Rotarians visit Kenya

The Rotarians are funding and helping to build a clinic in the West Pokot region of north-west Kenya.

The clinic will support 7,000 members of the Masol Pokot tribe who live in the bush in a 35-mile square area called Tikeet.

Families live in mud and straw huts called 'bandas' with no electricity or running water and no medical care.

With an infant mortality rate of 67 per cent, many children die of simple illnesses like diarrhoea.

During a visit in February, Rotarians dug out and concreted in foundations and laid rows of blocks, passing on building techniques to the tribespeople.

Since then, the villagers have carried on the work and now the maternity unit, special baby care unit and outpatients buildings are ready for roofing.

"Work has started on the administration block, waiting room and staff quarters for the clinic.

"It's fantastic to see how much work has been done in such a short space of time," said Rotarian Eddie McCall.

"The people are so keen to make this happen and it will have such an impact on their lives. The chief asked us to pass on their thanks to everyone who has helped so far."

Readers of the Observer rushed to donate to the Buy A Brick campaign for the clinic when it was launched earlier this year.

Money is now being raised for cots, medical equipment and solar panels to provide electricity. It is expected the clinic will be ready to open in spring 2007.

Buy a Brick donations should be made to Rotary Club of Senlac c/o 164 Edmund Road, Hastings, TN35 5LQ.