Parliament with a big ego a disgrace
Updated 3 hr(s) 8 min(s) ago
By Edward Kisiang’ani
Over the past few months, Parliament has attracted public attention for wrong reasons. On one hand, the principle of separation of powers in Government authorises the Legislature to make good laws, the Executive to implement the laws and the Judiciary to interpret the statues and resolve conflicts. The Press, on the other hand, is entrusted with the responsibility of reporting the activities of the Legislature, the Executive and the Judiciary. Consequently, modern government consists of four branches — the Legislature, the Executive the Judiciary and the Press. In a functioning democracy, each of these divisions performs their duties by providing the necessary checks and balances that are crucial to the smooth running of government.
But Kenya’s experience is rather interesting. As the legislative of branch of Government, Parliament has not only failed to make good laws but also became increasingly paranoid in its operations. Evidently, the institution of Parliament is under siege because short memory, vengeance, greed and recklessness are increasingly overwhelming its members. Kenyans might have a reason in thinking that the reform agenda we wish to undertake shortly could be derailed by this unpredictable Parliament. Much of the business, which is now being conducted in the National Assembly, is likely to threaten our democratic values and our desired development.
When the Waki Report on post-election violence was released, MPs made fruitless attempts to dismiss it. This was despite the fact that the report had come up with useful findings and recommendations that would, if implemented, secure the country’s future. Although something is now being done about the report, it is obvious that if MPs had their way, no efforts would ever be made to address the post-election chaos.
Taxes
The next issue over which Parliament performed sorrowfully concerns the payment of taxes. Recently, legislators refused to pass a law authorising the taxation of their allowances. Yet salaries for MPs and civil servants are raised from tax money. Given the country’s dehumanising poverty levels, we need every coin of tax money to improve the peoples’ living standards.
A few weeks ago, the Kenya Anti Corruption Commission (Kacc) went to court to petition two former and two current MPs to refund to the Exchequer money they had allegedly obtained through false claims. Information and Communication Minister Samuel Poghisio as well as Defence Assistant Minister David Musila were implicated. It is amazing that despite facing corruption charges, the two have chosen to remain in Government. On its part, Parliament has failed to demand the resignation of the affected ministers.
Soon after the Press featured Poghisio’s problems with Kacc, the Minister asked the House to enact the Kenya Communications (Amendment) Bill, 2008. The Bill, which empowers the Minister for Internal Security to disable and dismantle broadcasting equipment , gives the Executive express powers to censor the flow of information to the public and to access private mail. Although this Bill was evidently outrageous and primitive, Parliament ignored public opinion and went ahead to pass it. The spectre of arrogance and intolerance, which has recently informed parliamentary proceedings, is unacceptable to the citizens of this republic.
There is little doubt that the media played a crucial role in Kenya’s struggle against colonial rule by educating the public about the unfair practices of the imperial regime. Without the input of the Press, the abuse of power witnessed under the Kenyatta and Moi administrations would have been worse. It is important to note that it has never been the objective of our national media to only highlight the negative things about our country. In addition to reporting our achievements, media has also helped most politicians to build their careers.
Axis of evil
In Parliament, the conservative spirit of retrogression is exemplified by a number of personalities. Around them, an axis of evil has been established to subvert democracy by undermining the country’s efforts to dispense with archaic political practices. Medical Services Assistant Minister Danson Mungatana epitomises parliamentary recklessness and improbity.
He has a high propensity for supporting wrong things. At the peak of election rigging last year, Mungatana stuck out his neck when he openly intimidated ECK officials into declaring Mwai Kibaki the winner of the polls. The Garsen MP has never responded to the fact that ECK Chairman Samuel Kivuitu, did not, himself, know the winner of the elections. Given that Mungatana’s party — Narc-Kenya — is currently campaigning to take power in 2012, the pain Kenyans would go through under regime, supposing the inevitable happens, can only be imagined.
Musila, the man who declared in Parliament he had no apologies to make for supporting the passing of the obnoxious Media Bill, has a history. He is a former Provincial Commissioner in the Moi administration. Besides the fact that Musila has no reform credentials, he was part of an intolerant system, which constricted Kenya’s democratic space in the 1980s and 1990s.
Press freedom
He knows how incompetent leaders benefit from an environment in which press freedom is emasculated. I am thus not surprised that the manifesto of ODM-Kenya, Musila’s party, has no clear provision for press freedom. The possibility of having an ODM-Kenya government in which Musila is a Minister for Information or Internal Security petrifies me.
Like Musila, Poghisio is not only a member of ODM-Kenya but also part of the clique threatening to engulf the entire Parliament. In line with his party manifesto, Poghisio does not believe in press freedom. With a burning ambition to become president, the Minister must be the real architect of the ODM-Kenya manifesto that has no space for media freedom. Hopefully, Kenyans will not make a mistake of assisting Poghisio to realise his dreams of heading a repressive regime.
Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta was furious that his boss Raila Odinga had undertaken to support press freedom in Parliament. The contributions of Uhuru confirmed the fears of most people that given his Kanu background, the man would never make a good president.
Although, Mungatana, Musila, Poghisio and Uhuru have been vocal in supporting bad legislation, there are many other MPs who are part of this conspiracy. Reactionary leadership in Parliament cuts across party lines. It is instructive to note that despite having a parliamentary majority, the ODM party was unable to put adequate members on the floor of the House to support Raila’s move to defend press freedom. This demonstrates that regardless of which parliamentary party one is looking at, Kenya’s National Assembly has very few reformers.
I have been persuaded several times that the only way we could effectively check abuse of power by the Executive is to embrace the parliamentary system of government. But given the current behaviour of Parliament, I am being tempted to revise my position.
Unless we tread carefully, we might embrace a parliamentary system that is more undemocratic, more dictatorial, more insensitive and more arrogant than the perennially despised presidential model. To restore public confidence in them, parliamentarians must change their ways. Merry Christmas!
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Have a Merry Christmas
Long ago in Bethlehem a king was born. He was born in the most unexpected place, a small insignificant town. The first people to see him were the shepherds, the unexpected low class people. God deliberately decided to do extraordinary things through ordinary people and place. It could have been unfair for the angels to wake up the kings and the rich to tell them about the birth, leaving the poor lowly shepherds who were awake watching the sheep.
Maybe your status in the society is like that of Bethlehem. You are insignificant in the eyes of people. You get feedback from other people on how insignificant you and your family are. When Nathaniel heard about Jesus Christ of Nazareth, he asked whether anything good could come out of Nazareth. But the fact is that the small tiny town of Bethlehem had made history.
It does not matter where you come from or what you have been through in life or what other people say or think about you. It doesn’t matter whether you come from the smallest tribe in the world. You can’t really change any of that, but you have power to change your destiny.
You have the potential to accomplish great things in life. God had a big plan for Bethlehem and when it was accomplished, everybody was astonished. Likewise, God has a big plan for you, a plan for good but not for evil. However, it is your responsibility to find out what the plan is.
Don’t give up
Once you know it, pursue it, keep the focus and don’t give up even when the going gets tough. At the end of the dark tunnel there is some light. God can be your light and your salvation, your refuge and strength, your shield and defence. He can set your feet on a higher rock. Strive to be a leader not a follower. Aim at the moon and think big.
The three wise men from the East travelled a great distance to see baby Jesus in Bethlehem. A star guided them. When they got closer, they went to King Herod’s palace to enquire about the location of the birth of Christ.
It is important to note that even as they went seeking direction from the palace, the guiding star was still waiting to guide them to their destiny. When they were done with the king, the star carefully guided them to the very place where the saviour was born. However, immediately they left, King Herod started making plans to kill baby Jesus. At some point, Mary, Joseph and the baby had to run away to Egypt to seek refuge. Sometimes, you have to change your location to avoid dream killers or downers. As you pursue your dreams, try to consult with the right people who have your best interest at heart. Some people can kill or hijack your dream. Look for positive mentors who will not misguide you. Keep your eyes on God, who is the author and finisher of your life, he is your guiding star.
To celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and to demonstrate their adoration, the wise men brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. This was an outward sign of affection. Christmas is a time of giving and receiving presents. There is joy in giving than in receiving. You don’t have to have much to be a giver. Remember those who are more unfortunate than you. Some people will not have any food this Christmas. Some will be on the city streets begging for food, others will be confined in hospitals or prisons.
Christmas cards
There are those who will be lonely in their homes with no one to share the joy of Christmas with. Do something positive to make a difference in somebody’s life — even a Christmas card with an encouraging message can be helpful. Write the word Christmas in full and avoid writing "Xmas", because this means celebrations without Christ.
During Christmas time, some people abuse alcohol and other drugs more than any other time of the year. As a result, there are more accidents, fights, and conflicts. Try not to put your life or anybody else’s life in danger this Christmas. Think about the consequences of your behaviour. Look before you leap. Take care and have a wonderful Christmas.
Maybe your status in the society is like that of Bethlehem. You are insignificant in the eyes of people. You get feedback from other people on how insignificant you and your family are. When Nathaniel heard about Jesus Christ of Nazareth, he asked whether anything good could come out of Nazareth. But the fact is that the small tiny town of Bethlehem had made history.
It does not matter where you come from or what you have been through in life or what other people say or think about you. It doesn’t matter whether you come from the smallest tribe in the world. You can’t really change any of that, but you have power to change your destiny.
You have the potential to accomplish great things in life. God had a big plan for Bethlehem and when it was accomplished, everybody was astonished. Likewise, God has a big plan for you, a plan for good but not for evil. However, it is your responsibility to find out what the plan is.
Don’t give up
Once you know it, pursue it, keep the focus and don’t give up even when the going gets tough. At the end of the dark tunnel there is some light. God can be your light and your salvation, your refuge and strength, your shield and defence. He can set your feet on a higher rock. Strive to be a leader not a follower. Aim at the moon and think big.
The three wise men from the East travelled a great distance to see baby Jesus in Bethlehem. A star guided them. When they got closer, they went to King Herod’s palace to enquire about the location of the birth of Christ.
It is important to note that even as they went seeking direction from the palace, the guiding star was still waiting to guide them to their destiny. When they were done with the king, the star carefully guided them to the very place where the saviour was born. However, immediately they left, King Herod started making plans to kill baby Jesus. At some point, Mary, Joseph and the baby had to run away to Egypt to seek refuge. Sometimes, you have to change your location to avoid dream killers or downers. As you pursue your dreams, try to consult with the right people who have your best interest at heart. Some people can kill or hijack your dream. Look for positive mentors who will not misguide you. Keep your eyes on God, who is the author and finisher of your life, he is your guiding star.
To celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and to demonstrate their adoration, the wise men brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. This was an outward sign of affection. Christmas is a time of giving and receiving presents. There is joy in giving than in receiving. You don’t have to have much to be a giver. Remember those who are more unfortunate than you. Some people will not have any food this Christmas. Some will be on the city streets begging for food, others will be confined in hospitals or prisons.
Christmas cards
There are those who will be lonely in their homes with no one to share the joy of Christmas with. Do something positive to make a difference in somebody’s life — even a Christmas card with an encouraging message can be helpful. Write the word Christmas in full and avoid writing "Xmas", because this means celebrations without Christ.
During Christmas time, some people abuse alcohol and other drugs more than any other time of the year. As a result, there are more accidents, fights, and conflicts. Try not to put your life or anybody else’s life in danger this Christmas. Think about the consequences of your behaviour. Look before you leap. Take care and have a wonderful Christmas.
Beyond Compliance
Kenya's past Rulership was infested with jiggers, generated from infectious
seed of tribal corruption that which became chronic within some politicians. These
politicians developed a Touch Me Not Immuned Syndrome and so they assumed
that Kenyans will continue to make a political endless "Sing Song" without remedial.
Donor funds have been mismanaged and misappropriated for unscrupulous political
and personal projects. Public Properties have been managed and sold as private and
personal effects and Citizens Security compromised. The public needs to know and be
empowered to take necessary action against their Economic Development biggest enemy.
The enshrined innuendos of great divide, compeled a framework for National
Action embodied in Grand Coalition Government expected TO SAVE KENYA FROM CORRUPT RULERSHIP AND MISMANAGEMENTS FROM UNCARING and selfish POLITICIANS. The misappropriation of public funds, diverting social policy by omission or commission and the engagement of corrupt Public Officials who encourages corrupt dealings must be censored because they stand to face serious legal offence charges requiring prosecution by law.
Those proved to have stolen or embezzled Public Money must face consequences that go along way jurisprudence measures squarely. A process which will curtail, expose and highlight corruption as an actpunishable by law. A sounding warning to those relying on cushioning graft and whose aim is to stay and remain in power at the cost of tax-payers money will now be forced to change tactics by providing Leadership Program of Challenges and Opportunities.
This is because these actions create a situation of loss of livelihood and social
displacements where it distortes markets for Citizens, discourages Foreign Direct
Investors in greater volume and expands poverty into deeper pit.
The Grand Coalition Government must therefore be taken to task so that they
should complete the Constitution within one year. In the event of not doing that,
they will be denying Kenyan Nationals Rights to live responsibly. The Grand
Coalition Government should deliver to Civil Society a genuine and non-partisan
information package for constitutional reform for good governance and the
provision for transparency mechanism that guard against corruption
and graft.
Kenyans have been treated to titanic demonic Rule of fear and intimidations.
Twist and turns and casualties of tribal and ethnic cleansings. Massacres of
never ending tribal ethnicity, animosity and hostility in countryside uprisings.
Notable continuous blatant killings and mayhems is everywhere in the country.
These scenarios are characterized with crafty schemes of swaying and
manipulative of ideas; schemes after schemes by the interested parties a case
that requires to be put to end. There is too much power in the Constitution
windows that provided for lopsy Government effectiveness, which also
provides for too much immunity to the Presidency as is the current constitution.
Lastly, a fair comprehensive Civic Education is therefore extremely important
starting from the grass-roots. These should be carried out by the NGOs
Faith Based (Churches & other Religious Organizations) and other
Corporates and Non-Governmental Agencies.
Let us therefore together condemn the injustices and nail this Titanic
Demon that has ripped off the Kenya fabric of survival by bringing
culprits to book, in the event, we can lookforward to Good Governance
for value which is beyond compliance.
Sincerely,
Judy Miriga
USA
Exhibit A
Commonwealth warns countries on breaking law
Definition of Governance, Good Governance and a Proposed Framework for Good GovernanceGovernance is the exercise of political, economic and administrative authority to manage a nation's affairs. It is the complex mechanisms, processes, relationships and institutions through which citizens and groups articulate their interests, exercise their rights and obligations and mediate their differences. Governance encompasses every institutions and organization in the society, from the family to the state and embraces all methods - good and bad - that societies use to distribute power and manage public resources and problems. Good governance is therefore a subset of governance, wherein public resources and problems are managed effectively, efficiently and in response to critical needs of society. Effective democratic forms of governance rely on public participation, accountability and transparency
Its aim is to help promote collaborations between NGOs throughout the world, so that together we can more effectively partner with the United Nations and each other to create a more peaceful, just, equitable and sustainable world for this and future generations.
A broad conceptual framework for good governance, whether in political or economic decision-making includes six components:1. Leaders/Decision makersSince women often lack access to the traditional sources of knowledge, capacity-building and experience (mentoring) that generate men leaders, leadership training is especially important for women. This is especially the case in relation to economic decision-making, where women tend to believe -sometimes mistakenly - that male leaders are better equipped with technical understanding of the relevant issues. 2. Constituencies: Active and empowered constituencies must be aware of and able to exercise their basic human rights, as well as sufficiently informed about issues and supported by access to relevant information in order to develop a clear agenda.3. An Agenda: Women's leadership has sometimes been unfocused and support from the constituency lacking because of the lack of an agreed agenda on which both can focus. This is a particular gap for economic governance, where both women leaders and the women's constituency often feel that they lack technical understanding of the issues.4. Institutions: The institutions of governance must be generally open to public scrutiny and subject to accountability through a democratic political system.5. Information:"Good" decisions can only be made if both decision makers and their constituencies have access and are able to make appropriate use of "good" information.6. Accountability Processes:Institutionalized monitoring and accountability mechanisms enable constituencies to hold their leaders and Government to account.From another point of View: UNDP work on GovernanceGovernance can be seen as the exercise of economic, political and administrative authority to manage a country's affairs at all levels. It comprises the mechanisms, processes and institutions through which citizens and groups articulate their interests, exercise their legal rights, meet their obligations and mediate their differences.Good governance is, among other things, participatory, transparent and accountable. It is also effective and equitable, and promotes the rule of law fairly. Good governance ensures that the voices of the poorest and the most vulnerable are heard in decision-making over the allocation of development resources, and that political, social and economic priorities are based on broad consensus among the three stakeholders the state, private sector and civil society. All three stakeholders are critical for sustaininghuman development: the state creates a conducive political and legal environment; theprivate sector generates jobs and income; and civil society facilitates political and social interaction. With the advent of globalization and the integration of economies, the state's task is also to find a balance between taking advantage of emerging market opportunities and providing a secure and stable social and economic environment domestically. UNDP identifies nine core characteristics covering eight key urban issues which measure good governance.Core characteristics of good governance 1) ParticipationAll men and women should have a voice in decision-making, either directly or through legitimate intermediate institutions that represent their interests. Such broad participation is built on freedom of association and speech, as well as capacities to participate constructively2) Rule of law Legal frameworks should be fair and enforced impartially, particularly the laws onhuman rights3) Transparency Transparency is built on the free flow of information. Processes, institutions and information are directly accessible to those concerned with them, and enough information is provided to understand and monitor them 4) ResponsivenessInstitutions and processes try to serve all stakeholders5) Consensus orientation Good governance mediates differing interests to reach a broad consensus on what is in the best interest of the group and, where possible, on policies and procedures 6) EquityAll men and women have opportunities to improve or maintain their well-being 7) Effectiveness and efficiency Processes and institutions produce results that meet needs while making the best use of resources8) Accountability Decision- makers in government, the private sector and civil society organisations are accountable to the public, as well as to institutional stakeholders. This accountability differs depending on the organisation and whether the decision is internal or external to an organization 9) Strategic visionLeaders and the public have a broad and long-term perspective on good governance and human development, along with a sense of what is needed for such development. There is also an understanding of the historical, cultural and social complexities in which that perspective is groundedEngendering Economic GovernanceDecision-makersEconomic decision-makers must be aware of the need for, and have the technical capacity to incorporate, a gender perspective into policy and programme analysis. The National Women's Machinery and women in politics must be able to participate effectively in dialogues and debates on economic policy.Active and empowered constituencies must be created and strengthened among women (and men) to advocate and demand accountability from government and political leaders at the national and international levels for the impact of macroeconomic policy on women.In a globalized world, linkages need to be built and/or strengthened between national and regional NGOs working on women in politics, women in media and women's human rights and those working on women and trade and women and macroeconomic policy issuesThe women's economic agenda must be generally understood by leaders and constituencies. Other actors, particularly key government economic agencies and international economic institutions, must also understand and accept the general validity of the conceptual basis of the women's economic agenda.The institutions of economic governance must be engendered through advocacy and their active involvement in capacity building under the programAppropriate data - sex-disaggregated data and gender statistics on the differential impact of macroeconomic policies on women and men, particularly in agriculture, especially unpaid farm work and within the informal sector, especially home-based work, sub-contracted homework and street vending. It should also include data on women's and men's differential contributions to the care economy through domestic work, childcare, family care and community activities.Exhibit B
Rich-poor divide a threat to economic growth
Published on 11/07/2008
By Benson Kathuri
The widening gap between the rich and the poor is a threat to the realisation of Vision 2030 economic strategy, the World Bank has said.
The Bank, which has supported economic development for decades, warns that unless the issue is addressed urgently, the seven per cent economic growth rate recorded last year was unsustainable.
It says inequality has risen in the last decade and was hampering poverty reduction efforts, especially in western Kenya and the Rift Valley.
A report launched by the Bank in Nairobi on Wednesday showed that 17 million people live below the poverty line and often sleep hungry.
"Despite the economic recovery, the economy is not yet at a stage of development where higher or even recently achieved growth rates — around six per cent per year can be safely assumed," said the report.
"Serious bottlenecks to investment, and thus to growth, continue. The Government has not managed to make a major dent in the problem of corruption," it said.
Last year, the economy recorded seven per cent growth, but is projected to grow by 4.5 per cent this year due to the impact of the post-election violence that rocked the country early this year.
Youth are unemployed
World Bank acting country director, Mr Sanjivi Rajasingham, said the Government must address the growing inequality that poses a serious threat to economic development. "Such imbalances create tensions and conflicts and derail development," he said during the launch of report, Kenya: Accelerating and Sustaining Inclusive Growth.
"Kenya’s experience underlines that economic growth is not sustainable if there are serious inequalities."
low earnings
The Bank said 72 per cent of the youth are unemployed, while 60 per cent of those employed, especially in the informal and agricultural sector, are working poor due to low earnings.
The Bank said the Government must maintain a stable business environment and ensure that the Grand Coalition Government remained intact in order to reduce political risk.
"The sources of political risk or instability are many. These include uncertainty over the course of future policy, corruption and the importance of political connections to do business," said the report.
Rajasingham said the Bank would use the report to develop the country assistance strategy that will guide its participation in the implementation of Vision 2030.
On Wednesday the Bank said the country needs to lower political risk, maintain macro-economic stability, reduce business costs and export more to rich nations if it is to achieve high economic growth.
The Sh2.393 trillion economy targets annual growth of 10 per cent in the next five years in order to meet its goal of being a newly-industrialised country by 2030.
Exhibit C
Meeting Millenium Development Goals
By Purity Kago
KENYA is one of four pilot African countries chosen
undertake a comprehensive assessment of the cou
level needs for achieving the Millennium Developme
Goals (MDGs) recently launched.
The government hopes to eradicate extreme pover
hunger, achieve universal primary education, prom
gender equality and empower women, reduce child
mortality, improve maternal health, combat HIV/AI
malaria and other diseases, ensure environmental
sustainability and develop a Global partnership for
Development.
The report makes an assessment of Kenya’s perfor
in relation to each of the eight MDGs, identifies whe
problems are, analyses what needs to be done to r
the problems and offers concrete proposals actions
accelerate progress towards achieving the goals.
The process further offer an opportunity for govern
consolidate the results of several years of costing o
programme work and also move to new frontiers in
account their associated costs.
Vice-President Moody Awori during the launch note
the road towards achieving the MDGs can only be r
by strengthening the partnerships between the dev
and developing countries adding that a lot of suppo
needed to achieve these goals by year 2015.
The Minister for Planning and Development, Prof An
Nyong’o reiterated that, apart from the education g
possibly HIV/AIDS, and at the current pace of deve
with limited resources, Kenya may not meet most o
goals by 2015 due to inadequate resources
Poverty remains a major impediment to fulfilment o
needs of Kenyans, especially women and children,
has greatly undermined the government’s effort to
the pressing needs in such critical sectors as prima
health care, nutrition and basic education.
It is reported that the proportion of Kenyans living
the poverty line is on the increase with the urban
population accounting for the highest proportion of
increment. Poor governance, corruption , and suffic
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of public resources still remain critical barriers to the
achievement of the national targets of poverty reduction.
The government in realisation of the MDGs should invest in
agricultural production and access to food storage facilities
improving post-harvest receipt system to encourage
agricultural production.
The NARC government’s policy of free and compulsory
primary education will substantially contribute to meeting
the MDGs goal of universal access to primary education by
the year 2015.
However the education sector is faced with many
challenges including, finance, lack of adequate teachers,
insufficient learning facilities among others that may
hinder the government in achieving this goal. Inadequate
provision of education to children with disabilities owing to
the weak identification and assessment mechanisms also
pose a great challenge to the government that need to be
addressed if universal education is to benefit all Kenyans.
The third MDG goal is to promote gender equality and
empowerment of women. But in a country where violation
of women rights, domestic violence and sexual violence is
rampart, the government has a long way to go in fighting
this vice that is deep rooted in our societies.
Thus if this is to be achieved, Kenyans need to be
sensitized on the importance of educating girls and giving
them equal chance with their male counterparts in all area
and encouraging the election of women to leadership
positions.
In the area of health and nutrition, there has been a
general decline in the provision of health and services.
However the Minister for Health Charity Ngilu said that 56
per cent of the population live below the poverty line,
meaning they cannot afford basic services including health.
The health indicators in Kenya have been declining over
the last two decades. The Kenya Demographic and Health
Survey further confirm this and unless drastic actions are
taken Kenya is unlikely to achieve the MDGs.
The achievement on other goals heavily depend on the
attainment of health, they are: reduction of child mortality,
improve maternal health, combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and
other diseases.
To reduce child mortality, programmes that address the
main causes of infant and child mortality should be
reinforced with particular emphasis on post- neonatal
mortality diseases like diarrhoea, and malaria. There is
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need to improve access and quality of maternal and
child-care services and put in place an effective referral
system. Training and updates for health workers and
Traditional Birth attendants is required to enhance
essential obstetric care.
Biodiversity and environment have to be adequately
addressed. Environmental degradation is also related to
rural poverty that leads to over exploitation of natural
resources. If the MDG goal number seven is to achieved,
the government should protect biological diversity and
restore the forest cover.
There is urgent need to put in place properly directed
pro-poor natural resources conservation program in a
manner that ensures sustainability of livelihoods and
ecosystem management.
Developing a global partnership for development, the
government should develop an open rule based
predictable, non-discriminatory trading and financial
system to encourage more investors and donors. This
include a commitment to good governance, development,
and poverty reduction.
Although the government has shown it’s commitment in
eradicating corruption, mismanagement of national
resources among other ills, there is a need for more
political will and practical action to root out these vices.
It should work together with development partners and
stakeholders to create awareness and promote MDGs
vision in the country. With determination and commitment
of all stakeholders these goals can be achieved.
Other Editorials
Copyright © 2003 Kenya Times Media Trust,All rights reserved.
Exhibit D
National NewsCivil group accuses Ali of arroganceUpdated on: Monday, July 14, 2008 Story by: By Daniel Luseno ....................................................................................................................................................................................
POLICE Commissioner Hussein Ali has been criticised by International Centre for Policy and Conflict (ICPC) for allegedly being “arrogant, dismissive and lethargic to criticism”. The group claims the force has been using excessive brutality against citizens.
The ICPC has also demanded a substantive statement from Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Internal Security Minister Prof George Saitoti on the matter. Ndung’u Wainaina, the Executive Director of ICPC, says police have been curtailing the citizens’ civil liberties and freedoms. “The situation has been deteriorating by day with police coming out as ruthless, mean and brutal institution headed by a Police Commissioner.
He is careless about public displeasure, perceptions and expressions about police acts of brutality, regime policing and absurdly limiting the enjoyment of the fundamental human rights to freedom of assembly, expression and association,” he said. Wanainaina said the actions by police clawed back the tenets of democracy achieved over the years. He says police conduct has no place in a functioning democracy.
In a press statement, ICPC also took issue with Attorney-General Amos Wako whom it accused of being “curiously silent, unconcerned and allowed police brutality to continue unabated.
He said since the run-up of November 2005 referendum,police brutality and limitation of the civil liberties, constitutional rights and human rights of the Kenyans have been deteriorating. “Ali has suspended constitution with impunity while President Mwai Kibaki has turned blind eye to this barbaric and unacceptable action,” the statement said.
seed of tribal corruption that which became chronic within some politicians. These
politicians developed a Touch Me Not Immuned Syndrome and so they assumed
that Kenyans will continue to make a political endless "Sing Song" without remedial.
Donor funds have been mismanaged and misappropriated for unscrupulous political
and personal projects. Public Properties have been managed and sold as private and
personal effects and Citizens Security compromised. The public needs to know and be
empowered to take necessary action against their Economic Development biggest enemy.
The enshrined innuendos of great divide, compeled a framework for National
Action embodied in Grand Coalition Government expected TO SAVE KENYA FROM CORRUPT RULERSHIP AND MISMANAGEMENTS FROM UNCARING and selfish POLITICIANS. The misappropriation of public funds, diverting social policy by omission or commission and the engagement of corrupt Public Officials who encourages corrupt dealings must be censored because they stand to face serious legal offence charges requiring prosecution by law.
Those proved to have stolen or embezzled Public Money must face consequences that go along way jurisprudence measures squarely. A process which will curtail, expose and highlight corruption as an actpunishable by law. A sounding warning to those relying on cushioning graft and whose aim is to stay and remain in power at the cost of tax-payers money will now be forced to change tactics by providing Leadership Program of Challenges and Opportunities.
This is because these actions create a situation of loss of livelihood and social
displacements where it distortes markets for Citizens, discourages Foreign Direct
Investors in greater volume and expands poverty into deeper pit.
The Grand Coalition Government must therefore be taken to task so that they
should complete the Constitution within one year. In the event of not doing that,
they will be denying Kenyan Nationals Rights to live responsibly. The Grand
Coalition Government should deliver to Civil Society a genuine and non-partisan
information package for constitutional reform for good governance and the
provision for transparency mechanism that guard against corruption
and graft.
Kenyans have been treated to titanic demonic Rule of fear and intimidations.
Twist and turns and casualties of tribal and ethnic cleansings. Massacres of
never ending tribal ethnicity, animosity and hostility in countryside uprisings.
Notable continuous blatant killings and mayhems is everywhere in the country.
These scenarios are characterized with crafty schemes of swaying and
manipulative of ideas; schemes after schemes by the interested parties a case
that requires to be put to end. There is too much power in the Constitution
windows that provided for lopsy Government effectiveness, which also
provides for too much immunity to the Presidency as is the current constitution.
Lastly, a fair comprehensive Civic Education is therefore extremely important
starting from the grass-roots. These should be carried out by the NGOs
Faith Based (Churches & other Religious Organizations) and other
Corporates and Non-Governmental Agencies.
Let us therefore together condemn the injustices and nail this Titanic
Demon that has ripped off the Kenya fabric of survival by bringing
culprits to book, in the event, we can lookforward to Good Governance
for value which is beyond compliance.
Sincerely,
Judy Miriga
USA
Exhibit A
Commonwealth warns countries on breaking law
Definition of Governance, Good Governance and a Proposed Framework for Good GovernanceGovernance is the exercise of political, economic and administrative authority to manage a nation's affairs. It is the complex mechanisms, processes, relationships and institutions through which citizens and groups articulate their interests, exercise their rights and obligations and mediate their differences. Governance encompasses every institutions and organization in the society, from the family to the state and embraces all methods - good and bad - that societies use to distribute power and manage public resources and problems. Good governance is therefore a subset of governance, wherein public resources and problems are managed effectively, efficiently and in response to critical needs of society. Effective democratic forms of governance rely on public participation, accountability and transparency
Its aim is to help promote collaborations between NGOs throughout the world, so that together we can more effectively partner with the United Nations and each other to create a more peaceful, just, equitable and sustainable world for this and future generations.
A broad conceptual framework for good governance, whether in political or economic decision-making includes six components:1. Leaders/Decision makersSince women often lack access to the traditional sources of knowledge, capacity-building and experience (mentoring) that generate men leaders, leadership training is especially important for women. This is especially the case in relation to economic decision-making, where women tend to believe -sometimes mistakenly - that male leaders are better equipped with technical understanding of the relevant issues. 2. Constituencies: Active and empowered constituencies must be aware of and able to exercise their basic human rights, as well as sufficiently informed about issues and supported by access to relevant information in order to develop a clear agenda.3. An Agenda: Women's leadership has sometimes been unfocused and support from the constituency lacking because of the lack of an agreed agenda on which both can focus. This is a particular gap for economic governance, where both women leaders and the women's constituency often feel that they lack technical understanding of the issues.4. Institutions: The institutions of governance must be generally open to public scrutiny and subject to accountability through a democratic political system.5. Information:"Good" decisions can only be made if both decision makers and their constituencies have access and are able to make appropriate use of "good" information.6. Accountability Processes:Institutionalized monitoring and accountability mechanisms enable constituencies to hold their leaders and Government to account.From another point of View: UNDP work on GovernanceGovernance can be seen as the exercise of economic, political and administrative authority to manage a country's affairs at all levels. It comprises the mechanisms, processes and institutions through which citizens and groups articulate their interests, exercise their legal rights, meet their obligations and mediate their differences.Good governance is, among other things, participatory, transparent and accountable. It is also effective and equitable, and promotes the rule of law fairly. Good governance ensures that the voices of the poorest and the most vulnerable are heard in decision-making over the allocation of development resources, and that political, social and economic priorities are based on broad consensus among the three stakeholders the state, private sector and civil society. All three stakeholders are critical for sustaininghuman development: the state creates a conducive political and legal environment; theprivate sector generates jobs and income; and civil society facilitates political and social interaction. With the advent of globalization and the integration of economies, the state's task is also to find a balance between taking advantage of emerging market opportunities and providing a secure and stable social and economic environment domestically. UNDP identifies nine core characteristics covering eight key urban issues which measure good governance.Core characteristics of good governance 1) ParticipationAll men and women should have a voice in decision-making, either directly or through legitimate intermediate institutions that represent their interests. Such broad participation is built on freedom of association and speech, as well as capacities to participate constructively2) Rule of law Legal frameworks should be fair and enforced impartially, particularly the laws onhuman rights3) Transparency Transparency is built on the free flow of information. Processes, institutions and information are directly accessible to those concerned with them, and enough information is provided to understand and monitor them 4) ResponsivenessInstitutions and processes try to serve all stakeholders5) Consensus orientation Good governance mediates differing interests to reach a broad consensus on what is in the best interest of the group and, where possible, on policies and procedures 6) EquityAll men and women have opportunities to improve or maintain their well-being 7) Effectiveness and efficiency Processes and institutions produce results that meet needs while making the best use of resources8) Accountability Decision- makers in government, the private sector and civil society organisations are accountable to the public, as well as to institutional stakeholders. This accountability differs depending on the organisation and whether the decision is internal or external to an organization 9) Strategic visionLeaders and the public have a broad and long-term perspective on good governance and human development, along with a sense of what is needed for such development. There is also an understanding of the historical, cultural and social complexities in which that perspective is groundedEngendering Economic GovernanceDecision-makersEconomic decision-makers must be aware of the need for, and have the technical capacity to incorporate, a gender perspective into policy and programme analysis. The National Women's Machinery and women in politics must be able to participate effectively in dialogues and debates on economic policy.Active and empowered constituencies must be created and strengthened among women (and men) to advocate and demand accountability from government and political leaders at the national and international levels for the impact of macroeconomic policy on women.In a globalized world, linkages need to be built and/or strengthened between national and regional NGOs working on women in politics, women in media and women's human rights and those working on women and trade and women and macroeconomic policy issuesThe women's economic agenda must be generally understood by leaders and constituencies. Other actors, particularly key government economic agencies and international economic institutions, must also understand and accept the general validity of the conceptual basis of the women's economic agenda.The institutions of economic governance must be engendered through advocacy and their active involvement in capacity building under the programAppropriate data - sex-disaggregated data and gender statistics on the differential impact of macroeconomic policies on women and men, particularly in agriculture, especially unpaid farm work and within the informal sector, especially home-based work, sub-contracted homework and street vending. It should also include data on women's and men's differential contributions to the care economy through domestic work, childcare, family care and community activities.Exhibit B
Rich-poor divide a threat to economic growth
Published on 11/07/2008
By Benson Kathuri
The widening gap between the rich and the poor is a threat to the realisation of Vision 2030 economic strategy, the World Bank has said.
The Bank, which has supported economic development for decades, warns that unless the issue is addressed urgently, the seven per cent economic growth rate recorded last year was unsustainable.
It says inequality has risen in the last decade and was hampering poverty reduction efforts, especially in western Kenya and the Rift Valley.
A report launched by the Bank in Nairobi on Wednesday showed that 17 million people live below the poverty line and often sleep hungry.
"Despite the economic recovery, the economy is not yet at a stage of development where higher or even recently achieved growth rates — around six per cent per year can be safely assumed," said the report.
"Serious bottlenecks to investment, and thus to growth, continue. The Government has not managed to make a major dent in the problem of corruption," it said.
Last year, the economy recorded seven per cent growth, but is projected to grow by 4.5 per cent this year due to the impact of the post-election violence that rocked the country early this year.
Youth are unemployed
World Bank acting country director, Mr Sanjivi Rajasingham, said the Government must address the growing inequality that poses a serious threat to economic development. "Such imbalances create tensions and conflicts and derail development," he said during the launch of report, Kenya: Accelerating and Sustaining Inclusive Growth.
"Kenya’s experience underlines that economic growth is not sustainable if there are serious inequalities."
low earnings
The Bank said 72 per cent of the youth are unemployed, while 60 per cent of those employed, especially in the informal and agricultural sector, are working poor due to low earnings.
The Bank said the Government must maintain a stable business environment and ensure that the Grand Coalition Government remained intact in order to reduce political risk.
"The sources of political risk or instability are many. These include uncertainty over the course of future policy, corruption and the importance of political connections to do business," said the report.
Rajasingham said the Bank would use the report to develop the country assistance strategy that will guide its participation in the implementation of Vision 2030.
On Wednesday the Bank said the country needs to lower political risk, maintain macro-economic stability, reduce business costs and export more to rich nations if it is to achieve high economic growth.
The Sh2.393 trillion economy targets annual growth of 10 per cent in the next five years in order to meet its goal of being a newly-industrialised country by 2030.
Exhibit C
Meeting Millenium Development Goals
By Purity Kago
KENYA is one of four pilot African countries chosen
undertake a comprehensive assessment of the cou
level needs for achieving the Millennium Developme
Goals (MDGs) recently launched.
The government hopes to eradicate extreme pover
hunger, achieve universal primary education, prom
gender equality and empower women, reduce child
mortality, improve maternal health, combat HIV/AI
malaria and other diseases, ensure environmental
sustainability and develop a Global partnership for
Development.
The report makes an assessment of Kenya’s perfor
in relation to each of the eight MDGs, identifies whe
problems are, analyses what needs to be done to r
the problems and offers concrete proposals actions
accelerate progress towards achieving the goals.
The process further offer an opportunity for govern
consolidate the results of several years of costing o
programme work and also move to new frontiers in
account their associated costs.
Vice-President Moody Awori during the launch note
the road towards achieving the MDGs can only be r
by strengthening the partnerships between the dev
and developing countries adding that a lot of suppo
needed to achieve these goals by year 2015.
The Minister for Planning and Development, Prof An
Nyong’o reiterated that, apart from the education g
possibly HIV/AIDS, and at the current pace of deve
with limited resources, Kenya may not meet most o
goals by 2015 due to inadequate resources
Poverty remains a major impediment to fulfilment o
needs of Kenyans, especially women and children,
has greatly undermined the government’s effort to
the pressing needs in such critical sectors as prima
health care, nutrition and basic education.
It is reported that the proportion of Kenyans living
the poverty line is on the increase with the urban
population accounting for the highest proportion of
increment. Poor governance, corruption , and suffic
Kenya Times Newspaper http://www.kentimes.com/02feb05/editorials/comm1.html
2 of 3 2/2/2005 11:55 AM
of public resources still remain critical barriers to the
achievement of the national targets of poverty reduction.
The government in realisation of the MDGs should invest in
agricultural production and access to food storage facilities
improving post-harvest receipt system to encourage
agricultural production.
The NARC government’s policy of free and compulsory
primary education will substantially contribute to meeting
the MDGs goal of universal access to primary education by
the year 2015.
However the education sector is faced with many
challenges including, finance, lack of adequate teachers,
insufficient learning facilities among others that may
hinder the government in achieving this goal. Inadequate
provision of education to children with disabilities owing to
the weak identification and assessment mechanisms also
pose a great challenge to the government that need to be
addressed if universal education is to benefit all Kenyans.
The third MDG goal is to promote gender equality and
empowerment of women. But in a country where violation
of women rights, domestic violence and sexual violence is
rampart, the government has a long way to go in fighting
this vice that is deep rooted in our societies.
Thus if this is to be achieved, Kenyans need to be
sensitized on the importance of educating girls and giving
them equal chance with their male counterparts in all area
and encouraging the election of women to leadership
positions.
In the area of health and nutrition, there has been a
general decline in the provision of health and services.
However the Minister for Health Charity Ngilu said that 56
per cent of the population live below the poverty line,
meaning they cannot afford basic services including health.
The health indicators in Kenya have been declining over
the last two decades. The Kenya Demographic and Health
Survey further confirm this and unless drastic actions are
taken Kenya is unlikely to achieve the MDGs.
The achievement on other goals heavily depend on the
attainment of health, they are: reduction of child mortality,
improve maternal health, combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and
other diseases.
To reduce child mortality, programmes that address the
main causes of infant and child mortality should be
reinforced with particular emphasis on post- neonatal
mortality diseases like diarrhoea, and malaria. There is
Kenya Times Newspaper http://www.kentimes.com/02feb05/editorials/comm1.html
3 of 3 2/2/2005 11:55 AM
need to improve access and quality of maternal and
child-care services and put in place an effective referral
system. Training and updates for health workers and
Traditional Birth attendants is required to enhance
essential obstetric care.
Biodiversity and environment have to be adequately
addressed. Environmental degradation is also related to
rural poverty that leads to over exploitation of natural
resources. If the MDG goal number seven is to achieved,
the government should protect biological diversity and
restore the forest cover.
There is urgent need to put in place properly directed
pro-poor natural resources conservation program in a
manner that ensures sustainability of livelihoods and
ecosystem management.
Developing a global partnership for development, the
government should develop an open rule based
predictable, non-discriminatory trading and financial
system to encourage more investors and donors. This
include a commitment to good governance, development,
and poverty reduction.
Although the government has shown it’s commitment in
eradicating corruption, mismanagement of national
resources among other ills, there is a need for more
political will and practical action to root out these vices.
It should work together with development partners and
stakeholders to create awareness and promote MDGs
vision in the country. With determination and commitment
of all stakeholders these goals can be achieved.
Other Editorials
Copyright © 2003 Kenya Times Media Trust,All rights reserved.
Exhibit D
National NewsCivil group accuses Ali of arroganceUpdated on: Monday, July 14, 2008 Story by: By Daniel Luseno ....................................................................................................................................................................................
POLICE Commissioner Hussein Ali has been criticised by International Centre for Policy and Conflict (ICPC) for allegedly being “arrogant, dismissive and lethargic to criticism”. The group claims the force has been using excessive brutality against citizens.
The ICPC has also demanded a substantive statement from Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Internal Security Minister Prof George Saitoti on the matter. Ndung’u Wainaina, the Executive Director of ICPC, says police have been curtailing the citizens’ civil liberties and freedoms. “The situation has been deteriorating by day with police coming out as ruthless, mean and brutal institution headed by a Police Commissioner.
He is careless about public displeasure, perceptions and expressions about police acts of brutality, regime policing and absurdly limiting the enjoyment of the fundamental human rights to freedom of assembly, expression and association,” he said. Wanainaina said the actions by police clawed back the tenets of democracy achieved over the years. He says police conduct has no place in a functioning democracy.
In a press statement, ICPC also took issue with Attorney-General Amos Wako whom it accused of being “curiously silent, unconcerned and allowed police brutality to continue unabated.
He said since the run-up of November 2005 referendum,police brutality and limitation of the civil liberties, constitutional rights and human rights of the Kenyans have been deteriorating. “Ali has suspended constitution with impunity while President Mwai Kibaki has turned blind eye to this barbaric and unacceptable action,” the statement said.
Mugabe insists 'Zimbabwe is mine'
Friday, 19 December 2008
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Printable version
Mugabe insists 'Zimbabwe is mine'
Mugabe: "I will never surrender"
President Robert Mugabe has said that "Zimbabwe is mine" and rejected calls from some African leaders to step down.
"I will never, never, never surrender," he told delegates of his ruling Zanu-PF party at its annual conference.
Mr Mugabe also said he had sent a letter to the country's main opposition leader, Morgan Tsvangirai, inviting him to be sworn in as prime minister.
Earlier, Mr Tsvangirai said he would pull out of power-sharing talks unless abductions of his supporters stopped.
He said more than 40 members of his Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) were missing and accused the Zanu-PF of orchestrating a campaign of terror.
The only persons with the power to remove Robert Gabriel Mugabe are the people of Zimbabwe
President Robert Mugabe
Dollar is key to Zimbabwe survival
Zimbabwe is currently gripped by economic collapse and a cholera epidemic. The UN on Thursday reported that the death toll from the disease had risen to 1,123 and that 20,896 people had been infected.
UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown said on Friday the antiquated methods being used to treat the epidemic could not bring hope to the suffering of Zimbabweans, and called for more aid to be sent.
"I believe the situation, contrary to what President Mugabe says, from all the evidence we have is deteriorating and deteriorating rapidly," he told a news conference in London.
US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Jendayi Frazer meanwhile said there was "a complete collapse right now" in Zimbabwe, and said Mr Mugabe needed to step down.
'Pack of lies'
But in a defiant speech at Zanu-PF's annual conference in Bindura, the president insisted "the only persons with the power to remove Robert Gabriel Mugabe are the people of Zimbabwe".
"I will never, never, never surrender. Zimbabwe is mine, I am a Zimbabwean. Zimbabwe for Zimbabweans," he said.
WHERE AFRICA STANDS
Critical of Robert Mugabe- Botswana's president has called for fresh elections- Kenya's PM wants African governments to oust Mr Mugabe- Senegal's president says Mr Mugabe should give up power- Zambia's late president called the region's silence over election violence "scandalous"- Nigeria's foreign minister says he told Mr Mugabe to go in June
Pro power-sharing- Southern African Development Community (Sadc) maintains power-sharing is the only solution- South Africa, the regional powerhouse, backs Sadc- The African Union says a unity cabinet is the only way forward
Mr Mugabe said international criticism of his government's handling of the cholera outbreak was "a pack of lies".
"I won't be intimidated. Even if I am threatened with beheading, I believe this and nothing will ever move me from it: Zimbabwe belongs to us, not the British," he added.
He also questioned whether any of his country's neighbours would "have the courage to order a military intervention".
"What would they come and do militarily here? All that they would come and really pose is a threat to our stability," he said.
"There would be an unnecessary war started in a foolish manner because of foolish persuasion coming from foolish sources."
Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wade became the latest in an increasing number of senior African politicians calling for Mr Mugabe to quit earlier on Friday.
He told the French newspaper, La Croix, that he had supported Mr Mugabe in the past but was forming the view that the president was now the cause of his country's problems.
'No letters'
Also in his speech on Friday, the Zimbabwean leader said he had written to Mr Tsvangirai, inviting him to become prime minister as part of the inclusive power-sharing government, but expressed doubt whether he would accept.
"I have sent letters so that they can come and I can swear [in] and appoint them. We have not reached a stage where we can say with a degree of certainty that they want to be part of this," he said.
Mr Tsvangirai has threatened to withdraw from the power-sharing talks
MDC officials told the Reuters news agency that they had received no such letters.
The two rivals signed a power-sharing deal in September, under which Mr Tsvangirai would have become prime minister and head a new council of ministers, but they have been unable to agree on the distribution of key ministries.
Earlier, Mr Tsvangirai said Mr Mugabe had repeatedly broken the spirit of the agreement.
He said the president was trying to stay in power at all costs, and threatened to suspend all contact with the Zanu-PF unless there was an end to the abduction of MDC supporters and civil society activists.
"More than 42 members have been abducted," the MDC leader told a news conference in Botswana, where he is currently based.
"If these abductions do not cease immediately and if all abductees are not released or charged in a court of law by 1 January 2009, I will be asking the MDC's national council to pass a resolution to suspend all negotiations and contact with Zanu-PF."
Mr Tsvangirai said there could be no meaningful talks while a campaign of terror was being waged to undermine the MDC's support and reduce it to a junior partner in the new government.
BBC Southern Africa correspondent Peter Biles says that this represents a significant shift in Mr Tsvangirai's position, as he had previously remained committed to the power-sharing talks despite a number of reservations.
E-mail this to a friend
Printable version
Mugabe insists 'Zimbabwe is mine'
Mugabe: "I will never surrender"
President Robert Mugabe has said that "Zimbabwe is mine" and rejected calls from some African leaders to step down.
"I will never, never, never surrender," he told delegates of his ruling Zanu-PF party at its annual conference.
Mr Mugabe also said he had sent a letter to the country's main opposition leader, Morgan Tsvangirai, inviting him to be sworn in as prime minister.
Earlier, Mr Tsvangirai said he would pull out of power-sharing talks unless abductions of his supporters stopped.
He said more than 40 members of his Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) were missing and accused the Zanu-PF of orchestrating a campaign of terror.
The only persons with the power to remove Robert Gabriel Mugabe are the people of Zimbabwe
President Robert Mugabe
Dollar is key to Zimbabwe survival
Zimbabwe is currently gripped by economic collapse and a cholera epidemic. The UN on Thursday reported that the death toll from the disease had risen to 1,123 and that 20,896 people had been infected.
UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown said on Friday the antiquated methods being used to treat the epidemic could not bring hope to the suffering of Zimbabweans, and called for more aid to be sent.
"I believe the situation, contrary to what President Mugabe says, from all the evidence we have is deteriorating and deteriorating rapidly," he told a news conference in London.
US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Jendayi Frazer meanwhile said there was "a complete collapse right now" in Zimbabwe, and said Mr Mugabe needed to step down.
'Pack of lies'
But in a defiant speech at Zanu-PF's annual conference in Bindura, the president insisted "the only persons with the power to remove Robert Gabriel Mugabe are the people of Zimbabwe".
"I will never, never, never surrender. Zimbabwe is mine, I am a Zimbabwean. Zimbabwe for Zimbabweans," he said.
WHERE AFRICA STANDS
Critical of Robert Mugabe- Botswana's president has called for fresh elections- Kenya's PM wants African governments to oust Mr Mugabe- Senegal's president says Mr Mugabe should give up power- Zambia's late president called the region's silence over election violence "scandalous"- Nigeria's foreign minister says he told Mr Mugabe to go in June
Pro power-sharing- Southern African Development Community (Sadc) maintains power-sharing is the only solution- South Africa, the regional powerhouse, backs Sadc- The African Union says a unity cabinet is the only way forward
Mr Mugabe said international criticism of his government's handling of the cholera outbreak was "a pack of lies".
"I won't be intimidated. Even if I am threatened with beheading, I believe this and nothing will ever move me from it: Zimbabwe belongs to us, not the British," he added.
He also questioned whether any of his country's neighbours would "have the courage to order a military intervention".
"What would they come and do militarily here? All that they would come and really pose is a threat to our stability," he said.
"There would be an unnecessary war started in a foolish manner because of foolish persuasion coming from foolish sources."
Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wade became the latest in an increasing number of senior African politicians calling for Mr Mugabe to quit earlier on Friday.
He told the French newspaper, La Croix, that he had supported Mr Mugabe in the past but was forming the view that the president was now the cause of his country's problems.
'No letters'
Also in his speech on Friday, the Zimbabwean leader said he had written to Mr Tsvangirai, inviting him to become prime minister as part of the inclusive power-sharing government, but expressed doubt whether he would accept.
"I have sent letters so that they can come and I can swear [in] and appoint them. We have not reached a stage where we can say with a degree of certainty that they want to be part of this," he said.
Mr Tsvangirai has threatened to withdraw from the power-sharing talks
MDC officials told the Reuters news agency that they had received no such letters.
The two rivals signed a power-sharing deal in September, under which Mr Tsvangirai would have become prime minister and head a new council of ministers, but they have been unable to agree on the distribution of key ministries.
Earlier, Mr Tsvangirai said Mr Mugabe had repeatedly broken the spirit of the agreement.
He said the president was trying to stay in power at all costs, and threatened to suspend all contact with the Zanu-PF unless there was an end to the abduction of MDC supporters and civil society activists.
"More than 42 members have been abducted," the MDC leader told a news conference in Botswana, where he is currently based.
"If these abductions do not cease immediately and if all abductees are not released or charged in a court of law by 1 January 2009, I will be asking the MDC's national council to pass a resolution to suspend all negotiations and contact with Zanu-PF."
Mr Tsvangirai said there could be no meaningful talks while a campaign of terror was being waged to undermine the MDC's support and reduce it to a junior partner in the new government.
BBC Southern Africa correspondent Peter Biles says that this represents a significant shift in Mr Tsvangirai's position, as he had previously remained committed to the power-sharing talks despite a number of reservations.
Rwandan Genocide Jailing Hailed
last updated at 09:05 GMT, Friday, 19 December 2008
Rwandan genocide jailing hailed
The International Criminal Tribunal sentences Theoneste Bagosora to life in prison
Survivors of Rwanda's genocide and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon have welcomed the life sentence given to its mastermind Theoneste Bagosora.
Bagosora and two co-defendants were found by a UN tribunal to have led a committee that plotted the massacre of ethnic Tutsis and moderate Hutus.
Mr Ban said the sentences were a "major step in the fight against impunity".
It is the first time the Rwanda tribunal has convicted anyone of organising the killings.
More than 800,000 people were killed in Rwanda's genocide.
Along with Bagosora, former military commanders Anatole Nsegiyumva and Alloys Ntabakuze were also found guilty of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes, and given life sentences.
RWANDA'S 1994 GENOCIDE
6 April: Rwandan Hutu President Habyarimana killed when plane shot down
April-July: An estimated 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus killed
July: Tutsi-led rebel movement RPF captures Rwanda's capital Kigali
July: Two million Hutus flee to Zaire, now DR Congo
Rwanda verdict: Your views
Rwanda's 100 days of genocide
The head of Rwanda's genocide survivors' association Ibuka Benoit Kaboyi said the convictions showed the criminal masterminds would not go unpunished.
However, the BBC's Geoffrey Mutagoma in the Rwandan capital, Kigali, says many ordinary genocide survivors were unaware of the case.
Mr Kaboyi told the BBC this was because many had little faith in the justice system.
"The justice which cannot compensate them, the justice which only takes a few people to be prosecuted."
Earlier, the Rwandan government said it was "satisfied" with the court's decision to impose a life sentence on Bagosora.
Bagosora, 67, and the two senior military officers were found to have organised, trained and armed the Interahamwe militia, which was responsible for most of the killing.
They were also responsible for drawing up a list of Tutsis and moderate Hutus who opposed their vision of an ethnically pure Rwanda.
The International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), based in Tanzania, rejected the defence's argument that the killing was not organised, and therefore not genocide.
Bagosora's lawyer, Raphael Constant, said his client would appeal against the verdict.
Brigadier Gratien Kabiligi, the former chief of military operations, who was on trial with Bagosora and the two other men, was cleared of all charges and ordered to be released from custody immediately.
Mr Kaboyi said he hoped the prosecutors would appeal against this decision.
'Principal enemy'
In another verdict on Thursday, the tribunal sentenced Protais Zigiranyirazo, 57, to 20 years in jail for his part in the genocide.
Mr Zigiranyirazo, a brother-in-law of former President Juvenal Habyarimana, was accused of ordering Hutus to kill 48 people in two incidents.
BAGOSORA TRIAL
Theoneste Bagosora on trial with three others
409 trial days
30,000 pages of transcripts
242 witnesses heard
1,600 exhibits
300 written decisions
Most material translated into French, English and Kinyarwanda
Profile: Col Theoneste BagosoraProsecutors said Bagosora assumed control of military and political affairs in Rwanda when President Habyarimana's plane was shot down in 1994 - the catalyst for the genocide.
However, the indictment alleges that he began planning the massacre as far back as 1990.
The following year, Bagosora helped draft a document circulated within the army that described Tutsis as "the principal enemy".
Bagosora has been in custody since 1996, when he was arrested in Cameroon where he was in self-imposed exile.
The tribunal, which has come to play a key part in the process of justice and reconciliation, has so far convicted 34 people and acquitted six others.
Twenty-three remain on trial and eight trials have yet to begin before the tribunal winds up next year.
The effects of the genocide are still being felt in the region, in particular across the border in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Some of the Hutu militias involved in the genocide fled to DR Congo, where Tutsi rebels, allegedly with some Rwandan backing, refuse to lay down their arms, saying they are being attacked by the Hutu fighters.
Some 300,000 people have fled their homes in DR Congo this year because of this conflict.
Rwandan genocide jailing hailed
The International Criminal Tribunal sentences Theoneste Bagosora to life in prison
Survivors of Rwanda's genocide and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon have welcomed the life sentence given to its mastermind Theoneste Bagosora.
Bagosora and two co-defendants were found by a UN tribunal to have led a committee that plotted the massacre of ethnic Tutsis and moderate Hutus.
Mr Ban said the sentences were a "major step in the fight against impunity".
It is the first time the Rwanda tribunal has convicted anyone of organising the killings.
More than 800,000 people were killed in Rwanda's genocide.
Along with Bagosora, former military commanders Anatole Nsegiyumva and Alloys Ntabakuze were also found guilty of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes, and given life sentences.
RWANDA'S 1994 GENOCIDE
6 April: Rwandan Hutu President Habyarimana killed when plane shot down
April-July: An estimated 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus killed
July: Tutsi-led rebel movement RPF captures Rwanda's capital Kigali
July: Two million Hutus flee to Zaire, now DR Congo
Rwanda verdict: Your views
Rwanda's 100 days of genocide
The head of Rwanda's genocide survivors' association Ibuka Benoit Kaboyi said the convictions showed the criminal masterminds would not go unpunished.
However, the BBC's Geoffrey Mutagoma in the Rwandan capital, Kigali, says many ordinary genocide survivors were unaware of the case.
Mr Kaboyi told the BBC this was because many had little faith in the justice system.
"The justice which cannot compensate them, the justice which only takes a few people to be prosecuted."
Earlier, the Rwandan government said it was "satisfied" with the court's decision to impose a life sentence on Bagosora.
Bagosora, 67, and the two senior military officers were found to have organised, trained and armed the Interahamwe militia, which was responsible for most of the killing.
They were also responsible for drawing up a list of Tutsis and moderate Hutus who opposed their vision of an ethnically pure Rwanda.
The International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), based in Tanzania, rejected the defence's argument that the killing was not organised, and therefore not genocide.
Bagosora's lawyer, Raphael Constant, said his client would appeal against the verdict.
Brigadier Gratien Kabiligi, the former chief of military operations, who was on trial with Bagosora and the two other men, was cleared of all charges and ordered to be released from custody immediately.
Mr Kaboyi said he hoped the prosecutors would appeal against this decision.
'Principal enemy'
In another verdict on Thursday, the tribunal sentenced Protais Zigiranyirazo, 57, to 20 years in jail for his part in the genocide.
Mr Zigiranyirazo, a brother-in-law of former President Juvenal Habyarimana, was accused of ordering Hutus to kill 48 people in two incidents.
BAGOSORA TRIAL
Theoneste Bagosora on trial with three others
409 trial days
30,000 pages of transcripts
242 witnesses heard
1,600 exhibits
300 written decisions
Most material translated into French, English and Kinyarwanda
Profile: Col Theoneste BagosoraProsecutors said Bagosora assumed control of military and political affairs in Rwanda when President Habyarimana's plane was shot down in 1994 - the catalyst for the genocide.
However, the indictment alleges that he began planning the massacre as far back as 1990.
The following year, Bagosora helped draft a document circulated within the army that described Tutsis as "the principal enemy".
Bagosora has been in custody since 1996, when he was arrested in Cameroon where he was in self-imposed exile.
The tribunal, which has come to play a key part in the process of justice and reconciliation, has so far convicted 34 people and acquitted six others.
Twenty-three remain on trial and eight trials have yet to begin before the tribunal winds up next year.
The effects of the genocide are still being felt in the region, in particular across the border in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Some of the Hutu militias involved in the genocide fled to DR Congo, where Tutsi rebels, allegedly with some Rwandan backing, refuse to lay down their arms, saying they are being attacked by the Hutu fighters.
Some 300,000 people have fled their homes in DR Congo this year because of this conflict.
Stick to Waki Guidance
Annan: Stick to Waki guidance
Updated 21 hr(s) 13 min(s) ago
By Peter Opiyo
Former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan has urged President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga to ensure that the Bill that would create a Special Tribunal to probe and prosecute instigators of post-election violence adheres to the Waki recommendations.
In a dispatch through his spokesman Nasser Ega-Musa, Annan thanked Kibaki and Raila for signing an agreement to implement the Waki recommendations but challenged them to ensure all the provisions are adhered to.
"I trust that the Bill will reflect the spirit of Commission of Inquiry into Post-Election Violence (Cipev) proposals and incorporate all its key provisions. I urge Kenya’s leaders to redouble their efforts to implement the recommendations and to respect the suggested timeline for action," said Annan.
Kibaki and Raila beat the Waki deadline by signing the agreement last Wednesday. The Government now has to draft the Statute for Special Tribunal Bill that would establish the tribunal.
Annan, who helped broker a power sharing deal between PNU and ODM, said the implementation of Cipev should be observed to help end the culture of impunity.
"The implementation of Cipev’s proposals will go a long way towards spearheading the much-needed institutional reforms in the country," said Annan.
He also praised Parliament for passing the Constitution of Kenya (Ammendment) Bill, 2008, saying it sets the stage for crucial electoral reforms.
He expressed optimism Kibaki and Raila would prepare and submit to Parliament a draft Bill for the establishment of the special tribunal.
Updated 21 hr(s) 13 min(s) ago
By Peter Opiyo
Former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan has urged President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga to ensure that the Bill that would create a Special Tribunal to probe and prosecute instigators of post-election violence adheres to the Waki recommendations.
In a dispatch through his spokesman Nasser Ega-Musa, Annan thanked Kibaki and Raila for signing an agreement to implement the Waki recommendations but challenged them to ensure all the provisions are adhered to.
"I trust that the Bill will reflect the spirit of Commission of Inquiry into Post-Election Violence (Cipev) proposals and incorporate all its key provisions. I urge Kenya’s leaders to redouble their efforts to implement the recommendations and to respect the suggested timeline for action," said Annan.
Kibaki and Raila beat the Waki deadline by signing the agreement last Wednesday. The Government now has to draft the Statute for Special Tribunal Bill that would establish the tribunal.
Annan, who helped broker a power sharing deal between PNU and ODM, said the implementation of Cipev should be observed to help end the culture of impunity.
"The implementation of Cipev’s proposals will go a long way towards spearheading the much-needed institutional reforms in the country," said Annan.
He also praised Parliament for passing the Constitution of Kenya (Ammendment) Bill, 2008, saying it sets the stage for crucial electoral reforms.
He expressed optimism Kibaki and Raila would prepare and submit to Parliament a draft Bill for the establishment of the special tribunal.
Kenyans Population Exploding with Extreme Hunger
Kenyan Population is Exploding with extreme hunger pushing people
on the edge.
Looking at the attached email I received from A Youth Group in Nairobi,
I see an extreme urgency for intervention to salvage a situation.
A situation which cannot be compromised or continue to be politicized.
To have Kenyan Police continuing with harassing these Youth Group, is
tantamount to provoking and pushing these Youth groups to the edge. This
is an alarm warning to the Government that all is not well needing quick
response and a fix, a condition of tender security risk.
Over the years Politicians have used these Youths for Political
harvest and other gains during Campaign and Election time, a case
which many complain they cannot access or reach some Politicians
after election are over or after Politicians have been elected.
These Youths have boiling point energy that has been built up over
the years, and when not diverted and put to good use might turn to be
destructive and catastrophic a phenomenon no one would want happen.
In which case, these Youths have a future and expectations, a look
to a generation of developmental success with the whole world in a
competitive edge.
This is a moment we must exercise tact with compassion not to have their
hopes dwindle or crashed, but provide them with clear support mentor ship to
achieving their potentials as they face their future. Let us together
encourage them to use their skills and talents to build and improve a Kenyan
Workforce of competitiveness and self-reliance in achieving their fuller
potential through encouragement.
Official figures Published by the Kenya National Bureau of
Statistics in January 2007 estimated the population of Kenya at
36.1 million in 2006. The population growth rate however, has dropped from
2.82% in 2005 to 2.75% in 2006. This could be attributed to the many
cases of HIV as well as extreme hunger that which have made Kenyan youth to
delay in marriage or have controlled family size. Both men and women are
striving and struggling to earn some form of living one way or the other
as inflation continue to bite. Not many people would participate in open
politics as was seen in the year 2007 election and after the referendum.
During which time it dawn to many people that politicians are the cause
of their economic collapse because the Constitution have windows that
gave Presidents/leaders excessive powers to corrupt the Publics resources
for their personal utilization and gains. Unfortunately past leaders as
well as Politically correct personalities and businessmen corrupted Kenyan
money and holed them in foreign accounts abroad so little would go into
circulation for development to improve the economy in extension.
The delay of delivering sound Constitutional Reform Structural Agenda
is the hope many Kenyans believe will curb against Public Resource
theft, but has been kept in abeyance causing curiosity and anxiety to
many. This situation is believed to be causing extreme anxiety and
has brought with it poverty, disease and hunger, giving rise to the
many violence in Kenya today.
Most foreign and local observers blamed the violence in Kenya on abuse
and misuse of power by Kikuyu politicians, a rigged election and economic
that brought more hardships. Corruption, ethnic rivalry and voting
irregularities are engineered for the politically correct few.
One reason Kenyans have been able to cope with these troubles before
in the past was that the population had not overgrown in size as is
today, and the economy also was not as bad. Corporations like
Kenya Banks, Ports Authority, Power and Lightning Companies, Post Office,
Kenya Railways, Immigration, Housing, Transportation and the Tourism
including Agriculture plantations and others were doing well. They
were enjoying greater political freedom and prosperity then.
During those good Good Old Days, many were employed in the above
institutions and were able to educate their children in urban areas
under progressive environment. Even the Political Parties rose from
11 to 26.
In only 80 years, Kenya's population has jumped from 2.9 million to 37
million. It would now have 1.56 billion citizens. And because of higher
living standards, these younger Kenyans are much more vital and ambitious
than their predecessors. An agenda requiring Urgent Job Creation and
Economic Stimulant in Revamping, Rejuvenating and Jump-Starting
the Economy from collapse. If not taken seriously, Kenya may be
overwhelmed by a wave of violence culminated by extreme poverty
and hunger.
Today Kenya stand to risk the cherished Domesticated Nuclear Family that
for years has been stable for decades to an encroaching destruction
from outside forces brought about by poverty and from intruders from
disparate women hunting for weaker sexual minded men who becomes targets
for like minded women who are after looting stable family coffers. Thus
Consequently, Kenya is turning a textbook example of domestic violence
driven by a "youth bulge" A growing population of “Educated Youth” with
vibrant energy to work but no availability of jobs, because some jobs
are offered according to who is who or by tribal.
It would be even more advantageous if Kenya returns to internal harmony
With its unused land being turned to Community agricultural cooperatives etc.,
It was estimated by the Population Reference Bureau that 33% of the population
lived in urban areas in 2001. The capital city, Nairobi, had a population of
2,205,000 in that year. Mombasa, the chief seaport, had an estimated 465,000.
Other large cities and their estimated populations were Kisumu, 185,100;
Nakuru, 163,000; Machakos, 116,100; Meru, 78,100; Eldoret, 104,900; and Nyeri,
88,600. According to the United Nations, the urban population growth rate for
2000–2005 was 4.1%.
The prevalence of AIDS/HIV has had a significant impact on the population of
Kenya. The United Nations estimated that 15% of adults between the ages of
15–49 were living with HIV/AIDS in 2001. The AIDS epidemic causes higher
death and infant mortality rates, and lowers life expectancy.
75 per cent of Kenya's population is concentrated in a high potential
agricultural belt which runs north-west from Nairobi to the Ugandan border.
This belt forms only 10 per cent of the country's land area. Most of the
remaining area is either arid or semi-arid and is sparsely populated.
Approximately three (3) million people live in Nairobi, the capital city.
Kenya Population Demographics
By Ethnicity
Kikuyu 22%
Luhya 14%
Luo 13%
Kalenjin 12%
Kamba 11%
Kisii 6%
Meru 6%
Other African 15%
Non-African (Asian, European, and Arab) 1%
By Religion
Christian-Protestant 45%
Roman Catholic 33%
Muslim 10%
Indigenous beliefs 10%
Other 2%
Source: CIA World Fact book (2006 edition)
It is important to note that the urban population has been growing at an
alarming rate as many Kenyans migrate from their rural homes to urban centers
and major cities such as Nairobi, Mombasa and Eldoret. These people migrate in
search of employment and better standards of living. This has resulted in
over-population in major cities and scarcity of jobs. Most of the urban
dwellers however retain links with their rural and extended families. They
visit home often where they contribute in other activities such farming,
fishing and taking care of the family as they maintain Sustainable Population.
Judy Miriga
USA
MWANANCHI PHOTO CAPTIONS,To: jbatec@yahoo.comDate: Friday, July 18, 2008, 4:53 PM
Dear Judy,
It is common knowledge that a majority of the urban poor cannot afford basic food for their children. It is in this regard that Bunge La Mwananchi recently organized a public procession to make our voice heard on a matter of public interest. However, ever since Bunge La Mwananchi organized the food protest, the Kenya police continue to make it very difficult for Bunge La Mwananchi members to meet at Jeevanjee Gardens, Nairobi. ( see attached pictures).
We cannot help but wonder: Is it criminal in our country to remind people something they already know? Is our police force justified in harassing Kenyans who are just coming together in a park to cry together over their woes? Why are the police who swore to protect us violating our individual, human and constitutional rights every time they spot us or hear we are at Jeevanjee Gardens?
In a country ridden with crime, in a country where there is one policeman for every 400 people, why is the government wasting 2 policemen everyday to make sure our members do not enter Jeevanjee Gardens; forgetting that it is a park for all Kenyans and not a police post?
Bunge La Mwananchi are law abiding citizens and whatever we do is well within our constitutional rights. We therefore request human rights conscious people to join us in demanding the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of police from Jevanjee Gardens. Send the following short message to your Member of Parliament: “protect our right to organize, demand ministerial statement from Minister for Security on why Bunge la Mwananchi cannot meet at Jeevanjee?”
Please help us circulate widely.
George Nyongesa
Bunge la Mwananchi
on the edge.
Looking at the attached email I received from A Youth Group in Nairobi,
I see an extreme urgency for intervention to salvage a situation.
A situation which cannot be compromised or continue to be politicized.
To have Kenyan Police continuing with harassing these Youth Group, is
tantamount to provoking and pushing these Youth groups to the edge. This
is an alarm warning to the Government that all is not well needing quick
response and a fix, a condition of tender security risk.
Over the years Politicians have used these Youths for Political
harvest and other gains during Campaign and Election time, a case
which many complain they cannot access or reach some Politicians
after election are over or after Politicians have been elected.
These Youths have boiling point energy that has been built up over
the years, and when not diverted and put to good use might turn to be
destructive and catastrophic a phenomenon no one would want happen.
In which case, these Youths have a future and expectations, a look
to a generation of developmental success with the whole world in a
competitive edge.
This is a moment we must exercise tact with compassion not to have their
hopes dwindle or crashed, but provide them with clear support mentor ship to
achieving their potentials as they face their future. Let us together
encourage them to use their skills and talents to build and improve a Kenyan
Workforce of competitiveness and self-reliance in achieving their fuller
potential through encouragement.
Official figures Published by the Kenya National Bureau of
Statistics in January 2007 estimated the population of Kenya at
36.1 million in 2006. The population growth rate however, has dropped from
2.82% in 2005 to 2.75% in 2006. This could be attributed to the many
cases of HIV as well as extreme hunger that which have made Kenyan youth to
delay in marriage or have controlled family size. Both men and women are
striving and struggling to earn some form of living one way or the other
as inflation continue to bite. Not many people would participate in open
politics as was seen in the year 2007 election and after the referendum.
During which time it dawn to many people that politicians are the cause
of their economic collapse because the Constitution have windows that
gave Presidents/leaders excessive powers to corrupt the Publics resources
for their personal utilization and gains. Unfortunately past leaders as
well as Politically correct personalities and businessmen corrupted Kenyan
money and holed them in foreign accounts abroad so little would go into
circulation for development to improve the economy in extension.
The delay of delivering sound Constitutional Reform Structural Agenda
is the hope many Kenyans believe will curb against Public Resource
theft, but has been kept in abeyance causing curiosity and anxiety to
many. This situation is believed to be causing extreme anxiety and
has brought with it poverty, disease and hunger, giving rise to the
many violence in Kenya today.
Most foreign and local observers blamed the violence in Kenya on abuse
and misuse of power by Kikuyu politicians, a rigged election and economic
that brought more hardships. Corruption, ethnic rivalry and voting
irregularities are engineered for the politically correct few.
One reason Kenyans have been able to cope with these troubles before
in the past was that the population had not overgrown in size as is
today, and the economy also was not as bad. Corporations like
Kenya Banks, Ports Authority, Power and Lightning Companies, Post Office,
Kenya Railways, Immigration, Housing, Transportation and the Tourism
including Agriculture plantations and others were doing well. They
were enjoying greater political freedom and prosperity then.
During those good Good Old Days, many were employed in the above
institutions and were able to educate their children in urban areas
under progressive environment. Even the Political Parties rose from
11 to 26.
In only 80 years, Kenya's population has jumped from 2.9 million to 37
million. It would now have 1.56 billion citizens. And because of higher
living standards, these younger Kenyans are much more vital and ambitious
than their predecessors. An agenda requiring Urgent Job Creation and
Economic Stimulant in Revamping, Rejuvenating and Jump-Starting
the Economy from collapse. If not taken seriously, Kenya may be
overwhelmed by a wave of violence culminated by extreme poverty
and hunger.
Today Kenya stand to risk the cherished Domesticated Nuclear Family that
for years has been stable for decades to an encroaching destruction
from outside forces brought about by poverty and from intruders from
disparate women hunting for weaker sexual minded men who becomes targets
for like minded women who are after looting stable family coffers. Thus
Consequently, Kenya is turning a textbook example of domestic violence
driven by a "youth bulge" A growing population of “Educated Youth” with
vibrant energy to work but no availability of jobs, because some jobs
are offered according to who is who or by tribal.
It would be even more advantageous if Kenya returns to internal harmony
With its unused land being turned to Community agricultural cooperatives etc.,
It was estimated by the Population Reference Bureau that 33% of the population
lived in urban areas in 2001. The capital city, Nairobi, had a population of
2,205,000 in that year. Mombasa, the chief seaport, had an estimated 465,000.
Other large cities and their estimated populations were Kisumu, 185,100;
Nakuru, 163,000; Machakos, 116,100; Meru, 78,100; Eldoret, 104,900; and Nyeri,
88,600. According to the United Nations, the urban population growth rate for
2000–2005 was 4.1%.
The prevalence of AIDS/HIV has had a significant impact on the population of
Kenya. The United Nations estimated that 15% of adults between the ages of
15–49 were living with HIV/AIDS in 2001. The AIDS epidemic causes higher
death and infant mortality rates, and lowers life expectancy.
75 per cent of Kenya's population is concentrated in a high potential
agricultural belt which runs north-west from Nairobi to the Ugandan border.
This belt forms only 10 per cent of the country's land area. Most of the
remaining area is either arid or semi-arid and is sparsely populated.
Approximately three (3) million people live in Nairobi, the capital city.
Kenya Population Demographics
By Ethnicity
Kikuyu 22%
Luhya 14%
Luo 13%
Kalenjin 12%
Kamba 11%
Kisii 6%
Meru 6%
Other African 15%
Non-African (Asian, European, and Arab) 1%
By Religion
Christian-Protestant 45%
Roman Catholic 33%
Muslim 10%
Indigenous beliefs 10%
Other 2%
Source: CIA World Fact book (2006 edition)
It is important to note that the urban population has been growing at an
alarming rate as many Kenyans migrate from their rural homes to urban centers
and major cities such as Nairobi, Mombasa and Eldoret. These people migrate in
search of employment and better standards of living. This has resulted in
over-population in major cities and scarcity of jobs. Most of the urban
dwellers however retain links with their rural and extended families. They
visit home often where they contribute in other activities such farming,
fishing and taking care of the family as they maintain Sustainable Population.
Judy Miriga
USA
MWANANCHI PHOTO CAPTIONS,To: jbatec@yahoo.comDate: Friday, July 18, 2008, 4:53 PM
Dear Judy,
It is common knowledge that a majority of the urban poor cannot afford basic food for their children. It is in this regard that Bunge La Mwananchi recently organized a public procession to make our voice heard on a matter of public interest. However, ever since Bunge La Mwananchi organized the food protest, the Kenya police continue to make it very difficult for Bunge La Mwananchi members to meet at Jeevanjee Gardens, Nairobi. ( see attached pictures).
We cannot help but wonder: Is it criminal in our country to remind people something they already know? Is our police force justified in harassing Kenyans who are just coming together in a park to cry together over their woes? Why are the police who swore to protect us violating our individual, human and constitutional rights every time they spot us or hear we are at Jeevanjee Gardens?
In a country ridden with crime, in a country where there is one policeman for every 400 people, why is the government wasting 2 policemen everyday to make sure our members do not enter Jeevanjee Gardens; forgetting that it is a park for all Kenyans and not a police post?
Bunge La Mwananchi are law abiding citizens and whatever we do is well within our constitutional rights. We therefore request human rights conscious people to join us in demanding the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of police from Jevanjee Gardens. Send the following short message to your Member of Parliament: “protect our right to organize, demand ministerial statement from Minister for Security on why Bunge la Mwananchi cannot meet at Jeevanjee?”
Please help us circulate widely.
George Nyongesa
Bunge la Mwananchi
United Nations Millennium Campaign
The United Nations Millennium Campaign was set up by Secretary-General Kofi Annan as an inter-agency initiative of the UN in late 2002 as a follow up mechanism after the Millennium Summit. The primary focus for MDG campaigning in the South has been in Sub Saharan Africa and South Asia .
The UN Millennium Campaign – Africa office supports African citizens' efforts to hold their governments to account for the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.
The "Stand Up against Poverty campaign" initiative was developed by the United Nations Millennium Campaign with the objective of mobilizing the largest number of people physically and intentionally to stand up against poverty. Through this action, the UN Millennium Campaign seeks to demonstrate to policy makers the growing global support for the eradication of poverty through the achievement of the MDGs.
The UN Millennium Campaign in Africa partners with a wide range of partners including Global Call for Action against Poverty, faith-based groups, local governments, youth groups, students, Parliamentarians, cultural workers, media and other key actors to mobilize thousands of people to stand up and a range of other activities that raise profile of the MDGs.
23 Million people around the world stood up in 2006. Last year 43 Million around the world stood up in support for the MDG and against poverty.
This year we hope to double the last year figure, but interestingly we have also a TAKE ACTION component. Where we are asking all the people who are standing up to take positive action.
I am writing to you to invite you to Join forces with people all over the world on October 17th to 19th, 2008 to set the third world record for the largest number of people to STAND UP and TAKE ACTION against poverty and for the Millennium Development Goals!
Who can stand up
Every body can stand up and be counted
students in school / college / university
a congregation in church / mosque / temple
employees in an office
gatherings of people in a social function – football match, bus stop, etc
Why Stand up?
We are asking you to hold a STAND UP moment because...
...everyday thousands of poor people are denied access to medical services, clean water, education etc
...every day more people living on the street because of poverty
...every day gender based violence is on the increase
...every day more people are dying from preventable and treatable diseases
STAND UP, SPEAK OUT & TAKE ACTION TO DEMAND THAT PROMISES MADE BY OUR GOVERNMENTS TO END POVERTY AND ACHIEVE THE MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS BY 2015 ARE KEPT
Stand Up & Take Action Ideas!
· Encourage people to plant a tree each and count the number of trees planted during the stipulated action period
· Organize action-oriented MDG rallies or marches with clear policy demands.
· Encourage students to undertake action-oriented activities such as planting trees, holding awareness road-shows/ concerts etc.
· Organize student competitions on various MDG themes.
· Post 1-2 min MDG videos (mobile videos) with strong messaging on standagainstpoverty.org website.
· Write to the government demanding specific actions on a development-related issue.
· Organize a free lunch for underprivileged citizens
· Send SMS petitions during the Stand Up and Take Action period.
· Organize teaching classes for illiterate people in your community.
· Coordinate the collection of used books and donate them to needy schools in remote areas or public libraries.
· Organize a team of volunteers to paint a needy school.
· Organize blood donation camps Mobilize communities to organize clean-up exercises.
· Organize distribution of mosquito-nets to families in malaria endemic areas.
· Organize a free medical check-up at a nearby hospital or clinic.
· Organize a 1-3 days free testing for HIV/AIDS at a public hospital or clinic
· Organize for training for farmers on new agricultural technologies.
· Call on your government to implement international MDG related commitments e.g. Abuja Declaration to commit 15% of national budgets to healthcare and Maputo declaration to commit 10% of national budgets to Agriculture.
· Educate the community on ways to reduce waste and encourage efficient-energy consumption
As you can see there are thousands of ways that you and your community can be engaged in the Stand Up and Take Action Campaign.
How to count:
Please find attached a pledge and a fax back form which you and your community will read and count the number of people who literally stood up (if the crowd is so large use an approximation). This form will be returned to us via fax or email or post. Also find attached a youth brochure explaining what stand up is all about.
We will then tally all the numbers received from you and other partners across the world and this will be submitted to Guinness World Record.
Our request:
1. Participate in the Stand Up campaign. (Please send us information of your event)
2. Participate in an activity near you
3. Circulate this information to as many people as possible to ensure that people in your country demand their governments to account for the promises they made come 2015
I look forward to your positive response.
Regards
youth brochure new design.pdf (1614KB), THE PLEDGE.doc (108KB), How to stand up.pdf (1106KB), SIGN UP SHEET FOR ORGANISATIONS.doc (111KB), Stand Up Fax Back Form.doc (172KB)
The UN Millennium Campaign – Africa office supports African citizens' efforts to hold their governments to account for the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.
The "Stand Up against Poverty campaign" initiative was developed by the United Nations Millennium Campaign with the objective of mobilizing the largest number of people physically and intentionally to stand up against poverty. Through this action, the UN Millennium Campaign seeks to demonstrate to policy makers the growing global support for the eradication of poverty through the achievement of the MDGs.
The UN Millennium Campaign in Africa partners with a wide range of partners including Global Call for Action against Poverty, faith-based groups, local governments, youth groups, students, Parliamentarians, cultural workers, media and other key actors to mobilize thousands of people to stand up and a range of other activities that raise profile of the MDGs.
23 Million people around the world stood up in 2006. Last year 43 Million around the world stood up in support for the MDG and against poverty.
This year we hope to double the last year figure, but interestingly we have also a TAKE ACTION component. Where we are asking all the people who are standing up to take positive action.
I am writing to you to invite you to Join forces with people all over the world on October 17th to 19th, 2008 to set the third world record for the largest number of people to STAND UP and TAKE ACTION against poverty and for the Millennium Development Goals!
Who can stand up
Every body can stand up and be counted
students in school / college / university
a congregation in church / mosque / temple
employees in an office
gatherings of people in a social function – football match, bus stop, etc
Why Stand up?
We are asking you to hold a STAND UP moment because...
...everyday thousands of poor people are denied access to medical services, clean water, education etc
...every day more people living on the street because of poverty
...every day gender based violence is on the increase
...every day more people are dying from preventable and treatable diseases
STAND UP, SPEAK OUT & TAKE ACTION TO DEMAND THAT PROMISES MADE BY OUR GOVERNMENTS TO END POVERTY AND ACHIEVE THE MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS BY 2015 ARE KEPT
Stand Up & Take Action Ideas!
· Encourage people to plant a tree each and count the number of trees planted during the stipulated action period
· Organize action-oriented MDG rallies or marches with clear policy demands.
· Encourage students to undertake action-oriented activities such as planting trees, holding awareness road-shows/ concerts etc.
· Organize student competitions on various MDG themes.
· Post 1-2 min MDG videos (mobile videos) with strong messaging on standagainstpoverty.org website.
· Write to the government demanding specific actions on a development-related issue.
· Organize a free lunch for underprivileged citizens
· Send SMS petitions during the Stand Up and Take Action period.
· Organize teaching classes for illiterate people in your community.
· Coordinate the collection of used books and donate them to needy schools in remote areas or public libraries.
· Organize a team of volunteers to paint a needy school.
· Organize blood donation camps Mobilize communities to organize clean-up exercises.
· Organize distribution of mosquito-nets to families in malaria endemic areas.
· Organize a free medical check-up at a nearby hospital or clinic.
· Organize a 1-3 days free testing for HIV/AIDS at a public hospital or clinic
· Organize for training for farmers on new agricultural technologies.
· Call on your government to implement international MDG related commitments e.g. Abuja Declaration to commit 15% of national budgets to healthcare and Maputo declaration to commit 10% of national budgets to Agriculture.
· Educate the community on ways to reduce waste and encourage efficient-energy consumption
As you can see there are thousands of ways that you and your community can be engaged in the Stand Up and Take Action Campaign.
How to count:
Please find attached a pledge and a fax back form which you and your community will read and count the number of people who literally stood up (if the crowd is so large use an approximation). This form will be returned to us via fax or email or post. Also find attached a youth brochure explaining what stand up is all about.
We will then tally all the numbers received from you and other partners across the world and this will be submitted to Guinness World Record.
Our request:
1. Participate in the Stand Up campaign. (Please send us information of your event)
2. Participate in an activity near you
3. Circulate this information to as many people as possible to ensure that people in your country demand their governments to account for the promises they made come 2015
I look forward to your positive response.
Regards
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National Economic and Social Council in Kenya
President makes NESC appointments Written By:PPS , Posted: Wed, Sep 10, 2008
President Mwai Kibaki has Wednesday made the following appointments to the expanded National Economic and Social Council for a period of 3 years.
(a) The Prime Minister;
Rt Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, EGH, MP
(b) The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade
Hon. Uhuru Kenyatta, EGH, MP
(c) The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Local Government: Hon.Musalia Mudavadi, EGH, MP
(d) The following Ministers:
Minister for Agriculture: Hon. William Samoei Arap Ruto, MP.
Minister for Environment and Mineral Resources and Acting Minister for Finance: Hon. John Michuki, EGH, MP
Minister for Energy: Hon. Kiraitu Murungi, EGH, MP
Minister for Information and Communication: Hon. Samuel Poghisio, M.P.
Minister for Roads: Hon.Chris Obure, MP (Acting)
Minister for Transport: Hon (Amb.) Chirau Ali Mwakare, EGH, MP
Minister for Industrialization: Hon. Henry Kiprono Kosgey, M.P
Minister for Nairobi Metropolitan Development: Hon. Mutula Kilonzo, EBS, SC, MP
Minister for Planning, National Development and Vision 2030: Hon. Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanyah, MP.
Minister for Higher Education, Science and Technology: Hon. Dr.Sally Jemng'etich Kosgei, EGH, MP
Minister for Justice, National Cohesion and Constitutional Affairs: Hon. Martha W. Karua, EGH, MP
Minister for Public Health and Sanitation: Hon. Beth Wambui Mugo, M.P
(e) The Attorney General: Hon. S. Amos Wako, EGH,EBS,FCIArb, S.C. MP
(f) Local Experts:
Ayisi Makatiani (Investment Banker)
Lutaf R. Kassam (Chief Executive Officer IPS)
Michael Chege (Professor of Economics and Political Science)
Edward Akong'o Oyugi (Professor of Psychology)
(g) Members from Private Sector:
Jimnah Mbaru (Banker)
Salma Mazrui (Marketing Specialist)
Wilfred Murungi (Eng) (Industrialist)
(h) Registered Professional Bodies:
Raphael G. Mwai (Institutional Development Expert)
Jacqueline Wasonga Kitulu (Dr) Medical (Practitioner)
Baldip S. Rihal (Urban Development Consultant)
(i) Labour Unions: Samwel Muga K'Olale (Dr.) (Lecturer in Philosophy)
(j) Commission for Higher Education: Everett Maraka Standa (Prof) (Commission Secretary/
Chief Executive Officer)
(k) Farmers Associations: Michael Albert Allen Harries (Farmer)
(l) National Council for Science and Technology:
Shaukat Ali Abdulrazak (Prof.)(Executive Secretary National Council for Science and Technology)
(m) Private Health Care Providers:
Kanyenje K. Gakombe (Dr.) (Chief Executive of Metropolitan Hospital Ltd.)
(n) International Experts:
Lee Yee Cheong (Dato) (Engineer from Malaysia)
Chung Kunmo (Dr.) (Energy Expert from South Korea)
Hiroyuki Hino (Professor of Economics from Japan)
Victor Koh (Dr.) (Management Consultant from Singapore)
(o) The Permanent Secretary, Secretary to the Cabinet and Head of the Public Service, Office of the President : Amb. Francis K. Muthaura, EGH.
(p) The Governor, Central Bank of Kenya: Njuguna Ndung'u (Prof.)
The Ministers may be accompanied by their Permanent Secretaries during the meetings of the Council.
1. BACKGROUND OF NESC
NESC is a high level advisory body to the Government of Kenya comprised of persons with diverse experiences, knowledge and skills from Industry, Academia, Civil Society and Government.
The Members serve on honorary appointment and meet at least four times a year.
The Secretariat of the Council is headed by Mr. Julius Monzi Muia and its Headquarters is located in Nairobi, KICC 4th floor.
The National Economic and Social Council plays a strategic role in facilitating fostering policy dialogue on social and economic issues in the country.
For this reason, it enjoys special links with a range of stakeholders that include among others line ministries, Development Partners, the Private Sector, Media Research Institutions, professional groups, and indeed, the general public.
2. MANDATE
The NESC's primary mandate is to advise Government on coordinated policies aimed at promoting economic growth, social equity and employment creation, and at reducing poverty and inequality.
It is also mandated to offer advice, on request, to the private sector and civil society and to express professional opinion on development issues.
In carrying out its mandate, NESC appraises Government policies for their effectiveness in achieving economic and social transformation; provides a forum for partnership and dialogue for engaging diverse range of stakeholders, especially private and social sector players, for their input into policy recommendations; and mobilizes knowledge and technical resources from relevant knowledge networks, including research and education institutions.
Since its first meeting in January 2005, the Council has advised Government on a number of policy measures aimed at accelerating the pace of national development, with its flagship being the conceptualization, development and finalization of the Kenya Vision 2030 the embodiment of the long-term aspirations of the nation.
3. SPECIFIC FUNCTIONS:
The functions of NESC are to:
a. Create a forum in which the Government, Private Sector and labour unions can discuss and identify policy issues and recommend to the government implementation of such policies;
b. Gather, analyze and compile information on economic development and trends and submit such information to the Cabinet with appropriate recommendations;
c. Appraise the various programs and activities of the Government, including the investment programmes for economic development, for the purpose of determining the extent to which such programmes and activities contribute to the achievement of Government policy objectives;
d. Develop and recommend to the Cabinet coordinated policies that will promote social equity, economic growth, create employment and reduce poverty and inequality;
e. Give its opinion, suggestions and recommendations on any matter or question on which it may be consulted by the Government, the Private Sector or the Civil Society;
f. Improve the targeting of strategic objectives with a focus on the most critical social and economic needs especially in areas that have direct impact on strengthening the potential of the private sector to create employment opportunities and those that address poverty reduction;
g. Utilize the private sector and the civil society capacities and synergy through collaboration, engagement and networking in order to promote efficiency and effectiveness of economic planning process.
h. Liaise with existing research institutions, the universities and the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics in the performance of its functions.
President Mwai Kibaki is Chairman of the council that he established in his first term in office, as a vehicle for moving Kenya into the ranks of emerging and fast-developing countries within the shortest time possible.
President Mwai Kibaki has Wednesday made the following appointments to the expanded National Economic and Social Council for a period of 3 years.
(a) The Prime Minister;
Rt Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, EGH, MP
(b) The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade
Hon. Uhuru Kenyatta, EGH, MP
(c) The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Local Government: Hon.Musalia Mudavadi, EGH, MP
(d) The following Ministers:
Minister for Agriculture: Hon. William Samoei Arap Ruto, MP.
Minister for Environment and Mineral Resources and Acting Minister for Finance: Hon. John Michuki, EGH, MP
Minister for Energy: Hon. Kiraitu Murungi, EGH, MP
Minister for Information and Communication: Hon. Samuel Poghisio, M.P.
Minister for Roads: Hon.Chris Obure, MP (Acting)
Minister for Transport: Hon (Amb.) Chirau Ali Mwakare, EGH, MP
Minister for Industrialization: Hon. Henry Kiprono Kosgey, M.P
Minister for Nairobi Metropolitan Development: Hon. Mutula Kilonzo, EBS, SC, MP
Minister for Planning, National Development and Vision 2030: Hon. Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanyah, MP.
Minister for Higher Education, Science and Technology: Hon. Dr.Sally Jemng'etich Kosgei, EGH, MP
Minister for Justice, National Cohesion and Constitutional Affairs: Hon. Martha W. Karua, EGH, MP
Minister for Public Health and Sanitation: Hon. Beth Wambui Mugo, M.P
(e) The Attorney General: Hon. S. Amos Wako, EGH,EBS,FCIArb, S.C. MP
(f) Local Experts:
Ayisi Makatiani (Investment Banker)
Lutaf R. Kassam (Chief Executive Officer IPS)
Michael Chege (Professor of Economics and Political Science)
Edward Akong'o Oyugi (Professor of Psychology)
(g) Members from Private Sector:
Jimnah Mbaru (Banker)
Salma Mazrui (Marketing Specialist)
Wilfred Murungi (Eng) (Industrialist)
(h) Registered Professional Bodies:
Raphael G. Mwai (Institutional Development Expert)
Jacqueline Wasonga Kitulu (Dr) Medical (Practitioner)
Baldip S. Rihal (Urban Development Consultant)
(i) Labour Unions: Samwel Muga K'Olale (Dr.) (Lecturer in Philosophy)
(j) Commission for Higher Education: Everett Maraka Standa (Prof) (Commission Secretary/
Chief Executive Officer)
(k) Farmers Associations: Michael Albert Allen Harries (Farmer)
(l) National Council for Science and Technology:
Shaukat Ali Abdulrazak (Prof.)(Executive Secretary National Council for Science and Technology)
(m) Private Health Care Providers:
Kanyenje K. Gakombe (Dr.) (Chief Executive of Metropolitan Hospital Ltd.)
(n) International Experts:
Lee Yee Cheong (Dato) (Engineer from Malaysia)
Chung Kunmo (Dr.) (Energy Expert from South Korea)
Hiroyuki Hino (Professor of Economics from Japan)
Victor Koh (Dr.) (Management Consultant from Singapore)
(o) The Permanent Secretary, Secretary to the Cabinet and Head of the Public Service, Office of the President : Amb. Francis K. Muthaura, EGH.
(p) The Governor, Central Bank of Kenya: Njuguna Ndung'u (Prof.)
The Ministers may be accompanied by their Permanent Secretaries during the meetings of the Council.
1. BACKGROUND OF NESC
NESC is a high level advisory body to the Government of Kenya comprised of persons with diverse experiences, knowledge and skills from Industry, Academia, Civil Society and Government.
The Members serve on honorary appointment and meet at least four times a year.
The Secretariat of the Council is headed by Mr. Julius Monzi Muia and its Headquarters is located in Nairobi, KICC 4th floor.
The National Economic and Social Council plays a strategic role in facilitating fostering policy dialogue on social and economic issues in the country.
For this reason, it enjoys special links with a range of stakeholders that include among others line ministries, Development Partners, the Private Sector, Media Research Institutions, professional groups, and indeed, the general public.
2. MANDATE
The NESC's primary mandate is to advise Government on coordinated policies aimed at promoting economic growth, social equity and employment creation, and at reducing poverty and inequality.
It is also mandated to offer advice, on request, to the private sector and civil society and to express professional opinion on development issues.
In carrying out its mandate, NESC appraises Government policies for their effectiveness in achieving economic and social transformation; provides a forum for partnership and dialogue for engaging diverse range of stakeholders, especially private and social sector players, for their input into policy recommendations; and mobilizes knowledge and technical resources from relevant knowledge networks, including research and education institutions.
Since its first meeting in January 2005, the Council has advised Government on a number of policy measures aimed at accelerating the pace of national development, with its flagship being the conceptualization, development and finalization of the Kenya Vision 2030 the embodiment of the long-term aspirations of the nation.
3. SPECIFIC FUNCTIONS:
The functions of NESC are to:
a. Create a forum in which the Government, Private Sector and labour unions can discuss and identify policy issues and recommend to the government implementation of such policies;
b. Gather, analyze and compile information on economic development and trends and submit such information to the Cabinet with appropriate recommendations;
c. Appraise the various programs and activities of the Government, including the investment programmes for economic development, for the purpose of determining the extent to which such programmes and activities contribute to the achievement of Government policy objectives;
d. Develop and recommend to the Cabinet coordinated policies that will promote social equity, economic growth, create employment and reduce poverty and inequality;
e. Give its opinion, suggestions and recommendations on any matter or question on which it may be consulted by the Government, the Private Sector or the Civil Society;
f. Improve the targeting of strategic objectives with a focus on the most critical social and economic needs especially in areas that have direct impact on strengthening the potential of the private sector to create employment opportunities and those that address poverty reduction;
g. Utilize the private sector and the civil society capacities and synergy through collaboration, engagement and networking in order to promote efficiency and effectiveness of economic planning process.
h. Liaise with existing research institutions, the universities and the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics in the performance of its functions.
President Mwai Kibaki is Chairman of the council that he established in his first term in office, as a vehicle for moving Kenya into the ranks of emerging and fast-developing countries within the shortest time possible.
SHOCKING DETAILS OF CHILD PORN
Shocking details of child porn
Updated 37 min(s) ago
By Oscar Obonyo
Sex pests and perverts are on the increase in Kenya, operating under the veneer of a highly religious society and off the radar to security agents. They mimic the Western flesh culture and commerce with equal precision, but with modest profit. Courtesy of technological advancement, parents have now to battle with the sex bug ripping apart lives of their teenage daughters — some as young as 13. Initially fought off by targeting video halls where pornographic material was aired for a fee, today, the stuff is everywhere. It is on the Internet in offices, at home, on mobile phones and even in matatus. Other than being consumers of the explicit sex material, the children are now part of the cast. Investigations by The Standard On Saturday reveal that girls are stripping naked or engaging in live sex with strangers as cameras roll — for a pittance.
Kenya Films Censorship Board Chief Executive David Pkosing is a worried man, and so should we all.
Girls, as young as 13 years, are stripping naked and parading their bodies as cameras click away for a fee.
Scores of others are getting deeper than that. They are hopping into bed with strangers and willingly getting captured in action. The videos — samples of which our team purchased from Nairobi's backstreets — are sold locally and abroad in what is quickly emerging to be a multi-million sex industry.
That pornography has reached frightening levels is a fact that scares the Kenya Film Censorship Board.
"You may not believe it, but our country is absolutely rotten. There is too much consumption of pornography. It is rampant, it is scary, it is beyond our control," concedes Mr David Pkosing, the board's CEO.
Pornographic literature
Pkosing's unease is indeed understandable. During a swoop on downtown Nairobi in April, his team confiscated thousands of tapes from video vendors featuring local girls. Most shattering is that some of them are filmed having sex with domesticated animals — dogs and horses!
What might shock most parents, as The Standard On Saturday established, is that some of the teens are hooked to the illicit practice not because of money but out of sheer fun.
They consider it fashionable and as one youth mentions, "live-porn is the in-thing if you are not aware".
Most parents, as well as child welfare officers, have all along battled accessibility of pornographic literature by children. But they never envisaged involvement of children in the production of the same. Indeed, this reality is devastating.
The illicit exercise takes three basic forms — video recordings in hotel rooms and private villas, live sex performances in estate halls and striptease in clubs, where the teens stage nude parades.
At the coastal town, the youth confessed to performing in private villas and cottages where they faced no risk of arrest. Here the market is lucrative as the barons in the business, mainly tourists, pay a handsome fee for the recordings, which they sell abroad in form of DVD and VCD.
In Nairobi, our team came face to face with an even more bizarre episode of a live pornographic show, otherwise known as "mchaka-mchaka" by locals.
At Kibera estate's Mashimoni area, they do it differently. Instead of playing recorded "stale" material, young people give their audience a "live treat" by engaging in sex on stage.
To be part of the crowd, one parts with Sh20. The actors and the event organisers share the spoils and depending on the size of the crowd, the girls make between Sh400 and Sh1,500 a night.
Even more worrying about live shows in the slums, where the driving factor is poverty, is that some of the acting couples engage in sex without protection. But as one "actress" told The Standard On Saturday, the philosophy here is simple — "better die ten or so years later of HIV/Aids than today of hunger".
Technology
Meanwhile, in the relatively exotic striptease joints in city centres, we uncovered a clandestine racket where underage girls are locked in a safe room away from the public arena and only released secretly on "special request" by a client.
"This is public place. You will not find those ones (underage strippers) in the main dancing hall but if you are keen we can make arrangements," said a bouncer at a popular club in Nairobi nicknamed Papa Shirandula.
At this very joint, to access the underage strippers, a client pays an extra Sh1,000, for the VIP secluded rooms, over the usual Sh250 gate charge.
Technology also comes in handy in the section as one is at liberty to record the girls' anatomy and any other exciting happening on his mobile phone. Sex is not allowed though and the fee for the recording and intimacy ranges between Sh500 and Sh2,000. With proof of age, some of the acts here would pass for what the Kenyan law stipulates as "indecent assault of a minor".
But it is not easy to catch them on the account of age. Although some of the girls privately confess they are below 18 years old, proof of the same is difficult as their paperwork indicates otherwise.
A plot has accordingly been devised to protect the underage performers and the clubs' where they operate.
With the help of River Road forgers, the girls are able to "stretch their ages", through acquisition of false identification documents.
Armed with the fake IDs, the "older" girls then proceed to special "adults only" clubs, where they indulge in sexual activities for money and enjoy the pleasure of pornographic movies at will.
Can't do much
According to African Network for the Prevention & Protection Against Child Abuse & Neglect (ANPPCAN), Regional Director, Dr Philista Onyango, child pornography is not a new phenomenon.
"The child exploitation has been around for decades. Over the years, we have received reports of street children, in particular, who have been coaxed by tourists and other people to pose nude and their pictures sold or circulated abroad for a small fee," says Onyango.
The magnitude of the problem, she observes, now only looks big because of advancement in technology, such as Internet and mobile phones.
But like Pkosing, Onyango is alarmed and frustrated by the rate at which the vice is spreading and taking new shape.
"Initially we fought it by targeting video halls where porn material was aired for a fee. Today, the stuff is everywhere on Internet in our offices, at home and even on mobile phones," observes Onyango.
Pkosing's hands are equally tied.
Updated 37 min(s) ago
By Oscar Obonyo
Sex pests and perverts are on the increase in Kenya, operating under the veneer of a highly religious society and off the radar to security agents. They mimic the Western flesh culture and commerce with equal precision, but with modest profit. Courtesy of technological advancement, parents have now to battle with the sex bug ripping apart lives of their teenage daughters — some as young as 13. Initially fought off by targeting video halls where pornographic material was aired for a fee, today, the stuff is everywhere. It is on the Internet in offices, at home, on mobile phones and even in matatus. Other than being consumers of the explicit sex material, the children are now part of the cast. Investigations by The Standard On Saturday reveal that girls are stripping naked or engaging in live sex with strangers as cameras roll — for a pittance.
Kenya Films Censorship Board Chief Executive David Pkosing is a worried man, and so should we all.
Girls, as young as 13 years, are stripping naked and parading their bodies as cameras click away for a fee.
Scores of others are getting deeper than that. They are hopping into bed with strangers and willingly getting captured in action. The videos — samples of which our team purchased from Nairobi's backstreets — are sold locally and abroad in what is quickly emerging to be a multi-million sex industry.
That pornography has reached frightening levels is a fact that scares the Kenya Film Censorship Board.
"You may not believe it, but our country is absolutely rotten. There is too much consumption of pornography. It is rampant, it is scary, it is beyond our control," concedes Mr David Pkosing, the board's CEO.
Pornographic literature
Pkosing's unease is indeed understandable. During a swoop on downtown Nairobi in April, his team confiscated thousands of tapes from video vendors featuring local girls. Most shattering is that some of them are filmed having sex with domesticated animals — dogs and horses!
What might shock most parents, as The Standard On Saturday established, is that some of the teens are hooked to the illicit practice not because of money but out of sheer fun.
They consider it fashionable and as one youth mentions, "live-porn is the in-thing if you are not aware".
Most parents, as well as child welfare officers, have all along battled accessibility of pornographic literature by children. But they never envisaged involvement of children in the production of the same. Indeed, this reality is devastating.
The illicit exercise takes three basic forms — video recordings in hotel rooms and private villas, live sex performances in estate halls and striptease in clubs, where the teens stage nude parades.
At the coastal town, the youth confessed to performing in private villas and cottages where they faced no risk of arrest. Here the market is lucrative as the barons in the business, mainly tourists, pay a handsome fee for the recordings, which they sell abroad in form of DVD and VCD.
In Nairobi, our team came face to face with an even more bizarre episode of a live pornographic show, otherwise known as "mchaka-mchaka" by locals.
At Kibera estate's Mashimoni area, they do it differently. Instead of playing recorded "stale" material, young people give their audience a "live treat" by engaging in sex on stage.
To be part of the crowd, one parts with Sh20. The actors and the event organisers share the spoils and depending on the size of the crowd, the girls make between Sh400 and Sh1,500 a night.
Even more worrying about live shows in the slums, where the driving factor is poverty, is that some of the acting couples engage in sex without protection. But as one "actress" told The Standard On Saturday, the philosophy here is simple — "better die ten or so years later of HIV/Aids than today of hunger".
Technology
Meanwhile, in the relatively exotic striptease joints in city centres, we uncovered a clandestine racket where underage girls are locked in a safe room away from the public arena and only released secretly on "special request" by a client.
"This is public place. You will not find those ones (underage strippers) in the main dancing hall but if you are keen we can make arrangements," said a bouncer at a popular club in Nairobi nicknamed Papa Shirandula.
At this very joint, to access the underage strippers, a client pays an extra Sh1,000, for the VIP secluded rooms, over the usual Sh250 gate charge.
Technology also comes in handy in the section as one is at liberty to record the girls' anatomy and any other exciting happening on his mobile phone. Sex is not allowed though and the fee for the recording and intimacy ranges between Sh500 and Sh2,000. With proof of age, some of the acts here would pass for what the Kenyan law stipulates as "indecent assault of a minor".
But it is not easy to catch them on the account of age. Although some of the girls privately confess they are below 18 years old, proof of the same is difficult as their paperwork indicates otherwise.
A plot has accordingly been devised to protect the underage performers and the clubs' where they operate.
With the help of River Road forgers, the girls are able to "stretch their ages", through acquisition of false identification documents.
Armed with the fake IDs, the "older" girls then proceed to special "adults only" clubs, where they indulge in sexual activities for money and enjoy the pleasure of pornographic movies at will.
Can't do much
According to African Network for the Prevention & Protection Against Child Abuse & Neglect (ANPPCAN), Regional Director, Dr Philista Onyango, child pornography is not a new phenomenon.
"The child exploitation has been around for decades. Over the years, we have received reports of street children, in particular, who have been coaxed by tourists and other people to pose nude and their pictures sold or circulated abroad for a small fee," says Onyango.
The magnitude of the problem, she observes, now only looks big because of advancement in technology, such as Internet and mobile phones.
But like Pkosing, Onyango is alarmed and frustrated by the rate at which the vice is spreading and taking new shape.
"Initially we fought it by targeting video halls where porn material was aired for a fee. Today, the stuff is everywhere on Internet in our offices, at home and even on mobile phones," observes Onyango.
Pkosing's hands are equally tied.
MINISTRY OF TRADE IN KENYA TO SUPPORT YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS
Ministry to support young entrepreneurs
Published on 08/08/2008
By Kenneth Kwama
The Ministry of Trade is working to create a policy to relax procurement rules to make it easier for young entrepreneurs to tender for Government jobs.
"Some of the rules like those that require people to have been in business for more than 10 years before being considered for Government tenders are unfair to young entrepreneurs and should be reviewed," said Mr Omingo Magara, Assistant Minister for Trade.
Magara spoke during the unveiling of the Global Entrepreneurship Week, which is set to take place from November 17-23. The concept is aimed at supporting young entrepreneurs who want to do business. The event will take place in more than 60 countries.
In Kenya, it will be co-ordinated by the Sacoma Centre for business enterprises, which says it hopes to create 10,000 new jobs for the youth by the end of the one-week event. "We are working with partners who are willing to support the youth in various ways like training, mentorship and start up capital. In the end, we hope this will enable young people to create their own businesses and employ people," said Ms Peres Ochieng’, CEO of Sacoma.
Youth Participation
The organisers expect thousands of youths from different districts to participate. Chris Spavin, the International Campaigns executive for the programme, lauded the idea as revolutionary to help the youth in developing countries take charge of their own destinies.
"It aims to inspire a movement of people and stakeholders to celebrate and engage in enterprising ideas and make them happen," said Spavin.
The idea was first mooted in the UK, with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown acting as patron of one of the founder organisations.
Magara said his ministry would provide the infrastructure necessary to support the initiative and also work on new policy to make the business environment friendlier to the youth.
He cited the many procedures required by procurement rules saying they were hostile to young entrepreneurs. He said some jobs like construction of feeder roads in rural areas could be given to the youth without necessarily going through the tendering process.
Other events lined up for the week include business ideas competition and campaigns for new policies geared at improving business environment for young people.
Published on 08/08/2008
By Kenneth Kwama
The Ministry of Trade is working to create a policy to relax procurement rules to make it easier for young entrepreneurs to tender for Government jobs.
"Some of the rules like those that require people to have been in business for more than 10 years before being considered for Government tenders are unfair to young entrepreneurs and should be reviewed," said Mr Omingo Magara, Assistant Minister for Trade.
Magara spoke during the unveiling of the Global Entrepreneurship Week, which is set to take place from November 17-23. The concept is aimed at supporting young entrepreneurs who want to do business. The event will take place in more than 60 countries.
In Kenya, it will be co-ordinated by the Sacoma Centre for business enterprises, which says it hopes to create 10,000 new jobs for the youth by the end of the one-week event. "We are working with partners who are willing to support the youth in various ways like training, mentorship and start up capital. In the end, we hope this will enable young people to create their own businesses and employ people," said Ms Peres Ochieng’, CEO of Sacoma.
Youth Participation
The organisers expect thousands of youths from different districts to participate. Chris Spavin, the International Campaigns executive for the programme, lauded the idea as revolutionary to help the youth in developing countries take charge of their own destinies.
"It aims to inspire a movement of people and stakeholders to celebrate and engage in enterprising ideas and make them happen," said Spavin.
The idea was first mooted in the UK, with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown acting as patron of one of the founder organisations.
Magara said his ministry would provide the infrastructure necessary to support the initiative and also work on new policy to make the business environment friendlier to the youth.
He cited the many procedures required by procurement rules saying they were hostile to young entrepreneurs. He said some jobs like construction of feeder roads in rural areas could be given to the youth without necessarily going through the tendering process.
Other events lined up for the week include business ideas competition and campaigns for new policies geared at improving business environment for young people.
Concerns That Hinders Economic Development in Kenya
Dear Kenyans and friends of Kenya,
Yesterday, a member of Bunge la Mwananchi was picked up from Jeevanjee Gardens, held for about half an hour and then released from the Central Police Station. Yet again today, five other members of Bunge la Mwananchi have just been picked up from Jeevanjee, cuffed and paraded as criminals as they were taken to Central Police Station where they are currently being held. The alleged charges against each of those arrested is supposedly that they are inciting the public.
This is an urgent appeal to Bunge la Mwananchi supporters for legal representation for those who are currently in custody. Can any lawyer reading this who is able to join us at Central Police Station as soon as possible please do so and contact me on my number below. Although we do not know the details as I write, we anticipate that we will also require to raise cash bail to secure their release from police custody. Your support in any way that you can is highly appreciated.
Jeevanjee Gardens, Nairobi has been under heavy police surveillance since Saturday 13th December, 2008 for no apparent reason, yet it is a public facility that serves many Kenyans. There have been anti riot police and police dogs in the area and now this heavy police presence has escalated into these arbitrary arrests. In addition, Bunge la Mwananchi members are continually receiving threatening phone calls and text messages, phone calls are tapped and listened to and even communication online is hacked and interfered with.
Bunge la Mwananchi is a non-violent, law abiding social movement whose members do not engage in any criminal activity. Whenever we have any message to get across on behalf of Kenyans, we have done so publicly and without any criminal intent and all our messages have in all cases emanated from Kenyans themselves. We therefore protest and condemn the continued harrassment, intimidation and arbitrary arrests on trumped up charges that our members are being subjected to.
We demand that each of the President, Prime Minister, Minister for Internal Security and Police Commissioner publicly declare the reasons for these unfounded arbitrary arrests of Bunge la Mwananchi members. We further demand that the police immediately cease and desist from this continued blatant violation of our freedoms of assembly, association and movement.
In this regard, this email has been copied to each of the President, the Prime Minister, Police Commissioner’s offices.
Bunge la Mwananchi remains committed to providing a forum from which Kenyans can set the agenda for their leaders by discussing and adopting resolutions on issues that affect them. We refuse and shall not be cowered by intimidation tactics of any type employed against us.
George Nyongesa
Bunge la Mwananchi
+254 720 451 235
Bunge la Mwananchi is a social movement and a member of the Kenya National Civil Society Congress
Yesterday, a member of Bunge la Mwananchi was picked up from Jeevanjee Gardens, held for about half an hour and then released from the Central Police Station. Yet again today, five other members of Bunge la Mwananchi have just been picked up from Jeevanjee, cuffed and paraded as criminals as they were taken to Central Police Station where they are currently being held. The alleged charges against each of those arrested is supposedly that they are inciting the public.
This is an urgent appeal to Bunge la Mwananchi supporters for legal representation for those who are currently in custody. Can any lawyer reading this who is able to join us at Central Police Station as soon as possible please do so and contact me on my number below. Although we do not know the details as I write, we anticipate that we will also require to raise cash bail to secure their release from police custody. Your support in any way that you can is highly appreciated.
Jeevanjee Gardens, Nairobi has been under heavy police surveillance since Saturday 13th December, 2008 for no apparent reason, yet it is a public facility that serves many Kenyans. There have been anti riot police and police dogs in the area and now this heavy police presence has escalated into these arbitrary arrests. In addition, Bunge la Mwananchi members are continually receiving threatening phone calls and text messages, phone calls are tapped and listened to and even communication online is hacked and interfered with.
Bunge la Mwananchi is a non-violent, law abiding social movement whose members do not engage in any criminal activity. Whenever we have any message to get across on behalf of Kenyans, we have done so publicly and without any criminal intent and all our messages have in all cases emanated from Kenyans themselves. We therefore protest and condemn the continued harrassment, intimidation and arbitrary arrests on trumped up charges that our members are being subjected to.
We demand that each of the President, Prime Minister, Minister for Internal Security and Police Commissioner publicly declare the reasons for these unfounded arbitrary arrests of Bunge la Mwananchi members. We further demand that the police immediately cease and desist from this continued blatant violation of our freedoms of assembly, association and movement.
In this regard, this email has been copied to each of the President, the Prime Minister, Police Commissioner’s offices.
Bunge la Mwananchi remains committed to providing a forum from which Kenyans can set the agenda for their leaders by discussing and adopting resolutions on issues that affect them. We refuse and shall not be cowered by intimidation tactics of any type employed against us.
George Nyongesa
Bunge la Mwananchi
+254 720 451 235
Bunge la Mwananchi is a social movement and a member of the Kenya National Civil Society Congress
Thursday, December 18, 2008
UNDP in Kenya for Economic Development
UNDP and the UN System in Kenya The UN system in Kenya is co-ordinated by the Resident Co-ordinator's office in Nairobi, Kenya. Currently, UNDP is spearheading early recovery efforts with other UN agencies in Kenya.This is a follow up to the various national, regional and international mechanisms that were invoked to support dialogue and achievement of amicable solutions following the post election violence situation after the disputed General Elections of December 2007. UNDP is also working with other Agencies to implement the Kenya Joint Assistance Framework (KJAS).These initiatives are under the guidance of Mr. Aeneas Chuma, the UN Resident Coordinator, UNDP Resident Representative,and Humanitarian Coordinator in Kenya. .Click to read more
UNDP Kenya supports the Poverty Eradication Committee on IDEP Day, - Garissa District,17 October This year's International Day for Eradication of Poverty IDEP was celebrated in Garissa District which is one of the 9 millennium districts in Kenya.The other Millennium districts include; Siaya, Bondo, Muranga, Meru South, Turkana, Kilifi, Suba and Bungoma.The Minister for National Development and Vision 2030 is expected to officiate.UNDP has several projects in Garissa District which is the semi arid Northern Eastern Province.The projects include; Secondary school next to the Daadab Refugee camp, Hagar Bul water pans and Welmerer water borehole.Read more
Media Stakeholders Launch Media Taskforce as part of Communication for Development-Mombasa, 10 OctoberThe UNDP Country Director Ms Tomoko Nishimoto joined Mr Waruru Wachira,the chairperosn of the Media Council of Kenya and the Managing Director for Royal Media Services(Citizen TV and several vernacular radios), in launching the Media Taskforce to ammend the Media Act, between 9-12 October at the coastal town of Mombasa. The Taskforce will also look at the Freedom of Information and ICT bill before they are tabled in Parliament. The Media Act as it currently stands, prohibits the Media Council from accepting funding from the exchequer as well as from foreign donors. .Read more
UN Awards Safaricom for M-Pesa initiative - New York, 24 SeptemberSafaricom a member of the Global Compact Network in Kenya, was recognized at the United Nations in New York on 24 September 2008, for helping the poor to access critical banking services through mobile phone technology to increase their income and work their way out of poverty. With one of the fastest growth rates of mobile phone users in the world but less than 10 percent of the population with bank accounts, the Kenyan company developed the M-PESA service to bridge the gap, allowing rural and poor populations to use their mobile phones for money transfers and credit and savings services.. Read more
UNDP Kenya supports the Poverty Eradication Committee on IDEP Day, - Garissa District,17 October This year's International Day for Eradication of Poverty IDEP was celebrated in Garissa District which is one of the 9 millennium districts in Kenya.The other Millennium districts include; Siaya, Bondo, Muranga, Meru South, Turkana, Kilifi, Suba and Bungoma.The Minister for National Development and Vision 2030 is expected to officiate.UNDP has several projects in Garissa District which is the semi arid Northern Eastern Province.The projects include; Secondary school next to the Daadab Refugee camp, Hagar Bul water pans and Welmerer water borehole.Read more
Media Stakeholders Launch Media Taskforce as part of Communication for Development-Mombasa, 10 OctoberThe UNDP Country Director Ms Tomoko Nishimoto joined Mr Waruru Wachira,the chairperosn of the Media Council of Kenya and the Managing Director for Royal Media Services(Citizen TV and several vernacular radios), in launching the Media Taskforce to ammend the Media Act, between 9-12 October at the coastal town of Mombasa. The Taskforce will also look at the Freedom of Information and ICT bill before they are tabled in Parliament. The Media Act as it currently stands, prohibits the Media Council from accepting funding from the exchequer as well as from foreign donors. .Read more
UN Awards Safaricom for M-Pesa initiative - New York, 24 SeptemberSafaricom a member of the Global Compact Network in Kenya, was recognized at the United Nations in New York on 24 September 2008, for helping the poor to access critical banking services through mobile phone technology to increase their income and work their way out of poverty. With one of the fastest growth rates of mobile phone users in the world but less than 10 percent of the population with bank accounts, the Kenyan company developed the M-PESA service to bridge the gap, allowing rural and poor populations to use their mobile phones for money transfers and credit and savings services.. Read more
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens in Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe's Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
December 17, 2008 · Zimbabwe is suffering from a humanitarian crisis. The political unrest in the region has the economy in shambles. Millions of people are affected by post-election violence, diseases and malnutrition. U.S. ambassador to Zimbabwe, James McGee, explains the challenges facing the African nation and how he would like regional leaders to help defuse the political standoff.
It is not enough to simply insult, criticize and sabotage Mugabe. US has a moral obligation to help this people. Well, they do not have oil like Kuwait or Iraq.NPR, please demand that US and Britain help the Zimbabwe people without strings attached.Bush took a warship to deliver aids to Myanma after their natural disaster, he did so with all kinds of strings attached to it, no one condemned such barbaric posture while people die in tens and thousands.When people are suffering and dying, it not a time to be talking politics.We should insist that FOOD AND MEDICINE should never be used as instruments of war. It is evil and immoral to continue to hold the people hostage by both foreign powers and the dictators. This is like double jeopady. Zimbabweans are already victims of their own govenement, foreign powers should not add to their sufferings by ignoring their humanitarian needs. Morgan Changary should be challenged to bring his foreign backers to help his people without promise or expectation for power in return.
The apathy of surrounding african nations,or any nation for that matter is amazing. We must get more involved; if only we had some effective leaders around the world who could bring us all together and counter crisis like these
December 17, 2008 · Zimbabwe is suffering from a humanitarian crisis. The political unrest in the region has the economy in shambles. Millions of people are affected by post-election violence, diseases and malnutrition. U.S. ambassador to Zimbabwe, James McGee, explains the challenges facing the African nation and how he would like regional leaders to help defuse the political standoff.
It is not enough to simply insult, criticize and sabotage Mugabe. US has a moral obligation to help this people. Well, they do not have oil like Kuwait or Iraq.NPR, please demand that US and Britain help the Zimbabwe people without strings attached. Bush took a warship to deliver aids to Myanma after their natural disaster, he did so with all kinds of strings attached to it, no one condemned such barbaric posture while people die in tens and thousands.When people are suffering and dying, it not a time to be talking politics. We should insist that FOOD AND MEDICINE should never be used as instruments of war. It is evil and immoral to continue to hold the people hostage by both foreign powers and the dictators. This is like double jeopady. Zimbabweans are already victims of their own govenement, foreign powers should not add to their sufferings by ignoring their humanitarian needs.
The apathy of surrounding african nations,or any nation for that matter is amazing. We must get more involved; if only we had some effective leaders around the world who could bring us all together and counter crisis like these.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Kenyas current Politics is Stagnating Economic Development
Compatriots,
Last week, KTN prime time streamed a very ugly incident. It was ugly indeed! I saw Nyambane and Odhiambo being whisked away at tax payers expense. I know that you are all updated about lask weeks live coverage of independence day fete celebrations, so i wont bore you here by repeating myself.
If I were the president, I would have hugged Nyamabane and gave him the mic to great wananchi., yes to great the common men and women gathered to celebrate 45 years of zero development. Maybe you got me wrong, the footage of this years independence day commemoration was like a theatre of State house inteligence service aided by suspicious looking presidential guards. Dressed in oversize designless suits, they portrayed themselves as if the president was under pernicious threat. They took cover all over the stadium, some were caught intimidating innocent wananchi for no apparent reason.
The likes of Caroline mutoko, James Mongare aka Nyamabane, Mwalimu Mati etc. are now the only remaining messengers of the gorogoro stricken section of Kenyans. The above men and women are nothing, but the only remaining pro good in Kenyas civil society movement. They are the true critics, by critic....I dont mean cynics on faultfinding mission, but rather genuine critics who wanted to show in their own unique ways how hard common Kenyans faces starvation and death as a result of faulty leadership. I therefore view their action as just and lawful in spirit with the hungry masses.
There is a real problem that is slowly gathering steam. People are dillusioned and simply angry with everything they see around them. They can not afford the ongoing business-as-usual attitude being perfected by the so called leaders. The current political allignment is agendaless, visionless and lacks the works of talented craftsmen to move the country forward.
I therefore take this noble opportunity to thank Mss Mwalimu Mati, Caroline Mutoko, Walter Mongare and Odhiambo for puting their lives on line to draw attention to genuine concerns of the majority. They have demonstrated beyond any reasonable doubt of what ought to be done or what is not being done rightly by speaking the truth. Criticism brings out the best in people, businesses, organizations and the governments who are in serious business of serving their people.
Presented by:
W. ODuor
Last week, KTN prime time streamed a very ugly incident. It was ugly indeed! I saw Nyambane and Odhiambo being whisked away at tax payers expense. I know that you are all updated about lask weeks live coverage of independence day fete celebrations, so i wont bore you here by repeating myself.
If I were the president, I would have hugged Nyamabane and gave him the mic to great wananchi., yes to great the common men and women gathered to celebrate 45 years of zero development. Maybe you got me wrong, the footage of this years independence day commemoration was like a theatre of State house inteligence service aided by suspicious looking presidential guards. Dressed in oversize designless suits, they portrayed themselves as if the president was under pernicious threat. They took cover all over the stadium, some were caught intimidating innocent wananchi for no apparent reason.
The likes of Caroline mutoko, James Mongare aka Nyamabane, Mwalimu Mati etc. are now the only remaining messengers of the gorogoro stricken section of Kenyans. The above men and women are nothing, but the only remaining pro good in Kenyas civil society movement. They are the true critics, by critic....I dont mean cynics on faultfinding mission, but rather genuine critics who wanted to show in their own unique ways how hard common Kenyans faces starvation and death as a result of faulty leadership. I therefore view their action as just and lawful in spirit with the hungry masses.
There is a real problem that is slowly gathering steam. People are dillusioned and simply angry with everything they see around them. They can not afford the ongoing business-as-usual attitude being perfected by the so called leaders. The current political allignment is agendaless, visionless and lacks the works of talented craftsmen to move the country forward.
I therefore take this noble opportunity to thank Mss Mwalimu Mati, Caroline Mutoko, Walter Mongare and Odhiambo for puting their lives on line to draw attention to genuine concerns of the majority. They have demonstrated beyond any reasonable doubt of what ought to be done or what is not being done rightly by speaking the truth. Criticism brings out the best in people, businesses, organizations and the governments who are in serious business of serving their people.
Presented by:
W. ODuor
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