How to ruin a developing country and wipe out its’ bright future
As you read this, Kenyans are facing the mind-boggling prospect of finding it cheaper to cook chapatis this Christmas than it will be to make some ugali to go with the traditional nyama choma. A casual look at this scenario should be good news for lovers of chapatis like this blogger. Right? WRONG!!!!
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How vulgar is Taarab music?
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Actually recent developments in the price of maize flour look like they may just trigger a crisis of unprecedented proportions. Already food riots in Kenya have begun in earnest.
Many readers of this popular blog might find it a little difficult to understand why the high price of maize flour can be such a serious thing. Remember the famous quote from the French revolution where the queen asked why the people cannot eat cake if there is no bread? So you may be asking what the big deal is and why people cannot eat rice, chapos, cooked bananas and a host of other foods available.
The fact is that Ugali (cooked from maize flour) is the staple food of a vast majority of Kenyans. For many reasons but one has to do with the fact that it was a low cost satisfying meal until recently. In other words what is already happening amongst poor Kenyans who for obvious reasons cannot get to this blog to leave a comment, is that they are going hungry. YES. That’s because the money they have cannot feed them and their families.
But the saddest thing of all is that the current maize crisis was created by the political class with the intention of raking in huge profits from selling maize at very high prices.
You will remember that soon after the post election skirmishes, many experts warned of a looming food crisis because the country’s bread basket in Rift Valley was the worst hit by the post-election violence. It was rather obvious that the government needed to act fast then to avert hunger. Instead there is evidence to suggest that those concerned dragged their feet on the matter deliberately with their eyes firmly fixed on a prize. The prize was super-normal profits from the sale of maize at highly inflated prices. Indeed the cabinet censured Agriculture minister William Ruto just this week over these very allegations (Read the story here).
In other words, greedy politicians in our beloved country did not care how many people may end up dieing from their actions but were instead only concerned about making a quick buck.
Names that have been linked to the maize scandal include that of Cyrus Jirongo and Ababu Namwamba (have you noticed how his silence is deafening on all this?). Word on the street (yet to be confirmed) is that Mr Jirongo is the main financier of the “maize project”
But all this is nothing new. Kenya was ruined a long time ago and to date we never succeed in getting our priorities right simply because the political class will always look for a place where they will make a buck. It is as simple as that.
Interestingly while the country is grappling with the maize crisis, acting Finance Minister John Michuki took the opportunity to announce that the government was going to spend Kshs 700 million on the Prime Minister’s office. Kenya Shell House in Nairobi will be purchased for this purpose. While sources say that this project is being financed by a foreign government, clearly our priorities will always be misplaced.
Kenya was ruined a long long time ago.
By the way this is NOT about ODM or PNU—I am of course well aware that I am wasting my breath saying this since ODM and PNU hawks are all over this blog.
New DVD releases, Nairobi, Kenya
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Saturday, November 29, 2008
Friday, November 28, 2008
Recreating Kenya's Beautiful Political Mirage
The so-called cabinet 12-step roadmap to electoral and constitutional order roadmap to reforms must be seen for what it truly is: SMOKESCREEN TO PULL WOOL over the face of Kenyans. Make no mistake the stakes are too high for Kibaki to afford the luxury of retracing the 2002 Kenyan dream he singularly help extinguish. The besieged cabinet ministers and MPs accused of involvement in PEV could have provided timely political collateral.
The dusted script is so predictable so much so that even before you say Anglo Leasing, the political daggers will be flying menacingly in search of culpable head from opposing camps. Kibaki’s roadmap is nothing but halftime before the teams come out tearing at each other within THE GRAND COLLUSION.
The roadmap smells EXPEDIENCY tailored to cement the much loved IMPUNITY. Reading the fine print is a stack reminder of new constitution in 100 days that was promised with the singular intention of being trashed. The idea of legislating a fixed date of elections has never sounded any sweeter to Kenyans with their traditional short political memories.
So the need craft a new electoral has been reinvented? Well, blackmail and revenge are delicious meals that are best served cold. No sane person would dare expose Kivuitu and his team lest the good old lawyer opts for time-tested SOLOMONIC wisdom and rips the can open leaving the nasty and criminal contents to crawl out in the open. Speak of immaculately albeit unwittingly placing your own neck on the chopping block.
All the populist talk about creation an interim boundaries review commission is will only soon see the political shit hit the fun. Woe unto Kenyans below for they will have to endure the resulting odour and discomfort.
We have scoundrels for politicians and NO LEADER nor LEADERSHIP. Their myopic view of optimal administrative and electoral units revolves exclusively around ETHNIC hegemony and vote shopping. But expect them to win their gullible supporters whose cheers will dim any rational examination of the present gimmick to postpone apocalypse.
Gate keepers
You cannot fail to smell SELFISH games and self-preservation anytime querulous Kenyan politicians come out united on an issue. Wait till MPs and ministers hit the road in their weekend village escapades to drum up ETHNIC preferences.
Our political class is allergic to the truth and will fall for anything that makes the scuttle the ugly truth staring right in front of them. Kenya is not in the present deep hole because of lack of good session papers or intentions. It is the DEARTH of POLITICAL WILL as the leaders feathers their nests as they erect stone walls to GATE KEEP Kenya from Kenyans themselves.
The adage talk is cheap has never been more apt. The present buzzword of planning to enact anti-hate speech legislation is a poor effort at bandaging a festering national wound that will surely see Kenya succumb to septic shock. As a country we re our own worst enemies continuing to dig incessantly while we are already at the bottom of a pit.
No wonder we find time to fashion roadmap facades for a country teeming with wretched IDPs within her own borders. Believing the present political kite is akin to trusting hyenas to guard the choicest of steak
The dusted script is so predictable so much so that even before you say Anglo Leasing, the political daggers will be flying menacingly in search of culpable head from opposing camps. Kibaki’s roadmap is nothing but halftime before the teams come out tearing at each other within THE GRAND COLLUSION.
The roadmap smells EXPEDIENCY tailored to cement the much loved IMPUNITY. Reading the fine print is a stack reminder of new constitution in 100 days that was promised with the singular intention of being trashed. The idea of legislating a fixed date of elections has never sounded any sweeter to Kenyans with their traditional short political memories.
So the need craft a new electoral has been reinvented? Well, blackmail and revenge are delicious meals that are best served cold. No sane person would dare expose Kivuitu and his team lest the good old lawyer opts for time-tested SOLOMONIC wisdom and rips the can open leaving the nasty and criminal contents to crawl out in the open. Speak of immaculately albeit unwittingly placing your own neck on the chopping block.
All the populist talk about creation an interim boundaries review commission is will only soon see the political shit hit the fun. Woe unto Kenyans below for they will have to endure the resulting odour and discomfort.
We have scoundrels for politicians and NO LEADER nor LEADERSHIP. Their myopic view of optimal administrative and electoral units revolves exclusively around ETHNIC hegemony and vote shopping. But expect them to win their gullible supporters whose cheers will dim any rational examination of the present gimmick to postpone apocalypse.
Gate keepers
You cannot fail to smell SELFISH games and self-preservation anytime querulous Kenyan politicians come out united on an issue. Wait till MPs and ministers hit the road in their weekend village escapades to drum up ETHNIC preferences.
Our political class is allergic to the truth and will fall for anything that makes the scuttle the ugly truth staring right in front of them. Kenya is not in the present deep hole because of lack of good session papers or intentions. It is the DEARTH of POLITICAL WILL as the leaders feathers their nests as they erect stone walls to GATE KEEP Kenya from Kenyans themselves.
The adage talk is cheap has never been more apt. The present buzzword of planning to enact anti-hate speech legislation is a poor effort at bandaging a festering national wound that will surely see Kenya succumb to septic shock. As a country we re our own worst enemies continuing to dig incessantly while we are already at the bottom of a pit.
No wonder we find time to fashion roadmap facades for a country teeming with wretched IDPs within her own borders. Believing the present political kite is akin to trusting hyenas to guard the choicest of steak
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Let Me Tell You Why This Is So Funny
Have you noticed the way Kenyans are screaming themselves hoarse about the parliamentarians' taxation issue? It's so amusing. Just in case you forgot how this works, let me jog your memory. Last year, just before the elections, the electorate in Kenya was out there stalking the parliamentary candidates' cars. In fact, some of the candidates who ran last year have told me that some voters were in their homes by 5:30 a.m. asking this: How can a man/woman who wants to be an MP be asleep at this hour? You know why the voters were there? They wanted money. Pesa. Is that raw enough? Let me put it another way. They wanted their vote bought by the candidate.
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Some people have made millions from the Obama name... how unfair
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Some people have made millions from the Obama name... how unfair
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Fast forward.
That man or woman who the Kenyan electorate ambushed at his/her home, in the local bar, by the wayside and in the churches across the constituency, is now in Parliament. He/she is now called Mheshimiwa, and he/she is supposed to be looking out for the needs of the desperate constituents. But he/she is not doing so. According to Mheshimiwa, looking out for the people wasn't part of the deal. It never even came up. In fact, when the Mheshimiwa is in his/her bathroom adjusting his tie or her skirt just before riding to Parliament in the morning, he/she sometimes carries out this conversation with him/herself.
What's wrong with Kenyans? Why do hey want my salary and benefits taxed? Don't they remember that when I campaigned I never discussed any substantive issues? Don't they recall that when I was at the rallies it was all about small talk and fun? And don't they remember that I gave each of them one hundred shillings? Wait a minute, wasn't it I who bought and distributed bhang to that band of youth who acted as my security? Oh, how can I forget that it was I who invented the plan that was implemented to cause chaos as the votes were being counted so that the returning officers would declare me the winner? It was hard work, and I did it all for the people. How can they now be so mean as to want my hard-earned money taxed? And can you imagine that they want to tax it in my first year...not even the fourth? Why can't these idiots understand that I've got to put back the money I gave them, plus make a little profit? To hell with them.
That's Mheshimiwa talking. And who can blame them? When the voters were collecting bribe money from these guys, what were they thinking? And when they allowed the MPs to buy their votes, what kind of an MP did they expect to have? Couldn't they see that a man or a woman who was willing to pay to buy a vote was never going to be a moral leader? You'd hope that after this tax betrayal by Mheshimiwa, the folks would learn. But will they? Just watch 2011. You'll see the process repeat itself. The man or woman who'll go out there to campaign on ideas and a promise to actively and honestly seek solutions to the myriad problems faced by the people will be shunned for the chap who shows up with money.
So the question pollsters should ask the Kenyan voter is this...Are you aware that our MPs are the way they are because of you?
To that question, most Kenyans will say No. That will be a lie.
So this is the circus we must deal with, folks. We eat during the campaigns. The MPs eat in Parliament. And the song plays on and on like we are that proverbial ostrich with its head in the sand. But surely, with an electorate like this, why do I hear people talk of a Kenyan Obama? I have a feeling that if an Obama showed up in our midst and started asking Kenyans who are fed up with the status quo to donate to his/her campaign for change, people will laugh and walk away. Mjinga gani huyu, they'll say.
Hhmmm!
With an electorate like this, who needs an enemy?
Unique quality African fusion restaurant in Nairobi that you will never forget
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Change ...
Those that embrace change and sincerely desire for it have many things going on for them.
They have a definite goal that they aim to achieve. They have in their mind every single detail of what they want to have at the end of it all. They can clearly see the picture in detail and how it will be at the end of it all. Unlike many who have a vague idea of what they want ... who will absent minded tell you they want new leadership, a save Kenya, a good economy, etc without really understanding what they talking about. However the real people for change will tell you in detail what they have in mind ... and if for some reasons they don't have the necessary details they will look for people who will help or provide them with the details.
---------------------------
Folks have made millions from the Obama name... how unfair
0000000000000000000
Another of these things is they have an accurate mind. To think accurately one must separate the facts from mere information. There is much information available all over that is not based on facts. And once you have the facts that you need it’s for your progress to separate important and unimportant facts ... relevant and irrelevant facts. Facts that you will need to achieve or attain your desired goals are facts that are important and relevant. Every other fact that you don't need falls under un-important and irrelevant.
To have an accurate mind requires a person of the staunchest and most unshakable character. And in that line when searching for facts it is of big importance that you gather info through the sole source of knowledge and experiences of others. You then need to examine carefully information given and from whom the information its coming from ... because many are there to provide information that protect their interests. It’s both a privilege and a duty to avail oneself to facts even if it means going out of your way to get them FACTS.
Another thing going on for them is that they are on guard against the "they say" chorus. The "they say" chorus comes in many dimensions. They will say you wasting your time and energy by doing this or that. They will say that you are not qualified or experienced or your been naive or you are not yet 'ripe' for this or that or that it’s not yet the time ... etc . They will say things to keep you from doing what you want to do but a real change seeker has his/her mind set and is guarded against such rhetoric. Another dimension of the "they say" chorus is where funny rumors start circulating. The slanderers begin to circulate 'rumors' and subtle whisperings reflecting upon your character. You can't escape the notice of misguided people who delight in destroying instead of building.
The people for change never assume or underestimate the virtues of their enemies or competitors.
They know that persistence is the KEY. A persistence that knows no defeat. They feel very deeply about their desire for change such that it pushes them on to achievement ... each in their own way. They make intelligent use of all their powers ... create ideas and transform them into their most profitable constructive form. Deep down they know that they are there to serve the people. Their respect and love for humanity and GOD will keep them from falling into evil behaviors and schemes.
Those are just but a few of the things.Do you possess any of these? Are you one of genuine people for real change?
Kindly have an honest look at yourself and answer one hard question: - of what value are you to Kenya?
Download free DVD movies, Nairobi, Kenya
Unique quality African fusion restaurant in Nairobi that you will never forget
They have a definite goal that they aim to achieve. They have in their mind every single detail of what they want to have at the end of it all. They can clearly see the picture in detail and how it will be at the end of it all. Unlike many who have a vague idea of what they want ... who will absent minded tell you they want new leadership, a save Kenya, a good economy, etc without really understanding what they talking about. However the real people for change will tell you in detail what they have in mind ... and if for some reasons they don't have the necessary details they will look for people who will help or provide them with the details.
---------------------------
Folks have made millions from the Obama name... how unfair
0000000000000000000
Another of these things is they have an accurate mind. To think accurately one must separate the facts from mere information. There is much information available all over that is not based on facts. And once you have the facts that you need it’s for your progress to separate important and unimportant facts ... relevant and irrelevant facts. Facts that you will need to achieve or attain your desired goals are facts that are important and relevant. Every other fact that you don't need falls under un-important and irrelevant.
To have an accurate mind requires a person of the staunchest and most unshakable character. And in that line when searching for facts it is of big importance that you gather info through the sole source of knowledge and experiences of others. You then need to examine carefully information given and from whom the information its coming from ... because many are there to provide information that protect their interests. It’s both a privilege and a duty to avail oneself to facts even if it means going out of your way to get them FACTS.
Another thing going on for them is that they are on guard against the "they say" chorus. The "they say" chorus comes in many dimensions. They will say you wasting your time and energy by doing this or that. They will say that you are not qualified or experienced or your been naive or you are not yet 'ripe' for this or that or that it’s not yet the time ... etc . They will say things to keep you from doing what you want to do but a real change seeker has his/her mind set and is guarded against such rhetoric. Another dimension of the "they say" chorus is where funny rumors start circulating. The slanderers begin to circulate 'rumors' and subtle whisperings reflecting upon your character. You can't escape the notice of misguided people who delight in destroying instead of building.
The people for change never assume or underestimate the virtues of their enemies or competitors.
They know that persistence is the KEY. A persistence that knows no defeat. They feel very deeply about their desire for change such that it pushes them on to achievement ... each in their own way. They make intelligent use of all their powers ... create ideas and transform them into their most profitable constructive form. Deep down they know that they are there to serve the people. Their respect and love for humanity and GOD will keep them from falling into evil behaviors and schemes.
Those are just but a few of the things.Do you possess any of these? Are you one of genuine people for real change?
Kindly have an honest look at yourself and answer one hard question: - of what value are you to Kenya?
Download free DVD movies, Nairobi, Kenya
Unique quality African fusion restaurant in Nairobi that you will never forget
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
This Chap, The Typical Kenyan
There is something that multinational corporations do a lot these days and it is pretty instructive about the times we live in. Every couple of years they completely rejuvenate their marketing department with young fresh blood. Not only to keep with the times but to get rid of the inevitable human tendency to stick with the old tried and tested.
Actually conservatism can be pretty expensive in this rather fluid world we live in these unpredictable times where things are changing way too fast for any accurate analysis to be written and still be completely up-to-date by the time the book is published. Let me give you just one example.
Every right thinking Kenyan knows that education is critical and so many parents have sacrificed everything, even selling their land and property while rubbing their hands in glee and looking forward to the day their son or daughter will finish their PhD knowing very well that the cash will surely pour in with a vengeance then. Many of them have ended up very disappointed with well educated people they spent a fortune on still jobless at home. Yes education is still important but so is exposure. A friend of mine put it very well early today when they said that people have gone all out of education and ignored common sense with disastrous results.
Well this chap the typical Kenyan is pretty conservative. A few more examples;
• A vast majority of Kenyans in the 2007 general elections wanted change badly and yet most Kenyans thought that an old man called Raila Odinga was the most suitable candidate to deliver that change. Our brothers in Central were even more hilarious and were firm in their belief that the current member of parliament representing Othaya (in close collaboration with the likes of Njenga Karume were the most suitable candidates to deliver the radical change we need.
• I am greatly relieved that after 3 years of constant campaigning here and numerous emotive posts, more and more Kenyans have finally arrived at the rather obvious conclusion that to get genuine change we need brand new faces in politics. But those same Kenyans believe that to sit in State House you MUST have volumes of experience. Now the problem with that is that because Daniel arap Moi, Mwai kibaki, Njenga Karume, John Michuki etc. have never believed in voluntary early retirement (only the forced kind very late in the day) how the hell would any other younger person have gotten the opportunity to gain that State House experience? And besides how experienced was Jomo Kenyatta (even with his advanced age) when he took over the reigns of power in 1963? Please do youb research and tell us.
• The government in its’ efforts to re-settle IDPs is pretty nervous about any initiative that will lead to the examination of historical injustices. Conservative folks avoid like the plague the discussion of anything sensitive and maybe “improper.” So instead they came up with the “brilliant” idea of establishing more police stations in the worst-hit areas of Rift valley in their failed effort to re-settle the suffering IDPs. The idea seems to have been to have one police post for every IDP. Wow!! That one is straight from the old colonial rule book and my oh my, did it work pretty well in the Rift Valley or what?
• Retired President Daniel arap Moi is the best example to prove that old conservative ideas don’t work any more. Every single political scheme he has tried since he left office has fallen flat on its’ face. The latest one is going to be even more spectacular in its’ failure, just wait and see. The idea is to revive the old Kanu with Nicholas Biwott as party chairman. Biwott has already received backing from Gideon Moi who has been going round dishing out lots of cash (pesa yetu iloyoibiwa) in the Rift Valley. The game plan is to have the Kalenjin community sheepishly trooping back to Kanu in droves when the inevitable fall out in ODM happens. Some people think the professor of politics has got it right this time… I am not one of those people.
• The reason why Narc Kenya still exists and is such a strong political party is because some people close to the president are busy doing “a Kanu” within PNU. They all know that Kibaki has to leave office after his current term so chances are that we will be treated to another “professer Kimya” drama soon when some wannabe loyalist finds at the last minute that their name is NOT on the ballot paper for party chairman to succeed Kibaki.
• Many, many, Kenyans desire change. However they want somebody else to make the sacrifices. Somebody else to do all the work. Somebody else to risk getting arrested or killed. So everybody is currently waiting for somebody else to do something. (More on this subject and what I propose to do, in later posts).
• Finally just watch the comments to this post to see many more examples of the nature of this chap, the typical old school Kenyan.
Breaking News: Why did the KBC daily live transmission of bunge go off air the minute the tax debate started?
Theatre and theatrics can sell products like hot cakes (scroll down to see Churchill live himself)
Download free DVD movies, Nairobi, Kenya
A business lunch in Nairobi that you will never forget
Actually conservatism can be pretty expensive in this rather fluid world we live in these unpredictable times where things are changing way too fast for any accurate analysis to be written and still be completely up-to-date by the time the book is published. Let me give you just one example.
Every right thinking Kenyan knows that education is critical and so many parents have sacrificed everything, even selling their land and property while rubbing their hands in glee and looking forward to the day their son or daughter will finish their PhD knowing very well that the cash will surely pour in with a vengeance then. Many of them have ended up very disappointed with well educated people they spent a fortune on still jobless at home. Yes education is still important but so is exposure. A friend of mine put it very well early today when they said that people have gone all out of education and ignored common sense with disastrous results.
Well this chap the typical Kenyan is pretty conservative. A few more examples;
• A vast majority of Kenyans in the 2007 general elections wanted change badly and yet most Kenyans thought that an old man called Raila Odinga was the most suitable candidate to deliver that change. Our brothers in Central were even more hilarious and were firm in their belief that the current member of parliament representing Othaya (in close collaboration with the likes of Njenga Karume were the most suitable candidates to deliver the radical change we need.
• I am greatly relieved that after 3 years of constant campaigning here and numerous emotive posts, more and more Kenyans have finally arrived at the rather obvious conclusion that to get genuine change we need brand new faces in politics. But those same Kenyans believe that to sit in State House you MUST have volumes of experience. Now the problem with that is that because Daniel arap Moi, Mwai kibaki, Njenga Karume, John Michuki etc. have never believed in voluntary early retirement (only the forced kind very late in the day) how the hell would any other younger person have gotten the opportunity to gain that State House experience? And besides how experienced was Jomo Kenyatta (even with his advanced age) when he took over the reigns of power in 1963? Please do youb research and tell us.
• The government in its’ efforts to re-settle IDPs is pretty nervous about any initiative that will lead to the examination of historical injustices. Conservative folks avoid like the plague the discussion of anything sensitive and maybe “improper.” So instead they came up with the “brilliant” idea of establishing more police stations in the worst-hit areas of Rift valley in their failed effort to re-settle the suffering IDPs. The idea seems to have been to have one police post for every IDP. Wow!! That one is straight from the old colonial rule book and my oh my, did it work pretty well in the Rift Valley or what?
• Retired President Daniel arap Moi is the best example to prove that old conservative ideas don’t work any more. Every single political scheme he has tried since he left office has fallen flat on its’ face. The latest one is going to be even more spectacular in its’ failure, just wait and see. The idea is to revive the old Kanu with Nicholas Biwott as party chairman. Biwott has already received backing from Gideon Moi who has been going round dishing out lots of cash (pesa yetu iloyoibiwa) in the Rift Valley. The game plan is to have the Kalenjin community sheepishly trooping back to Kanu in droves when the inevitable fall out in ODM happens. Some people think the professor of politics has got it right this time… I am not one of those people.
• The reason why Narc Kenya still exists and is such a strong political party is because some people close to the president are busy doing “a Kanu” within PNU. They all know that Kibaki has to leave office after his current term so chances are that we will be treated to another “professer Kimya” drama soon when some wannabe loyalist finds at the last minute that their name is NOT on the ballot paper for party chairman to succeed Kibaki.
• Many, many, Kenyans desire change. However they want somebody else to make the sacrifices. Somebody else to do all the work. Somebody else to risk getting arrested or killed. So everybody is currently waiting for somebody else to do something. (More on this subject and what I propose to do, in later posts).
• Finally just watch the comments to this post to see many more examples of the nature of this chap, the typical old school Kenyan.
Breaking News: Why did the KBC daily live transmission of bunge go off air the minute the tax debate started?
Theatre and theatrics can sell products like hot cakes (scroll down to see Churchill live himself)
Download free DVD movies, Nairobi, Kenya
A business lunch in Nairobi that you will never forget
Transition to a Common Market should be a gradual process, Tanzania Maintains
In my last article, Tanzania should be “Sent packing”, I suggested that Tanzania should be left out of the common market implementation for it seems not to be ready for it. A commentator here at Kumekucha said that it would not be fair to come to such a conclusion without knowing the reasons for this dilly dallying by Tanzania.
Well, I agree it is important for us to know why Tanzania is behaving this way. There are three key issues that are driving Tanzania “crazy”. These are: Land ownership, Free movement of people and Permanent residence.
Kenya and Uganda want free for all land policy under which East Africans could be allowed to acquire land in other countries in the region. This is hotly contested by Mwalimu Nyerere’s country “for public interest”.
Tanzania fears that there will be an influx of people from the neighbouring countries to take pieces of land in Tanzania which has bigger arable land. Only 15 percent of 946,000 square kilometers is under cultivation in Tanzania. Kenya is more densely populated and there is scarcity of land to cultivate hence the fear of free movement of people and permanent residence.
Another thing, Tanzanians do not want the use of identity cards for travel within the region because these could easily be forged. Instead they want the use of passports which are internationally recognized. [Tanzanians do not have national identity cards. They are currently doing an evaluation on what is needed to afford a national identity card to each and every eligible Tanzanian].
The other bone in Tanzanians’ collective soup is the issue of free movement of labour. They feel that free movement of labour within the region would lead to a loss of jobs in the formal sector to Kenyans. (Yes, you heard me right…loss of jobs to Kenyans! ). They feel that the advantages that Kenyans have in the job market are integrity, hard work, sharp communication skills and aggressiveness. They feel that Kenyans would snatch jobs from right under their noses – a nightmare to them to say the very least.
These are the reasons (or rather, some of the reasons) that have been making Tanzanians go round and round in circles.
Elsewhere:
Tanzania Media: Are we “wool gathering” the East Africa Federation?
This guy said it just right
Tanzanians’ Gripe
Are you in need of a scholarship? Check this out.
Theatre and theatrics can sell products like hot cakes (scroll down to see Churchill live himself)
Download free DVD movies, Nairobi, Kenya
Well, I agree it is important for us to know why Tanzania is behaving this way. There are three key issues that are driving Tanzania “crazy”. These are: Land ownership, Free movement of people and Permanent residence.
Kenya and Uganda want free for all land policy under which East Africans could be allowed to acquire land in other countries in the region. This is hotly contested by Mwalimu Nyerere’s country “for public interest”.
Tanzania fears that there will be an influx of people from the neighbouring countries to take pieces of land in Tanzania which has bigger arable land. Only 15 percent of 946,000 square kilometers is under cultivation in Tanzania. Kenya is more densely populated and there is scarcity of land to cultivate hence the fear of free movement of people and permanent residence.
Another thing, Tanzanians do not want the use of identity cards for travel within the region because these could easily be forged. Instead they want the use of passports which are internationally recognized. [Tanzanians do not have national identity cards. They are currently doing an evaluation on what is needed to afford a national identity card to each and every eligible Tanzanian].
The other bone in Tanzanians’ collective soup is the issue of free movement of labour. They feel that free movement of labour within the region would lead to a loss of jobs in the formal sector to Kenyans. (Yes, you heard me right…loss of jobs to Kenyans! ). They feel that the advantages that Kenyans have in the job market are integrity, hard work, sharp communication skills and aggressiveness. They feel that Kenyans would snatch jobs from right under their noses – a nightmare to them to say the very least.
These are the reasons (or rather, some of the reasons) that have been making Tanzanians go round and round in circles.
Elsewhere:
Tanzania Media: Are we “wool gathering” the East Africa Federation?
This guy said it just right
Tanzanians’ Gripe
Are you in need of a scholarship? Check this out.
Theatre and theatrics can sell products like hot cakes (scroll down to see Churchill live himself)
Download free DVD movies, Nairobi, Kenya
Monday, November 24, 2008
A Letter to Kenyans In The Diaspora
Dear "Diasporians",
I hope you are doing well in the States, Europe, Australia, India or wherever you are on the face of this planet. Judging by the volume of e-mails I've received from some of you on topical issues in Kenya, it seems like you think Kenya is about to explode in violence, and that our nation is just moments away from going the Somalia way. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Before you adjust your weight in that cozy Minneapolis or Arlington or New York chair, let me tell you why you need to rethink how you view Kenya.
I'll start with the Waki Report. You've seen our politicians debate this matter with incredible intensity. You've heard some call for full implementation, while others plead that it be shredded and fed to the nearest trash can. You've interpreted that lively debate as a sign that Kenyans are about to squeeze their grip around each other's throat. That's not the case. If this kind of debate happened in London or Washington D.C. you'd call it democracy. Now that it's happening in Nairobi you call it...the guilty run when nobody is chasing them. Truth is, what sober Kenyans have been asking for is that there be a local tribunal, and that it be guided by a Kenyan judge of impeccable integrity. And you know what, we seem to have a consensus now. A local tribunal it is. Does that sound to you like a nation in peril?
Let me move on to the state of the roads. To say that the roads in Nairobi and Kisumu and Nakuru and Eldoret and Mombasa and other towns are horrible is an understatement. There are gaping potholes all over the place. In fact, there are roads that have ceased to exist in the way you last saw them. But here is the news you need to hear. Thika Road is about to be made a superhighway with four lanes. And the government is set to give each constituency seventeen million shillings for roads upgrade. Now, should you come home and find the roads in your constituency in a deplorable state, ask your Member of Parliament what he did with the money. Matter of fact, if you wanted a place to channel your energies, let it be in tracking the progress of the roads upgrade all over the country. Can you do that?
As for the economy, I'm simply astounded. This country has vastly expanded its economy, and you can sense that the expansion will continue. The nation is getting rich. We've become the hub of regional communication, transport, peace initiatives and all kinds of issues that go on around here. So other than our political disagreements, this nation's people are optimistic, and there's a sense in the air that if our politicians and government officials use the public funds they control for the purposes they are intended to be used, sky is the limit for Kenya. The only downside, which I hope our leaders will address, is the sizable number of Kenyans who are being left behind by our march to a developed nation status. The government must ensure that we're all in this together. The first place to start of course is with our brothers and sisters in the IDP camps.
Moving on. Did you know that we now have several TV channels? Ok, I can see you laughing...saying to yourself: How long has this guy been gone from Kenya? Truth be told, it's been a while. When I was last in Kenya, President Moi had us hooked to KBC, where news was all about him. Not anymore. This is one regard in which President Kibaki must be commended. He's truly expanded freedom in Kenya. You can now watch local singers, actors, and even effective talk programmes like that of Julie Gichuru on Citizen, my friend Jeff Koinange on K-24 and that other dude called Loise Otieno...hope I spelled his first name right. The newspapers are not left behind. There are a number, and they are free to write whatever they want...as long as their facts are sound. And by the way, our women anchors are incredible. Not too thin, not too fat. And they dress like tomorrow will never come.
Need I go on? I think I've given you the picture. What I'm trying to tell you is this...be proud of Kenya. The nation appreciates the millions of shillings you remit every year, but what she doesn't appreciate is the constant whining about this or that. How do some of you expect Kenya to be like the States or Europe when we've been around for just forty five years? America has been going for more than two hundred years, most of Europe for longer than that. So cut Kenya some slack, guys. Check us out in fifty years and tell us what you see then.
Look, I just thought I might share with you my impressions of the nation some of you left behind many years ago, just like I did. Things are okay, and once we deal with Waki, it will get even better. The teething problems we have, all nations went through them. The last thing we need is those nations who experienced them earlier telling us how to experience ours now. We are now a sovereign state...and we will defend our right to self-determination from foreigners, be they Americans, Europeans or Kenyans who look down on the motherland.
Yours sincerely,
Sam Okello
Street theatre can sell products in East Africa (scroll down to see Churchill live himself)
Brand new DVD releases, Nairobi, Kenya
I hope you are doing well in the States, Europe, Australia, India or wherever you are on the face of this planet. Judging by the volume of e-mails I've received from some of you on topical issues in Kenya, it seems like you think Kenya is about to explode in violence, and that our nation is just moments away from going the Somalia way. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Before you adjust your weight in that cozy Minneapolis or Arlington or New York chair, let me tell you why you need to rethink how you view Kenya.
I'll start with the Waki Report. You've seen our politicians debate this matter with incredible intensity. You've heard some call for full implementation, while others plead that it be shredded and fed to the nearest trash can. You've interpreted that lively debate as a sign that Kenyans are about to squeeze their grip around each other's throat. That's not the case. If this kind of debate happened in London or Washington D.C. you'd call it democracy. Now that it's happening in Nairobi you call it...the guilty run when nobody is chasing them. Truth is, what sober Kenyans have been asking for is that there be a local tribunal, and that it be guided by a Kenyan judge of impeccable integrity. And you know what, we seem to have a consensus now. A local tribunal it is. Does that sound to you like a nation in peril?
Let me move on to the state of the roads. To say that the roads in Nairobi and Kisumu and Nakuru and Eldoret and Mombasa and other towns are horrible is an understatement. There are gaping potholes all over the place. In fact, there are roads that have ceased to exist in the way you last saw them. But here is the news you need to hear. Thika Road is about to be made a superhighway with four lanes. And the government is set to give each constituency seventeen million shillings for roads upgrade. Now, should you come home and find the roads in your constituency in a deplorable state, ask your Member of Parliament what he did with the money. Matter of fact, if you wanted a place to channel your energies, let it be in tracking the progress of the roads upgrade all over the country. Can you do that?
Now to rural electrification. Last time I was in shags, I saw with my own eyes the incredible progress the Rural Electrification Board...or whatever it's called...has made. Deep in the valley that I come from, I saw an electric poll. When I asked how soon power will be available for my retired Mama and Papa, who've been using solar panel, the man in charge told me that it would not be another six months before we're good to go. I was assured that this is the case in most of the country. It seems a little slow, but umeme is on the way, folks. Isn't that something to be proud of? Kenya is on the march!
As for the economy, I'm simply astounded. This country has vastly expanded its economy, and you can sense that the expansion will continue. The nation is getting rich. We've become the hub of regional communication, transport, peace initiatives and all kinds of issues that go on around here. So other than our political disagreements, this nation's people are optimistic, and there's a sense in the air that if our politicians and government officials use the public funds they control for the purposes they are intended to be used, sky is the limit for Kenya. The only downside, which I hope our leaders will address, is the sizable number of Kenyans who are being left behind by our march to a developed nation status. The government must ensure that we're all in this together. The first place to start of course is with our brothers and sisters in the IDP camps.
Moving on. Did you know that we now have several TV channels? Ok, I can see you laughing...saying to yourself: How long has this guy been gone from Kenya? Truth be told, it's been a while. When I was last in Kenya, President Moi had us hooked to KBC, where news was all about him. Not anymore. This is one regard in which President Kibaki must be commended. He's truly expanded freedom in Kenya. You can now watch local singers, actors, and even effective talk programmes like that of Julie Gichuru on Citizen, my friend Jeff Koinange on K-24 and that other dude called Loise Otieno...hope I spelled his first name right. The newspapers are not left behind. There are a number, and they are free to write whatever they want...as long as their facts are sound. And by the way, our women anchors are incredible. Not too thin, not too fat. And they dress like tomorrow will never come.
Need I go on? I think I've given you the picture. What I'm trying to tell you is this...be proud of Kenya. The nation appreciates the millions of shillings you remit every year, but what she doesn't appreciate is the constant whining about this or that. How do some of you expect Kenya to be like the States or Europe when we've been around for just forty five years? America has been going for more than two hundred years, most of Europe for longer than that. So cut Kenya some slack, guys. Check us out in fifty years and tell us what you see then.
Look, I just thought I might share with you my impressions of the nation some of you left behind many years ago, just like I did. Things are okay, and once we deal with Waki, it will get even better. The teething problems we have, all nations went through them. The last thing we need is those nations who experienced them earlier telling us how to experience ours now. We are now a sovereign state...and we will defend our right to self-determination from foreigners, be they Americans, Europeans or Kenyans who look down on the motherland.
Yours sincerely,
Sam Okello
Street theatre can sell products in East Africa (scroll down to see Churchill live himself)
Brand new DVD releases, Nairobi, Kenya
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Wahu Shines, Does Kenya Proud in Abuja
Wahu Nameless has done Kenya proud by winning MTV Africa’s best female award in Nigeria. And that was no mean feat in a ceremony dominated by Nigerians who scooped 6 of the top 10 awards.At long last, the stylishly shaped Abuja Velodrome stage produced good positive news for and from Kenya after dour 10+ months.
And to crown the occasion, the elegantly dressed MATHEMATICIAN/musician TEARFULLY dedicated her award to her husband and fellow musician Nameless together with her daughter for their inspiration.
What a deserved and refreshing break from our choking and nauseating politics. If only we would seize the traces of inspirations beckoning at us. Thank God small pleasures that occasionally sprout from Kenyan’s national landfill of verbiage and pettiness.
Hopefully we will celebrate Wahu's REAL/HONEST HARD WORK and honour her with no trivia and brickbats. Hongera Wahu.
Using street theatre to sell products in East Africa (scroll down to see Churchill live himself)
New DVD releases, Nairobi, Kenya
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