We stop to check out some local brick making. We hope to use the talents of brick makers and potters for a future ceramic filter factory.
The brick producers are happy to pose with their wares
A morning stop at the resort to meet up with the local Community Development Counselor
We discuss plans before heading to the sugar refinery event.
Finally, we make it to the ground breaking ceremony!
We are the special guests of the Minister and accompany him on his inspection of the grounds
The entourage for the Minister is impressive lots of local and some national political figures
We join the entourage while they inspect the newly built police barracks that will be located on the outer perimeter of the sugar refinery grounds.
I feel a bit out of my league, but try to master the look of fitting in: )
1 million Kenyan Shillings had been invested so far and the Minister is unhappy with the results. A heated discussion ensues.
We try to stay on the outskirts and observe from afar
Finally we head back to the ceremony grounds to begin the event.
Sam and I are unsure of the weather, we should probably make a break from the event early, since the dirt roads aren't that great even in good weather.
Oops, not leaving yet, lots of officials to greet and meet!
George is by the Land Rover, ready to hit the road!
OK, event was suppose to start 2 hours ago, looks like we're not getting out of here anytime soon!
We decide to hang out with the developers of the new sugar processing plant.
I put on my EPA hat and start asking about the impact the refinery will have on the environment.
This is the grounds that the refinery will be built on
You can see the land has already been prepped for construction.
This is the local river, that we hope will be well protected and respected during sugar production.
Sam's not as concerned. Its progress and means up to 10,000 jobs for the locals.
Finally the event starts and we find our seats.
Girls from a local Primary School sing praises about the Minister and the new factory
They look a bit old for Primary School, but you can't beat the entertainment, they sing pretty good.
Most of the speeches and songs were done in the local language of Luo
I had not a clue of what they were saying!
Hey George, can you interpret for me??
This local women's group was great, they sang a song praising their husbands and asking them not to leave.
Hmm, not sure the association of the song lyrics with the building of the factory,
Maybe the women fear their husbands will have to travel long distances from their village to the factory for work.
At any rate, it was a great performance! We all had a great time!
Now, time for the Master of Ceremonies, the Minister himself
He was quite a talker and the crowd loved him!
I couldn't believe it when he introduced me. I had to come up in front of everyone and greet everyone in their local language. Where's Ed when you need him - he's a master at Luo!
OK, "Habari Yako" which means "how are you" - well that's what its supposed to mean. Who knows what I actually said, but it generated a lot of laughs and the crowd had fun seeing the little American make a sincere effort : )
I hurried back to my seat before I had to speak any more!!
Finally the event is over as the rain clouds continue to set in!
One last stop at the resort for a formal luncheon
The uniforms of the Kenyan Police are pretty impressive
The Minister bids us farewell as we begin to head off
Finally on the road again!
