The teachers say tension has been brewing since JSS was integrated into primary schools, sparking friction with administrators who reportedly view them as rivals rather than colleagues.

According to the teachers, this has bred a hostile working environment marked by disrespect and mistreatment from both heads and staff in the institutions where they are stationed.

Led by Embu KUPPET Executive Secretary Jacob Karura, the educators are now demanding that the Government grants JSS full autonomy, saying such a move would restore their professional dignity.

They disclosed that a formal petition has already been forwarded to the National Assembly urging lawmakers to pass legislation that will anchor JSS as independent learning institutions.

Karura maintained that unless action is taken, the teachers are prepared to down their tools or seek redress in court to safeguard their careers and the Competency-Based Education (CBE), which they claim is being compromised by the current arrangement.

They further cautioned that lumping pre-primary, primary and junior secondary under a single management structure threatens the quality of education delivery.

The union leaders reiterated their push for JSS to have independent boards of management, distinct administrative structures and governance systems to strengthen CBE to ensure accountability and enhance learning outcomes.

Dr. Malombe emphasized the county government's commitment to ensuring clean water is supplied to all households in Kitui County, with water points accessible within a two-kilometer radius. "The county government is committed to ensuring clean water is supplied to all households in Kitui County and making water points as close as a distance of two kilometers for easy accessibility of clean and reliable water sources," he stated.

The Governor urged residents to contribute a small fee for water usage to facilitate proper management and maintenance of the project. "It's a must for this project to be managed professionally. Don't charge a lot of money, but make a cost that can manage and maintain this project," Dr. Malombe urged.

Gilbert Kamanga, National Director of World Vision Kenya, appealed to the county government to consider installing solar power to pump water from the Kangu Kangu project, reducing electricity costs and subsequently the amount residents would pay for water. "I appeal to you, Your Excellency, with your government to ensure there is a constant flow of this water, and to achieve this is by installing solar power," Kamanga stated.

The Kangu Kangu water project is expected to significantly improve the lives and lifestyles of residents in Kitui South, providing them with access to clean and reliable water for domestic and irrigation use.

Speaking in Embu town during the swearing-in ceremony of the board, Governor Mbarire emphasized that her administration had zero tolerance for corruption and malpractice.

She reminded the new team that they carry a heavy responsibility of ensuring transparency, fairness, and accountability in recruitment processes, stressing that the people of Embu deserve nothing less.

Mbarire noted that previous boards had been tainted by corruption scandals, which undermined the credibility of the county government. She cited cases where the County Assembly was forced to overturn irregular appointments due to bribery allegations.

One of the most notable cases, she recalled, was the recent cancellation of Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) teachers’ recruitment, which was nullified after claims of bribery rocked the process.

The governor called on the new board members to break away from the negative legacy left by their predecessors and to set a new standard of integrity in public service management.

She further urged them to handle upcoming recruitments, including the hiring of chief officers and ECDE teachers, with utmost diligence and impartiality to restore public confidence.

Mbarire expressed confidence that the new team has the capacity to rise above past mistakes and deliver on its mandate. She assured them of her administration’s support in fulfilling their duties effectively.

The governor reiterated that her leadership is committed to rooting out corruption in all county offices, adding that clean governance was key to public service delivery and development.

“As long as I am governor, corruption will not be tolerated. Anyone found engaging in it will go home and face the law,” she declared, drawing applause from those present at the event.

The celebrations will take place at the Ithookwe Showgrounds, and the county commissioner has emphasized the importance of cooperation between residents and security stakeholders to ensure the event meets the government's expectations.

Addressing members of the press after chairing a meeting with National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs), Rutto stated that their primary objective is to bring Kitui residents from all 19 sub-counties to the Ithookwe Showgrounds for the celebrations.

"Our core business here is to bring Kitui residents from all corners of the 19 sub-counties to Ithookwe Show Grounds on October 20, 2025, for the Mashujaa Day celebrations," Rutto noted. He confirmed that the security team is ready to showcase the required entertainment and performance for the national celebrations.

The county commissioner assured residents and visitors that everything is being done to promote peace and calmness in the county during the national event. "We have discussed and elaborated on how we will beef up security across the county to ensure the day is well-spent by our visitors," Rutto assured. He warned that anyone involved in criminal activities would be arrested and face necessary action.

Rutto also urged business people to be prepared to receive and accommodate the large number of visitors expected before and during the celebrations. "We shall be receiving a lot of visitors within our town. I urge business people, including hotel owners, restaurant owners, and transport businesses, to be ready to accommodate visitors within the days of celebrations," he added.

This event presents a significant opportunity for Kituians, and it is essential for all to seize it and make a meaningful difference in their lives and the county. The county commissioner emphasized that the event would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many residents and encouraged everyone to participate and enjoy the celebrations.

Speaking at the institution's main campus, chairman of Uasu Seku chapter, Dr Michael Wahome, said that it was regrettable that the government doesn't respect the rule of law. "We express our disaffection with government's decision to fail to honour our return to work formula as signed last year", said the don.

The lecturers criticized President Dr William Ruto for embarking on wasteful empowerment programmes. He said  that the  scheme was waste of taxpayers' money. 

A case in point was when teachers under Knut visited the State House and were reportedly paid KSh 10,000. Their leaders got fatter handouts.

"How is it that money is available for them and not available for us? If we're saying that there is no money in the country, where are they getting money for the empowerment programs?", posed Dr Wahome.

Kusu chairman Seku chapter Thaddeus Mutisya, in an interview with the press, said that the strike will go on till money hits the Seku workers'  bank accounts.

A police report shows that the young man's mother Virginia Nzula went to his house at around 10pm on Tuesday to take supper to him and found he was missing.

The family conducted a search upon finding the son was missing. After a while, his body was found hanging from the tamarind tree located at his grandmother's compound which is just nearby.

Migwani Police Commander Lemmy Njiru said that the deceased left behind a suicide note. He did not disclose the details of the suicide note.

However, Nzalae sub location assistant chief Dominic Ilai said the suicide note was terse and it only said goodbye to the late boy's parents.

Further, the assistant chief said the deceased was serving a two weeks suspension which may have depressed him.

Police visited the scene and removed the body and took it to Mbaku funeral home in Matuu town awaiting postmortem.

Consistency. Give correct answers that can be ascertained by different consumers of your data presented. Things like your age, gender, people you live with, where you live and your income levels give survey administrators a justification for them to qualify you to be their respondent.

Being consistent in your answers make you more credible hence increasing your believability. That way, you take part in more surveys and gain more income from them.

Timing. Most digital work is available in the evening and night hours although there could be spikes any time of the day. Study your client and align your schedule to suit their not the other way round.

Linger around. Some companies use third parties to administer surveys. If you are online and have stable internet coverage, you're more likely to get surveys than someone who is one-off and has shaky connection.

Profile. Update your profile across research institutions for clients to know what you offer as a recruit. Some digital payment platforms want to know your fields of specialization to be able to link you up with future gigs. These are generic data collections that don't endanger your cyber life making you prone to hacking and other crimes. No fear.

Lobby. Government and other stakeholders should engage clients on behalf of working class citizens in order to get paid commensurate to their skills. It is public knowledge that some of these digital companies pay Africans and the Global South less than their Western and North American workers for similar tasks done. This is modern day slavery enabled by the internet. Wazungus, it is time for equal pay for equal work to be done.

Speaking during the 10th graduation ceremony of the University of Embu, Dr. Inyangala said the new student-centred university funding model was designed to support every learner, regardless of their financial background. She noted that already, more than 180,000 students who joined various universities this year have had their fees paid by the Government under the new plan.

“Education is the greatest equalizer.That is why this Government remains steadfast in ensuring that every deserving student has access to the transformative power of higher education. This funding model is not just a technical adjustment; it is a moral commitment to build a nation where potential, not privilege, determines success”she noted.

The PS further revealed that the Government was diligently preparing for the historic transition of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) cohorts into universities in 2029. She said extensive consultations were ongoing with universities, regulatory agencies, and professional bodies to ensure that infrastructure, staffing, curricula, and policies are aligned to provide an environment where learners can thrive and fulfill their potential.

On his part, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Embu, Prof. Daniel Mugendi, announced that a record-breaking 2,055 students had graduated this year the highest in the history of the institution. Among them were 92 diploma and certificate holders, 1,915 bachelor’s degree graduates, 2 postgraduate diploma awardees, 39 master’s degree graduates, and 7 Ph.D. scholars.

“This milestone demonstrates the steady growth of our university,” said Prof. Mugendi. He also revealed that for the 2025/2026 academic year, the university admitted 4,292 first-year students, raising the total student population to 16,406, up from 14,534 last year. According to him, most of the students have expressed gratitude for the new funding model, which has made education more accessible by significantly reducing the financial burden.

Echoing these sentiments, the Chancellor University of Embu , Prof. Musili Wambua, lauded the ongoing reforms in the education sector, describing them as a “game changer.” He praised the Government’s proactive approach, led by Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba and PS Dr. Inyangala, for addressing student funding, institutional sustainability, and the quality of university programs.

“These reforms have brought about transformative change in how our higher learning institutions operate.We are especially grateful for the government’s steadfast support, which has unlocked opportunities for thousands of students who would otherwise have been left behind”Prof. Wambua said.

The Embu University graduation ceremony thus stood not only as a celebration of academic achievement but also as a testament to Kenya’s bold steps in reshaping higher education to ensure inclusivity, equity, and sustainability for generations to come.

The CS was addressing the media during a tour to inspect Ithookwe Stadium which is near completion. The international stadium will host this year's Mashujaa Day celebrations. He was accompanied by his Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi.

Ithookwe Stadium is a 10,000 seater facility that is currently 80 per cent complete. The fully complete stadium is expected to be through by October 6.

CS Mvurya said there was remaining work on the pavilion and auxiliary areas which will be done soon. He added that the perimeter wall was also part of areas to undergo finishing up.

Kitui Governor Dr Julius Malombe thanked President Dr William Ruto for the state-of-the-art Ithookwe Stadium building. Other projects being done by President Ruto's government are the rehabilitation of Ithookwe Airstrip and building Tiva Utalii College campus as well as the Kanyonyoo Livestock Training Institute.

Dr Malombe cautioned unnamed Kitui politicians out to take credit of development programs done saying they don't know how the projects were conceptualized.

Impressed by the construction progress, Prof Kindiki urged the contractor to speed up remaining work but not to compromise on the standards. According to a communique sent to newsrooms by the DPPS, the international stadium is 80 per cent complete. "Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said the 10,000-capacity stadium, which is being put up at a cost of Sh700 million, is nearing completion and is expected to host the national celebrations", said DCPS.

Once complete, the stadium will host international matches and other similar events.

"Now 80% complete, the stadium will be used by generations of Kitui for sports tournaments and other activities", said the Deputy President.

The county has benefited from other projects which are part of preparations of hosting Mashujaa Day Celebrations.  They include massive road upgrade, electricity and water supply upgrades as well as rehabilitation of the Ithookwe Airstrip. The airstrip will be used for transporting guests during the celebrations.

The scribes have joined hands to launch a community-driven Feed and Clothe Street Kids initiative that provides food and clothing to street children every week.

Last weekend,  over  100 street  children  were fed and clothed through  the journalists drive to touch the lives of the less fortunate.

Speaking during their latest outreach, the journalists revealed that they have been running the programme consistently for the past six months with a positive impact on the  beneficiaries.

According to the group’s chairperson, Linah Musangi,  there was a need to help reintegrate the children into society. She appealed  for support from well wishers so as to attain the goal.

She pointed out that a significant number of the children had expressed the desire to go back to school, while others wished to pursue income-generating activities to sustain themselves.

"Most of the children are out here because of squalor at home and hope to get well wishers to take them back to school," she said

"Over 70% of the street children are not in school since their parents could not afford to retain them in school due to the high  levies charged," she added.

Another member, Amrose Savali, supported the  idea  of  finding a lasting  solution to the dehumanising life the  street urchins  have to contend with.

He emphasized that without such concrete interventions, many street children  are more likely than not  to drift into crime as they grow older thus  becoming a menace to society.

Savali  noted that the initiative, known as Feed and Clothe Street Kids, is aimed at distracting  them  from crime and offering hope for a better future like any other normal person.

Shadrack Ilava, a veteran journalist, noted that the major cause of rise in their number is high  poverty levels. He said it was  high time  a good number of well wishers  came out to give  the desired  and much needed support.

One reason lies in the fear of responsibility. Relationships, for example, demand emotional commitment, sacrifice, and maturity in an age where freedom, self-discovery, and career-building dominate youth culture. Many feel like relationships may tie them down or add unnecessary pressure. Instead, they prefer casual friendships or connections that don’t demand much emotional labour.

Another factor is the instant gratification  of their mindset that has become common in the digital era. Social media platforms offer fast, entertaining, and less demanding interactions, which  young people to expect simplicity.

Complex conversations, whether about politics, climate change, or even personal struggles, seem too slow and draining compared to the endless scroll of memes, trends, and viral challenges.

There is also a sense of disillusionment. Many youths believe that engaging in serious matters changes little. After all, they see leaders ignore citizen voices, relationships collapse despite effort, and society moves on despite protests or intellectual debates.

This perception of futility makes them choose silence or detachment over active participation.

Mental health pressures further play a role, how? With rising rates of stress, depression, and anxiety, many young people are already juggling heavy emotional burdens. This is by adding complex activities in terms of maintaining a serious relationship or debating intricate issues which can feel  overwhelming choose peace of mind over complexity.

However, avoiding complexity comes at a cost. Relationships helps in shaping  emotional intelligence, while engaging in tough discussions builds critical thinking towards leadership. Without these, the youth risk becoming a generation skilled in avoiding problems rather than solving them.

Yet, all hope is not lost. Across universities, community forums, and digital platforms, some young voices are stepping forward challenging stereotypes, forming meaningful bonds, and leading debates on issues that affect their future.

Perhaps what the youth need is not more blame, but safer spaces where they can learn and experiment things which focus on growth without fear of failure.

After having a number of discussions  in my TikTok live talks with my fellow youths, I noticed  that the avoidance is less about laziness and more about a search for balance. 

Today’s youth crave simplicity not because they cannot handle complexity, but because they are still learning how to carry it.

Rev. Father Muthamba has urged couples who are married but not through the church, as well as those planning to get married, to seek guidance from church leaders or take their vows in church. This, he believes, will provide them with godly advice to navigate the challenges of marriage and build a strong foundation for their families. By doing so, couples will gain valuable knowledge on how to raise their children under the influence of the Word of God, creating a safe and nurturing environment for them.

Recently, Father Muthamba coordinated a mass wedding of 11 couples at Holy Family Kabati parish. In a press briefing after the ceremony, he called on all couples to consider remarrying under the church and renewing their union under Christ. This, he said, would strengthen their faith and enable them to overcome marital challenges wisely and maintain peace in their homes. "We've been conducting burials of couples who have taken their own lives or killed their partners over small issues," Father Muthamba lamented. "This is all because people aren't engaging in church activities and haven't married under the church."

Father Muthamba also appealed to the government, particularly the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, to crack down on reckless drug-related businesses in residential areas. He believes this will help reduce substance abuse and domestic violence in homes, ultimately preventing premature deaths. "We urge the government to end the sale of alcoholic drinks in residential areas, which will help reduce abuse and domestic violence," Father Muthamba added.

The rise in domestic violence cases has left many children orphaned and raised concerns among church leaders. Father Muthamba's call for couples to seek refuge in the church and find tolerance through the Word of God aiming to stem this tide and create a safer, more peaceful society.

The Bishop’s mission went beyond pastoral care. It was about building bridges between faith and healthcare, recognizing that the wellbeing of the body and spirit are inseparable. He was warmly received by SHA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Mercy Mwangangi, Chairman Dr. Abdi Muhammed, senior management staff, and Dr. Thuranira, who serves as the President’s Advisor on Health.

Accompanying Bishop Masamba were Rt. Revd Dr. Joseph K. Kibucwa, Bishop of the ACK Diocese of Kirinyaga, Rt. Revd Dr. David Nkabu, Bishop of the ACK Diocese of Meru, and senior management staff from ACK Mt. Kenya Hospital in Kerugoya. Their presence underscored the regional weight of the church’s commitment to healthcare.

The discussions at SHA centred on how church and government  can work hand in hand with national institutions to expand reach and ease the pressure on public ensuring all people are able to access healthcare and how faith-base hospitals can closely collaborate with government. For decades, faith-based hospitals like ACK Mt. Kenya have been lifelines for rural communities, offering affordable, compassionate, and accessible care.

Dr. Mwangangi praised the initiative, noting that churches are uniquely placed to deliver health messages and services due to the deep trust they command within communities. She said faith-based hospitals can be vital partners in preventive health, maternal care, and public health education.

Bishop Masamba spoke passionately about the church’s calling to heal. “The mission of the church is holistic caring for the soul, the mind, and the body. Through these partnerships, we are not only preaching hope but also providing health and dignity to our people,” he said.

Key areas of collaboration discussed included training medical personnel, resource mobilization, and expanding the capacity of church-run hospitals. The leaders agreed that the combined influence of the church and health experts could go a long way in tackling issues such as non-communicable diseases, maternal health challenges, and mental health gaps.

The meeting was described as both pastoral and practical, bringing together two worlds that must work hand in hand. By blending spiritual care with professional medical services, the church and SHA leaders painted a vision of a healthier, more resilient Kenya.

As the visit concluded, optimism filled the room. The partnership sealed at SHA headquarters promises to open a new chapter of collaboration where faith meets health, a partnership that brings hope closer to the people and strengthens the nation’s journey toward universal healthcare.

Kitui County Director of Education Dr. Isaack Khalif has called on the county government and education stakeholders to implement measures to provide food in schools. This, he says, will not only protect pupils but also boost enrolment, which has been steadily decreasing.

According to Dr. Khalif, the lack of food in schools and homes is a major contributor to the low turnout of pupils joining schools. He urged the county government to revive a program that was previously successful in providing food in schools, which encouraged education in local areas.

"The county government has done a great job in employing ECDE teachers on permanent and pensionable terms, but they are facing a challenge of low enrolment," Dr. Khalif said. "If PP1 and PP2 classes don't have enrolment, then the other classes will also be affected, and some schools may be forced to shut down."

Dr. Khalif directed all school heads and the ministry to provide food to learners, regardless of their location or situation. He emphasized that this initiative will particularly benefit schools in hard-to-reach and drought-prone areas, such as Mwingi North, Kitui South, and Kitui Rural.

"Areas like Thagicu, Kyuso, Mutomo, Ikutha, and Lower Yatta will be among the most affected," Dr. Khalif said. "However, there will be no exceptions, and all institutions are expected to provide meals to learners."

The Kitui County Ministry of Education and stakeholders have been tasked with providing meals in schools to improve performance and boost the education sector.

A group of leaders, including Kitui East Member of Parliament Hon. Nimrod Mbithuka Mbai, Kitui South MP Dr. Rachel Kaki Nyamai, nominated Senator Tabitha Mutinda, and Mwala Constituency MP Vincent Musyoka, addressed bodaboda riders in Kitui East Constituency and directed County Commissioner Kipchumba Rutto to coordinate with local security officers to release the detained motorcycles.

The leaders specified that only motorcycles detained without serious offenses should be released, while those involved in unlawful activities should remain detained to face the consequences. Hon. Nimrod Mbithuka Mbai gave the police stations a two-day ultimatum to release the motorcycles detained for minor offenses, warning that he would personally oversee the release if the directive is not followed.

"We give these police stations two days to release these bikes; otherwise, I will come for them myself," Hon. Mbai said. Dr. Rachel Kaki Nyamai also urged the County Commissioner to address the issue with immediate effect, saying, "County Commissioner Kipchumba Rutto, give orders to the head of the traffic police to visit all subcounties in Kitui and release those bodabodas that have no criminal offenses to their owners."

Nominated Senator Tabitha Mutinda added that many bodaboda riders are being held back because they lack logbooks, which are being held by loan companies. "Those bodaboda riders have no logbooks because they are held by the loan companies. They should be given their motorcycles back so they can pay off their loans and retrieve their logbooks, which will help them in other areas," she said.

The leaders' directive aims to support bodaboda owners and riders, allowing them to continue their business and improve their livelihoods.

Fridah’s dream is simply to pursue education and escape the chains of poverty that has haunted their family for long.Last year, she completed her studies at Nguviu Girls High School, scoring a  B- grade in KCSE, a performance that secured her admission to the University of Embu to pursue a degree in Information Technology. 

But even with the admission letter in her hands, her dreams were cut short. She was turned away from the university premises because she had nothing; no fees, no basic necessities, not even the bare minimum to survive.She just watched her fellow freshers proceed to lecture halls after successful admissions and she helplessly walked out of the university.

Fridah said she had applied for government sponsorship but she was not lucky.

Her story is as heartbreaking as it is inspiring. In 2021, barely a week after delivering, Fridah walked back into class, determined not to abandon her education. She studied under ridicule, stigma, and poverty, yet she held her head high, believing that education was the only way to save herself and her family from the cycle of suffering.

But the struggle did not start with motherhood. In 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted learning, Fridah’s KCPE performance was affected, yet she still managed 305 marks in 2021 when she sat for the national exam.Unlike her six siblings who dropped out of school because of poverty, she fought on, often going without food and walking long distances just to stay in class. She alone carried the burden of hope in a family weighed down by despair.

When her mother, Bether Maringu, spoke to MWINGI TIMES, she could barely get her words out through tears. “I have struggled all through, only depending on cassava for lunch and supper. Sometimes we go without food. I am still struggling. I am now suffering from chest pains due to the struggles of life. My daughter is here, and I do not know what to do.I have been asking God if He has abandoned me since this is the worst time in my life,” she cried, clutching her chest. The grief of watching her daughter’s dreams slip away is a pain she says is worse than her own hunger.

The roots of their hardship run deep, Their father, once a pillar of the family, lost a leg through amputation before passing away, leaving the family in ruins. Since then, Bether has shouldered the heavy responsibility of raising seven children single-handedly, without a stable income. Her efforts have been heroic, but the weight has simply been too much to bear.

Fridah’s return home after being turned away from university has plunged the family into deeper despair. “It hurt me to stand outside the lecture halls and watch my classmates walk in,” Fridah whispered, wiping away tears. “I kept asking myself, why me? Why must I suffer like this when all I want is to learn?” the student asked.

Now, her appeal is not just for school fees it is for a chance at life.“I don’t want to be defined by my struggles.I want to change my life and take care of my mother, who has sacrificed everything for us” she said.

She is still at home waiting heaven to open for her.

According to Dr. Isaack Khalif, the Director of Education in Kitui County, the issue is a recurring one, with many girls giving birth while sitting for their national examinations. This has negatively impacted the county's academic performance. Dr. Khalif noted that it is disheartening to see young girls facing such hardships during their final year exams. He cited as devastating that last year alone, over 20 students gave birth while sitting for their exams.

Dr. Khalif urged the national and county governments to collaborate with local security agencies to address the issue of night 'kesha' sessions, which he believes contribute significantly to teenage pregnancies. "I call upon the County Commissioner to regulate night 'kesha' sessions, as they have been a major source of pain and are negatively affecting the performance of these girls, schools, and the county at large," Dr. Khalif said.

He emphasized the importance of community, religious leaders, and parents working together to control this tragedy. By taking a collective approach, Dr. Khalif hopes that the county can reduce the incidence of teenage pregnancies and improve academic outcomes for young girls.

According to the area chief, Mr. Thomas Munyao, the couple had been experiencing marital issues for some time, which ultimately led to the tragic event. The man allegedly stabbed his wife multiple times in the stomach with a knife, causing her to bleed to death. Afterwards, he walked about 500 meters away and hanged himself from a tree.

Chief Munyao revealed that he received a call from a resident about the discovery of the woman's body near River Kiteeti in Kauwi Location. Upon arrival, he identified the body as one of the workers at a hotel in Kabati Market. The chief noted that the couple's issues had been ongoing, culminating in the heartbreaking tragedy.

In the aftermath of the incident, Chief Munyao urged family members and citizens to seek moral support and advice from relevant authorities to resolve conflicts peacefully and avoid such tragic incidents. He also called upon church leaders to establish forums where married couples can receive guidance on coping with marital crises and strengthening family relationships.

The chief's appeal highlights the need for support systems to help families navigate challenges and prevent such devastating outcomes.

Mr Charles Kyalo Musya and his family were drive away by Somali camel herders, he told us. "They broke into my home and burned food, school uniform for my children and my clothes. They burned everything. My children have no uniform to go to school in", he said. He comes from Thangilani village in Mutha ward.

As for Ms Kamene Nzumbi, the violent raid of her farm by camel herders is a fresh nightmare.  She recounts her crops were destroyed and the arrogant mien of the owners who dismissed them as just leaves for camels to feed on. "They graze camels here by force. They say I leave camels to eat my crops because they are just leaves", she says with a tinge of regret and despair.

All residents affirm this a a recurring invasion and the government has turned a deaf ear to their grievances.

A Head of Institution who requested not to be quoted over fears of her life and work said children have dropped out and are employed by camel herders in their manyattas as househelps. Most parents have migrated from their homes.

As the invasions escalate, local leaders are afraid to speak to the media saying that their superiors monitor their phone calls. "Government is not at ease with me. It says I am giving information and I am not a security personnel. It is not safe for me now. I don't call using my phone because we're being tracked".