Kenya, KitaleThe Good Shepherd Sisters have been invited to establish a new community in Kitale, north west of Nairobi, by the Bishop Rev.Maurice Anthony Crowley. The reason for his invitation is as a result of many emerging issues affecting the local population. At the moment there are no charitable organizations or religious groups responding to these needs in this town which has been recently affected by the violent post-electoral riots. Disputed land among different ethnic groups is still a delicate issue in this area. Many people are landless. These conditions lead to development of poor areas in most Kenyan towns. In Kitale the Sisters will be working in two of them, Matisi and Kipsongo. Three Sisters moved to Kitale in June to finalise the purchase of a plot of land where they intend to build a new community house and an income generating program for the disadvantaged women and children of Kipsongo.The diocese of Kitale was created in April 1998. Prior to this, it was part of Eldoret diocese. It covers the districts of Trans Nzoia and West Pokot with a population of over 1.3 million people. The current population of the municipality is estimated at approximately 220,000 persons. The urban population growth rate of Kitale Municipality is 7.0 % per annum. Such a rapid growth rate means increased demand for urban services and calls for high levels and efficient management of resources. Thanks to the generosity of Homes for Hope the Sisters have been able to purchase a plot of land and, hopefully, start the construction works early next year. Two volunteers, Chiara and sr Paulette, visited Kitale in November to collect information and help the local Sisters in planning all the activities necessary to start the works early next year. |