In the 1970s, Dutch Reformed missionaries planted churches, established health clinics, and built irrigation schemes along the WeiWei River, which separates the Pokots from the Turkanas. For a time, these mission stations flourished in those arid places. As competition for scarce grazing land increased in the early ‘90s, disputes arose. Soon, fighting broke out between the communities. At one mission station called Amolem, just 5 kilometers south Kainuk, the fighting was so fierce that the settlement was abandoned. Only animals graze there now, and the once thriving settlement is now just a collection of broken buildings overgrown by brush. The Pokots and Turkanas still fear going there.

In the 1970s, Dutch Reformed missionaries planted churches, established health clinics, and built irrigation schemes along the WeiWei River, which separates the Pokots from the Turkanas. For a time, these mission stations flourished in those arid places. As competition for scarce grazing land increased in the early ‘90s, disputes arose. Soon, fighting broke out between the communities. At one mission station called Amolem, just 5 kilometers south Kainuk, the fighting was so fierce that the settlement was abandoned. Only animals graze there now, and the once thriving settlement is now just a collection of broken buildings overgrown by brush. The Pokots and Turkanas still fear going there.

In early July, the common market committees from Marich, Orwa and Kainuk met together in Kainuk for governance training. Although there were 18 Pokots and nine Turkanas attending, the meeting almost didn't happen. The day before, a radio news report broadcast that a Turkana youth was shot by a Pokot in Kainuk District. The Pokots feared revenge. Chief Daniel and Chief Sarah, who have given much of the initial leadership for the project, scrambled to find out if the report was true. It turned out that the injured Turkana youth was hitting a bullet against a tree for fun, and it exploded into his chest. He was alive but seriously injured. Assured of their safety by the Turkanas, the Pokot committee members took a step of faith and came to Kainuk.

That step of faith was followed by more faith steps that day. After the training, the committee members discussed how far each community had progressed in starting up their markets. The chiefs who facilitated the meeting asked which community should host a public launch: I expected them to compete for this privilege. Instead, the Turkanas suggested Orwa be the host. The people from Orwa had already advanced in putting the infrastructure in place for the market, and the Turkanas realized that the Pokots were still afraid of coming to the Turkana side. So they agreed together to publically launch the common markets in Orwa in October.

Reflecting on that day, I realized just how fragile trust can be and how many trust-building actions are required for people to take the initial steps toward renewal. It struck me that the thicker the trust the easier it is to remain steady and move forward. That this training happened at all is a testimony of the progress these communities have made since their decision last year to establish common markets together.

The people of Orwa, Marich, and Kainuk are ready to work together to develop their markets. One day, the trust between them may be thick enough to rebuild Amolem.

Thanksgiving:

  • For the successful Orwa, Marich, and Kainuk common market training and planning on July 10.

  • For the growing support of local government and INGO's for the common markets

  • For two new World Renew-Kenya staff members to support new health programming.

Items of Prayer:

  • For an upcoming common market learning trip for market committee members.

  • For security across Kenya.

  • For rains in Kenya's Coast Province. 

Blessings,
 

Fred Witteveen

Country Consulant
World Renew Kenya