belinenyangi'sdiscussion#oursociety#

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.

It is on a Friday afternoon.  I am meeting up with one of my best friends for a lunch date. It has been a while since we met. We have a lot to share… all that is happening around us.  But today we decided to concentrate on the role of women in the society. What the society expect of us.

It all starts by discussing on the freedoms that men enjoy compared to women… Don’t we all know them? Women do not have freedom, instead they have expectations. Expectations that have been set by our society. For instance, a woman is expected to be always well dressed and sexy. Everything about the she gender is questioned.

I am that kind of a person who believe I can perform any kind of role or activity, all  that I need  is to learn how to do it. And with this kind of personality I am viewed as a feminist. A couple of months ago, my… called me a feminist, for the reason that I was  trying to be productive. It is unfortunate that up to date men are not comfortable with women pursuing their education and career. They feel like a woman’s role is in the home. This is something that I will never agree too. I was surprised when my ex… was telling me to forgo my degree,yet this is my life. NEVER. “Your EDUCATION IS MY PERMANENT HUSBAND”. As was said to us back in high school. I believe on this statement.

I was actually surprised that ‘he’ could say I am competing with him, just because I insisted on going to work, contrary to his wishes. Even if the pay is less, that is not the only reason people work. There is a lot more to gain than money. We gain experiences in work place, and we learn through it, We network, we discover ourselves, what we are good at and what we are not, the list is just endless.

Women are not allowed to voice their opinion. When you fight for a women rights you are synonymous viewed as hating. It is not practical to me, that a couple are both in the house yet the ‘she’ is expected to do all the house chores; from cleaning, cook, washing dishes and taking care of the kids yet the ‘he’ is comfortably watching TV  and expect food to be brought to him on the table. I know, this is a statement that majority will not agree on. But  Hey! How about we help each other in all these house chores. We will have saved a lot of time and done something constructive afterwards.

Why does it look like that women are slaves! In a case where ‘both’ are working, does all the finances that they earn goes to development of their home? Why is it that after all the hustle, she is the one to come do the house duties alone yet he is there doing nothing constructive!

I know, my expression are seen as too strong, too aggressive, isolating, anti-men and unattractive.

I believe that women should be involved in making social decisions and policies. They should be given the same respect as men. They should be given equal opportunities to pursue their education and career. They should  be given the freedom to be themselves.

Today, father’s role as a parent are being valued less by society, yet both their presence is needed by a child. Men suffer from mental illness but they can not share, because they will look less of men. Our men  are imprisoned by gender stereotype. When they are free, is when things will change for women as a natural consequence. When men do not have to be aggressive in order to be accepted,  women will not feel compelled to be submissive. If men do not have to control, women will not be controlled.

We should all be sensitive strong. Gender should be perceived as a spectrum, instead of a two sides opposing ideals. Both the ‘two’ should  stop defining each other by what we are not and start defining each other by who we are.

FEMINISM is  the belief that women and men should have equal rights and opportunities. It is the theory of the political, economic and social equality of the sexes.

I have decided to be a humanizing force, to change broken systems that I find. to make someone life become more just. Join  me in the act, to make our society a better place. For me and for you and the generation to come.

Says Beline Nyangi

We have made our continent to be a mock by other nations. Majority of how African think and act is just a turn off. So I think. I can not bear some of the African culture and practices, they sounds so impractical. How do people even act that way yet they claim to be learned?

Tribalism, corruption, gender discrimination, nepotism are some of the ill practices that we carryout daily yet we know it is wrong. It is not a matter of competence but a matter of those pathetic words I have listed above. Ironical.

These practices will not bring the changes that we desire to have. Instead our current situation will worsen. Unfortunately, if it continues, this is what we will pass to the next generation.

But why should we do that? Yet we know all that is expected of us. We need to get up and dust-off ourselves and do it all the right way.

It is high time for us African  to generate solutions to our own problem. We understand our continent better than foreigners. We should act as independent as we claim to be. We should say no to importation of solution for Africa. All that we lack is good governance. Poor governance leads to insecurity, conflicts, underdevelopment among others. It is high time that we concentrate on home growth research, it is a key contribution to resolve the difficulties that we are currently confronting in our society. Africa is in need of stability.  It is only through stability that we will achieve prosperity.

Africa is the second largest continent on earth and it has immense resources, from minerals like gold, diamond and copper; oil, fertile land for agriculture; rivers, lakes and ocean e.t.c But why are we poor? yet we have all that potential. We are in this state because of poor governance.

Did you know that during the period where African were attaining their independence, several African countries like Ghana, Egypt had higher income per capita than China, India and Singapore.  And yet the current state of the above nations is that they are competing with the west. In fact India is even perceived as a threat to the US super power status. It is doing that awesome. You can not compare it to the current state of African nations.

NOTE.Not any amount of aid is going to move African forward. But good governance is the only thing that will. The way we manage our economy, our social life, our legal structures and institutions, that is the basis for development.

We cannot rely on people to come and feed our people or treat our sick. This the responsibility of our government. There is no compromise to this. It is high time we need to pay much attention in what they have delivered, not the wonderful speeches they give and the PR that they show on social media. With this in action, we are able to give scorecard.

We need leaders who can make right choices for our nation, know what to prioritize in terms of the needs of the society, and a leader who can take risk just as what we have seen with the current Tanzania president John Magufuli.

We need leaders who are able translate African wealth of resources into improved quality of life for its citizens, in an equitable and sustainable way. Government should ensure that our GDP growth is matched by employment gains. Human Rights cases should be next to nil.  And this is what I describe as sound leadership and governance.

We need to come up with a business plan just as what we do in school. This strategy should be built on an inclusive visions which assesses and priorities challenges, makes the best of human, natural and financial resources and closely monitors results in order to ensure efficient and tangible implementation.

African needs leaders that understand that they are running their country for the benefit of every single citizen. We need an enlightened and dedicated sort of leadership.

Before I conclude, African countries need each other. We really need to open up our borders, in order to have free movements goods, people and capital across our borders. We should have free trade areas across Africa. We should have a universal African visa that can allow free movement of people and goods across our continent.

Transparency is always key in any relationship. So is it a key to the success of African leadership and governance. It  is only through this that we are able to account for our success and failures. That we are able to correct our problems.

Africa is not poor. Africa is a rich continent inhabited by poor people. Once we fix the people problem, everything will fall into place.

                                            Hello readers, it has been quite some time since my last post.                                               My apologies. Trying to write and doing my personal                                                              business is actually a bit challenging, but a must do                                                                load. I will try and improve on that.

I actually promised to write on globalization… but just on a second thought, it is basically our secondary needs. We better, No! I better discuss the basic needs that our community needs. What determines a strong house is its foundation. Yes, that is what I will concentrate on. The foundation.

The basic things that affect the third world are poverty, ethnicity/tribalism, corruption, gender equality, un-employment, sub-standard education, insecurity, violence, poor health care, land and property rights, poor governance and leadership, environment; how can we lack all these, and expect to do well In the International system. That is unrealistic. Indeed, Success begins from within to without.

We can rub our failure to the Berlin Conference 1884, that led to the partition of Africa. I do not disagree that it contributed to our problems, however it is long overdue. Don’t you think so? Rather than being trapped in a paradigm of blame and entitlement, it is up to Africans to shift the way we think about issues and find a way out of these crises.

It is prudent to use victors as reference, that is where you will be able to set your pace. U.S is a diversified population, filled with people from different cultural background, ethnic groups, different races, traditions, religions… name them. Yet it is the super power. With all the differences among its people, it still the best Internationally.

We need to have our own vision not vision made to us by the ‘West’ under the Umbrella of United Nation, International Monetary Funds and World Bank. We need to identify our own problem and make our own vision and mission. Not to let “others” do it for us. No one can do it for anyone. Borrowing from my Bible, in Proverbs 29:18 It states ‘Where there is no vision, people perish.’

Self-confidence and self-respect; this is what unjust past helped destroy. And this is what my society needs to foster. From this, much more will flow. Only with mutual respect will we be able to begin a fruitful National dialogue.

Poverty

According to my word web, it explains poor as being impoverished, indigent, needy, under-privileged, miserable, destitute, wretched. When you talk about poverty, what comes in our mind? Hunger, poor health care, poor education… poor living condition. Half of Kenyan population are living in less than US$2 a day. Poverty is exposing our people to greater personal and environmental health risks, they are less well nourished, have less information and are less able to access health care; hence have higher risks of illness and disability. This is because of their incapability of not being able to meet their ‘basic needs”.

Poverty has led to increase in Human Trafficking and slave trade, violence, sexual immorality which leads to high increase of HIV & AIDS just for people to be able to meet their basic needs.

In our society, the poor are also typically marginalized and have little representation or voice in public and private debates. That means their voices or needs are never being addressed hence it’s harder to escape poverty. Ironically, this is not the case with the rich. Of course the wealthier will benefit from economic or political policies. For instance, The Kenyan Brook side Industry its expansion in Nigeria in the name of MNCs. I wonder.

The structural adjustment plans prescribed by the IMF and World Bank is a key cause of poverty. The debt crises that we suffer from is because of its condition for loans and repayment.

Under the notion of globalization, my country has opened up its economies to compete with each other and with more established industrialized nations like China, Japan. However, the reality is that, for it to attract investment, it has entered a spiraling race to the bottom in order to see who can provide lower standards, reduced wages and cheaper resources. This has actually increased poverty and inequality. Which maintains the historic unequal rule trade. It is evident in what is going on between China and Africa and the Umbrella of ‘South-South relations’ which is not even factual in the first place. They are not in the same status.

As a country, we should work towards reducing the gap between the rich and the poor. This can be done through ensuring there is each and every individual has responsibility to perform, there is good and functional government policy, lack of exploitation by people and businesses with power and influence. Peaceful coexistence which can be achieved through enlighten and educating people to behave in more divine manner.

We need to accept and practice the truth. Success only begin from you as a person. By being a good time keeper, putting effort, having work ethic. Energy, right attitude, passion, being coach-able, being prepared and doing extra. Is what every single person needs to develop. When we all take responsibility definitely our country status will also adjust accordingly.

          When there is no enemy within, the enemies outside cannot hurt you.

Unemployment

There should be a national strategy on Entrepreneurship. Small and Micro Enterprises are hindered by lack of capital, limited market access, poor infrastructure, inadequate knowledge and skills and unfavorable laws and regulations. Its high time as a nation that we should put measures in place to correct the situation.

I believe that the rural areas have great potential that we have actually neglected. It has a lot of potential. Abundant agricultural land; fishing from the lakes. oceans and rivers; water sports, tourism sector (from wildlife, natural features, cultural activities), minerals (e.g. oil in Turkana, Lead in Coastal region), Solar Energy in North Eastern, Livestock, Wind in Turkana and Ngong hills, irrigation system in Kamba for its rich fertile land, Forest in Western region among others. It is high time that we should put much emphasis and focus to the rural areas. With this in place we will create employment opportunities to our people.

Poor and governance, Corruption and Tribalism leadership

The three are always interrelated. When there is poor governance and leadership massive corruption and tribalism is inevitable. These three elements are ailing our country. They undermine states legitimacy and service delivery.

Corruption distorts market competition, increases the cost of doing business, and decreases the ease of conducting business.

We need all actors involved in order to stop the above madness. This is from the head of state to the normal ‘Mwanainchi’. Institutions of moral formation should be strengthened. We should have a strong family life; functional schools with teachers as some moral examples; religious communities that reinforce commitment to truth and honesty; and a work places that embody values.

There MUST be a political WILL for the THREE to end. It starts at the top. Without political will the fight against our current status remains empty slogans that only breed cynicism. Ethics are driven from above and therefore succeeds or falls with those in leadership positions.

Nothing will change until enough individuals confidently stand up for themselves and claim their own rights. In the end, such beliefs can only come from within.

Indeed, it’s our key responsibility to have aspiration and determination to work towards restoration of our country to the path of sustainable peace and prosperity.

 

(Education, Gender equality. Insecurity and violence, Poor health care, land and property rights, Environment and Climate change).  I will discuss the above in my next writing.

‘You live in your own world, come back to reality’ my friend Ernest often tells me that during our regular conversations.

 

Yes, “My World”. It is defined by peace, economic growth, good leadership and National security. Not a society distinct by corruption, negative ethnicity/tribalism, racism, religion rivalry… name them. People are selfless and not selfish.

 

Can that society exist?

 

I refuse to join the “status quo”. Borrowing from my religious doctrine (all religion teachings), it promises us of the world. It prepares us and teaches us on how to make that society a reality. The Ten Commandments in the Bible, Uislamu in the Quran… Hinduism, Buddhism… etc

 

The famous Greek Mathematician Archimedes once said “Give me a lever long enough and a fulcrum on which to place it, and I shall move the world”. The basic principle of a lever is that as the length of a lever increases, the effort needed to be exerted to accomplish a task decreases. This fundamental law can also apply to life. World levers are experiences and opportunities that motivates me to succeed “my creation world”. Fulfilling myself with passion and values is to build and place a strong stable fulcrum. This is the same vision with which I view my world. With passion for my community and values, it will be a reality.

 

It is my and your responsibility to demands results from our elected leaders, and also to elect the right leaders. All elected officials to be accountable to ‘we the people’ who elect them. We should demand from our government the high level of performance that the private sector entrepreneurs and workers achieve every day. We can no longer afford failure.

 

In the society that works, 70%-90% percent of customer want something, they get it. In the world that fails, if the same percentage wants something, the bureaucracy continues to do what’s best for itself, not the majority of their people. And yet the same government is entrusted with awesome responsibilities of defending our country, preventing terrorism, winning in the global economy, responding to natural disasters, ensuring social security benefits, educating our children and protecting our Environment.

 

Our current system of government is on a course of decay, decline and disaster. The system that has refuse to deliver the change we need. But we the people can force real change, and our grandchildren deserve. Our very own survival depends on that change.

It is actually the right time to become leaders in our neighborhoods, our civic groups, in every aspects of our lives, where can help drive the demand for change.

Facebook is building a team of young executives to win digital advertising dollars from small and medium sized businesses across Africa’s major markets. Since opening its first African office in Johannesburg in 2015, the social media site has been mute about opening offices in other key markets such as Nigeria or Kenya that would deepen…

via Facebook is targeting ad dollars from small businesses in Africa — Quartz

​Twenty-five years ago, a dear friend in America heard about the travails I was going through in Zimbabwe in my efforts to get an operating license for my mobile business. He was a senior director of one of the largest companies in America. He wanted to see how he could help me.

“I have been speaking to some very influential friends of mine about you,” he began to tell me when we met a few months later.

“I think you have the potential to become a remarkable businessman. So, here is my suggestion: Give up the pursuit of a mobile business and come into something like McDonald’s. I have spoken to people there, and they will give you a franchise for any African country of your choice. You are just what they need. They will train you and give you capital.”

He then explained to me how this remarkable organization worked. He gave me a pile of books on them, which I read that weekend. I was in absolute awe of them, and I knew this opportunity could change my life forever. With passion and their organizational acumen and support, it would make me a very, very rich man.

A few days later, I called my friend and declined the opportunity. With barely enough money to feed my children, and not knowing what would happen next, I headed back to my beloved country to continue my fight.

Fast forward:

Twenty-five years later, I ran into my old friend, now retired from his job. He looked me in the eye, with glistening tears: “I have followed your career with such pride. You achieved everything I thought you could. And you did it on your terms. Don’t stop.”

That was a hard, hard decision for me to take. Let me tell you this, “As long as you live in time and space,” you will not be spared the need to make decisions like this one. You will not be spared some tough, tough situations. You will not be spared setbacks, and even bitter disappointments, at times.

I had a vision of what I wanted to do, and I was not going to be distracted from that vision, even by what seemed to be better opportunities.

Pause:

“The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

I did not have a vision to make a lot of money; I had a vision to transform telecommunicati

ons in Africa. On my desk, I had a mission statement which said, “Our mission is to take telecommunications to all the peoples of Africa.”

If my mission had been to make money, I would have accepted a franchise from one of the best companies in the world.

A vision is not a vision if you aren’t prepared to pay a price to make it happen. Making money is not a vision, and neither can it be a mission.

Today I have another vision, and you are in it!

Stay with me, we have work to do together. It has only just begun…