With great power comes a great responsibility, that is the greatest philosophy i have ever come across. how we define power and responsibility is a matter of greatness of our minds. Martin Luther King affirmed the notion that all men were created equal by God's powerful hands. Yes, equal we must be served by society and equal we must be protected by our governments. But there's one thing about society that people seem to disregard, that our minds were created with the prerogative of autonomy.
This should be the essence of democracy. Each and every should be entitled to his opinions and perceptions so long as it is within the membranes of morality and civilization. That said and done, we must wake up to the realization that mankind is rich in culture and traditions. All this shape our perceptions and mindset. How we perceive problems is different from how other societies perceive problem. How we judge success is different from how Indians, Chinese, Americans and other societies do the same. We must harmonise all these differences and establish a platform where globalization can be a real playing ground where equality and equity is easier said and done.
Every problem must have a solution, and every solution must emanate from a particular problem. How sweet is it to conceive a solution to a perennial problem. An empowered society is that which is capable and willing to solve societal problems. As a boy child, being part of society, i have learnt to share the responsibility of problem solving. Uniting in victory and triumph, is the half way definition of unity. The ultimate unity is defined by the shared responsibility in times of distress and depressions.The power of our minds can never be realised, until that time when a formidable step separates us from the grave yard.
The greatest asset is our mind, it is the powerhouse of all the complexity of this concrete jungle of our time. We must learn and tune our minds to perceive problems as an opportunity to bring out the best in we, if not an opportunity to change the world. A broke university student, had a problem. He did not have the bus fare back home. The holiday was finally here and a money order from his village could only reach him, when the new year set in. He scratched his head. Then he looked at his phone. He discovered an item called Sambaza. An idea came up. Earlier on in the hostels he had seen his friends transferring credit to other handsets in exchange for cash.
This was an opportunity, to save his misery. His mother sent him airtime worthy his bus fare, he exchanged it for cash and through this the mobile money transfer was conceived. Now the world is mobile and the world is money. Some of us could not survive minus this technology, but just imagine if it was not for a distressed niggar, we could be a frustrated lot. Shalom
Wednesday 4 December 2013
Thursday 7 November 2013
The 4 Most Effective Ways Leaders Solve Problems
With as many problems as we are all faced with in our work and life, it seems as if there is never enough time to solve each one without dealing with some adversity along the way. Problems keep mounting so fast that we find ourselves taking short-cuts to temporarily alleviate the tension points – so we can move onto the next problem. In the process, we fail to solve the core of each problem we are dealt; thus we continuously get caught in the trap of a never-ending cycle that makes it difficult to find any real resolutions. Sound familiar?
Problem solving is the essence of what leaders exist to do. As leaders, the goal is to minimize the occurrence of problems – which means we must be courageous enough to tackle them head-on before circumstances force our hand. We must be resilient in our quest to create and sustain momentum for the organization and people we serve. But the reality of the workplace finds us dealing with people that complicate matters with their corporate politicking, self-promotion, power-plays and ploys, and envy. Silos, lack of budgets and resources, and many other random acts or circumstances also make it harder for people to be productive.
Competitors equally create problems for us when they unexpectedly convert a long-standing client, establish a new industry relationship, or launch a new product, brand or corporate strategy. Mergers & acquisitions keep us on our toes and further distract us from solving existing problems by creating new ones.
As Karl Popper, one of the most influential 20thcentury philosophers of science, once eloquently stated, “All life is problem solving.” I’ve often contended that the best leaders are the best problem solvers. They have the patience to step back and see the problem at-hand through broadened observation; circular vision. They see around, beneath and beyond the problem itself. They see well-beyond the obvious. The most effective leaders approach problems through a lens of opportunity.
Leaders who lack this wisdom approach problems with linear vision – thus only seeing the problem that lies directly in front of them and blocking the possibilities that lie within the problem. As such, they never see the totality of what the problem represents; that it can actually serve as an enabler to improve existing best practices, protocols and standard operating procedures for growing and competing in the marketplace. They never realize that, in the end, all problems are the same – just packaged differently.
A leader must never view a problem as a distraction, but rather as a strategic enabler for continuous improvement and opportunities previously unseen.
Monday 4 November 2013
No. 116 out of 142, Kenya
Happiness is subjective, success and prosperity is judgemental but problems are universal. Going through a forbse publication on countries with the happiest people, http://www.forbes.com/sites/christopherhelman/2013/10/29/the-worlds-happiest-and-saddest-countries-2013/ i held my breath. Nowadays, being Kenyan and so aware of the exposure of our nakedness to the international community, every ranking report leaves me nervous. That said, kenya as a nation we have performed dismally in international ranking almost in all dimensions. our economy, has been and still remains vulnerable to international shocks, our health care is still not very responsive to the growing demands, corruption index remains a tumour in our public sector.Are kenyans sad? that is the question. on this ranking, we ve placed at no. 116 out of 142 nations. at least i am relieved we never featured in the bottom 20 countries where some conspicuous economies like Nigeria, Sudan and Iraq are featuring. but a matter of concern was the position of our independence collegues, south Korea. south Korea was ranked at no. 26 globally beating economic giants like Italy, China and even Brazil. remember we have always been reminded that at independence, our economy was at par with the south korean, where did the rain start beating us, that remains a mystery.
looking at the various dimensions that were considered, our economy was ranked at no. 133 meaning we were among the bottom ten, how is that possible and yet we celebrate in the glory that we are east Africa's economic powerhouse. On the governance index, i do not understand how we afforded to be ranked at no. 108 yet i expected us to lead from the bottom. if anything, governance is the epicentre of all our worries and problems. while security and safety remains chronical, no. 127 is not a surprised.
However, i must admit Kenyan people are the greatest resource this nation has. while all the dimensions that belong in the government portfolio have put us on the losers side, entrepreneurship and opportunities, social capital that is championed predorminantly by the private sector are the only ones where we are featured in the top 100. where then is our glory? are we village champions? Are we used to the league of mediocrity? among the most respected and powerful business people, we are honoured in Africa and around the world, talk about M-pesa, the pioneer mobile money transfer technology that set the pace for the world. read about linus Gitahi http://www.forbes.com/sites/mfonobongnsehe/2011/07/15/the-five-most-powerful-african-media-moguls/
Friday 18 October 2013
Rwanda: The new 'Benchmark'
My current assignment is a Rwandan food policy assignment. am in the business with my two other colleagues to articulate a food security strategic plan for the Rwandan standards bureau and i will tell you, it is quite a great honour to be the think tank behind such a macro economic initiative. I would not wish to brag but all i wish is to share my experience on what forms part of this great nation. I must say, Rwanda is a great place to go, and if my boss so wishes, i will not mind accompanying him, even if it means i will play the bodyguard.
The Rwandan landscape is hilly and they experience two dry seasons with tropical rainfall averaging 1400 mm per annum. These people grow kidney beans, maize, sorghum, millet, and rice. as a matter of fact, the cash crops are not within their priority but a few of them plant coffee, tea and sugar cane. it is also worthy noting that the Rwandan people haven't embraced commercial agriculture as a result of their small acreage of land. they rare mostly goats and cattle with 12% of the population keeping pigs and 9% keeping sheep.
Looking at their social structure, you will realize, that it is still defined by the horrendous genocide that descended on the land in 1994. most households are headed by female, most of who are in their early forties. only 2% of the Rwandan people are above sixty years but a majority are in the ages between 5 to 24 years. the heads of the households are not literate and speak French.
Basing on the above statistics, the Rwandan government has embarked on the service sector to sustain its economy given, their natural resources cannot be able to sustain the regional competition from nations like Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. The ICT, toursim, banking, health and other service industries are booming and this has made many multi nationals including hotel chains and beverage companies like coca cola to set foot here.
Looking at this statistics, you will realize that there's no reason that Rwanda has to be the fastest growing economy in east Africa that Kenya does not have. As we speak, our policy environment is a benchmark in the region, and our natural resources if that can qualify to be a competitive advantage is already a leverage. we have adopted a constitution that is rare yet highly coveted among African states, Our education system is the best education all over Africa. We are also strategically positioned on the east coast of Africa and most multi nationals prefer setting foot in Africa through Kenya.
The Masai Mara is the greatest national park in the continent, and our private sector is also among the best around this continent. Rwanda is doing good, and we ought to do better because that is our pedigree, and that is our inheritance, for Kenya is a great nation. just look around, Nairobi is among the most beautiful cities around Africa and i must say that is something to be proud of given that we have not been producing oil. Now we have oil, we have rear earth in Kwale county, and a water reservoir that can quench our thirsty for 70 years. we also have vast tracks of land and so many natural endowments. Come on Kenya, think about that and stop the hullabaloo, lets get to work and refuse to be pulled back by retrogressive politics.
Thursday 17 October 2013
In a quagmire of distress
Seated at the office and perusing the publications of Forbes magazine, it dawned on me that Kenya as a nation is very conspicuous among its African peers. Nairobi is recognised internationally as an entry point to east Africa and Africa as a whole. but maybe this time round, we have been on the international media headlines but all for the wrong reason. today i read that Nairobi is among the worst reputed cities around the world. this is a study done and we don't seem to be performing any better.
Looking at Nairobi, our political system is at its worst. the government of the day cant seem to agree on any one thing. the discord and dissension is sending shock waves to our tranquil society and soon our tribal temperatures will burst out the tolerance balloon. word is going around that the two top most government officials might be holding different opinion on the issue of icc. They might be machinations to have the deputy president put into custody in the event the president will not honour the court summon. We are proving to be pivotal in international politics especially with regard to the recent unfolding events at the African Union summit.
Nairobi is now besieged by controversy and discord. it is very clear that alshabab have and still are hiding in our bedroom. our house seem to be divided against itself and soon it might never stand tall again. internationally, it will soon be a no go zone if indeed we shall continue pointing fingers and letting our enemy stipulate and draft our calendar. The suspicion amongst different religious creeds is rising, churches are going up in flames following an event of a slain sheikh. am still contemplating on what the future has got in store for this nation.
with tribal undertones becoming louder, skewed government appointments and excessive corruption within our corridors of power, it is difficult to comprehend if indeed we are moving towards vision twenty thirty. it is impunity for an entire kenyan public to be aware that 300 billion of our taxes cannot be counted for and allow that dust to settle in the sinking sands. it is impunity for an entire cabinet secretary to contravene the rule of law and establish an office that is strange in this constitutional dispensation all in the name of national interest.
it is impunity for us to be silent when the human rights commission is in a quagmire waiting for tribal mobilization to set stage for the next officer holders. and our impunity has now gone overboard, the social media is burning with venom of tribal talk, frustrated kenyans have now resorted to vomit their tribal bile on the social media platform for the sole reason of party affiliations. Freedom of speech and expression has now been undermined and it has escaped the moral fabric and is now reaching the helms of hell where cold heartedness is at its helm. the glory of this great nation is fading into corruption selfishness and an excessive tribal appetite. our sense of nationalism has now been downplayed and going forward, the kenyanism in our young brothers and sisters may never be testified. I do not know what might just happen to us next
Tuesday 8 October 2013
Dangote is in Town
The richest man in Africa Aliko Dangote is planning to set up a cement processing facility in Kitui county. This will be good news to the semi arid county whereby an estimated 180 square kilometre of land is limestone the raw material necessary in cement manufacturing. The ripple effect is worthy noting given that most of the local processor such as East Africa's Portland Cement have been recently frequenting Mr. Julius Malombe The governor of Kitui County's office to strike a deal. Is that good news to us?
Cement is a key product and a fundamental infrastructure in our building and construction industry. Dangote is injecting 34 billion in to our economy and that is something we can smile about. 34 billion will ensure a modern facility that is efficient and effective. whether bamburi or east Africa Portland cement will keep up with this pace, it is non of my business. what is important to me is that in the near future cement prices might be shrinking and good and quality housing might just be affordable to the average Kenyan. technology is a pedestal for cost cutting measures and modern technology in cement manufacturing is sweet music to the Kenyan ear.
The ripple effect of the entrance of the Nigerian tycoon into the Kenyan cement market is amazing. If it will come to pass that the whole limestone resource within kitui county will be acquired by Mr Dangote, then our local manufacturers have to think very loudly. i see the sun setting on this local manufacturers and it is time that they do not have an otherwise, it is time to come home roasting, the slaughter man Mr. Dangote is ready. what will happen with the presence of a post modern cement facility, prices will drastically reduce, competitors like Bamburi will have to follow the price cutting trend, building and construction will be cheaper and eventually in the long run, good quality housing will be affordable by the whole Kenyan populace.
Maybe you are sceptical that this will kill our local cement industry? it may and it may also not, it will produce a desperate moment for them, and if they are wise, then they will have to act desperately to safeguard their market share. Kenya is a country of 40 million people with only 40 millionaires. that statistic is worrying, it is actually a violation of the natural law and it is time we should think of doing justice to majority of Kenyans. if dangote's move will enable the poor or lower middle class access better housing, a thing that Bamburi has failed to do for the last 50 years, then why should we not rejoice. it is time we should be taking from the haves to give to the have nots, and that is justice.
I therefore welcome Honourable Dangote, for the youths of Kituyi county need jobs, The logistics companies need to diversify their clientèle and the Kenyan people need cheap cement. for more information on business news please vist http://www.bizage.co.ke/
shalom
Cement is a key product and a fundamental infrastructure in our building and construction industry. Dangote is injecting 34 billion in to our economy and that is something we can smile about. 34 billion will ensure a modern facility that is efficient and effective. whether bamburi or east Africa Portland cement will keep up with this pace, it is non of my business. what is important to me is that in the near future cement prices might be shrinking and good and quality housing might just be affordable to the average Kenyan. technology is a pedestal for cost cutting measures and modern technology in cement manufacturing is sweet music to the Kenyan ear.
The ripple effect of the entrance of the Nigerian tycoon into the Kenyan cement market is amazing. If it will come to pass that the whole limestone resource within kitui county will be acquired by Mr Dangote, then our local manufacturers have to think very loudly. i see the sun setting on this local manufacturers and it is time that they do not have an otherwise, it is time to come home roasting, the slaughter man Mr. Dangote is ready. what will happen with the presence of a post modern cement facility, prices will drastically reduce, competitors like Bamburi will have to follow the price cutting trend, building and construction will be cheaper and eventually in the long run, good quality housing will be affordable by the whole Kenyan populace.
Maybe you are sceptical that this will kill our local cement industry? it may and it may also not, it will produce a desperate moment for them, and if they are wise, then they will have to act desperately to safeguard their market share. Kenya is a country of 40 million people with only 40 millionaires. that statistic is worrying, it is actually a violation of the natural law and it is time we should think of doing justice to majority of Kenyans. if dangote's move will enable the poor or lower middle class access better housing, a thing that Bamburi has failed to do for the last 50 years, then why should we not rejoice. it is time we should be taking from the haves to give to the have nots, and that is justice.
I therefore welcome Honourable Dangote, for the youths of Kituyi county need jobs, The logistics companies need to diversify their clientèle and the Kenyan people need cheap cement. for more information on business news please vist http://www.bizage.co.ke/
shalom
Monday 7 October 2013
The Brouhaha Continues Shortly
The future is with us, it is in our hands and with an ambitious constitution we should be steadfast in ensuring we live by the contemplations of the constitution and perpetuate the Kenyan spirit of hard work and diligence. The future is an imagination, and so is progressive and success. How we evaluate success is a matter of discretion and contextual, that is why in my previous blog, I mentioned why for sometimes we have been celebrating mediocre achievements.
As if that is not enough, the glory of our developmental journey as east Africa's largest economy can only sound as an insult to the masses languishing in abject poverty and despaired at the mercy of ignorance. Being part of the society and with a keen follow up to the recent unfolding events, protecting our territorial integrity and securing our borders seems to be a matter of priority. Its shameful that we should be reminding our security agencies of such a fundamental measure at such like time when our house should already be in order.
Must our heads be bloodied before we can be vigilant in protecting our territory. Our carelessness has shamefully been exposed to the world thanks to major General Micheal Gichangi and company. should that therefore kill our spirit, I hope not in this season.
Back to business, the elephant will still quench its thirst regardless of the noisy frogs at the river. Alshabab is struggling to be a necessary evil in our society and to kill the Kenyan spirit and make sure our economy is back on its knees. By the way that is achievable, if we shall stick to the current status quo and ignore the call for vigilance of changing and rearrangement of our apparatus. How long shall alshabaab remind us that the enemy is in our bedroom and unless we act, the wounds on our bloodied heads will soon advance towards our brain cells.
Does the recent events at the mall reveal who our real enemies are, sometimes back i was sceptical about president Kenyatta's regional integration and the sudden focus on intra Africa trade. How dare did the American government release travel advisory to its citizens yet such people claim to be champions of antiterrorism. If terrorism is a global threat, since when did Kenya become an alien to the international community to be victimised further by a terror attack. Did this American government walk their talk by selfishly advising their citizens never to come near our town? Now did they do the same when their Embassy in the heart of Nairobi was attacked? But at least we now know who our friends are, do not misquote me, I don't think I have mentioned China, I haven't heard of that name since our streets started flying with ammunitions.
After a period of disguised unity #weareone, the only time Kenyans discovered that they have a common external enemy, the hullabaloo is on, the blame game is now louder and our short period of patriotism was finally and officially called off when reports had it that victory is in our hands. This reminded me of the famous Afro cinema slogan 'Afrocinema continues shortly'. if I were to put down the chronicles that followed the westgate terror attack, then my book would be titled.....'the brouhaha continues shortly,' for shortly, we became patriotic and generous Kenyans, and shortly our social media platform was full of kenyanism and condolences. How sweet and how compassionate can Kenyans be. but back to normal, the tribal propaganda is back to reign our airwaves, the blame game and name calling, as if we expected our sense of kenyanism to prevail, I am shocked that even the military is suffering victimization.
I am Kenyan and I love this nation, blaming Gichangi is human nature, that I must confess for in psalms 127, the lord reminds us that he is the ultimate custodian of our estates. Lets go back and pray Kenya, lets establish a guaranteed safety with the almighty, for in distress our so called friends ' Americans' ran, our self proclaimed friends 'China' were still in slumber land, but God will keep us away from the enemy and like David, he will deliver the enemy into our very hands. Pray hard and work hard too. Shalom
As if that is not enough, the glory of our developmental journey as east Africa's largest economy can only sound as an insult to the masses languishing in abject poverty and despaired at the mercy of ignorance. Being part of the society and with a keen follow up to the recent unfolding events, protecting our territorial integrity and securing our borders seems to be a matter of priority. Its shameful that we should be reminding our security agencies of such a fundamental measure at such like time when our house should already be in order.
Must our heads be bloodied before we can be vigilant in protecting our territory. Our carelessness has shamefully been exposed to the world thanks to major General Micheal Gichangi and company. should that therefore kill our spirit, I hope not in this season.
Back to business, the elephant will still quench its thirst regardless of the noisy frogs at the river. Alshabab is struggling to be a necessary evil in our society and to kill the Kenyan spirit and make sure our economy is back on its knees. By the way that is achievable, if we shall stick to the current status quo and ignore the call for vigilance of changing and rearrangement of our apparatus. How long shall alshabaab remind us that the enemy is in our bedroom and unless we act, the wounds on our bloodied heads will soon advance towards our brain cells.
Does the recent events at the mall reveal who our real enemies are, sometimes back i was sceptical about president Kenyatta's regional integration and the sudden focus on intra Africa trade. How dare did the American government release travel advisory to its citizens yet such people claim to be champions of antiterrorism. If terrorism is a global threat, since when did Kenya become an alien to the international community to be victimised further by a terror attack. Did this American government walk their talk by selfishly advising their citizens never to come near our town? Now did they do the same when their Embassy in the heart of Nairobi was attacked? But at least we now know who our friends are, do not misquote me, I don't think I have mentioned China, I haven't heard of that name since our streets started flying with ammunitions.
After a period of disguised unity #weareone, the only time Kenyans discovered that they have a common external enemy, the hullabaloo is on, the blame game is now louder and our short period of patriotism was finally and officially called off when reports had it that victory is in our hands. This reminded me of the famous Afro cinema slogan 'Afrocinema continues shortly'. if I were to put down the chronicles that followed the westgate terror attack, then my book would be titled.....'the brouhaha continues shortly,' for shortly, we became patriotic and generous Kenyans, and shortly our social media platform was full of kenyanism and condolences. How sweet and how compassionate can Kenyans be. but back to normal, the tribal propaganda is back to reign our airwaves, the blame game and name calling, as if we expected our sense of kenyanism to prevail, I am shocked that even the military is suffering victimization.
I am Kenyan and I love this nation, blaming Gichangi is human nature, that I must confess for in psalms 127, the lord reminds us that he is the ultimate custodian of our estates. Lets go back and pray Kenya, lets establish a guaranteed safety with the almighty, for in distress our so called friends ' Americans' ran, our self proclaimed friends 'China' were still in slumber land, but God will keep us away from the enemy and like David, he will deliver the enemy into our very hands. Pray hard and work hard too. Shalom
Friday 20 September 2013
Google Fiber city
'We are digital,' thats what kenyans love to say, I guess the advent of digitality has come a long way accompanied with illusions and overwhelm. I guess we all yearn for a utopian society, yet none of us knows how it feels like and how life is in this ideal society. Ever wondered, what if Utopia is already here with us? Nobody would know definitely, only Christ Jesus can tell us that, for only he, came from the father and only him, has seen and known the father.
The excitement that came with fibre optic cables, precipitated by a flamboyant animated commercial advert, left every Kenyan wanting to be associated with this masterpiece technology. But to a majority of us Kenyans, especially those of us living outside the flashy and leafy suburbs of the major cities, any link with the fibre technology has remained just but wishful thinking.
Living in the material world and having a nexus with reality, an economy of Kenya's calibre is to work on the fundamental structures so as to effect such a technology. Compared to our east African brothers, we have a right to chest thumb our achievement for at least a few of us Kenyans, can use the same technology advanced economies are using. But what more do you expect, when you are playing in the league of mediocrity? you will definitely celebrate mediocre achievements, and that's what we Kenyans are doing.
Let me not sound like I am the over ambitious kid who wants to be a pilot and yet has never seen an aeroplane. Recently, I was reading an article on Forbes magazine, on the new splendid and magnificent Google fibre city. I was surprised to realize even Americans were paying very high bills on internet until recently when Google came in to this field as game changers.Google as a company has proved to be on top of its game. Remember it is the very company that has shaken the iPhone market through its android operating system and as we speak Apple is contemplating price reduction to hedge its market share against the gluttonous competition in the smartphone industry.
Thanks to Google, Africans like me were able to afford smartphones. Jamii telcom, the service providers of the fibre optic cables are now colonizing the whole Kenyan market, and soon African market will be their servitude. Of course I know Zuku also come in handy as able contenders but unfortunately they are lacking in the zeal and the thirst for the still unexploited but very promising internet market. However, my concern is the quality of services these organizations are offering, the rate, terms and conditions, installation cost and the monthly subscription rate.
With lack of competition, people will definitely not get value for their money. as we speak google is offering the 1gbps services at the rate jamii telcom is offering to 100mbps subscribers. Installation cost are very low, thanks to the american government that offered to provide the necessary infrastructure to effect the dispensation of fibre services. without discrimination both faces of the american society can now approve and attest their sense of belonging by enjoying all kinds of services offered by their company. Companies that have traditionally been providing this services at rates that are exploitative to the people responded spontaneous by several price cuts, incentives and even a great reduction in installation cost....ooh my it seems with the entrance of Google in this market, chicken had come home roasting.
Internet is a basic need, that is what the generation Y has been made to believe. I believe Europeans, Americans, and the Chinese can say this without fear or intimidation. For Africa, that is a story for another day. But what will it take for Kenya to enjoy the highly coveted fibre optic technology? of course we need Google, if that is what it will take for local companies like Jamii telcom and Zuku to up their game. But before Google can start contemplating coming near our town, our house should be in order. Uhuru Polycap Muigai Kenyatta, kazi kwako ndugu, you are a digital government, that is what you say, live up your words, put up the infrastructure and enable kenyas go fiber. sema Faimba. shalom.
The excitement that came with fibre optic cables, precipitated by a flamboyant animated commercial advert, left every Kenyan wanting to be associated with this masterpiece technology. But to a majority of us Kenyans, especially those of us living outside the flashy and leafy suburbs of the major cities, any link with the fibre technology has remained just but wishful thinking.
Living in the material world and having a nexus with reality, an economy of Kenya's calibre is to work on the fundamental structures so as to effect such a technology. Compared to our east African brothers, we have a right to chest thumb our achievement for at least a few of us Kenyans, can use the same technology advanced economies are using. But what more do you expect, when you are playing in the league of mediocrity? you will definitely celebrate mediocre achievements, and that's what we Kenyans are doing.
Let me not sound like I am the over ambitious kid who wants to be a pilot and yet has never seen an aeroplane. Recently, I was reading an article on Forbes magazine, on the new splendid and magnificent Google fibre city. I was surprised to realize even Americans were paying very high bills on internet until recently when Google came in to this field as game changers.Google as a company has proved to be on top of its game. Remember it is the very company that has shaken the iPhone market through its android operating system and as we speak Apple is contemplating price reduction to hedge its market share against the gluttonous competition in the smartphone industry.
Thanks to Google, Africans like me were able to afford smartphones. Jamii telcom, the service providers of the fibre optic cables are now colonizing the whole Kenyan market, and soon African market will be their servitude. Of course I know Zuku also come in handy as able contenders but unfortunately they are lacking in the zeal and the thirst for the still unexploited but very promising internet market. However, my concern is the quality of services these organizations are offering, the rate, terms and conditions, installation cost and the monthly subscription rate.
With lack of competition, people will definitely not get value for their money. as we speak google is offering the 1gbps services at the rate jamii telcom is offering to 100mbps subscribers. Installation cost are very low, thanks to the american government that offered to provide the necessary infrastructure to effect the dispensation of fibre services. without discrimination both faces of the american society can now approve and attest their sense of belonging by enjoying all kinds of services offered by their company. Companies that have traditionally been providing this services at rates that are exploitative to the people responded spontaneous by several price cuts, incentives and even a great reduction in installation cost....ooh my it seems with the entrance of Google in this market, chicken had come home roasting.
Internet is a basic need, that is what the generation Y has been made to believe. I believe Europeans, Americans, and the Chinese can say this without fear or intimidation. For Africa, that is a story for another day. But what will it take for Kenya to enjoy the highly coveted fibre optic technology? of course we need Google, if that is what it will take for local companies like Jamii telcom and Zuku to up their game. But before Google can start contemplating coming near our town, our house should be in order. Uhuru Polycap Muigai Kenyatta, kazi kwako ndugu, you are a digital government, that is what you say, live up your words, put up the infrastructure and enable kenyas go fiber. sema Faimba. shalom.
Friday 13 September 2013
Ever thought of A plastic tile
the whole of this week i was on a trip traversing the depths of Nairobi trying to procure for ideas that are not only viable but those that impact positively especially to the vulnerable in society. With my colleagues, our fast journey landed us in Matasia past Ngong forest, we were on a mission to visit Dr. Jared Ombasa, a specialist in Dog breeding. Upon arrival, we were welcome by uproar of dogs of great magnitude. The site was hosting over twenty breeds of of dogs from all over the world.
Dr. Jared's partner, Mr David Osiany, a communication's consulatant and former Sonu chairman introduced us to the beasts which exhibited mixed reactions in the presence of strangers. The south African Boer boy, was the most friendly and very playful, this breed goes for atleast kes 120,000. next was the dogman, the most fierst and aggressive. this species is the best security dog and when it attacks, the harm is ultimate. it will kill you. this dog is capable of wrestling four men with guns and even kill them, surprising? dont doubt me, it happens. then came the most intelligent dog, the famous german shepherd, it is gigantic, red eyed, and professional.
That aside, yesterday, we were in kariobangi, Nairobi area, we were visiting one Dr. Aghan Oscar the award winning public health practitioner. The philanthropist is a genius, he is saturated with content and living in the ideal world. You may be wondering those people at Dandora dump site, who is their boss, well i have the answer, it is Dr. Aghan. he recycles the non-biodegradable plastics to produce fencing poles, roofing tiles, furniture and even building blocks. The roofing tile is a masterpiece tile, it can last for 400 years without colour change and depreciation. it is beautiful and strong.....gosh Kenya is full of brains, u doubt my story, here is the link corecresintile@gmail.com
Dr. Jared's partner, Mr David Osiany, a communication's consulatant and former Sonu chairman introduced us to the beasts which exhibited mixed reactions in the presence of strangers. The south African Boer boy, was the most friendly and very playful, this breed goes for atleast kes 120,000. next was the dogman, the most fierst and aggressive. this species is the best security dog and when it attacks, the harm is ultimate. it will kill you. this dog is capable of wrestling four men with guns and even kill them, surprising? dont doubt me, it happens. then came the most intelligent dog, the famous german shepherd, it is gigantic, red eyed, and professional.
That aside, yesterday, we were in kariobangi, Nairobi area, we were visiting one Dr. Aghan Oscar the award winning public health practitioner. The philanthropist is a genius, he is saturated with content and living in the ideal world. You may be wondering those people at Dandora dump site, who is their boss, well i have the answer, it is Dr. Aghan. he recycles the non-biodegradable plastics to produce fencing poles, roofing tiles, furniture and even building blocks. The roofing tile is a masterpiece tile, it can last for 400 years without colour change and depreciation. it is beautiful and strong.....gosh Kenya is full of brains, u doubt my story, here is the link corecresintile@gmail.com
Tuesday 10 September 2013
Business unusual
Yes, it is business unusual, the recent electioneering season was a jump start to this long journey in the unknown world of devolution. New centres and tabernacles of power were erected and now they are up and running. Just like in my previous writings, we not only devolved 47 governments but these are 47 mini economies. If you doubt my words, then ask yourself, why do these units engage in budgeting process? Essentially, the traditional budgeting process recognised such units into departments, the famous DEL the departmental expenditure limits which focused mostly on cash limits, but that was the past.
These traditional models was justified by a risk averse generation of people who feared the mystery of the future. These people ran a cash starved budget with an excuse of inducing financial discipline in to the public sector, thanks to them, we stagnated our economic recovery journey. Cash based budgets is a thing of the past, it is so worrying that the government of the day is still advocating for such measures especially with regard to devolved system, their loud excuse of course being lack of capacity. Ooh yes, capacity is lacking indeed, thanks to a reluctant and defunct Transitional Authority whose mandate was to help county governments build capacity.
With the devolution equation still incomplete, maybe its time we shall have to revisit our budgeting system once more. Going forward, we need to address pressing issues of the ballooning unemployed population, the increasing wage bill while keeping in mind as a nation we need to remain a competitive economy within the region. Ours should now be a resource based budget that sounds more responsive and effective in addressing the demands of this dynamic generation.
The public sector both at the national and county level should incorporate both best practices from public and private sector to ensure effective and efficient service delivery minus compromising its long-term aspirations especially with regard to capital expenditure. It goes without saying that with the advent of devolution, the call for the restructuring of our budgeting system and other public financial practices cannot be ignored.If indeed devolution was a measure to address issues at the grass root level, then apparently that should begin at the budgeting process.
Today i do not have opinions nor will I air my contemplations on this subject, that would be premature and indiscreet of me now that am not a budgeting expert. But from the little knowledge I have on the budgeting process, it does not only involve formulation, there's implementation, monitoring and evaluation. What is happening right now, is the change of the formulation process and the parties there to. It is therefore, discreet to do a total overhaul of the whole process even to change the system in order to fit in the new dispensation. We know change is here to stay, we shall lose a lot struggling to consult a past that is a liability to development.
These traditional models was justified by a risk averse generation of people who feared the mystery of the future. These people ran a cash starved budget with an excuse of inducing financial discipline in to the public sector, thanks to them, we stagnated our economic recovery journey. Cash based budgets is a thing of the past, it is so worrying that the government of the day is still advocating for such measures especially with regard to devolved system, their loud excuse of course being lack of capacity. Ooh yes, capacity is lacking indeed, thanks to a reluctant and defunct Transitional Authority whose mandate was to help county governments build capacity.
With the devolution equation still incomplete, maybe its time we shall have to revisit our budgeting system once more. Going forward, we need to address pressing issues of the ballooning unemployed population, the increasing wage bill while keeping in mind as a nation we need to remain a competitive economy within the region. Ours should now be a resource based budget that sounds more responsive and effective in addressing the demands of this dynamic generation.
The public sector both at the national and county level should incorporate both best practices from public and private sector to ensure effective and efficient service delivery minus compromising its long-term aspirations especially with regard to capital expenditure. It goes without saying that with the advent of devolution, the call for the restructuring of our budgeting system and other public financial practices cannot be ignored.If indeed devolution was a measure to address issues at the grass root level, then apparently that should begin at the budgeting process.
Today i do not have opinions nor will I air my contemplations on this subject, that would be premature and indiscreet of me now that am not a budgeting expert. But from the little knowledge I have on the budgeting process, it does not only involve formulation, there's implementation, monitoring and evaluation. What is happening right now, is the change of the formulation process and the parties there to. It is therefore, discreet to do a total overhaul of the whole process even to change the system in order to fit in the new dispensation. We know change is here to stay, we shall lose a lot struggling to consult a past that is a liability to development.
Wednesday 4 September 2013
With great power comes a great responsibility
The most celebrated jargon with the advent of the jubilee administration is the word 'digital', whatever the relevance, I do not know. But why I like President Uhuru Kenyatta is because, unlike the average Kenyan leader, his ambition is priced and his words can be taken to the bank. We are living in the dispensation of information technology where the slogan is no-longer survival for the fittest, but survival for the informed. It is a society that does not only anticipate for a brighter future but believes it can invest and live in that future as at current.
This creative economy is not for yes-men nor for the sycophants, it is for the go-getters, those who believe it is their responsibility in whatever circumstance to change the reality of their surrounding. How do you then change the reality of your immediate surrounding if in the fast place you do not know the problems that confront your neighbourhood? That question is rarely asked, and sad enough, those self proclaimed masterminds of development do not seek to address this adverse effects of ignorance.
Information is power, so they say. With great power comes a great responsibility, ooh yes we can take that to the bank. But now what is the missing link, why the poverty amid oceans of resources? Why are the majority of our people still struggling with hand to mouth lifestyles when actually we should no-longer be worrying about food security? How comes in this age, knowledge is still inaccessible leave alone being unaffordable to a majority of our juvenile population? Why should we in this era still agitate on lack of access to clean water and health services? it is a sad story.
Ladies and gentlemen, we have the power, at least for a majority of us who afforded to reach high school education. For those of us who graduated from college and University, somebody gave you the power to read and write, that you cannot deny, unless on the day of your graduation you were busy sleeping. That power is in our minds. That power to alleviate poverty from our society, that power to eradicate ignorance and disillusionment in our midst, that power to realise a healthy and empowered society, a society swimming in abundance of material prosperity, good governance and well established democratic institutions. yes, that power we can claim it, at least we have the prerogative to do so.
Back to my tenet, ' with great power comes a great responsibility'. I do not need to elaborate why the power has not generated the material benefits. We do not take up the responsibility, if not, we are running away from the responsibility. But somebody again said, 'responsibility gravitates on those that can shoulder them'. does that imply we are running away from this responsibility, now that it is responsibility which seeks those with ability to carry them out. Are we still in the euphoria of serikali iingilie kati, or the likes of serikali itupe kazi.
Unapologetically, I will tell you, its nobody's business to employ you, not even your mother, your destiny is in your mind, you can choose to chase it or throw it in employment. The role of the government is essentially to provide services, not employ people. Its time to move from the know-how to the do-how phase of our development because only action changes reality, thinking doesn't. If we must think development, then it is our responsibility to do development, if we anticipate of best practices in our agriculture at-least you now know that thinking and anticipating doesn't change reality, action does my friend. Tuseme na tutende, tubadilishe hali yetu, tujenge uchumi yetu na hatimaye tujenge taifa letu. Shalom.
This creative economy is not for yes-men nor for the sycophants, it is for the go-getters, those who believe it is their responsibility in whatever circumstance to change the reality of their surrounding. How do you then change the reality of your immediate surrounding if in the fast place you do not know the problems that confront your neighbourhood? That question is rarely asked, and sad enough, those self proclaimed masterminds of development do not seek to address this adverse effects of ignorance.
Information is power, so they say. With great power comes a great responsibility, ooh yes we can take that to the bank. But now what is the missing link, why the poverty amid oceans of resources? Why are the majority of our people still struggling with hand to mouth lifestyles when actually we should no-longer be worrying about food security? How comes in this age, knowledge is still inaccessible leave alone being unaffordable to a majority of our juvenile population? Why should we in this era still agitate on lack of access to clean water and health services? it is a sad story.
Ladies and gentlemen, we have the power, at least for a majority of us who afforded to reach high school education. For those of us who graduated from college and University, somebody gave you the power to read and write, that you cannot deny, unless on the day of your graduation you were busy sleeping. That power is in our minds. That power to alleviate poverty from our society, that power to eradicate ignorance and disillusionment in our midst, that power to realise a healthy and empowered society, a society swimming in abundance of material prosperity, good governance and well established democratic institutions. yes, that power we can claim it, at least we have the prerogative to do so.
Back to my tenet, ' with great power comes a great responsibility'. I do not need to elaborate why the power has not generated the material benefits. We do not take up the responsibility, if not, we are running away from the responsibility. But somebody again said, 'responsibility gravitates on those that can shoulder them'. does that imply we are running away from this responsibility, now that it is responsibility which seeks those with ability to carry them out. Are we still in the euphoria of serikali iingilie kati, or the likes of serikali itupe kazi.
Unapologetically, I will tell you, its nobody's business to employ you, not even your mother, your destiny is in your mind, you can choose to chase it or throw it in employment. The role of the government is essentially to provide services, not employ people. Its time to move from the know-how to the do-how phase of our development because only action changes reality, thinking doesn't. If we must think development, then it is our responsibility to do development, if we anticipate of best practices in our agriculture at-least you now know that thinking and anticipating doesn't change reality, action does my friend. Tuseme na tutende, tubadilishe hali yetu, tujenge uchumi yetu na hatimaye tujenge taifa letu. Shalom.
Thursday 29 August 2013
Restructure, the Way to Go
In the series of what needs to be done in capacity building, i shared on the five R's of capacity building. First, we had to reform our mindset and accept that our common destiny can only be achieved by our sense of individual responsibility. Reform the mindset from corruption, dependency and employment to become vessels of utility creation with focus on resource mobilization build on a pedestal of innovation and creativity. http://thecountyperspective.blogspot.com/2013/08/think-local-act-global.html We then sailed away from the individual point of view and put it in a societal perspective. This defined our second R, the need to re fabricate the social fabric to ensure a self sufficient mini economy (county). http://thecountyperspective.blogspot.com/2013/08/think-local-act-global_22.html
This morning, I was engaging my high school classmate and friend Bradley Imbwaka on why i am afraid devolution is in jeopardy. This does not indicate that am a wet blanket, but within the brackets of rationality, i am of the view the jubilee government's commitment to devolution lacks the zeal and the synergy. Politics aside, today in the third R, i will share on the need to restructure the legal framework especially with regard to our public financial management policies.
You must remember that we not only devolved 47 governments but also 47 mini economies, most of which have got unique characteristics with regard to economic activities, social fabric and political affiliations. This counties each have got different and exclusive business cycles. For instance, Bungoma county and Trans nzioa county where majority of the community are maize farmers, investment activities and business is booming in late September and early October when harvesting is intensive. February to July is characterised by low activities and starved businesses due to lack of money in the pockets of residents.
Come to Meru county, the story is different. Unlike Trans nzioa county, the Miraa farmers enjoy their harvest in a different season especially in April & May season, defining a different business cycle. Come to think of other counties like Kericho, Nandi and Kiambu where they practice tea farming, you will find a different timeline. What about Narok, Uasin Gishu and Nakuru for those planting barley and wheat?
This explains the uniqueness of each county. If for example the amount and period of harvest has got a positive relationship with the level of economic and investment activities, then each county has got a unique business cycle. For the county governments to regulate business activities within their jurisdictions and ensure a perpetual healthy and vibrant economic environment then prudent public financial management practices are necessary.
Come to think of it, fiscal and monetary policies need to be devolved, mark my words, fiscal and monetary policies, not the central bank. However, if it is possible that mechanisms can be put up to devolve the CBK, well and good that would be a greater achievement. In the counties, while harvest time, all sectors be it transport, banking, construction and building, retail are booming, thanks to a community with pockets full of money; proceeds from sell of agricultural harvest. But for a purely agricultural society, what will be the situation away from harvest time? People with empty pockets, businesses will be denied revenues, and investments will shrink.
Can the county government provide the remedy? oooh yes, in low season, this is the time for the county government to commission its projects and initiate public expenditures. this will pumb money into the pockets of the broke residents, eventually business will come back to its knees and the cycle continues. But unless the available legal framework is restructured to allow prudent public expenditure policies unique with every county this will not happen in the near future. Besides, debt management and budgeting processes need to be restructured too.
Enough for today, but remember devolution is the means, build up capacity is the end, do not loose your zeal, do not relent in the building of the nation, just keep it here for more, share your views with me and i will appreciate.
This morning, I was engaging my high school classmate and friend Bradley Imbwaka on why i am afraid devolution is in jeopardy. This does not indicate that am a wet blanket, but within the brackets of rationality, i am of the view the jubilee government's commitment to devolution lacks the zeal and the synergy. Politics aside, today in the third R, i will share on the need to restructure the legal framework especially with regard to our public financial management policies.
You must remember that we not only devolved 47 governments but also 47 mini economies, most of which have got unique characteristics with regard to economic activities, social fabric and political affiliations. This counties each have got different and exclusive business cycles. For instance, Bungoma county and Trans nzioa county where majority of the community are maize farmers, investment activities and business is booming in late September and early October when harvesting is intensive. February to July is characterised by low activities and starved businesses due to lack of money in the pockets of residents.
Come to Meru county, the story is different. Unlike Trans nzioa county, the Miraa farmers enjoy their harvest in a different season especially in April & May season, defining a different business cycle. Come to think of other counties like Kericho, Nandi and Kiambu where they practice tea farming, you will find a different timeline. What about Narok, Uasin Gishu and Nakuru for those planting barley and wheat?
This explains the uniqueness of each county. If for example the amount and period of harvest has got a positive relationship with the level of economic and investment activities, then each county has got a unique business cycle. For the county governments to regulate business activities within their jurisdictions and ensure a perpetual healthy and vibrant economic environment then prudent public financial management practices are necessary.
Come to think of it, fiscal and monetary policies need to be devolved, mark my words, fiscal and monetary policies, not the central bank. However, if it is possible that mechanisms can be put up to devolve the CBK, well and good that would be a greater achievement. In the counties, while harvest time, all sectors be it transport, banking, construction and building, retail are booming, thanks to a community with pockets full of money; proceeds from sell of agricultural harvest. But for a purely agricultural society, what will be the situation away from harvest time? People with empty pockets, businesses will be denied revenues, and investments will shrink.
Can the county government provide the remedy? oooh yes, in low season, this is the time for the county government to commission its projects and initiate public expenditures. this will pumb money into the pockets of the broke residents, eventually business will come back to its knees and the cycle continues. But unless the available legal framework is restructured to allow prudent public expenditure policies unique with every county this will not happen in the near future. Besides, debt management and budgeting processes need to be restructured too.
Enough for today, but remember devolution is the means, build up capacity is the end, do not loose your zeal, do not relent in the building of the nation, just keep it here for more, share your views with me and i will appreciate.
Monday 26 August 2013
The mind is the greatest asset
The academic journey might sometimes be frustrating and unrewarding. For sometimes i have been thinking about what if i had to take an initiative earlier in my life to invest in my future materially besides academically. Maybe the world by then was all academics and all employment. i do not regret my academic en-devours, its quite an achievement. But now push has come to shove, and am no longer a subject of indecision. recently i visited my cousin running a consultancy firm http://eoc.co.ke/ and we shared a word or two.
the world is changing and the beauty of the future is for those who are zealous in chasing the beauty of their dreams. Personally I would be so happy to get a well paying job, but at the same time i will regret for taking up the job for the opportunity cost i will be paying will be quite a fortune. my cousin Patrick told me to believe in the intelligence of my mind. " the reason why you went to the business school is not to help other people create wealth" he said, "you must never succumb to failure, believe in yourself and decide what you really want to do with your life." not that i have experienced any failure but as a matter of fact any good course that leads to glory is full of obstacles and hurdles, and sometimes total failure is a normal confrontation.
"If you believe you are intelligent, then never give up, use your mind to invest in your future, do not succumb to fate," he continued. Am happy to know that at such like a time, such words could refresh my anticipation. Finding a job is quite a task, and paying rent is another painful expenditure. I know my friend, we might be hitting the streets at the same time and you might be traumatized by your joblessness. This is my word to you, believe in your mind, think about what really you want to do, let not fate scare you but pray hard for prayer will unlock the closed doors and will open heaven on your shoulders. shalom
the world is changing and the beauty of the future is for those who are zealous in chasing the beauty of their dreams. Personally I would be so happy to get a well paying job, but at the same time i will regret for taking up the job for the opportunity cost i will be paying will be quite a fortune. my cousin Patrick told me to believe in the intelligence of my mind. " the reason why you went to the business school is not to help other people create wealth" he said, "you must never succumb to failure, believe in yourself and decide what you really want to do with your life." not that i have experienced any failure but as a matter of fact any good course that leads to glory is full of obstacles and hurdles, and sometimes total failure is a normal confrontation.
"If you believe you are intelligent, then never give up, use your mind to invest in your future, do not succumb to fate," he continued. Am happy to know that at such like a time, such words could refresh my anticipation. Finding a job is quite a task, and paying rent is another painful expenditure. I know my friend, we might be hitting the streets at the same time and you might be traumatized by your joblessness. This is my word to you, believe in your mind, think about what really you want to do, let not fate scare you but pray hard for prayer will unlock the closed doors and will open heaven on your shoulders. shalom
Thursday 22 August 2013
think local act global
In the series of what needs to be done in capacity building in this devolution process, yesterday i mentioned the five 'R's that are the prerequisite of an effective devolve system. today, i will still remind you that devolution is the means to that which we purpose to achieve, don't forget. The fast R being the reformation. Marcus Garvey said reform the mind, then you will definitely reform the body, therefore, let us offer our minds and sacrifice the past, our culture and traditions to pave way for the mental renewal, that is consistent with this dispensation, motivated by a bright future.
Re-fabricate
Today i will share about the need to re-fabricate our social fabric. capacity building is multidimensional, it is dynamic and diverse, for any successful county society, all pundits from all walks of life should be brought on board. For instance,we need accountants and auditors to develop our control system, we need finance analyst and economists, to guide in the articulation of economically discrete policies, we need doctors to keep our health sector running, teachers to perpetuate the journey towards an empowered society, entrepreneurs to create utility and so on and so forth.
And that brings me to my point, what defines the social fabric of your county? are you a peace loving society that will attract people from other quarters to come and engage in business activities? does the county society reflect the face of Kenya where all tribes are comfortable and busy engaging in value addition activities? what about the labor force, can you get skilled, semiskilled and unskilled labor? what kind of entreprenuers are in your county, are they purely farmpreneurs, technopreneurs, churchpreneurs, juakalpreneurs, bankpreneurs or are they a mixture?
Enough asked, if the county society is a homogeneous one, then this is why we need to re-fabricate, for devolution has set up mini economies that will require all kinds and levels of activities. the farmers will need the freight services from the matatu operator to deliver his produce to town. the unskilled mama mboga who will purchase from the farmer will need the bank employee to purchase her veges. the farmer will also need the banker for a loan to expand his production. the farmer too will need an agricultural extension officer for guidance services, he will need still a veterinary officer.
the business community will need banks for financial services, the residents will need schools and colleges to educate the youthful population, and doctors will be neede too to ensure a healthy society and the circle is endless, but if you ever think about capacity in your county, think about the people, their orientations and their diversity because it is highest time Kenyans celebrate each other and were more united in purpose and mind. Shalom
Re-fabricate
Today i will share about the need to re-fabricate our social fabric. capacity building is multidimensional, it is dynamic and diverse, for any successful county society, all pundits from all walks of life should be brought on board. For instance,we need accountants and auditors to develop our control system, we need finance analyst and economists, to guide in the articulation of economically discrete policies, we need doctors to keep our health sector running, teachers to perpetuate the journey towards an empowered society, entrepreneurs to create utility and so on and so forth.
And that brings me to my point, what defines the social fabric of your county? are you a peace loving society that will attract people from other quarters to come and engage in business activities? does the county society reflect the face of Kenya where all tribes are comfortable and busy engaging in value addition activities? what about the labor force, can you get skilled, semiskilled and unskilled labor? what kind of entreprenuers are in your county, are they purely farmpreneurs, technopreneurs, churchpreneurs, juakalpreneurs, bankpreneurs or are they a mixture?
Enough asked, if the county society is a homogeneous one, then this is why we need to re-fabricate, for devolution has set up mini economies that will require all kinds and levels of activities. the farmers will need the freight services from the matatu operator to deliver his produce to town. the unskilled mama mboga who will purchase from the farmer will need the bank employee to purchase her veges. the farmer will also need the banker for a loan to expand his production. the farmer too will need an agricultural extension officer for guidance services, he will need still a veterinary officer.
the business community will need banks for financial services, the residents will need schools and colleges to educate the youthful population, and doctors will be neede too to ensure a healthy society and the circle is endless, but if you ever think about capacity in your county, think about the people, their orientations and their diversity because it is highest time Kenyans celebrate each other and were more united in purpose and mind. Shalom
Wednesday 21 August 2013
Think local, act global
Devolution is here to stay, in fact, our new constitution is described by other African state as a very ambitious piece of paper. However, we must understand that devolution is not an end to itself, it is a means to an end. so maybe you are asking, so what is the end? and i will tell you, the end is build up capacity, it is the brought in input relative to the expected output. So lets not be overwhelmed by excitement, for a lot needs to be done to reach the utopia, the land of idealism, the land of excesses, plenty and abundance, the Kenya we are dreaming of.
What business shall we then undertake to reach the end? According to me, there's no end, there's no destiny, there's no relenting and there's no about turn, for change is not defined by an end. In short, our business is change. We should be in the business of reformation, re-fabrication, restoration, reconstruction and restructuring.
reformation
We need to reform our mind, if that is the fast step of our endless journey. Arrest the attitude of dependency and inability, crush the mindset of sycophancy and employment. Refine ourselves with utility creation, tune our minds to conform to the changing world and seek to be guided by informativeness.
education is a weapon that will liberate our minds from that which we would rather break away from, so lets keep learning. once we are learned, we need to have a sense of personal responsibility to build this capacity, nobody owns devolution, and nobody can leverage themselves on experience, therefore to effect this new darling, collective responsibility is indispensable. therefore, i insist if there's anything to reform is our mind, configure ourselves with a sense of responsibility, positive to change and exhibit due diligence in the process of capacity building.
next time, i will tell you why we need to re-fabricate our resources and machinations, keep it here.
What business shall we then undertake to reach the end? According to me, there's no end, there's no destiny, there's no relenting and there's no about turn, for change is not defined by an end. In short, our business is change. We should be in the business of reformation, re-fabrication, restoration, reconstruction and restructuring.
reformation
We need to reform our mind, if that is the fast step of our endless journey. Arrest the attitude of dependency and inability, crush the mindset of sycophancy and employment. Refine ourselves with utility creation, tune our minds to conform to the changing world and seek to be guided by informativeness.
education is a weapon that will liberate our minds from that which we would rather break away from, so lets keep learning. once we are learned, we need to have a sense of personal responsibility to build this capacity, nobody owns devolution, and nobody can leverage themselves on experience, therefore to effect this new darling, collective responsibility is indispensable. therefore, i insist if there's anything to reform is our mind, configure ourselves with a sense of responsibility, positive to change and exhibit due diligence in the process of capacity building.
next time, i will tell you why we need to re-fabricate our resources and machinations, keep it here.
Wednesday 14 August 2013
KIAMBU COUNTY; NOW I KNOW
The yapping and yelling about the imbalance in regional development is guided by ignorance and cheap talk; now i know. Personally i come from the large and extensive county of Bungoma which is endowed with resources that can be tapped to realise a self sufficient society. But the question still begging is whether the problem of regional imbalance in terms of development will be solved by the advent of devolution.
Recently, i was previledged to tour the heart of Kiambu county in the company of friends and family. to be specific i went to the town of Githunguri. My journey was from Nakuru ending in the interiors of Githunguri villages. I was suprised to discover that the roads from uplands all the way to githunguri township was a dilapidated road that was worse than people outside central kenya could ever imagine. However, theres this misconception in other regions that all roads in central kenya are tarmacked and well mantained, that is a lie for sure.
but what i realised about this community is the level of organisation, the unity and diligence of the people. Not that they have good roads, nor do they have large tracts of land, but still they are a rich society. Unlike my Bungoma people who have large tracts of land, this community that is densely populated with small pieces of land put it to its maxmum use. in every junction, you will get a milk collection centre with farmiliar brand names such as Fresha, Limuru and Brookside. after every five to six kilometer is a tea factory or even coffee factories.
Githunguri town is bustling with many activities with large and established banking halls and other conglomerates which have set foot here. this community is primarily small scale farmers who have gone against all odds to establish a vibrant business community. i beg to differ with the clinches in the air that central kenya is more developed than other regions in terms of infrastructure. The fact remains, in terms of infrastructure, we are all the same.
So you ask, where is the difference then? the difference is organisation. Unlike other communities, these people are organized. Dairy farmers have formed unions and saccos and put up factories to add value to their produce. coffee farmers found strength in their unity to set up coffee mills and thus magnify their bargaining power. the banking sector seeing such level of diligence has come in as business partners with the community. tea farmers will only worry about production and not the market, agrovets are well situated in every village. we have no excuse not to empower ourselves, instead we should stop agitating and do these small things as they look, maybe one day we shall change the reality of our communities.
Recently, i was previledged to tour the heart of Kiambu county in the company of friends and family. to be specific i went to the town of Githunguri. My journey was from Nakuru ending in the interiors of Githunguri villages. I was suprised to discover that the roads from uplands all the way to githunguri township was a dilapidated road that was worse than people outside central kenya could ever imagine. However, theres this misconception in other regions that all roads in central kenya are tarmacked and well mantained, that is a lie for sure.
but what i realised about this community is the level of organisation, the unity and diligence of the people. Not that they have good roads, nor do they have large tracts of land, but still they are a rich society. Unlike my Bungoma people who have large tracts of land, this community that is densely populated with small pieces of land put it to its maxmum use. in every junction, you will get a milk collection centre with farmiliar brand names such as Fresha, Limuru and Brookside. after every five to six kilometer is a tea factory or even coffee factories.
Githunguri town is bustling with many activities with large and established banking halls and other conglomerates which have set foot here. this community is primarily small scale farmers who have gone against all odds to establish a vibrant business community. i beg to differ with the clinches in the air that central kenya is more developed than other regions in terms of infrastructure. The fact remains, in terms of infrastructure, we are all the same.
So you ask, where is the difference then? the difference is organisation. Unlike other communities, these people are organized. Dairy farmers have formed unions and saccos and put up factories to add value to their produce. coffee farmers found strength in their unity to set up coffee mills and thus magnify their bargaining power. the banking sector seeing such level of diligence has come in as business partners with the community. tea farmers will only worry about production and not the market, agrovets are well situated in every village. we have no excuse not to empower ourselves, instead we should stop agitating and do these small things as they look, maybe one day we shall change the reality of our communities.
Thursday 11 July 2013
DEVOLUTION IN A NARROW SPECTACLE
Recently i participated in a county integrated planning programm, this came as a turning point on how i perceive devolution and development. It dawned on me that devolution is not an automatic economic take off but rather is more of a means to an end. I was previledged to be invited at the tabernacle of decision making to articulate the way foreword of my county Bungoma.
Indeed, i had to consult the great marcus garvey and his words, "liberate the mind, then you can liberate the body." we fail to understand that we can build roads and not trigger trade, we can as well build schools and colleges but not eradicate ignorance and illitracy, we can put up factories and other industrial plants but never realise an economically strong society, and so is devolution. We are overwhelmed by the excitement of power that is purported to be responsive and effective as far as the common mwananchi is concerned. As much as this might be true, we should be very careful, because theres a very thin, delicate line between devolution and confusion.
In this forum, i realised a people with hope, optimisim and joy that can be summed up as apprehension because most of us seemed not to understand the many incomplete equations. We were supposed to deliberate in groups of six on several issues of development. Fortunately i found myself in a group of elderly people who some are serving in the provincial administration as area chiefs. This was an opportunity for me to discover what experience in the public sector has got in store for devolution.
However, as we discussed i realised that the spectacles with which we viewed devolution was different. the distance which the lenses of our mind could see were also different.While this programme was mearnt to reveal the profound issues in society that the devolved system had to address, we lacked the intellectual think tanks, and the delicacy of creativity since most of the members were invited not by design but by level of seniority. If the business of the day was to be fruitful and viable ideas were to be tabled, we had to save that for another day, fresh blood, with strategic thinking aspect was to be brought on board.
Devolution needs the reformation of the mindset, the re-fabrication of the social fabric, the reconstruction of societal amenities and infrastructure. More-so, niches of decision making have to be constructed and terbanacles where serious projects have to be conceived and articulated too have to be erected. Integrating county plans therefore needs discretion and strategic thinking. we should elevate our reasoning beyond the old order and open up our borders to the world. we should be thinking of a glass half full of water and how we can engage in value additions, we should construct bridges between consumption and production. Ladies and gentlemen, devolution is our darling, but sadly it is a stranger to all of us. let us not be cowed, let us not shy from confronting the uncertainty, because when you go for any journey, this uncertainty is a necessary evil.
Indeed, i had to consult the great marcus garvey and his words, "liberate the mind, then you can liberate the body." we fail to understand that we can build roads and not trigger trade, we can as well build schools and colleges but not eradicate ignorance and illitracy, we can put up factories and other industrial plants but never realise an economically strong society, and so is devolution. We are overwhelmed by the excitement of power that is purported to be responsive and effective as far as the common mwananchi is concerned. As much as this might be true, we should be very careful, because theres a very thin, delicate line between devolution and confusion.
In this forum, i realised a people with hope, optimisim and joy that can be summed up as apprehension because most of us seemed not to understand the many incomplete equations. We were supposed to deliberate in groups of six on several issues of development. Fortunately i found myself in a group of elderly people who some are serving in the provincial administration as area chiefs. This was an opportunity for me to discover what experience in the public sector has got in store for devolution.
However, as we discussed i realised that the spectacles with which we viewed devolution was different. the distance which the lenses of our mind could see were also different.While this programme was mearnt to reveal the profound issues in society that the devolved system had to address, we lacked the intellectual think tanks, and the delicacy of creativity since most of the members were invited not by design but by level of seniority. If the business of the day was to be fruitful and viable ideas were to be tabled, we had to save that for another day, fresh blood, with strategic thinking aspect was to be brought on board.
Devolution needs the reformation of the mindset, the re-fabrication of the social fabric, the reconstruction of societal amenities and infrastructure. More-so, niches of decision making have to be constructed and terbanacles where serious projects have to be conceived and articulated too have to be erected. Integrating county plans therefore needs discretion and strategic thinking. we should elevate our reasoning beyond the old order and open up our borders to the world. we should be thinking of a glass half full of water and how we can engage in value additions, we should construct bridges between consumption and production. Ladies and gentlemen, devolution is our darling, but sadly it is a stranger to all of us. let us not be cowed, let us not shy from confronting the uncertainty, because when you go for any journey, this uncertainty is a necessary evil.
Wednesday 26 June 2013
THE 25 FACEBOOK FRIENDS WHO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Facebook is a community and facebook too is a force you cannot ignore. if you doubt my words you may as well ask hosin mubbarak. as a nation with ethnic diversity, political multi opinions, different social backgrounds but a common economic staggering faculty, that is what defines kenyans. i came to facebook to be unified with a people that i not only share a history, but also a people with whom we are engrossed in the same pool of problems and on which our common aspirations emanate. i celebrate everybody, i hate no one, i despise some and i admire many good personalities on this platform.
i dont need to mention ur name here, n i dont need to like ur updates nor even comment for you to be sure i celebrate you. as long as you are my friend or follower, regardless of our social differences, political dissenssions, religious creed, and economic segregations, we remain brothers n sister. this people i have mentioned are among the few, who piss me off, who keep me going, who give me a sense of belonging, and sometimes who make me feel like am a fool, even when am not. no emotion, no hard feelings i celebrate you people.
there we go.............
1collins kip cheruiyot
politically a paranoid, socially a lover man, officially jobless, and economically frustrated. like him or hate him on facebook u cannot ignore him.
2 Benjamin Bosire Nyakundi
3 Chenane Felix
he is an irritating grammar checker. will always remind you what his class one English teacher taught him. he hates raila as much as i dispice uhuru. eternal political adversary, that is what we are.
4 Kelvin Mburu
my bonafide critique. before u think of political commentetory, think on what he will say.
5 Martin Muthuri
if i was raila, i could appoint him my chief advisor and if i could be uhuru i could just assasinate him. to me this guy is politically correct.
6 Major Wanambisi
my big brother, hes gone to exile. his Facebook wall is under Serveillance, dont ask why. you dont ask a man, where he is coming from....seen
7 Hillduh mnaj
shes on the other side of the coin. a good freind from college. if you watch TV and you ve seen the Aga Khan Hospital Advert, then maybe her face to you is familliar.
8 Griffin Wasike
the guy is always sharing. his silence is provocative. sometimes am tempted to suggest some mirra.
9 simeon Madanji
this dude reminds me of my first year when i used to be the dictionary of the Jamaican Pigin in my class. Reggae Music again bro.
10 Robert alai
don't pretend like u don't know him. the only guy who can update a full-stop to attract over 300 comments, weird is it? some love him passionately, take him to Nyeri law court, he will be sentenced for crucifixion.
11 Celine Akinyi
politically vulnerable and emotional. whenever collins cheruyoit pours out his political heart, Celine is left shedding tears. that makes me laugh, not like i don't care, of course i care.
12 Renson Mauka
The Robert Alai of Bungoma county. I ever wonder if this guy knows English. He can even tweng in Luyha.
13 Kosgey Josphat
Ana uchokozi most. He will always incite my madness my dissing Rao, and of course i will kick the porridge out of his head.
14 Faith Njeri
I love her and she loves me too. Not that love you are thinking about, brotherly love.....hahaha
15 Ednah Ogutu
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That awkward moment when even your craziest updates are liked. shes my usual suspect.
16 Austine Ohiho Kartel
talk about repugnance, talk about antagonism, if i choose heaven the guy will choose hell and if i choose life the guy will choose death. that guy who will always twist reality for the sake of winning an argument.
17 Prudey Dhahabu Gold.
Always missing me. she will always hit my inbox and when i go looking she will be hiding.
18 Henry D'mura Jr
this guy gives me a sense of belonging. a brother in christ. while everybody is talking about none sense, it is all about God.
19 Lucky Lin
"Happy sabbath" what it means to be conscious. she has an obligation with God and she does it in the best manner. she knows me as the naughty and cheeky guy i used to be.
20 Siboe Siboe
That name means mfunge mfunge in swahili. just like Miguna Miguna, he is a displinarian, he suspends and admits members on the vibrant County 411 outfit. Hes the governor of Bungoma county online community.
21 Rachel Gesare
You wonder why shes doing law...she blew Mathewws Kabindio one blow and the next thing we knew he was down screaming....and that,.... is the reason. an articulate law student, looking at her updates i may be having another Kethi Kilonzo for a friend.
22 Dan Yule Mtalli
why does facebook ask people, what is on their mind? because Facebook is for the honest. The guy will always update what is on his mind....no lie, this dude is honest.
23 Diana Wanjohi
A love doctor cum pastor cum a champion of women rights, name them, thats what shes made of on the online community. She too, is honest. you think am lying, go check her updates.
24 Mercy Buchwa
she looks like my little sister Sharon. she looks humble and her updates reflect a person with discretion.
25 Chris Afro Bwoy
hes a nya bhingi cum bobo shanty cum natty king cum natty dread. his teachings are made in Jamaica.
Thank you people for the company. guys let facebook be a utility, let it be a platform where we can celebrate each other, where we can engage in constructive discourse, we can cherish our different social background and tolerate our political differences. it doesn't cost anyone a thing if you engage with a stranger, the fact remains we are all kenyans and we were all created by the powerful hands of the most high. stay blest.
Monday 24 June 2013
Bungoma County: have we made another mistake
The new dispensation has set in, maybe we expected much, but unfortunately it is business as usual.Its six months ever since i set foot in my home county Bungoma. Of course, we ve lived in despair in disillusioned as a community given the fact that our time to eat is long overdue. The new constitutional dispensation came as a beckon of hope to millions of people in the western region bringing an end to a season of coldness and the languishing in the category of repugnance.
i am among the thousands of youths who advocated for governor kenneth lusaka. i saw him as a fresh blood unpolluted by politics and polished by a long service in the public sector.Maybe I was wrong, and now the unfolding events may affirm my doubts, that a bureaucrat of lusaka's callibre was a wrong choice for the people of bungoma county. I stand to be corrected, but reports has it that, he is a remote servant of the people. some say he commutes from kitengela on a daily basis.
Maybe having served in a retrogressive region he is still in the opinion that old habits die hard. Is it true, that his cabinet is made up of faces that represent the old order like former sirisia mp John Munyasia? is it also true that one of his cabinet minister is a concubine of an influential politician in the region? and might he be working under forces of the old order like musikari kombo?
well so many questions are still begging but i just found out that the county council paraphernalia s are still in operation. am sorry people five years is a long time, maybe whispers of hope will start smoking from the governors office. lets hope and lets pray.
i am among the thousands of youths who advocated for governor kenneth lusaka. i saw him as a fresh blood unpolluted by politics and polished by a long service in the public sector.Maybe I was wrong, and now the unfolding events may affirm my doubts, that a bureaucrat of lusaka's callibre was a wrong choice for the people of bungoma county. I stand to be corrected, but reports has it that, he is a remote servant of the people. some say he commutes from kitengela on a daily basis.
Maybe having served in a retrogressive region he is still in the opinion that old habits die hard. Is it true, that his cabinet is made up of faces that represent the old order like former sirisia mp John Munyasia? is it also true that one of his cabinet minister is a concubine of an influential politician in the region? and might he be working under forces of the old order like musikari kombo?
well so many questions are still begging but i just found out that the county council paraphernalia s are still in operation. am sorry people five years is a long time, maybe whispers of hope will start smoking from the governors office. lets hope and lets pray.
Monday 17 June 2013
DO U FEEL MORE KENYAN
"Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery, non but ourselves can free our mind" i need not to quote the author of these words because you dont need to be a jamaican or a reggae fan to be complacent with these tenets. More than recent, kenyans made a choice, a bold decision that not only signified the passing of time but also symbolised the advent of a new dispensation that comes with a generational change.
It was a pivotal season on the arc of our history. It was a turning point from the order of mediocrity and servitude, to the times of self realization and empowerment. It was a decree suppose to consecrate our territory with authority and sense of responsibility. We were sending a message to the world, that Kenya as a nation has come of age, our democracy is maturing and our sense of responsibility is the the motive that propels our response to the call of duty. We as a people have sailed through the dynamics of history, amid delicate electioneering seasons, heart-breaking political assassinations, hard economic unfoldings and delicate tribal relations. we have endured corruption in our institutions and ignored the wet blankets who stereo typed Africans as a brood of mediocre without ability and the necessary aptitude.
Ours should be a testimony of resilience, perseverance and tolerance. We as citizens of this great nation, we have sacrificed more than we received, we have served more than we have been served, that is loyalty, and that too, is solidarity. Maybe its time to say enough is enough, and break away from the past. a past that is synonymous to ugly. A past that only ignites emotions and regrets, but also that which we would rather forget than consult, because our future is begging and demanding our vigilance.
it is now time, to rise to the occasion and attend to the missing links. it is now time to walk the contemplations of our constitution and live by its spirit. it is time to meditate and recite the tenets of this great doctrine in our hearts. Kenyans, its time we shall practice what we preach and reap where we have hard-fully sowed. It is time we shall rediscover our sense of direction and strategize on how we can bridge our aspirations with the material fruits. It is that time, Kenya, we should emancipate ourselves from mental slavery.
It was a pivotal season on the arc of our history. It was a turning point from the order of mediocrity and servitude, to the times of self realization and empowerment. It was a decree suppose to consecrate our territory with authority and sense of responsibility. We were sending a message to the world, that Kenya as a nation has come of age, our democracy is maturing and our sense of responsibility is the the motive that propels our response to the call of duty. We as a people have sailed through the dynamics of history, amid delicate electioneering seasons, heart-breaking political assassinations, hard economic unfoldings and delicate tribal relations. we have endured corruption in our institutions and ignored the wet blankets who stereo typed Africans as a brood of mediocre without ability and the necessary aptitude.
Ours should be a testimony of resilience, perseverance and tolerance. We as citizens of this great nation, we have sacrificed more than we received, we have served more than we have been served, that is loyalty, and that too, is solidarity. Maybe its time to say enough is enough, and break away from the past. a past that is synonymous to ugly. A past that only ignites emotions and regrets, but also that which we would rather forget than consult, because our future is begging and demanding our vigilance.
it is now time, to rise to the occasion and attend to the missing links. it is now time to walk the contemplations of our constitution and live by its spirit. it is time to meditate and recite the tenets of this great doctrine in our hearts. Kenyans, its time we shall practice what we preach and reap where we have hard-fully sowed. It is time we shall rediscover our sense of direction and strategize on how we can bridge our aspirations with the material fruits. It is that time, Kenya, we should emancipate ourselves from mental slavery.
Tuesday 11 June 2013
the begging questions
having been on the most vibrant kenyan online community twitter for sometime, i understand my home of domicile is a house build on an explosive. i always ask myself why does it have to happen that our tale is that of worries coupled with problems?
why does it happen that kenya, a country with tremendous resource should be deeply divided into tribal blocs?
why must greed and selfish motive define our leadership?
why must graft be condoned even when reality posits the non negotiable decree to do away with it?
why must we endorse a constitution that we wont uphold?
why should we create institutions for the sake of it later on to frustrate their mandate?
who should we blame for the continued division within our boundaries?
who is responsible for the dilapidating citizen loyalty to the head of state and the nation?
for how long is this going to be so?
why does it happen that kenya, a country with tremendous resource should be deeply divided into tribal blocs?
why must greed and selfish motive define our leadership?
why must graft be condoned even when reality posits the non negotiable decree to do away with it?
why must we endorse a constitution that we wont uphold?
why should we create institutions for the sake of it later on to frustrate their mandate?
who should we blame for the continued division within our boundaries?
who is responsible for the dilapidating citizen loyalty to the head of state and the nation?
for how long is this going to be so?
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