Thank you Luciana for the extraordinary effort to put these news updates together four times a year …
SOUTH COAST RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION
P.O. Box 5672, Diani Beach 80401 – Kenya
Website: www.scra-kenya.org
Chair email: chair Tel: 0720 440360
Secretary: secretary Tel: 0788 536222
Like us on FACE BOOK (The South Coast Residents’ Association) for regular updates
THANK YOU BASE TITANIUM FOR SPONSORING THE PHOTOCOPYING. AS ALWAYS, MUCH APPRECIATED.
NEWSLETTER ISSUE NUMBER 060–
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015
This issue is sponsored by SCRA and Base Titanium
If you wish to sponsor a Newsletter please contact: chair
A PERSONAL NOTE FROM THE CHAIR:
I know it is over a month since my 70th birthday but I did want to let you all know that my magnificent birthday present from you all (Diani’s best kept secret!!) – the inverter, has finally been installed. No more excuses for not being on my computer because of a power cut and who is rejoicing with me are my neighbors, Colobus Conservation, who have already told me they will move into my house during power cuts!!! So once again, a MEGA THANK YOU also to all the conspirators who secretly worked behind my back. I was so touched by this and am not ashamed to say I did shed many tears!!!
I would also like to congratulate SAFARILINK, who support our Association and who allow us to use their Diani office as our contact point because “The 2015 Safari Airline of the Year is………Safarilink Aviation Limited”
In our last Newsletter we wrote a happy ending story about “Boobie” rescued, road to recovery and back to the skies, thanks to Dr Jimmy Desmond and his wife Jenny. In this issue, another lucky bird raised by Jenny, and this is her story:
KICHEA
About two months ago, Keith from Colobus Conservation, came walking into our house with a tiny little something hidden in a small napkin in his hand. I knew before I looked, it had to be some sort of orphan and a small one at that, judging by the size of the tiny cloth covering it. Keith opened it up to reveal a nearly featherless, wet and bedraggled little baby bird of some kind. Just grey with a touch of yellow on her chest, we weren’t sure what kind of bird she was – only that she was VERY SMALL!
Upon closer inspection I noticed an extremely thin and long tongue shooting out as she cheeped loudly, starving and cold. I guessed she must be some type of nectar eating species, a type of bird I’d never raised before so had no idea at all what to do with her.
Falling back on some internet details about hummingbirds and my “go to” cat biscuit mush for food and keeping her warm with a hot water bottle underneath her box, I started to feed her every thirty minutes from the smallest syringe we had. Expecting the worst the next morning, I opened her box to find her peeping at me for more food! For the first week to ten days, I dreaded each morning, trying to be positive but thinking she just couldn’t make it at such a young age and such a small species who survived mainly on nectar, which I could only partially replicate with sugar water. I even refused to name her until about day ten, afraid I would curse her survival.
When she made it to day ten and had grown rapidly, now eating about every hour and sleeping happily through the night, I decided it was probably safe to give her a proper name and chose Kichea, meaning “brilliant, as in the sun” in Kiswahili. By now, her sparkly green had begun to come out and her yellow chest feathers were filling in. She was still so small it was hard to believe! We looked through our bird book and decided she was likely a Variable or Collared Sunbird – we ended up deciding on Collared.
During the early weeks of Kichea’s time with me, I was invited to go away for a few days. At first I thought I’d have to say ‘no’ – who was going to feed little Kichea every hour and carefully give her just the right amount each time? Luckily for me, the group going on the trip was made up of a lot of animal lovers and they agreed upon bringing Kichea in her little basket along with us. As we were on safari and in the car most of the trip, our very accommodating friend would, without complaint, find a shady place to pull over, everyone would roll up their windows, and I would feed Kichea – EVERY HOUR for the entire trip. I believe this little sunbird is the ONLY sunbird (or bird at all for that matter) to go on a true safari in Africa. We eventually moved Kichea to a small flight cage so she could practice flying and be outside, taking her in at night. My husband would put nectar (homemade sugar water) into flowers we collected each day and collecting termites for her to catch to teach her where her natural food should come from. She has learned everything quickly and grown incredibly, although she is still such a sweet little thing. Now her days start with a bit of food and sugar water, then into her flight cage for some nectar – real nectar now from real flowers in the garden – then we open the top and off she goes. Kichea has decided she isn’t ready to permanently head out into the real world yet, so she flutters about the garden, trying each flower she finds, catching insects and returning every hour or so to check in and go to her flight cage for a sugar water top up! Adorable!
We are hoping that in the next several days, as we watch her fly farther and farther away each time she goes, that she will soon decide to join the wild sunbirds who have come to visit her each day. They seem to come up and talk to her then fly off to a nearby tree, calling to her “come on” but she just isn’t ready yet. One day soon!!
The Chair adds: Jimmy is an International Wildlife Vet and Jenny deals with primates. They returned to Diani earlier this year for a one month holiday, but have
ended up staying, on and off, for over 8 months. Their vast knowledge and assistance has been invaluable to Colobus Conservation both in raising orphaned monkeys, wounded birds, squirrels, bushbabies, advice on antelopes etc, and most important educating beach operators on the importance of wildlife. In fact just recently some beach operators brought Jimmy a sea gull found wounded on the beach who is making a fast recovery back to freedom.
Sadly in early November Jimmy and Jenny are leaving Diani to pursue their dream in Liberia where they wish to set up a sanctuary for all those chimps which have been abandoned by a pharmaceutical company after years of immense torture and testing.
They, and their beautiful dog, Princess, who plays a major role in helping raise these animals, will be greatly missed. Asante sana Jimmy, Jenny and Princess, our doors are always open to you, Karibu Diani and come back soon.
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How many of our readers know about this centre? Do you know YOU can help?
DIANI CENTRE FOR CHILDREN WITH CEREBRAL PALSY (DCCCP)
By Elias Kimaru
Background
Our centre for children with cerebral palsy (CP) is a community based group that aims at making the children with CP and related illnesses gain greater independence. The group also helps parents and families of such children to face and handle the challenges associated with CP.
The centre, through occupational therapists, helps CP children to learn speech and promote their muscle tone , to enable the children learn how to move and walk. This enables the parents and children to learn daily living skills together at the centre. The centre also offers an opportunity for the parents/guardians to come together and share their lessons and experiences, thereby supporting each other. The main purpose being to make them more resilient and cope with the situation in the best way possible.
The centre was started by Elias Kimaru and his wife Rose by what they normally call accidental coincidence. Our second born son, is a CP case. As we moved from one town to the other… from one doctor to the other looking for help and trying to understand the condition, we accumulated sizable number of equipment and tools in our house to help the boy. One day, the occupational therapist from Msambweni government hospital visited our house and when he saw the type of equipment we had, he suggested that we help others especially the disadvantaged in the society…………things changed and DCCCP was established.
One of the gentlest and
sweetestkids Luciana has met!
About CP
Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a condition that is caused by damage of the brain at the time of birth or during the first years of life, leading to varying degrees of paralysis of the brain muscles. CP can present as just a mild weakness in one hand ora group of permanent movement disorders. Over the years, research has shown that the reduced muscular function resulting from brain damage can indeed be improved by means of muscular exercise. Children with mild cases of CP can be improved to such a degree that signs of the disease can no longer be demonstrated. Likewise, cases of children with CP who have more pronounced handicaps in their movements can learn to make some movements which they were unable to make before training.
The centre endeavours to support children in their early years to ensure that they achieve their maximum potential and become more integrated members of the society.
DCCP is therefore established mainly for the purposes of:
· Offering an opportunity for parents to network, share, learn and support each other(including the poor who would otherwise not have such an opportunity)
· Offering daily Occupational therapy programme for CP kids
· Training community CP specialists who will work in the rural villages, where affected families are not able to come to the centre
· Creating awareness of CP to the public through public forums, open days and media
· Establish collaboration, coalition and networking with other similar centers globally for experiences and lesson sharing to influence policies
The centre has over 30 such children who visit regularly for treatment and therapy. We have a resident therapist and visiting doctors as need arises. The centre has some of the best equipment in the region such as walking aids, rollers, wedgeboard, parallel bars, hammock and Static bicycle.
Support Required……and this is where YOU can help
To effectively carry out its work, the centre requires support from well-wishers in the following areas;
1. Support weekly therapist for the children. With 5 USD (KES 500), you will support a child to attend two sessions.
2. The centre needs more tools and equipment for treatment and also need to keep on replacing the aging ones. Some of the needed items are Trampoline, heating guns, stair and slides, massage balls and assorted toys.
3. Training of CP community workers and parents meetings
4. Support additional therapist to handle the increasing number of Kids
For more information contact
Kimaru Elias: +254 (0)724 255 314
Rose Wanjru : +254 (0)727 351 990
Email:
Jaguarkim
chegerose40
The 50 kph signs along the Diani Beach Road get a face lift.
We wonder how many of our readers knew they were there and how many respect this signage?
These signs – an SCRA project – were erected years ago by our first Chairman, Mr Ken Martin!
AN INTERESTING BUT LITTLE KNOWN PROJECT
An interesting project for all those who use charcoal for barbecues etc:….and they are saving trees which would otherwise be cut down for charcoal.
THE KWALE WOOD FUEL ASSOCIATION.
What do they do? They collect all the shavings from charcoal makers (which normally gets thrown away). The shavings get mixed with cassava which acts as a glue, through a machine and out come these brickets. We are told the brickets burn well and last long.
Although this Association is based in Lunga Lunga, orders will be delivered to you in both Ukunda and Diani.
Contacts : Chairman :0721207580
Treasurer : 0714255223
Secretary : 0720831798
Please do call them, place an order and HELP SAVE OUR FORESTS.
THE GAZI MANGROVE BOARDWALK
Thanks to Base Titanium and their South Coast Hash House Harriers, the Boardwalk has been rehabilitated and is certainly a place to go and visit. The walk takes you through some magnificent Mangrove forests, early morning or late afternoon bird viewing and the peace and the quiet is magical. If you wish to have a break, all along the walk there are benches culminating in a view point of the channel where one can observe egrets and fish
eagles.
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DIANI TURTLE WATCH
Local Ocean Trust (LOT) visited Diani in September for the second time this year to meet up with the Diani Turtle Watch (DTW) nest monitors and provide refresher training as well as practically evaluate their activities on the ground.
A series of meetings were held with the nest monitors over the few days the LOT team spent in Diani. One of the major issues discussed were the incidences of sea turtle nests poached in Diani this nesting season. It was reported by the nest monitors that the majority of the nests poached were in the furthest Northern and Southern sections of the beach, in areas with low human presence. The solution suggested by the nest monitors to address this problem, is to conduct monthly patrols of these areas in order to increase awareness amongst other beach operators regarding the importance of conserving sea turtles.
The nest monitors received further training on proper data recording and reporting. One of the nest monitors, Juma, was one of the first to be trained by LOT and is responsible for collecting data on nesting activity, relocation and exhumation. The nest monitors are quickly becoming a strong team and they all report to Juma whenever new nests are laid.
KWS officials were invited to the final meeting held at Mwaepe Beach Management Unit office to officially meet the DTW nest monitors. The representatives from KWS Shimoni office were very impressed with the work of the nest monitors and promised them continued support and assistance from the KWS office.
LOT took the opportunity to present all of the DTW nest monitors with certificates and identification cards. The certificates of accomplishment acknowledged that they had successfully completed the necessary training required to handle and monitor sea turtle nests on the beach.
On the last day of the visit to Diani, the LOT team visited Chale Island Resort to meet up with the manager of the resort. The manager revealed that they have recorded an average of 20 nests each year on their hotel beach front. They monitor the nests and usually reduce the number of lighting fixtures on the beach, when the nests hatch, to ensure that the hatchlings are not disoriented by the light. This is great news and LOT have offered nest monitor training to one of the staff at Chale island to enable closer monitoring of the nests in this area.
There are currently 10 trained nest monitors in the South Coast, 7 are in Diani, 1 in Tiwi and 2 in Funzi Island. Their passion for sea turtles and the training they receive from LOT ensures that the turtles nesting on the South Coast will be protected for many years to come. It is important to remember that these nest monitors are all volunteers. LOT are incredibly proud of the DTW team and their work in securing the future of endangered and critically endangered species of sea turtles.
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THE DIANI GOAT DERBY
Sunday October 11th heralded the 16th running of the Goat Derby.
41 goats from the McKenzie racing stables ran and jumped around the track for 10 races.
Kilakitu won three times and eventually won the main race, which needed a photo finish.
Our thanks to Commercial Bank of Africa our main sponsor, who helped us raise 1.5 million for the charities the EAWL support.
My thanks to all our sponsors and residents who helped make it such a successful day.
discuss economic development in Sunday in October for another worthwhile day.
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SOME NEWS IN PICTURES in no particular order
GOVERNOR’S ROUND TABLE to discuss economic development in Kwale County, attended by the Chair and the Vice Chair. Photo: H.E. Governor Salim Mvurya addressing the participants.
TOURISM NETWORK STAKEHOLDERS VALIDATION FORUM ON BEACH MANAGEMENT
Attended by the Chair and Vice Chair. Photo right: Hon Adam Sheik, Minister of Tourism, addressing the participants.
THE KWALE PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP FORUM TOGETHER WITH THE AGA KHAN FOUNDATION attended by the Chair and Vice Chair
KINANGO FRESH FARM PRODUCE
The Safaricom M-Pesa Foundation and the County Government of Kwale sponsored a mega livelihood project in the semi arid lands in Kinango Sub County. The project involved rehabilitation of a 750,000 cubic meter capacity dam alongside 107 acres under drip irrigation at a cost of 232 million.
The project is run by the Nyalani Farmers’ Cooperative Society with technical support from the Kenya Red Cross Society.
Currently we’re supplying seven beach hotels with spinach, watermelon and butternut at KShs 30, 30, and 43 per kilogram respectively.
The products are GMO-free based on best agronomic practices. We make timely deliveries on Tuesdays and Fridays as per market quantities ordered 24 hours earlier.
Proceeds from sales are paid to the Cooperative Society which in turn forwards to the 417 farmers.
The Kenya Red Cross Society, Kwale Branch seeks your support in marketing these products.
Contact : GV Ong’anya
0733 877 098
Marketing and Resource Mobilization Officer
Kenya Red Cross Society (Kwale Branch)
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RING NETTERS OPERATING OFF DIANI REEFS – ONE OF THE MOST DESTRUCTIVE FORMS OF FISHING.
ONE CANOE, 20-30 FISHERMEN ON BOARD. ONCE THEIR FINE MESH NETS ARE PLACED THEY DRAG ALONG THE OCEAN BED AND KILL OFF EVERYTHING FROM FRESH CORALS, NEW BORN FISH, SHELLS ETC. THESE FISHING METHODS SHOULD BE BANNED.
NEWS FROM COLOBUS CONSEVATION
As of the 1st November the Conservation Manager, Andrea, will be leaving to begin a one year sabbatical in order to complete her PhD thesis.
During this period Kelly Martin will be stepping in to the role of Conservation Manager. Kelly has been involved with Colobus Conservation for more than nine months, including conducting research for her MSc qualification and is very familiar with all of our projects. Please support Kelly and contact her for all conservation related issues.
The Colobus hotline remains unchanged: 0711479453. Email: enquiries
Team Colobus say “Karibu sana” to Kelly and wish Andrea all the best in completing her PhD.
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RECYCLING OF WATER BOTTLES
This month we don’t wish to talk about GARBAGE because this subject has become nauseating. Nowadays wherever one looks, be it along the roadside, along our beautiful beaches, in the Ocean, in the forests, even in the game parks ……. Everywhere, piles of GARBAGE, PLASTIC BAGS AND PLASTIC WATER BOTTLES.
Here are some ideas for you on how to recycle PLASTIC WATER BOTTLES:
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR:
(On Msambweni Referral Hospital )What a hugely encouraging email from Tina !! I’m going to visit the hospital next week and will take my gardener and more grass to cover bald patches! She has worked so hard in difficult conditions often with unmotivated gardeners.
The whole hospital seems to be pulling together and I’m sure the input from Kwale County personnel has helped greatly!
Fantastic that so many people are helping out in different areas to make the hospital what we thought it could become ‘the flagship of Government hospitals’!
With a palliative care in place it will serve the whole of the south coast and be an assurance to families that their loved ones will be in safe hands till the end.
Great that Dr Stan is back doing what he loves the most too! So many people with a passion can only drive this hospital on to greater things and a possibility of more funding.
I wonder if the nurses private homes are being improved yet? The staffs’ needs and good accommodation are essential to their peace of mind and pride of belonging in such a vital institution.
I’m looking forward to my visit next week with the gardens growing well, the children’s playground full of creative objects, equipment for the doctors to test patients and well painted beds!
Best wishes to the staff of Msambweni Hospital, the NGO’s and volunteers!
Les
Dear Luciana and your surportive Team,
thanks a lot for the wonderfull evening (Classic Concert). We have really enjoyed and our big family was impressed.
Attached you find some pictures from the event.
May God bless you.
Maren Kehler and
FUTURE FOR CHILDREN
Keep up the good work – our association must be one of the most active in the country and we really appreciate your updates on things governmental!
Thanks,
Cathie and Geoff
I wish you all the very best for the great service you perform for your members.
Mary Epsom
Thank you so much for your recent newsletter.
It seems like lots going on with you all in your busy lives.
Quite the best news letter ever. Very well done.
I am here in England, waking up to what seems a very misty moisty morning!
Autumn is approaching seemingly very early this year, and of course it makes me think of our beloved house in Tiwi, and the tides coming in and out, and the SUN shining every day.
Well, it will soon be December, and then we will be joining in once more…
John and Vivi
Well done – that was an excellent Newsletter and a jolly good read.
Thank you.
Sarah
Great newsletter
Thank you for all your hard work
We appreciate it! Xxx
Kwale Eye Centre
Dear Luciana,
I was very interested to see information on AMREF. For your information we have been members of AMREF for years now and if any of our family come out to stay with us and particularly if we are going on safari we make them members for that time also.
I have personally had to use the Air Ambulance service from Mombasa to Nairobi some years ago and it is excellent, and the medical person who was in charge of me on the flight came to see me in hospital later to check I was doing well. We flew to Wilson and then was taken by ground ambulance to Nairobi Hospital, Pat came in the plane with me.
I think anyone living here should become members, you never know when you will need help and they are so good.
best wishes
Maia
FISHING COMPETITION CALENDAR
2015
22 November – Charity Eye-Go Fishing – Mtwapa
13 December – Christmas Hamper/Open Boat – Mtwapa
26 December – Kids Family Christmas Competition – Watamu
27 December – Christmas Hamper Competition – Kilifi
27 December – Diani Samaki Classic – Diani
28-29 December – Watamu Sea Fishing Club Christmas Festival – Watamu
31 December – Captain Andy’s Mida Creek Kids Fishing Competition – Watamu
2016
30-31 January – 51st Delamere Fishing Competition – Kilifi
14 February – Mtwapa Cup– Mtwapa
27-28 February – Capt. Andy’s Kilifi Classic Fishing Competition – Kilifi
5-6 March – Watamu Fishing Festival – Watamu
5-6 March – Marlin Championship – Watamu
6 March – Kilulu Competition – Mtwapa
8-9 March – Friends of Kenya – Watamu
11 March – Morson Cup (Light Tackle) – Malindi
12-13 March – Malindi International Billfish Tournament – Malindi
19 March – The Mike Dunford Fishing Tournament – Nyali
27 March – Easter Frolic (Easter Sunday Competition) – Kilifi
‘THE DIANI BEACH COOK BOOK by Vanessa Atkins – Tel: 0722 145740
In aid of three charities, The East Africa Women’s League, KSPCA and the newly formed Diani Turtle Watch.
Available at: Peter the Vet; Shree Supermarket; Muthaiga Mini Market; Richard at IN-point (Baharini shopping center); Debessi Beads; 40’s Thieves shop.
NOW ONLY Ksh 500!!!!
It makes a great Christmas present
ARE YOU A MEMBER? JOIN US TODAY.
What to pay for 2015
Individual membership: 2,500/=
Corporate membership: 7,500/=
(If you wish to pay by cheque, please add additional 100 Khs for up-country cheques.)
How to register:
You can email secretary for a membership form or
Where to pay and register:
SAFARILINK OFFICE :
– DIANI SHOPPING CENTRE – 1st FLOOR and you will receive your card immediately
Or MPESA
Appalling and dangerous behaviour by a Tuk Tuk along the Diani Beach Road – speeding & swerving trying to run over baboons.
