near the coastal town of Solada in Mozambique. The amazing attribute about the Rift Valley is that once it reaches the Kenyan border, it diverges into two rifts, which later converge near Lake Rukwa in southern Tanzania.

These flamingo numbers are on a steady increase again. The numbers had been reduced due to the El-Nino weather pattern that flooded the lake, and changed the alkaline concentration. The flamingos feed on algae, created from their droppings mixing in the warm alkaline waters, and plankton. Lake Nakuru National Park is also shared with the white pelicans and the ever-snorting hippos.Other wildlife in the Lake Nakuru National Park includes: The famous Black and White rhinos.

The park's lake is internationally known for its Lesser and Greater Flamingos. Ornithologists often describe Lake Nakuru as "the most fabulous bird spectacle in the world". The Lesser flamingo can be distinguished by its deep red carmine bill and pink plumage unlike the greater, which has a bill with a black tip. The Lesser flamingos are ones that are commonly pictured in documentaries mainly because they are large in number. There are estimated to be over a million Lesser flamingos.

Nakuru means "Dust or Dusty Place" in Maasai language. Lake Nakuru National Park, close to Nakuru town, was established in 1961. It started off small, only encompassing the famous lake and the surrounding mountainous vicinity. Now it has been extended to include a large part of the savannahs. Currently, the fenced Lake Nakuru National Park covers around 90 square miles.

It has unusual but beautiful vegetation. The forest vegetation is covered with Euphorbia, tall cactus like trees and acacia woodland. The forest region is a host to over 400 migratory bird species from around the world. Lake Nakuru National Park can be accessed via three gates: Main, Lanet and Nderit.

Security There is only one exit and entrance to the car park. There are watchmen and armed Administration Police on duty to ensure maximum security.ADMISSION CHARGES

Other Facilities In addition to the traditional dances and the villages, Bomas of Kenya offers the following;-
Two separate halls and a large amphitheatre with a sitting of 4,000 persons
An enclosed open space with all the amenities ideal for picnic functions
A large and well equipped children's playground
A secure car park for over 3,000 cars.
A well equipped kitchen and bar manned by well trained cooks, waiters and barmen capable of providing cocktail parties, barbeques for small and large parties. Traditional African dishes can also be served in our restaurants at short notice. Food at the restaurant is reasonably priced and consists of a wide selection of popular dishes, succulent charcoal grilled meat, coffee, tea and a variety of hot snacks. The restaurant is open seven days a week from 8.00 a.m.

Traditional Villages Before or after watching the Bomas dances, patrons take a leisurely guided tour of traditional villages with our trained information officers for an insight into the rich diversity of the culture of people of Kenya. The Word “Bomas “ is authentic and African meaning simply “An African Homestead”. There are several different Bomas each representing one of Kenya's major ethnic groups and built to the original traditional architecture of an African Home as built by the ancestors. Here, visitors are able to see and experience the rural Kenya life and its social settings.

The Bomas abroad The Bomas of Kenya has been open to the local public from 1973 and internationally since 1975. The Harambee dancers troupe has toured nearly all countries abroad in which they have left a remarkable and entertaining enthusiasm in the minds of the public they entertained. They have now certificates of appreciation for good performances. The impact which Bomas of Kenya has had on their audencies oversees, and the hard work the dancers have put into each tour has brought about remarkable results in the Tourism Promotion Programmes.

bomasofkenya (22K) The World famous Harambee Dancers who have been trained and choreographed to perform a cross – section of all the authentic traditional dance songs of Kenya will be at hand to entertain. Our Acrobatic team is at hand both in – house entertainment and for hire. Our prices are very reasonable. The halls and Dancers are available for hire at competitive rates. Since we have transport, the dancers can entertain you at any venue of your choice.

PerformancesThe Bomas Harambee Dancers the only resident dance company in Kenya perform daily in a spectacular circular theatre possibly the biggest and unique structure of its kind in Africa which seats 3,500 people. You will have the opportunity of seeing a colourful cross- section of the people of Kenya dancing to the pulsating beat of Coastal drums and other traditional instruments. Dancers from all the tribes in Kenya move across the stage in a vibrant kaleidoscope of rhythm and the hue. Proud Maasai warriors vault skywards as they woo their maidens with chanting and twirling spears.

The Government in 1971 at the Langata Forest started the Bomas of Kenya Limited. The Company was established to preserve and promote Kenyan Culture and to do this through cultural entertainments programmes for Tourists visiting Kenya and residents including school children.

How to get to Bomas Bomas of Kenya is a centre of Kenyan cultural activities situated 10 km from the city centre on the LANGATA / FOREST EDGE ROAD. It is about 1 km past the main entrance to the Animal Orphanage and Nairobi National Park. Bomas of Kenya is adequately served by public transport i.e. Kenya Bus Services and Nissan Matatus Services. Members of the Public can board the buses at the Central Bus Station in the city center Numbers 125, 126, and 24 service this route.

The waiters then carry these swords around the restaurant, carving unlimited amounts of the prime meats onto sizzling, cast iron plates in front of you. A wide selection of salads, vegetable side dishes, and a variety of exotic sauces accompany the meat feast. Dessert and coffee follow this. The full meal including a soup course is at a set price. The Carnivore is also the home of the Simba Saloon, Nairobi's most popular nightclub and disco. The informal outdoor atmosphere, exceptional snacks and outstanding entertainment ensure a vibrant and exciting night out.

The Carnivore is considered 'Africa's Greatest Eating Experience'. This open-air meat specialty restaurant has strikingly different food, service and atmosphere to anything ever seen in Kenya. Every type of meat imaginable, including four choices of wild game, are roasted on traditional Maasai swords over a huge, visually spectacular charcoal pit that dominates the entrance of the restaurant.

Dinner or lunch at the Carnivore provides the opportunity to zebra, giraffe, impala, wildebeest, crocodile and other game meats. Waiters bring the skewers straight from the fire to the table, and the meat is sliced onto pre-warmed, cast iron plates. A range of sauces, condiments and relishes are served as accompaniments. Despite its reputation and carnivorous menu, the restaurant does also cater to vegetarians. If you are visiting Nairobi, Carnivore offers a not to be missed opportunity to enjoy one of the world's finest and most unique Epicurean experiences.

As the name suggests, Carnivore is a true meat lover's paradise. Boasting a spectacular "all the meat you can eat" menu, the entire restaurant is centred around a large open fire pit, on which massive skewers of roasted. Fire roasted meat (locally known as Nyama Choma is a genuine Kenyan speciality.

While there is plenty of excellent beef, chicken, lamb and pork on offer, the real attraction here is a superb range of local game meats. While some may feel slightly squeamish about visiting Kenya and consuming the local wildlife, all of the game served is from eco-friendly game ranches which play an important role in conservation. Game ranching has far less impact on local habitats than farming cattle or other livestock.

A recently published guide to the 50 finest restaurants on earth includes popular Nairobi restaurant Carnivore. The guide was compiled by a panel of 71 world renowned food critics, restaurants and chefs.

The guide, published by the editors of the UK Restaurant magazine, selected a range of restaurants around the globe. Carnivore was one of only two African restaurants selected for the guide.The restaurant, located just outside Nairobi, is recognized as one of the world's most unique dining experiences.

Hotels and restaurants can order taxis if necessary. Nairobi Taxis are usually marked with a yellow line along each side. There is a large fleet of large London Taxis operating within the city. Taxis are not metered, and a price should be agreed with the driver before departure. Ask for local advice or at your hotel for correct rates. There are several companies operating Dial Taxi services with phone bookings, modern vehicles, competent drivers and reasonable rates. Several Taxi companies have airport booking offices. Buses operate on set routes throughout the city. The large Kenya Buses run on routes throughout the city on regular schedules. Buses can be boarded at any stop and tickets purchased on board. Matatus (Public Minibuses) also operate on city routes throughout the day, and are the most popular form of local public transport.

A recently published guide to the 50 finest restaurants on earth includes popular Nairobi restaurant Carnivore. The guide was compiled by a panel of 71 world renowned food critics, restaurants and chefs.

Nairobi Railway station is the centre for railway traffic with daily arrivals/departures from Mombasa and Kisumu. There are countless Matatu stands throughout Nairobi, with continuous arrivals and departures throughout the day. Nairobi is the centre of Kenya's extensive bus network, with many bus companies operating to and from destinations throughout the country. Walking around Nairobi is relatively straightforward, as the city centre is small and accessible. In some areas, there can be a security risk while walking, and it is best to seek local advice before setting out. Taxis are widely available, and convenient. Taxis are often parked in the street around hotels and tourist areas of the city.

With a fantastic music scene, excellent international restaurants and an endless and colourful array of shops and markets, there is plenty on offer for the visitor. Nairobi is Kenya's capital, and the arrival point for many visitors. The main airport is Jomo Kenyatta International, located 15kms out of the centre of town. JKIA handles both International and domestic carriers. Wilson airport, located 11 kms outside of the city centre, is the domestic hub for both scheduled and chartered domestic air traffic.

Further out of town, the spectacular 27 metre deep 'Fourteen Falls' waterfalls at Thika are perfect for a scenic day trip. Nearby Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park, is centred around an imposing 2,146 metre mountain. For the adventurous, take an hour's drive from town and you will find white water rafting on the beautiful Tana River.

Nairobi Railway station is the centre for railway traffic with daily arrivals/departures from Mombasa and Kisumu. There are countless Matatu stands throughout Nairobi, with continuous arrivals and departures throughout the day. Nairobi is the centre of Kenya's extensive bus network, with many bus companies operating to and from destinations throughout the country. Walking around Nairobi is relatively straightforward, as the city centre is small and accessible. In some areas, there can be a security risk while walking, and it is best to seek local advice before setting out. Taxis are widely available, and convenient. Taxis are often parked in the street around hotels and tourist areas of the city.

This is not a modern capital separated from the great wilderness that surrounds it. Just outside the city is Nairobi National Park, 113 sq kms of plains, cliffs and forest. The park is home to large herds of Zebra, Wildebeest, Buffalo, Giraffe and more. Rhino, Cheetah, and a large number of Lions are all found here, living wild within 20 minutes of the centre of town.

A frontier town no more, Nairobi has become one of Africa's largest, and most interesting cities. Nairobi is a city that never seems to sleep. The entire town has a boundless energy, and is thriving place where all of human life can be found. This is a place of great contrasts where race, tribe and origin all become facets of a unique Nairobi character. The city has not lost its sense of the past, with an excellent museum and the historical home of Karen Blixen, author of Out of Africa open to visitors.

Modern Nairobi is still the safari capital of the Africa, but the modern world has quickly caught up with the city.

The local Maasai called this highland swamp Ewaso Nai'beri – the place of cold water. The camp became a rustic village, and then a shanty town, which by 1907 was the capital of all of British East Africa. It was soon an important centre for the colony and a mecca for adventurers, hunters and travellers from all over the world.

Kenya's capital city has risen in a single century from a brackish uninhabited swampland to a thriving modern capital. When railway construction workers reached this area in 1899, they set up a basic camp and supply depot, simply called 'Mile 327'.

Currency and exchange rates : Zanzibar 's unit of currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TSh). Visitors to Zanzibar must pay for some items, such as air fights, ship tickets and hotels, in foreign currency, usually US dollars.
1US dollar = 890 TSh approx.
1 ZAR Rand = 78 TSh approx

Government: Zanzibar is a separate state within the United Republic of Tanzania, governed by a revolutionary Council and House of Representatives, whose members are elected or appointed. Although Zanzibar is part of Tanzania , it elects its own president who is head of government for matters internal to the island. The president of Zanzibar is also the vice-president of Tanzania . It also has its own House of Representatives (with 50 seats, directly elected by universal suffrage to serve five-year terms) to make laws especially for Zanzibar.

For the people of Zanzibar , fishing and farming are the main economic activities. From the beginning of the 19th Century to the mid 1970s Zanzibar exported a large proportion of the worlds cloves, and the islands' economy was based largely on this commodity. Some diversification has occurred since then, but cloves are still a major export, along with coconut product and other spices. In recent years, seaweed has also become an important export commodity. The potential for tourism to be a major earner of foreign currency has been recognised and is being developed. The number of tourist visiting Zanzibar is still relatively small but increasing every year.

Zanzibar was a British protectorate from 1890 until 1963, when the state gained independence. In 1964, the sultan and government were overthrown in a revolution. In the same year, Zanzibar and the newly independent country of Tanganyika combined to form the United Republic of Tanzania.

Population and settlement: The population is estimated around 900 000. Zanzibar 's largest settlement is Zanzibar Town with about 150 000 inhabitants. Other towns on Zanzibar Island include Chaani, Bambi, Mahonda and Makunduchi, but these are small. Outside these towns, most people live in small villages and are engaged in farming or fishing.

The monsoon winds that blow across the Indian Ocean allowed contact between Persia , Arabia , India and the coast of East Africa for over 2000 years. The first European arrivals were Portuguese 'navigators' looking for a trade route with India . They reached Zanzibar at the end of the 15th Century and established a trading station here and other points on the East African coast. At the end of the 17th century Omani Arabs ousted the Portuguese.

During this period, Zanzibar became a major slaving centre. In 1840, the Omani Sultan Said moved his court from Muscat to Zanzibar , and the Island became an Arab state and an important centre of trade and politics in the region. Many European explorers, including Livingston and Stanley, began their expeditions into the interior of Africa from Zanzibar during the second half of the 19thcentury.

Wildlife: There are no large wild animals in Zanzibar . Monkeys and small antelopes inhabit forested areas. Civets and various species of mongoose are found all over the islands. Bird life is varied and interesting with over 100 species recorded.

Wildlife: There are no large wild animals in Zanzibar . Monkeys and small antelopes inhabit forested areas. Civets and various species of mongoose are found all over the islands. Bird life is varied and interesting with over 100 species recorded.

Wildlife: There are no large wild animals in Zanzibar . Monkeys and small antelopes inhabit forested areas. Civets and various species of mongoose are found all over the islands. Bird life is varied and interesting with over 100 species recorded.

Vegetation: The islands were originally forested, but with human habitation have resulted in widespread clearing, although a few isolated pockets of indigenous forests remain. The main crops of Zanzibar are coconuts and cloves. Bananas, citrus fruits and other spices are also grown commercially. Maize, cassava and other vegetables and cereals are grown for local consumption

Climate: The climate is characterised by wet and dry seasons. The rains fall from mid-March to the end of May, and there is a short rainy season in November. The dry seasons are from December to February and June to October. Humidity is generally quite high, although this can be relieved by sea breezes. The average daytime temperatures are around 26 degrees form June to October, and around 28 degrees from December to February.

Topography: Zanzibar is generally flat with the highest point being about 120m above sea level. The Islands of Zanzibar are surrounded by coasts of rocky inlets or sandy beaches, with lagoons and mangrove swamps, and coral reefs beyond the shoreline

Location: About 40km off the coast of East Africa in the Indian Ocean, about 6 degrees south of the Equator lies two exotic islands Zanzibar and Pemba . Size: Zanzibar has a total of 1500 square kilometres, which includes many surrounding islands. It is 85km long and 30km wide.

Tanzania comprises a pair of islands off the east coast of Africa called ZANZIBAR ('Unguja') (1994 est. pop. 800,000, 1,554 km²) and Pemba . They are, together with Mafia Island , sometimes referred to as the Spice Islands, though this term is more commonly associated with the Maluku Islands . The main town and economic centre is Stone Town on the actual island of Zanzibar . Zanzibar 's main industries are spices (including nutmeg, cinnamon and pepper) and tourism. Zanzibar is also the only home of the Zanzibar Red Colobus monkey.

Internet users: 250,000 (2003) TransportationRailways: total: 3,690 km Narrow gauge: 969 km 1.067-m gauge; 2,721 km 1.000-m gauge (2003) Highways: total: 88,200 km, paved: 3,704 km, unpaved: 84,496 km (1999 est.) Waterways: Lake Tanganyika, Lake Victoria, and Lake Nyasa principal avenues of commerce with neighboring countries; rivers not navigable (2004) Pipelines: gas 29 km; oil 866 km (2004) Ports and harbors: Bukoba, Dar es Salaam, Kigoma, Kilwa Masoko, Lindi, Mtwara, Mwanza, Pangani, Tanga, Wete, Zanzibar

Exports - partners: Japan 9.9%, India 8.9%, Netherlands 8.5%, Germany 5.5%, UK 5.5%, Kenya 4.9%, Belgium 4.1% (2003) Currency: Tanzanian shilling (TZS) Currency code: TZS Exchange rates: Tanzanian shillings per US dollar - 1,119.28 (2004), 966.583 (2003), 966.583 (2002), 876.412 (2001), 800.409 (2000) Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June Internet country code: .tz Internet hosts: 5,534 (2003)

Population below poverty line: 36% (2002 est.) Agriculture - products: coffee, sisal, tea, cotton, pyrethrum (insecticide made from chrysanthemums), cashew nuts, tobacco, cloves, corn, wheat, cassava (tapioca), bananas, fruits, vegetables; cattle, sheep, goatsExports - commodities: Gold, coffee, cashew nuts, manufactures, cotton

Economy - Overview: Tanzania is one of the poorest countries in the world. The economy depends heavily on agriculture, which accounts for almost half of GDP, provides 85% of exports, and employs 80% of the work force. Topography and climatic conditions, however, limit cultivated crops to only 4% of the land area. Industry traditionally featured the processing of agricultural products and light consumer goods. The World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and bilateral donors have provided funds to rehabilitate Tanzania 's out-of-date economic infrastructure and to alleviate poverty. Growth in 1991-2002 featured a pickup in industrial production and a substantial increase in output of minerals, led by gold. Recent banking reforms have helped increase private sector growth and investment. Continued donor assistance and solid macroeconomic policies supported real GDP growth of nearly 6% in 2004.

Capital: Dar es Salaam ; note - legislative offices have been transferred to Dodoma , which is planned as the new national capital; the National Assembly now meets there on regular basis

History: 26 April 1964; Tanganyika became independent 9 December 1961 (from UK-administered UN trusteeship); Zanzibar became independent 19 December 1963 (from UK ); Tanganyika united with Zanzibar 26 April 1964 to form the United Republic of Tanganyika and Zanzibar ; renamed United Republic of Tanzania 29 October 1964 Legal system: Based on English common law; judicial review of legislative acts limited to matters of interpretation; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdictionSuffrage: 18 years of age; universal

Executive BranchChief of state: President Head of Government: President Elections: president and vice president elected on the same ballot by popular vote for five-year terms; election last held 29 October 2000 (next to be held 30 October 2005); prime minister appointed by the president Judicial Branch: Permanent Commission of Enquiry (official ombudsman); Court of Appeal (consists of a chief justice and four judges); High Court (consists of a Jaji Kiongozi and 29 judges appointed by the president; holds regular sessions in all regions); District Courts; Primary Courts (limited jurisdiction and appeals can be made to the higher courts)

Languages: Kiswahili or Swahili (official), Kiunguju (name for Swahili in Zanzibar ), English (official, primary language of commerce, administration, and higher education), Arabic (widely spoken in Zanzibar ), many local languages note: Kiswahili (Swahili) is the mother tongue of the Bantu people living in Zanzibar and nearby coastal Tanzania; although Kiswahili is Bantu in structure and origin, its vocabulary draws on a variety of sources, including Arabic and English, and it has become the lingua franca of central and eastern Africa; the first language of most people is one of the local languages

Nationality: noun: Tanzanian(s); adjective: Tanzanian; Ethnic groups: mainland - native African 99% (of which 95% are Bantu consisting of more than 130 tribes), other 1% (consisting of Asian, European, and Arab); Zanzibar - Arab, native African, mixed Arab and native AfricanReligions: mainland - Christian 30%, Muslim 35%, indigenous beliefs 35%; Zanzibar - more than 99% Muslim

Country name: Conventional long form: United Republic of Tanzania; Conventional short form: Tanzania Former: United Republic of Tanganyika and ZanzibarGovernment type: Republic

Population growth rate: 1.83% (2005 est.)Birth rate: 38.16 births/1,000 population (2005 est.)Death rate: 16.71 deaths/1,000 population (2005 est.) Sex ratio: At birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

Population: 36,766,356 Age structure: 0-14 years: 44% (male 8,100,216/female 8,074,171) 15-64 years: 53.4% (male 9,665,957/female 9,963,772) 65 years and over: 2.6% (male 418,080/female 544,160) (2005 est.)

Life expectancy at birth: Total population: 45.24 years; Male: 44.56 years; Female: 45.94 years (2005 est.) Food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever Vectorborne diseases: malaria, Rift Valley fever and plague are high risks in some locations Nationality: noun: Tanzanian(s); adjective: Tanzanian;

Border Countries: Burundi 451 km, Democratic Republic of the Congo 459 km, Kenya 769 km, Malawi 475 km, Mozambique 756 km, Rwanda 217 km, Uganda 396 km, Zambia 338 km.

Location: Eastern Africa, bordering the Indian Ocean, between Kenya and Mozambique Area: total: 945,087 sq km Land: 886,037 sq km Water: 59,050 sq km

Shortly after independence, Tanganyika and Zanzibar merged to form the nation of Tanzania in 1964. One-party rule came to an end in 1995 with the first democratic elections held in the country since the 1970s. Zanzibar 's semi-autonomous status and popular opposition have led to two contentious elections since 1995, which the ruling party won despite international observers' claims of voting irregularities.

Kenya maintains a moderate profile in Third World politics. Kenya's relations with Western countries are generally friendly, although current political and economic instabilities are sometimes blamed on Western pressures. Kenya serves as a major host for refugees from Somalia and Sudan and currently has troops in two UN peacekeeping operations.

Between 1974 and 1990, however, Kenya's economic performance declined. Inappropriate agricultural policies, inadequate credit, and poor international terms of trade contributed to the decline in agriculture. Kenya's inward-looking policy of import substitution and rising oil prices made Kenya's manufacturing sector uncompetitive. The government began a massive intrusion in the private sector. Lack of export incentives, tight import controls, and foreign exchange controls made the domestic environment for investment even less attractive.

Despite internal tensions in Sudan and Ethiopia, Kenya has maintained good relations with its northern neighbors. Recent relations with Uganda and Tanzania have improved as the three countries work for mutual economic benefit. The lack of a cohesive government in Somalia prevents normal contact with that country. Kenya serves as the major host for refugees from turmoil in Somalia and also hosts a significant number of refugees from the civil war in Sudan.

Trade (2004): Exports--$1.9 billion: tea, coffee, horticultural products, petroleum products, cement, pyrethrum, soda ash, sisal, hides and skins, fluorspar. Major markets--Uganda, Tanzania, United Kingdom, Germany, Netherlands, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Egypt, South Africa, United States. Imports--$3.7 billion: machinery, vehicles, crude petroleum, iron and steel, resins and plastic materials, refined petroleum products, pharmaceuticals, paper and paper products, fertilizers, wheat. Major suppliers--U.K., Japan, South Africa, Germany, United Arab Emirates, Italy, India, France, United States, Saudi Arabia.

GDP (2004): $11.4 billion. Annual Growth Rate (2004): 1.2%.Per Capita Income: $271.Natural resources: Wildlife, land. Agriculture: Products--tea, coffee, sugarcane, horticultural products, corn, wheat, rice, sisal, pineapples, pyrethrum, dairy products, meat and meat products, hides, skins. Arable land--5%. Industry: Types--petroleum products, grain and sugar milling, cement, beer, soft drinks, textiles, vehicle assembly, paper and light manufacturing.

In December 2002, Kenya held democratic and open elections and elected Mwai Kibaki as their new president. The elections, which were judged free and fair by local and international observers, marked an important turning point in Kenya’s democratic evolution. President Kibaki has focused his efforts on generating economic growth, combating corruption, and improving education. Kenya is also in the process of rewriting its constitution.

Since independence, Kenya has maintained remarkable stability despite changes in its political system and crises in neighboring countries. Particularly since the re-emergence of multiparty democracy, Kenyans have enjoyed an increased degree of freedom. A cross-party parliamentary reform initiative in the fall of 1997 revised some oppressive laws inherited from the colonial era that had been used to limit freedom of speech and assembly. This improved public freedoms and contributed to generally credible national elections in December 1997.

Principal Government OfficialsPresident: Mwai Kibaki (since 30 December 2002)Vice President: Moody Awori (since 25 September 2003)Minister of Foreign Affairs: Chirau A. MwakwereAmbassador to the United States: Leonard Ngaithe Ambassador to the United Nations: Bob Jalango

Type: Republic. Independence: December 12, 1963. Constitution: 1963. Branches: Executive--president (chief of state, head of government, commander in chief of armed forces). Legislative--unicameral National Assembly (parliament). Judicial--Court of Appeal, High Court, various lower courts. Administrative subdivisions: 69 districts, joined to form 7 rural provinces. Nairobi area has special status. Political parties: Registered political parties, 41. Ruling party, Kenya African National Union. Suffrage: Universal at 18. The unicameral assembly consists of 210 members elected to a term of up to 5 years from single-member constituencies, plus 12 members nominated by political parties on a proportional representation basis. The president appoints the vice president and cabinet members from among those elected to the assembly. The attorney general and the speaker are exofficio members of the National Assembly.

Education: Years compulsory--None, but first 8 years of primary school are provided through cost-sharing between government and parents. Attendance--73% for primary grades. Literacy (in English)--59%.

The Swahili language, a mixture of Bantu and Arabic, developed as a lingua franca for trade between the different peoples. Arab dominance on the coast was eclipsed by the arrival in 1498 of the Portuguese, who gave way in turn to Islamic control under the Imam of Oman in the 1600s. The United Kingdom established its influence in the 19th century. The colonial history of Kenya dates from the Berlin Conference of 1885, when the European powers first partitioned East Africa into spheres of influence. In 1895, the U.K. Government established the East African Protectorate and, soon after, opened the fertile highlands to white settlers. The settlers were allowed a voice in government even before it was officially made a U.K. colony in 1920, but Africans were prohibited from direct political participation until 1944.

Fossils found in East Africa suggest that protohumans roamed the area more than 20 million years ago. Recent finds near Kenya's Lake Turkana indicate that hominids lived in the area 2.6 million years ago. Cushitic-speaking people from northern Africa moved into the area that is now Kenya beginning around 2000 BC. Arab traders began frequenting the Kenya coast around the first century A.D. Kenya's proximity to the Arabian Peninsula invited colonization, and Arab and Persian settlements sprouted along the coast by the eighth century. During the first millennium A.D., Nilotic and Bantu peoples moved into the region, and the latter now comprises three-quarters of Kenya's population.

Health: Infant mortality rate--115/1,000. Life expectancy--49 yrs. Work force (1.7million wage earners): Public sector 30%; private sector 70%. Informal sector workers--3.7 million. Services--45%; industry and commerce--35%; agriculture--20%.

Religions: Indigenous beliefs 10%, Protestant 40%, Roman Catholic 30%, Muslim 20%.Languages: English, Swahili, more than 40 local ethnic languages.

Ethnic groups: African--Kikuyu 21%, Luhya 14%, Luo 13%, Kalenjin 11%, Kamba 11%, Kisii 6%, Meru 5%. Non-African--Asian, European, Arab 1%.

ii) PEOPLE OF KENYA
Nationality: Noun and adjective--Kenyan(s). Population (2004 est): 29.7 million. Annual growth rate (1996 est.): 2.4%.

Climate: Varies from the tropical south, west, and central regions to arid and semi-arid in the north and the northeast.

Terrain: Kenya rises from a low coastal plain on the Indian Ocean in a series of mountain ridges and plateaus which stand above 3,000 meters (9,000 ft.) in the center of the country. The Rift Valley bisects the country above Nairobi, opening up to a broad arid plain in the north. Mountain plains cover the south before descending to the shores of Lake Victoria in the west.

OFFICIAL NAME: REPUBLIC OF KENYA i) GEOGRAPHYArea: 582,646 sq. km. (224,960 sq mi.); slightly smaller than Texas. Cities: Capital--Nairobi (pop. 2.1 million). Other cities--Mombasa (665,000), Kisumu (504,000), Nakuru (1.2 million).

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He brought the former ruling Kanu party into the government and demoted members of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), who had been lobbying for a new constitution.
Before the election, the LDP's Raila Odinga was promised the new powerful post of prime minister if he agreed to back Mr Kibaki's presidential campaign.
An LDP demonstration is planned in the capital, Nairobi, on Saturday to protest against the delay.

Police have also authorised a planned rally by Mr Kibaki's National Alliance Party of Kenya on the same day, raising fears of possible clashes.
Announcing the delay in a surprise television speech, Mr Kibaki blamed a failure to agree on key issues and court cases but said he remained committed to having a new constitution.
He said that a new parliamentary bill would be introduced to debate some compromise measures.

n his resignation letter, Mr Ghai said he had expected the new constitution to have been enacted by 30 June.
He said the Constitution Review Commission had ended when a draft constitution was adopted in March despite opposition from Mr Kibaki's allies.
CONSTITUTIONAL PROPOSAL
Elected president appoints PM
PM appoints cabinet
PM leads government and chairs cabinet
President remains head of armed forces.
The president had promised to introduce a new constitution within 100 days of coming to power in December 2002 but the deadline then slipped to this week.

Professor Yash Pal Ghai has sent a letter of resignation to President Mwai Kibaki.
Mr Kibaki this week announced that the latest deadline for having a new constitution would be missed.
The issue has led to deep divisions in the ruling Narc coalition, resulting in the formation of a government of national unity on Wednesday.

Patrick Lumumba on politicians

The secretary of the Constitution of Kenya Review Commission (CKRC) Dr PLO Lumumba has said that Kenya needs morally upright politicians!! What i think he actually means is that Kenya NEEDS Politicians!!..The clowns we currently have in government make kenya politics look worse than a bunch of nursery school kids organising order in a riot!! Believe me this feeling is felt by kenyans across the whole world. We desperately need a political revolution in this joke of a country!

Wealth Should Be Tied To Judge's Job

The new constitution should list bankruptcy as one of the reasons for removal of judges from office.Nakuru Town MP Mirugi Kariuki said a judge who could not meet his financial obligations was easy to compromise.The draft constitution did not come out clearly on bankruptcy, he said. It only lists the reasons for a judge’s removal as inability to perform functions due to infirmity, breach of the Code of Conduct, incompetence and misconduct.However, committee members said the Constitution should be clear on what constitutes inability to perform.Mirugi said infirmity of the body should not be a major consideration, but the focus should be on infirmity of the mind. "There are judges who are on wheelchairs but are of sound mind."Commissioner Musili Wambua, one of the committee’s rapporteurs, assured members that the draft gave room for judges to petition their removal.However, he said, misconduct should be determined by the Code of Conduct."The Code of Conduct should be clear so as to give no room for someone to use it inappropriately to remove a judge," said Mirugi.Delegate Kembi Gitura said the clause should be amended to read that the Code of Conduct would be as laid down under the relevant Act of Parliament.Wambua said suggestions that judges facing a tribunal continue enjoying the benefits of their office until proven guilty should be given a serious consideration.The Technical Working Committee on Devolution passed an amendment motion stating that representatives at the Regional Assemblies should be ex-officio members of their district committees.

He described the Transition Committee as a "battle ground for constitution making"."There will be a lot of politics in this committee, but members must get on with the job and give Kenyans a constitution."On Wednesday, Aroni and Njoroge walked out after members insisted on endorsing a motion of no confidence brought by Ms Lydia Muriuki, a delegate from Nyandarua.They were accused of questioning the delegates’ competence in the media.Meanwhile, the Technical Working Committee on the Legislature cleared debate on the various chapters under its mandate.The group’s acting convenor, Ms Atsango Chesoni, said the committee would shelve clauses with cross-cutting implications on the other working groups.She said the committee will now await decisions reached by other committees before that also affect the Legislature.

Committee Takes Back Rapporteurs

The Technical Working Group on Transitional arrangement took back its two rapporteurs, a day after passing a vote of no confidence in them.Commissioners Abida Ali Aroni and Bishop Bernard Njoroge were received again after the Constitution of Kenya Review Commission said the action against them was illegal.The two reported at the committee’s tent in the morning, and after prayers, the convenor, Ms Joyce Majiwa, said : "We welcome our rapporteurs back. The focus now should be on our jobs and what brought us here. We should look at our obligation to the nation."As much as there were some issues to be sorted out from time to time, she added, the committee had to move forward with its work.Commissioner Okoth-Ogendo, the Rapporteur-General, said: "There should be no conflict between delegates and rapporteurs; each should keep to their side of the road."

Parallel Draft Constitution Is Sent To Bomas

"We shall discuss that issue later. Just give us time to sort out the matter and if you ask us in the next two weeks or so we shall be able to answer you as that question is inevitable," he added.The religious leaders said they were opposed to the creation for the position of Prime Minister as a way of checking the excessive powers of the presidency."The best way to check these excesses does not lie in neutering the Executive by splitting the function between two competing centres of power," they added.They said power was best checked by strengthening the other two organs of government — the Legislature (Parliament) and the Judiciary — adding that this was what they had proposed in their draft constitution."We do not need to split the executive: it has never worked in any developing country. We need not detail the unhappy experiences of Pakistan, Palestine and Sri Lanka," said the Ufungamano group.They also proposed that draft constitution be presented to Kenyans for adoption by way of referendum, which should be run professionally by the Electoral Commission of Kenya.

Parallel Draft Constitution Is Sent To Bomas

Musyimi said Njue, who also present at the news conference, managed to submit it to Ghai yesterday morning. Njue is the chairman of the Kenya Episcopal Conference, the supreme organ of the Catholic church in Kenya.When contacted at Bomas, Ghai confirmed receiving the document but said he was yet to study it. He promised to issue a statement over the Ufungamano Initiative draft constitution today.Ufungamano also said they appreciated the work already done by the Constitution of Kenya Review Commission. Musyimi however hastened to add that its 10 nominees as commissioners to the CKRC in November 2000 ceased to be Ufungamano members as Njue intoned: "But Ufungamano marches forward..."Musyimi said the launch of the Ufungamano draft constitution was the "beginning of a new journey". However, he declined to state whether they had pull- ed out of the Bomas talks or not.

Parallel Draft Constitution Is Sent To Bomas

The Ufungamano group was led by the National Council of Kenya Churches secretary-general Reverend Mutava Musyimi.Among those present at the launch were the chairman of the parliamentary select committee on the review of the Constitution, Kabete MP Paul Muite, who did not make any comments.Catholic Archbishop of Nairobi Ndingi Mwana a’ Nzeki was also present and was among the eight religious leaders who alternately read the joint statement.Others were the Head of Anglican Church in Kenya Archbishop Benjamin Nzimbi, Bishop William Waqo, Stephen Kanyu M’Impuri and Zablon Nthamburi (Methodist), Archbishop Njeru Wambugu (Organisation of African Instituted Churches), Rashmi Chitnis (Hindu Council of Kenya) and James Mageria.Musyimi said they had sent Catholic Archbishop John Njue, who is also a delegate at Bomas, to submit a copy of their draft constitution to the ongoing National Constitution Conference chairman, Prof Yash Pal Ghai.

Parallel Draft Constitution Is Sent To Bomas

Friday, January 16, 2004

The faiths-led Ufungamano Initiative appeared to have effectively pulled out of the National Constitutional Conference at Bomas of Kenya yesterday when it released a parallel draft constitution.Ufungamano’s draft constitution is opposed to the creation of a Prime Minister’s post and wants power to be concentrated in the hands of the President as enshrined in the current Constitution.Delegates at Bomas have already called for the creation of a Prime Minister’s post as contained in the draft constitution now being discussed at the technical committee stage. The religious leaders, while appreciating what has so far been achieved in the constitutional review process at Bomas, also sent a conflicting ominous signal, saying that the exercise was threatened with disintegration.Muslims did not attend the launch of the parallel document draft as the other religious leaders told a news conference at Ufungamano House that they were not party to the new initiative.

Statement by the CKRC on BomasIII

On Wednesday, 22nd October, 2003, the Parliamentary Select Committee, The Parliamentary House Business Committee and the Constitution of Kenya Review Commission met and after exhaustive discussions issued a joint statement concerning their agreement -

(a) that the reconvening of the National Constitutional Conference be postponed from 17th November, 2003 to 12th January 2004; and

(b) that the mandate of the Constitution of Kenya Review Commission be extended to 30th June, 2004.
They agreed further that the Constitution of Kenya Review Commission as the managers of the Conference would publish a statement in all national daily newspapers giving reasons for the aforesaid decisions.

Accordingly, the Constitution of Kenya Review Commission wishes to state as follows -

1. That in view of the volume, importance and urgency of the business pending before the National Assembly, which cannot be exhaustively and conclusively transacted before 17th November, 2003 it was necessary to move forward the reconvening of the Conference to 12th January, 2004.

2. That the pending business includes the following legislative measures –

(a) The National Commission on Gender and Development Bill, to establish a national commission to co-ordinate and facilitate the equitable distribution of resources, opportunities and benefits of the mainstream development process through the integration of equality concerns in the formulation and analysis of policies, programmes and projects in order to ensure that they impact positively on both men and women in bridging gender disparities;

(b) The Persons with Disabilities Bill, to provide for the rights and rehabilitation of persons with disabilities and to achieve equalization of opportunities for them;

(c) The Constituencies Development Fund Bill, to facilitate the implementation of the resolution of the National Assembly of October 2002 to the effect that an amount equivalent to a minimum of 2.5% (two and a half percentum) of Government revenue be allocated to constituency-based development projects;

(d) The Retirement Benefits (Amendment) Bill, to harmonize the provisions of the Retirement Benefits Bill with those of other Acts such as the Capital Markets Act and the Insurance Act. The Bill disqualifies scheme members, trustees and sponsors of schemes from acting as auditors of such schemes in order to avoid conflict of interest, and provides additional protection of members’ funds in case of winding up or insolvency;

(e) The Finance Bill, to authorize the collection of taxes and duties consequent upon this year’s Budget. The six-month interval between the Budget and the enactment of the Bill is covered by the Provisional Collection of Taxes and Duties Act, cap.415;

(f) The Insurance (Amendment) Bill, to extend the scope of insurance business and to streamline the operations of persons engaged in the insurance business;

(g) The Public Procurement and Disposal Bill, to establish procedures for procurement by public entities and the disposal of unserviceable, obsolete or surplus stores and equipment by such entities.;

(h) The Suppression of Terrorism Bill, to provide for the detection and prevention of terrorist activities;

(i) The HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Bill, to provide a legal framework for the prevention, management and control of the HIV and AIDS scourge; to provide for the promotion of public health and the protection, treatment, care and support for persons infected or at risk of HIV and AIDS infection; and to assert the rights of persons with actual, perceived or suspected HIV status to non discrimination;

(j) The Refugees Bill, to provide for the recognition, protection and management of refugees in Kenya; and

(k) The Appropriation Bill, to authorize the issue from the Consolidated Fund of the balance of the estimates for the current financial year; to appropriate the total of all grants for the particular services and purposes set out in the year’s estimates; and to specify the sums that may be applied as appropriations-in-aid of those grants.

Some of the foregoing Bills have a direct bearing on this year’s Budget; hence their special urgency.

3. That the members of the National Assembly who constitute approximately one-third of all the delegates at the Conference will not be able to attend the Conference if it reconvenes on 17th November, 2003.

4. That as the current mandate of the Constitution of Kenya Review Commission, which manages and constitutes part of the Conference, is due to expire on 30th November, 2003 it is necessary that the mandate be extended, in terms of section 26 (5) of the Constitution of Kenya Review Act, to 30th June, 2004.

Mrs Wambui Otieno-Mbugua criticised delegates

A defiant Mrs Wambui Otieno-Mbugua criticised delegates who on Wednesday questioned her presence at the talks, saying their objection would not stop her attendance. At the same time, she doubted the ability of the delegates to come up with a constitution that Kenyans would be proud of. "I must admit I was shocked and perturbed by the behaviour of the delegates. Are these the people Kenyans are trusting to come up with a new constitution?" Mrs Otieno-Mbugua asked. She was referring to an incident in which some delegates, including MPs, demanded that she leave the conference to which she had been accredited as an observer, arguing that her marriage to 28-year-old Peter Mbugua was a negation of African culture. For 30 minutes, business was disrupted as they argued for or against her presence. The delegates said her presence was tantamount to acceptance of the marriage. Said Ikolomani MP Bonny Khalwale: "I demand to be told in what capacity Wambui has been allowed to come here. We are discussing African culture and her very presence here is a negation of that culture." However, some supported her and pointed out that she had a right like any other Kenyan. Addressing reporters at her home near the talks venue yesterday, Mrs Otieno-Mbugua said she had been invited as an observer by Mr P.L.O. Lumumba, the review commission secretary.

Wrangle Over Wambui's Presence(Part2)

"There are land grabbers, looters, murderers and other criminals among the delegates, but no one has questioned their presence in the conference," Ms Hussein said amid wild cheering from a section of the delegates. The furore was sparked by Ikolomani MP Bonny Khalwale, who asked: "In what capacity has Wambui been allowed to come into the conference? We are discussing African culture and what she did negated the very concept of our culture." Mr Kena said Mrs Mbugua was there as an observer. He said section eight of the conference rules allowed the commission to invite observers. Those who backed her presence included assistant minister Wangare Maathai, review commissioner Abubakar Zein and nominated MP Adelina Mwau. Addressing the Press from her seat next to the podium, Mrs Mbugua, who was dressed in a red jacket and black pair of trousers, vowed never to give in to the wishes of some delegates. Said the defiant former freedom fighter: "I will not leave. If they want to close Bomas, they can go ahead and do it, but I will not budge an inch." She added: "I have the right to refuse any culture, and I have a right to choose whom to marry. It is not the business of anybody to interfere with my rights."

Wrangle over Wambui's presence

Chaos reigned at the talks as some delegates questioned the presence of Mrs Wambui Otieno Mbugua. Mrs Mbugua, who sat in the observers' section, received a hero's welcome from some delegates. The proceedings were thrown into disarray for more than 30 minutes with some delegates insisting that Mrs Mbugua be thrown out of Bomas of Kenya. She was mobbed throughout her stay by curious delegates who were discussing a report of the task force on culture. Mrs Mbugua, 67, caused a sensation in July when she married 28-year-old stonemason Samuel Mbugua. Some delegates, including MPs Musa Sirma (Eldama Ravine), Jimmy Angwenyi (Kitutu Chache) and George Khaniri (Hamisi), stormed out insisting that Mrs Mbugua should leave. Several attempts by the session chairman, Mr Wilfred ole Kena, to cool down delegates fell on deaf ears. Ms Hubbie Hussein from Ijara District demanded to know why delegates were discriminating against Mrs Mbugua.

Western Kenya demand executive PM(4)

Agriculture assistant minister Joseph Nyagah said he would deliver the decision made at the meeting to his colleagues from Mt Kenya region. Others at the meeting were assistant ministers Kivutha Kibwana and Peter Odoyo. Also present was Anthony Kimetto Sotik, Kanu. Three MPs of the East African Parliament, Ochieng Mbeo (Kenya), Mugisa Muntu (Uganda) and Harrison Mwachembe from Tanzania were also present. Nick Salat (Bomet, Kanu) said that only the truth will bring freedom to the country and urged the NCC delegates to read the public mood. He posed: "Tomorrow we are at Bomas. And who said our meeting here today holds no significance? ... when we go to Bomas, Kanu MPs will do what Kenyans had asked them." Prof Ayiecho Olweny (Muhoroni, Narc) asked the government to read an article in Sunday Nation saying it was a true reflection of the wishes of Kenyans. "I agree with the columnist; Raila should be rewarded more than this," Prof Olweny said. Kapenguria MP Samuel Moroto said those who were in the opposition are now the ones enjoying in Narc adding that Kanu will vote for an executive premier.

Western Kenya demand executive PM(3)

Yesterday's Kakamega meeting was meant to be a prayer session for the quick recovery of Vice-President Michael Wamalwa who is hospitalised in London. Instead, it was dominated by the rifts in Narc. In Bondo, more than 20 Narc and Kanu MPs led calls for a powerful prime minister. Mr Awori who spoke in parables likened the MoU to a bank loan that can always be renegotiated. "If you take a loan from a bank and you are unable to pay it in full, you can go back to the manager and ask for a review of the agreement," the Funyula MP said. But his voice drowned in boos and catcalls as he tried to calm the crowd. Tension rose as booing continued forcing Mr Odinga, Dr Oginga and assistant Minister Orwa Ojodeh to step in and calm the crowd. Mr Awori, who was the chief guest tried in vain to plead for calm saying "yote yawezekana kwa amani (All is possible in peace)". The worked up crowd chanted "Traitor! Traitor! Yote yawezekana bila Awori (All is possible without Awori)" as assembled dignitaries watched in disbelief. Mr Awori later left in a huff and boarded a police helicopter that had brought him to the function. Budalang'i MP Raphael Wanjala and his Emuhaya counterpart Kenneth Marende said they would lobby delegates at Bomas to support the creation of a powerful PM. Said Mr Marende: "The voice of the people is the voice of God. Kenyans want an executive PM and they want Mr Odinga to occupy that post." Assistant minister George Khaniri said most Luhyas had confidence in Mr Odinga. "We people from Western Province will support Mr Odinga to the last man because we are confident he will deliver when given the premiers post," Mr Khaniri said.

Western Kenya demand executive PM(2)

Cabinet ministers and MPs from the LDP faction had converged two functions in Western and Nyanza provinces to reiterate their demands for creation of a post of Executive Prime Minister a day before resumption of the national constitutional conference. Most of the MPs present dismissed the Cabinet decision to recommend a non-executive Prime Minister. They were joined by some Kanu MPs in demanding that Mr Odinga assume the Prime Ministers post once it is created. The leaders first met at the Muliro Gardens in Kakamega for a prayer service for Vice President Michael Wamalwa. They then moved to Bondo for a homecoming party for area MP Oburu Oginga, who is the elder brother of Raila Odinga. The meetings came only three days after the Cabinet decided to go to Bomas II supporting a dilution of the prime ministers powers contained in the draft constitution. Mr Awori ran into problems at the Bondo meeting where he was heckled and booed for suggesting that the Memorandum of Understanding that formed Narc can be renegotiated. Mr Awori had said that due to the "prevailing political conditions" it was good for the MoU to be looked at afresh. The decision by the Cabinet was taken last Thursday following a sub-committee of 11 ministers chaired by Mr Awori. Besides the constitutional conference which begins this morning, the Narc Parliamentary Group is due to meet this morning under the chairmanship of President Mwai Kibaki. It will be the first time the president is chairing a PG meeting.

Western Kenya demand executive PM

Cabinet minister Raila Odinga yesterday dramatically changed the tone of a meeting at Bondo by repeating his famous pre-election rallying cry – Kibaki Tosha! The meeting had been dominated by dissent over the cabinet proposal to dilute the power of the proposed Prime Minister, a decision seen as a setback for Mr Odinga and members of the ruling party's Liberal Democratic Party faction. But when he rose to speak, Mr Odinga played down the wrangles within Narc saying the coalition was strong and united under President Kibaki. "Nilisema zamani Kibaki Tosha. Narudia leo Kibaki na tosha (I said a long time ago Kibaki is capable, I repeat today Kibaki is capable)! It was the "Kibaki Tosha" rallying cry at a rally in Nairobi's Uhuru Park that set the stage for eventual union between the National Alliance Party and a rebellious Kanu Rainbow Alliance grouping that took over the LDP. Mr Odinga recounted how Narc was formed and the efforts the coalition made to beat Kanu at the last General Election. "Kama tulishinda wale hii sasa ni kidogo. Haya ni mambo ya nyumba. Mambo bado hayajaenda Mrama (If we defeated them (Kanu), this is a small issue. It is a family issue. Things have not gone bad.), Mr Odinga said as the enthusiastic crowd cheered with shouts of "Raila Tosha". He added: "Because of you Narc wrestled Kanu down in the last general Election. If we did that, what of this minor one (the divisions in Narc)?" Mr Odinga said the constitution was not being revised for the benefit of an individual. "Revising the laws of the land should be for the benefit of this and many generations to come. It is not for Raila." But the divisions in the ruling coalition were amplified at the meeting when Narc Summit chairman Moody Awori left in a huff after being shouted down by the crowd.

CKRC News Bulletin

The Constitution of Kenya Review Commission is requesting foreign missions in Nairobi to donate a 100 copies of their own countries’ constitution for distribution to the documentation centers now set up in all 74 districts in the country.
The Commission is exploring ways of reaching the 500,000 strong school, college and university population through the Kenya Schools Drama Festival. Already, Commissioner Kavetsa Adagala accompanied by Programme Officers Peter Apamo and Teresa Apondi have held initial discussions on the matter with the Inspector in charge of drama at the Ministry of Education.
It is envisaged that, more discussions will be held with the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Education and other key government officials to sensitize them on the need to use music, drama and literature in constitution review. CKRC is exploring possibilities of co-operating with the Adjudicators Associations to see how best the Commission can enrich this unique Kenyan experience. It is suggested that, CKRC could provide certificates and even trophies where possible.

Katiba News

Katiba News, the CKRC Newsletter is with the printers and is expected out soon. Articles are invited for the next issue.
Nairobi Schools History and Law Club will hold a one day workshop for its members in 42 schools at the Nairobi School on February 23, 2002. Commissioners are expected to grace the occasion. Other schools with similar clubs are asked to contact CKRC.
CKRC is also exploring possibilities of organizing public lectures in all the universities and institutions of higher learning in the country.
Kenya Broadcasting Corporation Sunday 17th February 2002 Programme will be on the theme Unity and Diversity. Kiswahili 11am to 12 noon. English 2pm - 3pm.