Budget Transporation

ak. It was a routine, rather uneventful day at the hospital, so the afternoon was spent buying supplies in Nakuru. En route, this family was spotted. At quick glance, they seemed rather comfortable. Who needs a station-wagon or minivan when you have a motorcycle? I'm not familiar with Kenyan road laws, but since 3+ passengers on one motorcycle is a relatively common sight, one must wonder whether motorcycle passenger limit laws even exist or if they're simply weakly enforced. Either way, with soaring fuel costs, perhaps the motorcycle is the station-wagon or minivan of the future!

The Rhein-Valley Fitness Centre

ak. Welcome to the Rhein-Valley Fitness Centre. Here we have a full-purpose outdoor fitness complex that features a running track (two-acre lawn); a stepping machine (the road to Thugunui); a weight room; outdoor bathrooms; drinking water; fresh air; and music courtesy of the neighbouring primary school's gospel choir. Founded and built by 21-year-old Josphat Omwemga (photo), it has flourished and now has over 10 members! Josphat is an IDP that came to the hospital in January following the post-election conflicts. He now lives and works at the RVH, and is a multi-purpose employee: he cooks for the IDPs; works in the garden; and conducts general maintenance. He also occassionally moonlights as a personal trainer.

Tricky Driving in the Rain

ak. It was another busy day at the hospital. As usual, Thursday is neonatal day, which means the waiting room is spilling over with mothers and newborns by early morning. When all the neonatals had been processed, several other patients remained, so the medical staff was on the go without a significant break until early evening. By then, the rain had begun to fall, which makes it very difficult to traverse the lower part of the road leading to Kasambara. Thanks to a proper all-terrain vehicle (Land Rover), a skilled Swiss driver (Ruth Schäfer), and a charming Canadian navigator (Alex Keller), we made it down in one piece!

Collecting School Furniture

ak. It was a busy day at the hospital today. The waiting room was full by early morning and the medical staff were on the run until mid-afternoon when there was a much-needed lull in patients. Later in the afternoon, students from the neighbouring Kasambara Primary School arrived to collect their tables and chairs, donated by the Swiss organization Kids-to-Kids. It took two trips with 20 students, but within 30 minutes the furniture had disappeared, destined for good use by rural Kenyan school children.

Staff Vaccinations

ak. As Tuesdays tend to be a bit quieter at the hospital, it was decided that today the staff would receive their immunizations against Hepititis B. One would think that a hospital staff, especially its medical staff, would be immune to the fear of needles. However, Nurse Kennedy, who some days immunizes hundreds of patients himself, could barely contain a shriek as the needle was inserted. He was not alone in fear...several of the staff grimaced in 'severe pain' when receiving their injections!

A routine trip to Thugunui

ak. After a hectic morning at the hospital, we made a routine trip to Thugunui, approximately 30 minutes by car up the mountain, to check up on the water station. Thugunui's water station was completed last year at this time, a joint venture between the RVH and Austrian NGO Schilling for Schilling. As always, the villagers welcomed us with open arms and the school children flocked to my flashing camera for a chance to see a photo of themselves. Inhabited by over 30,000 people spread across a distance of 25km, the greater region of Thugunui is nestled into a quaint valley atop a mountain range bordering the Rift Valley and Central provinces of Kenya. Isolated from electricity or running water, it has an old-fashioned, nostalgic charm about it, especially when compared to the hustle and bustle of Nakuru.

Click on the photos to watch them in larger size!

Sticks & Stones

ak. On our way to the hospital this morning, we came across a large group of women gathering and carrying wood. According to Ruth Schäfer, many of these women are IDPs (internally displaced persons) who sometimes walk several kilometers just to find wood, which they use for heating and cooking. In this case, the land on which we saw these women gathering wood was private, so not only did they endure physical hardship, they also risked imprisonment if caught. In Kenya, due to mass deforestation, cutting down trees or using wood for personal purposes without a license is illegal and can result in severe fines or long terms of imprisonment. Another unfortunate example of Kenya's IDP plight.