MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

MINUTES FOR NIPE SAUTI AFRICA ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING HELD AT STRATHMORE UNIVERSITY ON DECEMBER 3^RD 2016 FROM 10.AM TO 2PM

1.    

  MEMBERS PRESENT

Mandela Sangura- Chairperson     

Teresa Chepgetich-Deputy Chairperson

Mnyogha Dancun – Treasurer

Nangabo Dennis- Coordinator

Sharon Akinyi- Asst-coordinator

Other Members

2.      AGENDA

1)      Preliminaries

2)      Chair introduces 2016 officials

3)      Review of 2016 activities

4)      Membership contribution

5)      Welfare fund

6)      Ratify the creation of the office of the patron & deputy treasurer

7)      Submission of 2016 agenda

8)      Treasurer’s report

9)      Declare seats vacant

10)  Awarding certificates

11)  AOB

12)  Adjournment

MIN/ 01/07: PRELIMINARIES

The annual general meeting kicked off at 10.30am with a word of prayer led by Teresa Chepgetich.

MIN/02/07: CHAIR INTRODUCES 2015/2016 OFFICIALS

The chair Mandela Sangura introduced leaders holding office year 2015- 2016. He also introduced officials holding officials on acting capacity.

MIN/03/07: REVIEW OF 2016 ACTIVITIES

The chair listed out the major activities that Nipe Sauti Africa had accomplished in the year 2014-2016. The events included;

·         Anti-jigger campaign in Bungoma county 2014

·         Street- feeding program September/ December 2014

·         Community clean-up Gachie constituency

·         Visit to mother Teresa Missionary-Langata Nairobi County

·         Hospital visits

·         ICT Mashinani Bisuche secondary school Bungoma County

·         Nuru day care Kibera Soweto Nairobi County

·         Texas cancer center visits – Mbagathi road Nairobi County

·         Texas cancer center clean up exercises – Mbagathi road, Hurlingham & Lenara rd, Nairobi County

·         Cheryl Children’s Home visit Ngong Nairobi County

·         Mentorship programs

·         Teambuilding Karura forest Nairobi County

·         Pillar of Hope children’s home- mega visit- Kajiado County

MIN/04/07: MEMBERSHIP CONTRIBUTION

Nipe Sauti ambassadors agreed on an annual contribution of 1000ksh, which shall be contributed quarterly payable every last Friday hence, a fixed amount of 250ksh. An amount of 50ksh shall be paid as penalty for delayed payment (quarterly).

After a long discussion on rates to be charged members agreed that all new individuals willing to join Nipe Sauti shall be charged 100ksh as a membership fees. This amount shall be paid after probation period of one month after taking part in four NSA activities.

Members also agreed to create a special kitty that will cater for any emergency and special events for Nipe Sauti Ambassadors. Each member shall contribute 50ksh to the kitty. The kitty will be managed by the office of the deputy treasurer.

MIN/05/07: RATIFY THE CREATION OF THE OFFICE OF PATRON & ASST TREASUER

Dancun Mnyogha suggested creation of the office of an assistance treasurer. Members discussed and found it necessary. The office was created and given responsibility to handle the special kitty in Nipe Sauti treasury.

Members also suggested on persons of interest to be approached for the position of a patron, which all members found necessary. Among those suggested included;

Bob Collymore- Safaricom,

 Mr. Liko- Pesapal

Willis Raburu-Citizen TVs

Eng.Nyamai Joshua

MIN/06/07: SUBMISSION ON AGENDA 2017

An activity shall be held at cancer Texas Mbagathi road on the 28^th January 2017. Agenda

Election of new officials

Treasurer’s report

Members were urged to send their full names to the office of the current coordinator Nangabo Dennis for shortlisting for election of new officials before January 28^th 2017.

MIN/07/07: TREASURER’S REPORT

The current treasurer Dancun Mnyogha committed to give his report on the cancer Texas Bagathi 28^th January 2017.

MIN/ 08/07: DECLARE SEATS VACANT

 Mr. Sangura in his mandate as the chair declared seats vacant of all officials. However, current officials would hold office on acting capacity until new officials take over. Barrack 2015/2016 director having resigned was removed as one of the signatory. Vincent too was dropped as a signatory.

MIN/09/07: AWARDING CERTIFICATES

All members presented were awarded certificates for being active ambassadors of Nipe Sauti Africa in the year 2014/2016.

MIN/10/07 AOB

Dancun Mnyogha mentioned on the project of UAP with would be finalized. He also invited Nipe Sauti members to join Kuresoi Nakuru County event on the month of December. Mandela Sangura invited members on a visit to Kitengela pillar of hope children’s home.

Members suggested on having two events set aside for team building rather than one every year in the Nipe Sauti calendar.

MIN/11/07: ADJOURNMENT

At 2.10pm Muisyo Ann closed the meeting with a word of prayer. Next meeting venue shall be at Mbagathi cancer Texas on January 28^th 2017.

CHAIRPERSON                  SECRETARY

Kitengela Mega Charity Event-Report by Chepngetich

The event took place on 3rd September 2016. The day started at 9 a.m, with most Nipe Sauti Africa members gathering at Strathmore University to catch a bus heading to Pillars of Hope Children’s home.   The morning was marked with much excitement; members met new friends from Community Outreach Programme.(Strathmore).

NSA members had contributed well towards the charity event; the money collected was used to purchase some essential items that were urgently needed by Pillars of Hope Children.

The membres arrived at the children's home at around 11 a.m. They were received well by the persons'  in charge who gave a brief history of the home. The children's home has no gate or a proper fence meaning anyone can enter or leave the home with or without notice. The compound is too small for the 83 children, but it has been fully utilized: It composes of 'mabati' classrooms, dormitories, kitchen, washrooms, an open office space on top of a wooden staircase.

The day was full of fun activities: cool music, lot of dance and 'weight cutting',

'kujuana forum', cooking, cleaning, photographing and talent shows. Some children had a chance to give their personal experience: their stories were so touching. The host and the guest had a blast!

The Pillars of Hope Charity Event ended well, all Glory to God!

Kindly members feel free to continue with the good work of giving towards Pillars of Hope Children's home- directors number MOSES 0704285085

By: Trizah Chepng'etic- Deputy Chairperson

NURU DAYCARE CHILDREN HOME REPORT.

This activity took place in Kibera - Soweto on Saturday the twentieth. We arrived at Nuru Daycare at around half past nine, after having a balancing challenge test on the bridge to Nuru Daycare. The children were awake, dressed up so smart, and as if they knew we coming, waiting for us. After their warm welcome. We formed two groups. The first group went to the Kitchen and the second one remained with the children, to entertain, talk and keep them busy.

The place was not big enough to play some games, and the children were less than ten years old. They were of mixed gender –boys and girls. We had a photo taking session, we sang and danced with the children, it was fantastic and excellent. The best part was not the smile we put on their faces, but the feeling of fulfillment in our hearts through their smile and joy.

Leila, a child from Nuru Daycare, led us in singing several songs. She was audible, courageous and sang so nicely. Some of them go to school and others do not. At ten, porridge was served to the children, the younger ones below four years are usually fed. It was so nice. After the porridge session, we sang, danced and face painted the children.

Lunch was served at around half past twelve. The kitchen crew prepared rice, minced meat, and cabbage. The meal was delicious. They joined us in feeding them and mingling with the children. After lunch, they had some moments of rest and played. Sweets, then 'TamuTamu', then juice was served. The children were so satisfied. After the juice others slept. It was a celebration or party to them, Christmas to others.

The last session was handing over what the team had come with (mattresses, baby's clothes, flour, popcorns among others) to the organization -Nuru Daycare Children Home. This was followed by a vote of thanks from Pastor James Obedi -the group’s founder, and a brief history of the organization and the organization’s vision. Other teams in our midst like the Networking team also acknowledged. They were so happy to join us and look forward to us partnering with them. We also had visitors in our midst, it was a blessing. By the time we were leaving, it was as if we had lived with those children for years. We had won a special place in their hearts, and if it were possible, they would not let us go.

Nipe Sauti Africa chairman appreciated everyone for their presence and also the organization for welcoming us and giving us the chance to spend time with the children. The day's activity ended with a word of prayer from Miss Teresa Chepngetich.

By: Joan Shisha

My Experience in Bungoma

Sunday morning the 7th August 2016. The favourable weather gave us an opportunity to explore the peaceful community and hike the nearest hill. It was exciting for five members of Nipe Sauti Africa to walk through the city accompanied by our tour guide Musa. Everyone we came across on our way was kind enough to greet us. The community involves in cattle and food crop farming and retail businesses.

We were determined to explore every corner of the hill. From the tall green grass, hidden paths, caves, and trees to get to the peak of the stony hill.

The breathtaking view would allow us a shout, sing, and dance with every memory captured and kept safe behind the camera scenes.

Despite Conrad, Lwanga getting a knee injury the highlight of our expedition was making it to the peak of stones that sat still on each other as if they would fall at any trigger. Our intention was to explore and name the hill Nipe Sauti Africa if we were the first people to visit the place which we were not. Tired, hungry and thirsty it was time to get down the hill.

Our day would be crown by a tasty meal courtesy of our host. With the local delicacy ugali, matoke and chicken in plenty.

The evening had come time to bid Bungoma county goodbye there I got a chance to ride a bicycle as a means of transport for the first time.

With our mission ICT Mashinani accomplished we enjoyed Bungoma county's rich Bukusu culture, attractive cites, and hospitable people
Author: Anne Muisyo

ICT Mashinani Bungoma -Report

6th August 2016 Nipe Sauti African was giving a voice to Bisuche secondary school. Situated at Bumula constituency Bungoma County, Kenya.

8.pm was a perfect time to arrive at Bungoma since it was that time of the year that young boys would have the cut to manhood. We had a glimpse as villagers and family escorted naked boys to the river chatting and dancing to traditional songs.

Nipe Sauti African's arrival at the busy Mayanja market was enough to turn heads and trigger whispers among buyers and sellers. For the motorbike riders, it meant business. It was exciting as we rode close to  2Km to Bisuche secondary school. Not without the county council official stopping us for a duty fee.

But wait, we did not just land here. Friday 5th August 2016 evening was a meeting time at Bomb blast along Moi Avenue as coordinated by Dennis Nangambo. Members got there in turns. Eventually with the computers safely parked and everyone on board a team of twelve was ready for departure.

Despite the long journey and delays along the way it took a few minutes to get ready to start the event. With thirteen members all in Nipe Sauti Africa branded t-shirts we were ready to kick start ICT Mashinani project.

'Bisuche secondary school built in approximately four acres of land, with a relaxed, friendly breeze, trees, and green kept environment. It has classrooms, staffroom and a dormitory under contraction.'

The student dressed in their black and white uniform were filled with excitement to host Nipe Sauti Africa.

An introduction to the teachers and invited guests was done by Mr. George Kisaka, the principal.

Led by  Reverend a brief service was conducted and the six new computers dedicated and prayed for use. With spiritual matters handled the program was handed over to Duncan Mnyogha the master of the event. Every minute was utilised since NSA had a lot to offer. A formal introduction was necessary led by chair Mandela Sangura, with most us getting an opportunity to pass a word of advice to the students.

Mentoring was done by Emmie Chemutai, James Ngige, Ann Muisyo and Duncan Mnyogha. With every speech sending a message of advice, encouragement and motivation to the students. Tonui also gave a speech on his life experiences. Art and talent was not left out Ateya Njike got a chance to entertain and perform a song.

It was time to launch the computers. The students we curious and keen to learn the booting process and typing. Rains cut short our event with chair Mandela Sangura lacking a chance to deliver his speech.

We were served lunch and after that held a meeting. Chair NSA promised to communicate regarding the installation of the computers. Also handed cash offer amount to a needy student for uniform expenses. A vote of thanks from both sides and a word of prayer would bring to a close ICT Mashinani- Bungoma project.

All said and done we had one mission; to create and leave a mark in the lives of Bisuche community that would run for a generation. ICT Mashinani project by Nipe Sauti Africa is the mark.

By: Anne Muisyo

VISIT TO MISSIONARIES OF CHARITY HOME

Missionaries of Charity (Mother Teresa) is a Roman Catholic Religious Congregation located in Langata. The home cares for mentally and physically challenged.

On 12^th August, Nipe Sauti Africa team visited the home where the visit as scheduled to start at 8 am to 1 pm. Upon arrival we were warmly welcomed by some of the Mother Teresa sisters and little orientation was done before we were assigned various duties

Some of the duties included; washing clothes, cleaning around the home, helping in the preparation of meals and feeding the mentally and physically challenged. The feeding program started at around 11 which is their scheduled time for food.

Later on, there was entertainment which included singing and dancing led by the NSA team. We managed to involve some of them in the entertainment so that they do not feel left out. At around 12.30 pm we had to cut short the show since they had to go and sleep.

The NSA Team converged and presented a cheque of donation to one of the Sisters who received it on behalf of the entire organisation. She was so thankful in the name of the organization as a whole and briefly told us more about the home and other activities they have.

Our Chairman Mandela gave a brief vote of thanks and also introduced some new members. He also reminded us of the next charity event which is to take place on 20^th August at Nuru Day Care in Soweto Kibera.

It was a nice experience spending time at the home. We ended with a word of prayer and everyone left at their own pleasure.

By: Mandela C Sangura

THE POISON IN OUR WATERS

“Allah Akbar! My son, time has healed all the wounds of your heart,” my Imam keeps telling me this. Narrating my experience of Kenya’s 2007 post-election violence is hard. I lost family members, friends, and neighbors. Men were killed, young girls and women were raped, and the old were burnt as the world witnessed in horror. Those whom we trusted to protect us had turned against us. We were alone, but Allah was with us.

My name is Mwalimu Khussein. I was born of a Muslim father and a Christian mother. My mom left when I was two years old, and so I never met her since my childhood. I grew up in Bangladesh slum in Changamwe in Mombasa county. Bangladesh slum has people from different tribes and races in Kenya. We lived in peace with Indians, Arabs, the Swahili, and Watu wa Bara. My childhood friends and I would play on garbage heaps, swim in dirty water and gaze at the sky beyond the Indian Ocean. Sometimes I wondered where that water ended.

Violence erupted during the last week of 2012. The tension was high on 29^th December of 2012 in Changamwe. This was a day before the presidential results were announced. It was 6.30 pm when I left madrassa at Masjid Mosque.  On that particular day, it was announced our area had been sealed off to avoid violence. A curfew was declared in the surrounding areas of Makupa, Mikindani, and Bangladesh. I could not go home. The night became darker and horrifying. There were no lights, no movements, and only gunshots could be heard in the distant air. Since I couldn’t go back home, I headed back to Masjid. Many people had come to take cover at the mosque. Christians, Hindu and Muslims, had been united by one thing; care for humanity.

At 10:00 pm Sheikh Musa broke the bad news. Women had been raped, and Children who had taken refuge in a  church in Msambweni had been burnt and that the slum was on fire. The police who had been deployed to the area, could not get there due to fears of being attacked by unknown assailants. The whole country was fighting, and over 1000 people had been killed. It was Kenyans against Kenyans. Our food at the mosque ran out after five days before I hit the road to find my family. I counted over ten bodies rotting on the streets. My home was nowhere. It was in ashes, and none of my family members or friends could be found.

I am now 20 years old. A community leader and founder member of Nipe Sauti Africa, a community outreach group that promotes cohesion and oneness amongst Kenyans. My main objective in life is to clean the poisoned waters that feed the hearts of Kenyan youth. As a youth leader, part of religious groups that call upon the judiciary to prosecute anyone found to be inciting Kenyans against each other. Leaders who preach hatred are the poison in our waters. I call upon all youths around the world to take a step and show an act kindness to others.

 #PEACE #WE_ARE_ONE #JUSTICE

Supporting Cancer Awareness, Giving a Voice

I thought I knew a lot until I was briefed with together with the great NSA Family at a Cancer Facility.

There are some Cancer types, and it will be good for you to know that the only part of the body that does not get cancer is the hair! The rest are prone to disease attack. Now, what is this thing called cancer? At first, I thought I knew, however, I discovered that I knew nothing beyond the name “cancer” and that it is a deadly disease as the society has made me know.

Cancer is abnormal growth of cells in the body. This happens at a faster rate compared to how old cells die making the body unable to “release” the dead cells. This leads to accumulation of the dead cells in the body leading to abnormal click HEREto read the whole article...

PROFESSIONALISM IN JOURNALISM, THE TWENTY FIRST CENTURY DILEMMA

It is a known fact that journalists collect, write, or distributes news or other current information. It is this work that qualifies to be a journalist. This is s profession that sees the society through digital lens, magnifies the situation and sometimes the situation magnifies the profession. There are those who specialize in reporting specific issues in the society and those who are general in what they do.

Journalists have a great power to direct the general thinking of the populace in a particular direction. It is this power that journalism has that needs to be guarded at all costs. One may ask what happens if the journalist who interview participants on sensitive investigative issues disappear or the information is destroyed and warned to keep off. These among other threats have significantly affected the profession to the extent that they are compromised in the course of their duty to do like the “master” please.

In Kenya, it is almost a culture that the elite controls the media. We see them being issued with threats and sometimes denied coverage of some events. The government may wish to censure media which may come with its advantage and disadvantages. However, if the intention is good, then we hope to see changes that are much needed in quality reporting. On the other hand, if a journalist’s intention is not right, we may see a profession that is subjected to unreasonable laws that may gag the media into doing what they are supposed to do.

It is high time that those who wish to join this profession build themselves to brace up with the emerging challenges in the media fraternity. We need journalists with high integrity, who do not use information gathered to issue threats and enrich themselves, but to serve the society by letting them know what is happening around them. It is these endeavors that should cloud minds of young minds that are groomed to take over the duties of journalism. We hope that clubs in schools will offer students with the necessary skills that are required to make them competent in the field.

The fate of future journalism will be in safe hands if “journalism” gives just the exact and accurate information that is given out without necessarily adding speculations and comments that are not justifiable. Bloggers should be aware that they need to do quality jobs. If journalism is made more professional, then we will see lesser, and minor complaints from the parties that feel offended by media.

Authors:

Duncan Mnyogha & Dennis Nangabo

Join us & Volunteer at Texas

Save the date, this Saturday 23rd of July 2016, Nipe Sauti Africa ambassadors will be volunteering at Texas Cancer Centre along Mbagathi road in Nairobi. 

You are all welcomed to join us and be part of our globally growing family of volunteers. 
The program shall take 3 hours and 20 minutes. It will start at 9:40 am and end at 12:00 noon. Your 3 hours shall be much appreciated. Join this team, meet new members, widen your connection and network and let somebody benefit from your service. God bless you! Allah bless you!

Directions:
From Nairobi CBD, board a 'matatu' at Bus Station (near Afya Centre) that head for Strathmore, Ngumo (through Nyayo Stadium) or Mbagathi rd. Alight at Texas near Shell Petrol Station.

From T-Mall, walk 200 metres along Mbagathi rd, Texas Cancer Centre is on the right past the petrol station. Note: this is opposite Jonathan Gloag

See you there!


Contact Persons:
Nangabo 0714 764548
Trizah 0723 252005
Mnyogha 0711 380806

BE REAL

They say it's darkest before dawn. I would like to tell you a story that I was told by a friend who was told by a friend  told by another."At the crack of dawn, the sun opens its eyes and it's dark....it is afraid of the dark too that  the more it raises the darkness goes away..." There, problem solved.

Now, I don't know how to put this across in a way that it doesn't sound like a cliche 'Be real, be yourself'.

Life gets messy sometimes, the going gets tough and tougher; Love gone sour,relationship and marriages issues, businesses ain't working right, loneliness, failure, demands and disappointments, sick,losing loved ones, just to mention but a few. 

 It is true, life gets messy but to all us, you not exceptional.

Some people gather strength and face their issues. I want to tell you that turning a blind eye on your issues won't help you neither will breaking down and crying do.

Pretending and being  unreal regarding your problem only worsens the situation.

Stop hiding behind that makeup, that bottle of beer, and behind that lie that  you have created in your mind.

Why am I telling you all these stories you might even forget where I started. The point is life won't be fair just because you are unrealistic reality will eventually slap you hard  in the face.

Start today open your eyes because inside you there is a solution. The first step to recovery is acceptance. Asking for help  doesn't mean you are a failure. Life is aGod's given gift.  Always be determine in cultivating your life because growth is a journey. Start now.

Be real, be yourself.

Author: Anne Muisyo

Brotherhood Beyond Blood

The hard questions in life
Are never about class,pen and paper affair
Days have elapsed,years gone by
And each morning,we hope
The best brains we have
Will one day explain,show
Without puns and twists
What it means to have a home
And what the rest of the world feels
To have the tender touch of mothers love!
You have those answers
Don't take them for granted
Share with the less fortunate
For in giving,there's power and blessings


No sacrifice goes unrewarded
It took you sweat, time, and money
To be here with us today
Share,connect and be family
For brotherhood goes beyond blood
And sisterhood is more than just resemblance
Our gratitude is to a heartbeat with direction
Giving without bounds
And caring without limits!


Names come and go
Eras get folded by tyranny of years
But legacies worth the sunshine
Stand tall deep from six feet under
Today,you make us stand
Tomorrow we make someone else stand
And forever,we live in your legacy!

By: William Kadima

Cheryl's Children's Home Ngong Road visit - Report.

Saturday 25th June 2016, Nipe Sauti Africa was scheduled to visit Cheryl's Watoto learning center. It is situated along Ngong road a few meters from Jamuhuri grounds in Nairobi county. Prior to the visit directions and  reminders for the visit were sent through all mediums. A call upon members for financial and any other contribution was also made.

NSA members started arriving in turns, they were excited to see one another since the last event. A little chit chat and by 11.15 am most of the members had arrived.
Official matters first. Led by the chair Mandela Sangura into the office of the admin where a formal introduction was done. The chair explained in details what Nipe Sauti African is about and what it does not leaving out details of some of our previous events.

The admin was excited to see us and with a warm welcome he gave brief information about Cheryl's children's Home. " Cheryl's children's Home is a Christian-based foundation. Houses close 200 pupils with a large number under foster care while  about 40 boys and girls know the place to be their home. In a small well-utilised space is an administration, girls and boys dormitories, class 1-8  classrooms, a library kitchen and a hall." Some of the challenges they experience are a possible eviction by the Kenya Railways Authority, and the shortage of food stuff since the founder pass on.

Nipe Sauti Africa members were taken around the classes and dormitories. Later joined  the pupils in the hall. A brief introduction was done and we opted to join the children and watched a movie. A different group joined in later and together we had fun, there we interacted freely getting a chance to share stories with the boys and girls and got to know their names, others danced, while other played games and of course preserving memories through the cameras.

Nipe Sauti Africa had a bag of goodies for the children which was presented to Admin's office. Food stuffs like flour, rice, dry maize, some snacks and clothes are among the gifts NSA presented.
We involved the boys and girls in a game of minds to encourage them express their point of view and critically involve their minds. It was exciting.

Finally Nipe Sauti Africa had a brief meeting to deliberated on a few matters including upcoming events. New members present were welcomed to stay.

It was past 4 o'clock  time to sign the visits book and exit.


Cheryl's children's home is a home of talent and joy. We hope to make another visit in the future.

BY: Anne Muisyo








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Think, Choose and Live

When I look up
I see a figurehead to look up to
On the other end,on podiums
Only figures lurking
Tongues lash,characters fickle
And promises never hold


Years and years down the line
His allegiance has never changed
Don't be swayed,they always have a pact
No permanent enemies,only permanent interests
Parties and pacts have changed
Allies and allegiances shifted
Only your status as a common mwananchi hasn't

Once bitten,beat your senses to life
Learn,be better and never be bitten twice
Venoms have antidotes
Broken hearts have a way to heal
Truth has a way to emerge
And second chances only
Beckons those worth them
Decide,live a year on wheels of promises
That burst once you cast your vote
Or live on fours for just a year
And drive a four wheel full of hope and promise
Into a new era of  good governance and leadership
The distance between past,present and future
Lies in thoughts and choices

THINK,CHOOSE AND LIVE!!

By: William Kadima
Strathmore University