Month: September 2017

The trees, tall and mighty, scaling up high into the sky, creating a magnificent canopy of natural umbrella. Both the Blue and Red tail Monkeys seem to get along just fine here. The rainbow show created by a variety of colorful butterflies is way too conspicuous to ignore. But you have to leave before the heavy afternoon rain pours. You hesitate, but the thought of that yummy hot brown ‘obusuma’ (ugali) served with chicken stew, makes you happily leave Kakamega forest. The locals are very generous and full of energy, you feel very much alive too… The gentle cold breeze massages your face romantically, its soothing effect makes you feel connected to this place. Just a few kilometers away, the view of the majestic City of the Sun, Kisumu City, rising proudly by the shores of Lake Victoria, looking all calm and peaceful, is fascinating. You were lucky to spot a few hippos at Impala sanctuary, and now you have to join the tall, eloquent and heartfelt locals for a mouthwatering dish of ‘ngege’ (tilapia) served with ugali…The Sun is gracefully scorching the land with enthuse, you pay no attention, because the beautiful landscape of plain grassland bounded with gorgeous hills of almost perfectly formed curves, wouldn’t let you. The heavy presence of the Maasai warriors dressed in traditional attires, makes those ‘Man-Eater Lions stories’ a child’s play, you are at peace. Soon the sweet aroma of ‘nyama choma’ is going to arouse your appetite as it diffuses through Maasai Mara… Green is the color here, the land is wet and full of life; you literally forget your worries. You can now witness the divine, snow-peaked mountain towering up into the clouds, it’s more beautiful than it appears in the pictures. The natives call it ‘Kirima’- mountain with white features. It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy food of the soil, ‘waru’ and ‘minji’ are in plenty, and it goes well with the company of the hospitable, warm and welcoming locals… Hot and humid is the order of the day, you are barely comfy under your own skin. Surprisingly, the locals are not moved, in fact most of them are all dressed up in ‘buibui’. Their ascent and eloquent command of Swahili language is jaw dropping that you almost forget the presence of the alluring Indian Ocean right in front of you, marked with ravishing white sand beaches- dotted with symmetrical and slender coconut trees. The locals are known for their splendid cooking skills; the Swahili cuisine comprising of ‘pilau, biryani, samosa, kaimati, mahamri and bhajia,’ is irresistibly delicious…
Embracing cultural diversity in the society is an important step in a country. It brings about the benefits of each cultural practices. Countries like Canada and Australia which are embracing cultural diversity, are excellent examples to demonstrate its advantages. They appreciate and respect each culture. In fact they embrace different cultures. Through this practice, both the two countries are known to be doing extremely good both economically, socially and even politically. Germany has also joined in the practice by giving permanent residency to foreigners and also adopting certain policies that embrace cultural diversity. Yet in the past, German was known for racism. In Africa, Ghana is known to appreciate diversity just by voting someone from minority tribe as the president. This act, demonstrate, that Ghanaians select their leaders based on credibility but not ethnic alienation like it’s the norm in most African countries.

They say partition of African states by Berlin conference of 1684-1685 was a mistake. It led to instability in Africa (ethnic rivalry).This is something that I disagree with. In fact, it is an excuse for our failure. Have you ever thought how Africa was before the partition? Despite the occasional disputes amongst the different communities, which on the extreme lead to tribal wars, these communities really depended on each other for both social and economic development. Their cultural diversity meant that one community could offer what the other couldn’t, and this led to development of trade amongst them. Even during precolonial period, intermarriages across different communities was practiced. This was an element of embracing cultural diversity.

In Kenya, Kikuyu’s are known to be aggressive when it comes to business, Luo’s on the other side are known to be good in regard to education and intellectual capabilities, Kalenjin’s are known to be good in regards to sports (marathon), coastal region for its hospitality among others. If all this attributes are brought together, the country will be doing well economically. Diversity of thought has been shown to breed creativity and drive innovation, helping to solve problems.  Multiple voices, perspectives, and personalities bouncing off one another can give rise to ‘out-of-the-box’ kind of thinking.

What do you think life will be if each country would only have one group?

Personally, I am privileged to have lived amongst different communities in my country. Mostly among the Agikuyu and Luo community. And with this experience, I appreciate both the two. In fact, it molded me, to be the person I am today. I remember vividly my life in Mguguga, my mother was a teacher at Goriondito Primary school. I was in class two in the same institution. I remember singing to the songs “Kanyoni kaja meremaine…” and “Moshere nemwega oriegwa na geshiko…” among others. To how I used to go farming with my mum. How I used to read the Bible eloquently in Kikuyu… and not to forget the mother tongue language class in Kikuyu. 

I also have treasured memories of my mother land Rusinga. If you happen to know me personally, you can tell the love I have for this place. I used to go hunting known as “temo”. And how I used to occasionally accompany my grandfather fishing on his boat. To how I enjoyed going to fetch fire wood “moto” on the hills. And not forgetting going to swim by the lake sides. In those days, at my grandmother’s, work was communal, this practice was referred as “gosaga” where the entire youths in the community would come and help you farming for free, and you were only expected to cook for them.

People should live cordially and accept each other regardless of their culture, nationality, historical background, religion, ethnicity or other discrimination basis. We should have a heart and mind that acknowledges, accepts, values and celebrates different ways in which people live and interact in our society. People should embrace different and new cultures that impact on their lives positively in order to improve their society and mostly aspire to live and cultivate what is good in their culture in order to have a positive impact on the world. Through this process, we will be ambassadors of our indigenous culture. Just like Tyler Cowen said, “real cultural diversity result from the interchange of ideas, products, and influences, not from the insular development of a single style.”

For more information you can read (https://belinenyangionglobalrelations.wordpress.com/2016/10/20/ethnocentrism-as-the-toxin-to-african-development/?preview=true) 

It is around 7:30pm. I have just gotten home from my normal hustles of the day. I drop my bag in my bedroom and heads to the living room, all I want to do is spend some quality time with my family, and know how everyone’s day has been… Just then, my phone rings. “Damn!” Wrong timing. I check the caller to decide whether I should pick it or call later. Victor calling. Huh! I have to pick. He is a good friend. I had promised to call earlier regarding a question he had asked on my previous blog post, but it passed me.

“Hello! How are you doing today? Would you mind if I call you later?” But he insisted that we have the conversation. It was all about causes of corruption.

I have learnt on the importance of bringing up your children the right way.  This is always the foundation of what or whom the children will be when they grow up. Parents who tolerate some vices put their kids at the risk of growing up to believe that, such vices are not bad but pretty normal. This influence is even very powerful, most so if such parents are consistent with the acts. A simple act like giving your kid some lose change every single time you send him or her to the shop might seems noble, but it actually affects the kid’s perception about being sent to the shop.

Corruption has become a norm in our society, in most cases, it’s no longer viewed as real evil but a pure blessing. But why is this sad reality? What might be fundamentally wrong with our society? The answers lies in both cultural nature and economical state of our nation.

Majority of domestic workers in the country, are lowly paid. In my country, the teachers, doctors, nurses, engineers among other professions are poorly paid compared to the services that they offer. Due to the Low Pay scales or Wages, they cannot meet up their needs. As a result of such circumstances, they tend to revert to corruption as an easy alternative source of income.

A few months ago, I almost gave in to corruption in the name of seeking for employment. A good number of graduates today are jobless or underemployed. This is due to Low Employment Rates and Opportunities. Majority people opt to “this” mode to get the job offers. They will be ready to pay lump sum amounts for the job offers or even giving favors.

Our society is notorious for letting corruption culprits go scot free without facing prosecution and punishment for their crimes. This is evidenced by the “feeble” institutions tasked with fighting corruption. Inadequacy of Strict and Fast Punishments is always the order of the day: Even if someone is found with overwhelming evidence of involvement in corruption by the anti-corruption officials or media, the culprits get less or no punishment at all. First, they will be suspended for few months or weeks, and then re-posted to another location with same job grade and pay. So, this means the official who practiced corruption is given a clean bill of health to continue propagating the vice. If the government would be so strict that any such corrupt incidents  lead to permanent removal from job and also punishments like several years imprisonment or freezing of assets, then the corruption will come down to a large extent.

Our society takes the phrase “There is no such a thing as a bad publicity” too seriously, thus Lack of Ill Fame. If a person is suspected of corruption or has done some unacceptable misconduct, he or she ought to be avoided and not be respected. In our society, those with corruption and other related offenses, are considered for prominent positions like powerful political positions or even senior government jobs. Instead of being shunned they are respected and appreciated.

The Public openly criticizes corruption, but interestingly there is No Unity among them to stop corruption. “The Mtu Wetu” analogy always play a major role in the fight against corruption. If a person is implicated of corruption, he or she will be defended fiercely by some of his or her friends, relatives, ethnicity or political affiliation. If the public stands united against corruption in such a way that no one tolerates corrupt officials regardless of who they are to them, they will have no other option but not to engage in corruption.

During election, politicians try to lure the people by offering money and other things. If these politicians win and get power, they try to recover 10 to 100 times the amount spent in their elections.

In selection or recruitment processes, for instance in education, contracts for jobs, there is No Transparency. Opening the acts of those in public offices to public scrutiny will greatly reduce corruption. Corruption is prevalent when there are no criteria for proven integrity and responsibility in the promotion. Such criteria are ignored when someone is promoted simply because of their loyalty to whoever is in charge or those in control of the party. Or if it is only their strategic or organizational skills that are evaluated. Obviously, someone can be wrong when it comes to promotion, but there should be no problem distinguishing between a simple mistake and culpable ignorance due to negligence or a lack of ethical assessment.

We Absence Independent Detective Agencies which can investigate with full power and freedom to expose the corrupt individuals. As a result of this, anyone who commits offense is not shaken, they will simply find their way out either through their own power of the pocket, influence from powerful friends, or support from the ruling political party.

Deficiency of Enough Powers to the Judicial System and other independent organization.  Like the election commission cannot easily ban a politician from contesting in case of malpractices or them failing to comply with the rules during election campaign. Similarly, the judicial system find it difficult charging someone who is found guilty if he or she is or affiliated to powerful people. In Kenya, leadership is providing bad example by opening criticizing the highest court in the country because the ruling was against them.

Competition in business is good for high quality products and service delivery. But our society encourages Unhealthy Competition. In the case of tendering, you’ll notice that only few companies bid for it. This is because the companies connected to politicians and various powerful or influential people have higher chances of winning the tenders than others do. This is oblivion to the fact that such companies might not be even qualified. With that, companies owned by common citizens will shy away despite being more than qualified. That is why the number of bidders for a tenders will be low due to political interference.

There is a Decline of Personal Ethical Sensitivity, either due to lack of education or negative learning experiences, developed by downplaying perverse conduct in the past. Should ethical education be put under review? Is it time for a personal reassessment with sincerity and repentance, to learn more about its influence in promoting positive learning?

Corruption is a dark mojo that our society must break free of. By not doing the don’ts and instead adopting to a culture that is characterized by honesty, integrity and transparency. Allowing corruption to thrive in our society is like striking a Faustian Bargain, it will eventually leads to our downfall and demise as a civilization.

 

 

Every Friday afternoon, we meet at the famous Java restaurant, plays host to what my friend likes to call “bff bonding time.” This Friday is no different. We sit down with our regular order “Dawa” for me and Caramel Frappuccino for him. As we absorb the aroma of the coffee beans and enjoy the therapeutic beauty of the fresh open air.  He could not help but comment on the “perfect smile” right in front of him,  he looked right at home. 
“So Beline, what are you going to write about on your next blog post?” I looked clueless. When he asks a question about such, he doesn’t expect an answer; he already has a suggestion in mind. So he dared me to write on politics, a topic that he knows I am a bit reserved in.  Anyway, I agree to take the challenge.

It has been a year full of political moods in my country. From political mergers to finally the unprecedented court decision (another presidential elections). This is a topic that my mum never wants me to be involved in. More so on social media platform. She has her dismay. Maybe she thinks, that it will endanger my life, because of the fear  of “people” viewing me as radical. What she doesn’t know is that, I can never be radical when it comes to it. I am open minded, and I give credits where I feel it is due. I am not biased in terms of ethical differences, religion, race etc. Ideologically, I am.

“What usually comes into your mind on hearing the word politics?” I ask my friend. ‘Corruption, government (poor governance), names of politicians, tribalism, extra judicial killings, ignorance, impunity…’ the above was his answer. I could not help but notice that all his answers depicted politics in a negative way, contrary to what it should be. I believe these are the same sentiments shared by majority if not all. The actual definition of the word is almost unknown because of such clichés and representation in politics.

The word politics originated from a Greek word “polis” meaning the state or a community as a whole. To them polis was an ideal state. I like the word “ideal” it means, an ultimate standard of perfection.

There are variety of definition in regards to politics by different scholars. According to Lasswellian “Politics is the process of who gets what, when, and how.” David Easton also defines political system as those interactions through which values are authoritatively allocated for a society. While Robert Dahl defines political system as any persistent pattern of human relationships that involves power, rule, or authority. Max Weber states “A political association exists if the enforcement of its order is carried out continually within a given territorial area by the application and threat of physical force.”

I define Politics as the activity through which people make, preserve and amend the general rules under which they live. Politics is linked to the phenomena of conflict and cooperation. This is because in conflict there is competition between opposing forces, reflecting a diversity of opinions, preferences, needs or interest. And cooperation, is the working together, achieving goals through collective action. Despite the existence of rival opinions, different wants, competing needs and opposing interest disagreement about the rules under which people live.  The same individuals recognize that, in order to influence these rules or ensure that they are upheld, they must work with each other despite their differences. (Politics is the cooperation and conflicts between individuals, groups, classes)

Majority of people engage in politics not even knowing the definition of it. In my own observation, I feel that it is only the politicians and elite who knows and practice the true definition of politics coz they normally disagree to agree. What has been happening in the Kenyan news in the recent is example of it. Yet to the common “Mwanainchi” (citizen), they end up creating permanent enemies and rivalry. “Politics” has led to massive increase of tribalism, corruption, poor governance and leadership, uneven distribution of resources among other things. This is because we are ignorant to its definition. We do what we do not knowing its meaning.

In contrary to the local notion that politics is a “pigs” game that anybody involved must be prepared to get “really dirty”. Politics should be a gentle persons games of ideology and principle for the betterment of the nation. 

Africans who didn’t sing the national anthem as a child are more likely to be recruited into violent extremist groups. Those living in the periphery of their country with less access to education and health services are more vulnerable, as are those with less involved parents. Exposure to state violence, not religious ideology, is a…

via African governments, not religion, are pushing their young people into extremism — Quartz

Corruption

It is a worldwide phenomenon because it has long been with the every society of the world. Corruption is a bane of most political and economic problems in societies especially in Africa where it has stagnated development. The various vices that corruption carries along with it are considered an enemy of economic development; therefore, a country that condones corruption is besieged with numerous political, social, and economic vices.

I define the term corruption as an action which deviates from the formal rules of conduct that govern the actions of someone who is in a position of public or private authority. It is the act where a person or society ora nation abuse wealth, power, or status. It is the perversion of state of affairs or integrity through moral depravity or favor.It produces dishonest and defiled situations.

Corruption reflect nepotism, favoritism, tribalism, abuse of office, undue enrichment, amassing of wealth, and derivation of undue gains and benefits. Corruption being a wide concept includes money laundering, drug trafficking, fraud, illegal payments, forgery, false declaration, bribery, and aiding and abetting of any kind among other incidences.

In Africa, corruption has become a social issue impeding change, economic growth, and reduction of poverty. It is endemic since observance of rule of law is overlooked. Corruption in African states mostly emanates from leaders personalizing power and, as a result, people rely on favors and connections instead of formal social, political, and economic rules. Public resources are swindled by government officials who large fortunes of wealth.

Corruption is a conscious and deliberate diversion of resources from the satisfaction of general interest to that of personal interest. The effects of corruption are mainly felt by the ground of morality that is inflicted with all sorts of adverse effects.

Leadership.

Leaders who liberated the African continent were selfless, nationalistic, and visionary. The post -apartheid and other post-colonial leaders can attest to this. Kwame Nkrumah, Mwalimu Julius Kabarage Nyerere, Patrice Lumumba and Gamal Abdul Nasser are some of the post colonial leaders who exuded high sense of nationalism and patriotism in their leadership. These leaders were unlike succeeding generation of leadership who are after accumulation of material things.

The current leaders  are characterized with little or no vision at all. These leaders terrorized, dehumanized, and impoverished their population by looting from their public coffers. These rulers care little about food production, human capacity, or even shelter for the homeless, but instead they invest in military hardware, grandiose projects and lavish lifestyles which is of little relevance to the growth of the economy.

This new generation leadership has brought disunity along ethnic and religious lines largely among the illiterate populace. Moreover, this leadership indulges in plundering people’s resources and also minimizes education which is a vital element in the continent’s growth and development.

Today’s Africa is characterized by weak leadership that is evident in the society. The leadership has failed to steer the society to a common national identity and a sense of public good. It has also failed to lead a society behind objectives which are clear and achievable. Poor leadership, which results from poor leadership policies, contribute to Africa’s slow pace in growth and development. Take for instance the business community. It has lost out on opportunities to be architects of the future due to poor leadership policies. This has led business to treat transformation as a burden to their business instead of looking at it as future investment. Africa’s leadership display inherent weaknesses which have no sense of common good with a considerable number of leaders failing to provide a link between their programs and their actions. This particularly has dragged Africa behind in all sectors.

 

Impacts of Corruption and Poor Leadership.

Corruption, which is a product of poor leadership, has been a cause of concern for Africa since post-colonial times. This owes to the fact that corrupt leaders divert the already limited resources, impedes changes in policies required for development, and undermines progress of the economy. These leaders make African Countries a case study since it represents countries of the world whose development has stagnated due to corrupt practices. Despite numerous reforms, which have been made to streamline Africa, the efforts have not registered results because of domineering hindrance of corruption.

There is no doubt that corruption has taken roots in Africa, and the rate at which it spreads is alarming. This act, which involves the violation of public duty or deviations from high moral standards in anticipation or exchange for personal, pecuniary gains characterize Africa’s leadership.Corruption impacts are felt in the political, economic, and social spheres.

The obvious impact of corruption is deepening poverty among the citizens of a country. It makes it difficult for ordinary people to reap the benefits of their own efforts.  This has also led to Africans falling into poverty, but inequality in income has opened a wide gap between ordinary Africans and African elites. In many African countries, elites are in control of machinery of the state and the falling economy which ensures that their political and economic privileges are protected. Such environments do not open up opportunities for the general populace since it has remarkably few powerful people supporting it.

The effects of this phenomenon increase the rate of unemployment, inflation, decline in output, and lowering people’s living standards. It has a great impact in the social life and values is affected by corruption. The social values dwindle reducing a progressive society to nothing but crazy pursuit of power, society recognition, and wealth affluences. Corruption has eaten deep into the fabric of African society to an extent to which people no longer appreciate admirable virtues such as conduct, morale, and practices. The worst scenario though is the prospect of corruption gaining permanency, therefore, hampering development and desired change.

 

The leadership of Africa ought to institute measures to combat corruption. They should come up with strategies that are specific to a country which renders corruption a high- risk practice and low benefits that accrue to it. We cannot argue that there are no strategies for combating corruption in these countries. In fact, every country has institutions of fighting corruption. However, there is a need to re-establish governmental legitimacy and rebuild institutions which will kill corrupt practices. The case of Liberia, for example, under the leadership of President Johnson provides a window into good and progressive leadership.

Bearing in mind the magnitude of corruption, African countries have to develop new strategies on a constant basis to meet the ever changing challenges presented by corruption. This need to combat or prevent corruption needs a coherent, consistent, long term perspective and a broad-based approach. Moreover, political will, leadership, and public support are essential weapons in anti corruption campaigns. The political leadership ought to be exemplary in combating corruption by setting up stringent measures that sends strong messages to the public that corruption will not be tolerated.

The political will is essential because it ensures that administrative and anti corruption legislation are administered. The governments which oversee the implementation of these measures ought to build public confidence by demonstrating seriousness and working towards achieving results.

The civil society at large including private and public sector must join hands in combating the scourge. Society must also change its attitudes towards corruption.  The public should be made aware of the detrimental effects of corruption and doing so will cut down corruption cases. All stakeholders must be included and participate in drafting anti-corruption strategies. Political will, on the other hand, should strengthen governance in its effort to combat corruption.

Conclusion.

There is no better way of drawing a conclusion than borrowing from Liberia. This is a country that has been in conflict for over a decade leaving its people divided. The conflict stricken country was characterized by ethnic and religious strife, which surfaced constantly. However, it took the committed leadership less time in bringing the country back to its feet. The same case applies to Rwanda under President Paul Kagame. This committed leadership mediates, heal, and reconcile these differences. It also articulates and formulates a vision that is based upon equal opportunity, equity, and choice in pursuit of a growth and development that is balanced. The case of Liberia teaches the rest of African countries the value of leadership that is committed to providing inspiration and motivation for stakeholders to take part in the programs and policies that oversee the implementation of the national vision. The government of Liberia is committed towards giving an example of that translates into realization of its goals. Every African country should not hesitate in following in the footsteps of countries such as Liberia and Rwanda.