Don't send donations unless they will help

We received a 40 ft container from America today. It was sent by a certain BIG organization in the states that fund us. After 3 months on the sea, it finally arrived and we were all excited to see what was donated. It was full of medications, hospital supplies, and a few computers. But first is first. It arrived in Mombasa and was opened bu customs. The customs officers informed us they cannot allow this container to come into the country because it was full of expired medications. It is highly illegal to bring expired medications into the country (as it should be) so the officers would not allow it. So it was either send it back at our expense or bribe the officers a little kitu kidogo so we can receive it. See we thought there would be at least something we could use in it.

So after paying over 50,000Ksh, the officers finally released it to Monica and she arranged to have it sent to Kisumu. We received it and began to do inventory only to find out that almost all of the medication expired in January of this year or a few months ago. Of the medication that is not expired, it expires next month. The catgut sutures were expired and the sterile alcohol had even dried out. Of the non-perishable goods, they are of no good use. We received a box of single use, disposable nipples to attach to bottles. What poor mother will use one nipple one and dispose of it? More likely, they would wish to use it for as long as possible, and since the material it is made of is not designed for that, it will begin to deteriorate and could be a choking hazard. Plus, we are trying to promote exclusive breastfeeding. Other things, sanitary bags that are designed to fit a certain electric breast pump (not included) So what good are those?They sent glass syringes, and we use plastic. And the list goes on. At least the computers are semi-working. They are very old and have outdated software but I think they can be used with a little updating.

I just hope this was all an oversight because I hear all the horror stories about clinic trials and testing on the poor Africans, and I just hope this was not intentional. It would be horrible to think that this reputable American organization would not really consider dumping all their trash onto the poor poor Africans. Let's just hope it was a severe oversight. This container has ended up costing KMET more money, time and stress than what it was really worth. I guess the intentions were good but ultimately they failed us.

Mob Justice

It's kill or be killed here in Kenya, thats the name of the game. Remember when I traveled to Nakuru and my driver Mzee stopped and bought a machete to carry since we were going to be traveling at night because "he should kill them before they kill us"? Well, I have experienced this first hand, well not literally but pretty close. So 8 men were killed in my neighborhood a few days ago. I have heard varying stories about what really happened but from what I gather, they were either trying to break into a house up the street, or they were staying there and planning a bank robbery from there. The police were tipped either way and they came and killed the 8 men, just like that. And all the watchmen from the area including mine, went and assisted the police in their efforts. I have asked why don't the police just arrest them and the response is this, they are armed therefore the police just shoot. And this particular squad is called the flying squad and when they are called in, its pretty much a guarantee that someone will die. The general police could show up, the group bribe them to look the other way and nothing gets done. Thats the beauty of the corruption in Kenya. So the neighborhood watchmen have to protect their employers (or they wont have a job) and they come together to get a job done.

I hope this story doesn't scare anyone, and you really shouldn't worry about my safely (mom I am talking to you) because I really trust my watchmen! I mean look what happens when someone just tries to attempt a robbery! Plus, all my neighbors know me and know where I live and they watch out for me. I feel completely safe, that incident was a planned incident and it was either a targetted house, or they were there planning to target a bank. What can they get from little old me? I will give them my 100 shillings I carry...gladly!

So mob justice, people are allowed to retaliate for the sake of the general population. That is why it is dangerous to call out "thief" if someone pickpockets you. Because just anyone on the street will come to your rescue, take justice into their own hands and kill the man. It works if you think about it, why would anyone want to pick your pockets in the middle of a crowded place if there is that possibility that they will be murdered by the mob?

Another example, a friend of mine was giving a man a lift on his motorbike (that's his job). When they arrived at the destination the passenger put a knife to his throat and demanded the kyes and the bike. My friend, not a stupid idiot gladly handed over the keys and watched the man drive off. He called his fellow pikipiki drivers who all arrived and found the man. The 30 of them beat and eventually killed the man who took the bike and my friend got his bike back. See the man threatened him with a knife, so they knew he was armed so they take matters into their own hands, its kill or be killed. And its completely legal, the police cant be bothered with such "petty things".

So thats how it works here, quite different to how things are handled in the States, but it seems to work for them, and I can guarantee you that someone will think twice about stealing a car or breaking into a bank-unless they have a death wish !

World AIDS day and a farewell

Last week was pretty relaxed, and a bit lame if you ask me. I am beginning to feel burned out. I feel like I am working and working, and other people in my office just sit around and watch politics and speeches on TV. Especially when the director is gone, I feel KMET doesn't get much work done. So I took it easy last week. I did get some things done, don't get me wrong, I just wasn't as productive as I could have been.

We finally got the big shipment of Miso in from Cairo so I ran around town delivering it to some providers around Kisumu. I need to schedule the truck to take me to the locations outside of Kisumu, not sure when and if that is going to happen anytime soon. Luckily Monica comes back in town today, so we might be able to push some of these guys in gear and start working.

I finished a midpoint report for both myself, my accomplishments, and the MUE project itself. I am still writing diligently on the Medication Uterine Evacuation Standards and Guidelines, it is turning out to be a huge document, and I wish that I could use that as my thesis, but nope. I have to write an additional paper, that I have only begun to collect research on. I have not yet read up on very much at all.

So Patty left yesterday, he is going back to Nairobi for a final week of classes and wrap us session then he travels for a bit to Mombasa and he leaves the country. He is ready to go, he even changed his ticket to leave earlier than originally planned. So KMET gave him a farewell lunch on Friday, where there were lots of speeches and gifts to be given. It was nice, but went on a little too long. I love how these guys always start a speech with " I am not going to say much" and then go on for 20 minutes. But it was nice none the less. I am dreading mine.

Patty and I went out to a place called Bomas to hear some live Ohangla music and get in his last night of Luo dancing! It was a fun and interesting night, where I proceeded to get the most drunk I have ever been in Kenya. Fun times :) I decided that the beer here, while it is refreshing and extra tasty, it is just not very strong and I just dont feel anything from it. Usually it is fine because I am not looking to get DRUNK anyways, but a little tipsy feeling would be nice. So I have switched to Kenya Cane or Smirnoff when I am feeling in the mood for drunkenness :) And it was on Friday night.

Saturday was World AIDS Day as I am sure you are all aware. Our girls at Sisterhood for Change were invited to perform and speak at the festivities here in Kisumu. It was actually out near a place called Rabuor because they wanted to be more out in the communities. So there were various groups performing songs and dance, reciting poetry, giving skits and talking to the youth and everyone about VCT importance general HIV facts. There were mobile VCT clinics set up offering the tests and counseling for free. All in all I think it was successful. In town there was a marathon for World aids day but they didn't block off the streets or anything. It was interesting watching how the runners had to weave in and out of traffic while trying to keep up their pace, avoiding potholes and ditches all along the way.

Sunday I spent most of the day either watching movies or cleaning the house. I did all the laundry and washed up everything. It was like spring cleaning but in December, and in the heat of the day sweating like a dog. My water still goes in and out so I couldn't even enjoy a nice cold shower when I was done. But I am getting pretty used to the bucket bath.

And this week, I vow to get some stuff done. I get a few weeks off here soon and I should really have some things completed. So off to work I go.....