tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37609846027978108082024-03-13T22:44:27.160-07:00Mad - MoranRunning Commentary on politics,technology, in Kenya and rest of Africa ,economic issues ,current events and prevailing community and environmental issues.Philhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16964583089849099633noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3760984602797810808.post-63867199502523805752019-09-28T11:12:00.002-07:002019-09-28T11:12:16.138-07:00Saudi Aramco Attacks:<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2e2e; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Interesting note the Saudis and there key allies, have pointed to Iran as the Keyt suspect, this attacks on Aramco facilities could be an internal Job,</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2e2e; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2e2e; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> reason being the upcoming IPO which has now been suspended until further notice, could it have been intended to shore up global oil prices from there present levels, or according to what some are saying a deliberate act of sabotage by some members of the Saudi Royal Family who are opposed to the IPO, with the key goal to avoid scrutiny and international statutory and reporting regulations thus protecting there cash cow ,</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2e2e; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2e2e; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I personally doubt if the Iranians have the balls to pull out such an attack,</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2e2e; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2e2e; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> even though they have the technical, and military ability and infrastructure,</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2e2e; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2e2e; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> this could lead to outright war.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2e2e; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2e2e; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and we all know who the potential losers are: Consumers,</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2e2e; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2e2e; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> is some one paying attention to what the Israelis are up to, this is because they are the ultimate beneficiaries in such a conflict with the ultimate Goal of resetting middle east politics, Its a Tandem that s whats up if you know what i mean.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2e2e; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">This is a commentary on artcle authored by Aly Khan Sitchu. (Star.co.ke) Kenya</span><br />
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<br />Philhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16964583089849099633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3760984602797810808.post-70029293311469254622015-06-29T08:15:00.000-07:002015-06-29T08:15:07.855-07:00Corruption, the war<br />
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Kenya is finally showing a willingness to fight corruption .media reports suggests that President. Kenyatta is making an effort to control and abate The vice, a political will does exist.<br />
In an unprecedented move , he has called on several cabinet secretaries, senators and governors to step aside to allow for investigations of alleged corruption deals, while this is a positive move, a lot. Remains to be done,<br />
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Corruption is a two headed snake, there is the giver and the taker, for us to win this war, both must be targeted,<br />
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In Kenya the procurement and tender system has been grossly abused, the general rule of thumb is rub my back and will rub yours this is evident in all sectors of government, the police force, the wider civil service, and even the private sector, judicial system and devolved counties.<br />
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The war on corruption is just not another war, its a country crying for accountability, the trust of its citizens,on various institutions respect from international peers, and above all the fight against poverty.<br />
We are basically living a pipe dream and cannot hope to achieve the so called millennium (2030) goals if we continue to let this vice exist,it eating us alive.<br />
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Now what's the next step.<br />
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1.This is crazy, but plausible, completely abolish the tendering and procurement system, out source it to the private sector and completely review procedure's with a view to curb associated abuse. This might entail the use E systems live ,video<br />
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2. Strengthen the legal audit, biding process to make it more open competitive and widely available<br />
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3.Incorporate the teaching of ethics and commitment to public service delivery to our educational institutions, government agencies , and the public at large, people need to know its wrong to take or pay bribes.<br />
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4. We need to incorporate. A vetting process that's second to none, be it be a foreign investor, a police officer, a cunning politician running for any office , or judges and magistrates to curb vulnerability.<br />
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5.We do need a legal and regulatory system , that's seriously punitive, this necessitates the need for serious legislation to strengthen existing laws and curb loopholes and strengthen existing institutions like the Anti-corruption authority.<br />
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6. We need to learn from countries that have successfully minimized and abated corrupt practices, how do they do it, and how did they win the war on corruption.<br />
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7. Sensitive, educate and publicly engage the public on the fight against corruption, hence the need to hold public Barazas (Town Hall) meetings entirely focused on corruption at the national and county levels.<br />
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8.We need to root out bad Apples, thorough review of personnel hiring practices, past offenses, credit and financial records, criminal records of all public officials.<br />
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9. We need public hotlines for wanainchi to anonymously report corrupt public officials, with a potential reward on conviction, (Ukiona kitu, Sema Kitu), If you see something ,say something, This has worked successfully in New York City with the 311 system, although it is also used to engage citizens in the provision on a wide range of services.<br />
More later.Philhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16964583089849099633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3760984602797810808.post-37079733958017596662014-11-06T18:26:00.002-08:002014-11-07T20:23:37.707-08:00Saving the elephant The existing threat to the African elephant is nothing new, the arrival of the Chinese has only aggravated the problem, by driving demand for Ivory. and trade in other endangered species;<br />
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I grew up in Transmara, Part of what is now Narok county, home of the Maasai Mara in Kenya which is in very close proximity to the Serengeti (30 miles) which is the ancestral home of the ( Siria of which i am member},Purko and Ke konyieke Maasai clans<br />
My recollections from Back then were thousands Elephants roaming free , unhindered. and uninterrupted,<br />
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then came a brief surge in elephant poaching in the early 80's driven by demand in far and middle east.<br />
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Enter Dr Richard Leakey a noted paleontologist (then head of the Kenya National Museums) who was appointed by Former President Moi (Kenya, now Retired) to Head the department of Wild Life services after a local public and international outcry, this led to the now famous ivory burning in the Nairobi National Park,<br />
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Leakey reformed the service and led to the creation of what is now the Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS), He slowed down ivory poaching to a trickle almost lost his live doing it. he and marshaled national and international help to stop the trade in endangered species (Cites treaty)<br />
You can read his detailed effort in his book<br />
<h1 class="a-size-large a-spacing-none" id="title" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 21px !important; line-height: 1.3 !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;">
<span class="a-size-large" id="productTitle" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.3 !important; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;">Wildlife Wars: My Fight to Save Africa's Natural Treasures</span></h1>
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Enter the Chinese:<br />
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They came dangling development aid, infrastructure improvements, low interest loans, resource development and whatever else they could pull out of there goo-die bags,which African Leaders quickly embraced and became complacent with,<br />
The Chinese aided and abated by existing corrupt networks,dysfunctional governments, abject poverty. and obvious need for development quickly took advantage and resuscitated the ivory trade to satisfy demand in Asia, and beyond ,<br />
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some have argued that the advent of terrorism and need to fund Islamic fundamentalist groups like Al Shabab might be a factor..but that is questionable,<br />
i am African a Kenyan Masai specifically, we have a lot to loose as country and a community that relies on tourism, something has to be done now, Before its too late to save the elephant.Philhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16964583089849099633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3760984602797810808.post-55088328005510763962014-07-08T13:47:00.000-07:002014-12-01T11:44:05.537-08:00Insecurity in KenyaIts faitacompli Kenya has become the new Beirut, terrorism ,tribalism, throw in Al shabab, and the lion in the room political opportunism,<br />
The Kenyan opposition while it has a definite role as a watch dog, is adding fuel to the fire,while there is no evidence to link them, to the murder and mayhem in the coast, there is also no evidence to suggest they are not involved.<br />
We have yet to hear strong condemnation of the attacks, from the opposition and the assorted political activist at the forefront organizing mass rallies, with the obvious intent to cause unrest and a political quadrivium ready to be exploited for political traction and gain<br />
They should realize the fact that, its the poor urban youths who die, not there own Kids who live behind walled compounds. a winner is a winner, and a looser is a looser.<br />
Kenya is a democracy, not a banana republic, it has a security apparatus, a duly elected representative government , a functioning civil service, it,s not perfect, but it,s working.<br />
Holding rallies will not solve the west gate attacks attacks,tribal clashes, and religious tension,
Its national cohesion,leaders who work to solve problems, not create them, and mitigating rampant corruption and a better trained (paid),paid security force,<br />
There is a need to invest in better security surveillance system, and equipment....To be continued.
Philhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16964583089849099633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3760984602797810808.post-65841142227850557072013-10-10T13:21:00.001-07:002013-10-10T13:21:04.992-07:00Understanding west gate and <div class="commentHeader wrap" id="permid10228401" style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12.5px; margin-bottom: 3px;"><ul class="commenterMetaList element1" style="float: left; list-style: none; margin: 0px; max-width: 82%; padding-left: 0px;"><li class="commenter" style="background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0.6em; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; color: black; display: inline; float: left; font-size: 1.2em; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.25em; margin-right: 8px; padding: 0px;"><br />
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ignorance ,religious intolerance, run away corruption and poverty all contribute to these problems. Kenya has become a scape goat and transient point for terrorists wanna be.s and fundamentalist of all kinds...the word on the street is if we can get to new york or paris ,lets hit somewhere vulnerable and easy to get to NAIROBI...with its gleaming towers and easy accessibility and the abundance of victims of all nationalities.<br />
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as members of the international community, its time to realize that terrorism has become a present and constantly evolving danger, we are all vulnerable and the consequences are not good.</div><div style="color: black; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 1.3em; line-height: 1.308em; width: 451.34375px; word-wrap: break-word;"><br />
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, Sanctions, are being indirectly threatened if not implied, not to mention minimal contact if certain candidates win, albeit just a week ago, they said they are not supporting any candidate.
It’s imperative that we leave the Kenyan electorate alone to make its own decisions, and make its own democratic destiny. Leave us alone to elect our own leaders, let the precedents of universal suffrage prevail and let Kenyans make their own decisions on who is best to succeed President Kibaki.
I will admit that No Candidate or Election is perfect, but it is a universal fact and core tenet of democracy that elections are best determined by a majority.
I believe the Kenyan electorate has matured, we have learned from the consequences of electoral violence that marred the last election. Lives were lost, people displaced, property damaged, the victims of the last elections did not die in vain, democracy is not something you purchase from the street corner, it’s an accomplishment that takes sacrifice, tears, lives, hopes and dreams to achieve.
In my opinion, the ICC Trials are a sham and a scam, Are the witnesses credible, and is the system of jurisprudence itself credible and what are the motives? What is the justification of holding a trial a continent away, what is the fear hear? Are the alleged perpetrators actually guilty, Why Target Africa,? We need answers?
Philhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16964583089849099633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3760984602797810808.post-22311167012004322142011-12-27T12:10:00.000-08:002011-12-27T12:10:41.217-08:00its not a year for the worlds dictators The world has certainly changed in the last few months , the Arab spring produced the end of dictatorships and the worlds leading despot Muamar Gadaffi is gone,caught, ,abused and brutalized and murdered by his own citizens.<br />
Syrian people are being killed by the dozen but they have not yielded an inch in there quest for freedom, democracy, and better living conditions,<br />
Its a shame that Bashar al Assad( watch embeded barbara walters ABC interview)<object allowfullscreen="true" allownetworking="all" allowscriptaccess="always" data="http://cdnapi.kaltura.com/index.php/kwidget/wid/0_krsfnccv/uiconf_id/6501231" height="221" id="kaltura_player_1325013964" name="kaltura_player_1325013964" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="392"></p>
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.....who is a trained optometrists himself is on self denial and does not realize that members of his own military and intelligence services are out shooting protesters with automatic weapons in a desperate bid to hold on to power and preserve a status quo of embedded corruption, dysfunctional government and dictatorship in the name of the Baath Party.<br />
Egypt is better off without Mubarak, but there are still issues to be dealt with, in regard to the military and a new constitution, Putin is not reading the writing on the wall, he is trying to reinvent himself as a potential presidential candidate, through ballot stuffing and outright cheating for his united Russia party, but Russians are not stupid because the say the Pen is mightier than the sword, you can also lead a donkey to the River ,but you cannot force it to drink, Gorbachev was right, it,s time to move on..<br />
The real Game changer is democracy it self, People the world over must be given a fair chance of electing the own leaders, making a a fair choice of what form of government they wan.<br />
my heart goes out to the people of Egypt, Yemen, Russia,Tunisia,Libya , Syria and all other politically marginalized people of the world, its time to emerge and take care of your political destiny.Philhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16964583089849099633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3760984602797810808.post-66332862678030567352011-08-17T11:52:00.000-07:002011-08-17T13:21:19.922-07:00Drought, water, poverty and ?the eastern African drought is statistically one of the worst drought witnessed in over sixty years, its effects are devastating especially to vulnerable women and children .<div> droughts are a natural occurring phenomena, the key ingredient is the lack of rain, a prevalent war, lack of anticipatory key planning, logistical services and needed coordination and cooperation between the relevant aid agencies, the international community and neighboring governments.<div style="text-align: justify;"> the Kenya government (GOK) is opposed to the extension and development of new refugee camps, with security being a major concern, i agree with the position taken by GOK . but the matter does no end there. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> drought mitigation is not an easy thing, the development of green houses, the declaration of security zones, to enhance security and provision of basic sanitation, and health issues should be of paramount importance, we all know that water is life: </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> the search for water should be as important as search oil, Governments and corporations spent billions to build oil and gas pipelines and related support infrastructure stretching hundreds of miles, we should do the same with water. IE Lake Tanganyika, lake Victoria, the harvesting of rain water, should make common sense.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> the locals should be educated to expect the unexpected that droughts are a fact of life and they will not go away, self reliance, advanced mitigatory planning and saving grain for future use, overgrazing and peaceful co existence among nomadic communities are variable that ought to be looked at.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> there are disturbing stories of theft and sell of relief and food supplies in the open market, this should be curtailed and culprits should face the law.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> its time to limit exposure to drought and its effect, we should thank the international community for intervention, It has helped.</div></div>Philhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16964583089849099633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3760984602797810808.post-90520883720904162602011-04-09T15:38:00.000-07:002011-04-09T15:51:57.071-07:00The ocambo six have finally had there day in court.(ICC) The Hague, As it stands now, they have gone through a formal arraignment, attempts by the Kenya government to scuttle the process have largerly failed, This brings issue of sovereignity, international law, and justice to a very awkward juntion, I am just as curious as anybody else to look at the evidence provided by Mr Ocambo. Does he realy have a case? Did he prosecute the right culprits?all these remains to be answered, and the world is watching and waiting for answers. ....Too be continuedPhilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16964583089849099633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3760984602797810808.post-86530177639564936672010-05-12T17:28:00.001-07:002010-05-12T17:28:24.764-07:00The proposed new Kenya constitution i... T<font face="courier" size="3">he proposed new Kenya constitution is drawing a lot of heat, Pundits every where, i am talking worldwide have drawn swords either to oppose it, or support it, Cristian groups are opposed to it on moral grounds. American conservative groups have exported there moral high ground to Africa, in the name of abortion, <br><br> Politicians are broadening there reach to vote no or yes, The issue being the autonomy of Kadhi's courts, and a host of other issues, which were all guaranteed under the previous constitution, or other suspect reasons such us protecting their privileged status<br><br> </font><font face="courier" size="3">There is now talk that the National Intelligence Security Service an arm of the Office of the president(OP) has chosen inclusion of it,s own statues, That interestingly defeats the very purpose of the new constitution itself,IE that of a democratic society,that cherishes equality and freedom and basic human rights.<br> <br> Which prompts the question? , Are those crying the loudest from the roof tops in support of it figured out a way to sabotage it? Who is behind the inclusion of previously unknown clauses?..Do we have time to correct these anomalies in time for a national referendum,? aha <br> <br>In spite of all this unanswered questions Kenya does need a constitution i whole heatedly support it ,the Draft is a beautiful prop as it is now, I have just read it...It,s about time,we gave Kenya a chance.<br> <br> I would have preferred stronger language on corruption, equal opportunity and marginalization of minorities i.e smaller tribes, discrimination based on tribal,race,creed or national identity, and the unbiased distribution of national wealth and eradication of poverty,<br> <br>It will legitimize us as a great nation that has overcome, colonialism ,dictatorships and political and economic oblivion and rise again and set an example for the rest of Africa.<br> <br> In my opinion the proposed drafts fit,s all despite it,s relative weaknesses .It does give opportunity for future amendment's, One word to the NO camp..Do you have a better proposal..I bet you don't..I do hope Kenyans will vote a Resounding YES.<br><br>This article has been cross-published<br><br><br></font><br>Philhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16964583089849099633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3760984602797810808.post-25379475992862538292009-10-22T22:42:00.001-07:002009-10-22T22:42:50.787-07:00President Obama has curiously won the Nobel peace price,President Obama has curiously won the Nobel peace price, While that is an achievement in itself, it is a very rare gesture by the awards committee, strange as it is, it looks like it is based on perceived notions of change in US Foreign policy in a post Bush era .<br /> Little has changed, in Afghanistan , US and NATO forces are still battling "terrorist" the Taliban in a never increasingly ideological , useless and expensive war , Nuclear disarmament and non proliferation is still a far way dream, Iran and North Korea are pursuing an active weapons program, the Israeli and Palestinian final peace agreement is yet to become a reality.<br /> There are outstanding issues in Africa, in areas of governance, democracy , corruption and not to mention the impending global environmental disaster and the global economic climate.<br /> While Obama has set the tone, the pace and willingness (at least in his own imagination) to pursue and tackle this issues he has yet to come up with a template to actually achieve his goals. In My opinion the "Obama" peace prize is premature, it has generated criticism and wild expectations, battle lines are being drawn ...(to be continued)Philhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16964583089849099633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3760984602797810808.post-71070976737627815132009-09-05T18:41:00.000-07:002009-09-05T19:28:41.130-07:00KENY A ANTI CORRUPTION MESSThere are mounting concerns a bout the re -appointment of Justice Ringera(ret) to the chairmanship of the Anti corruption Commission, there needs to be an intense review,a thorough audit of his leadership by all concerned before a rush to judgment,<br /><br />The Kenyan parliament has responded with the threat of budgetary constraints, a lot of noise and nothing substantive to back the arguments..the truth is the man does not have prosecutial powers, this has severly encumbered the process and the ability to carry out his duties.<br /><br />What we need is reform, the legalframework and truly indi pendent body that can carry out it,s mandate without interfererence from politicians, we should consider adjucation of these responsibilities to established international standards in fighting corruption,<br /> <br />The US through it,s outspoken ambasador Mr Ranneberger has protested, while this might be taken as interference , The United States has an established record of a no nonsense aproach to the latter..Case in point the indictment of several elected officials in NJ read the story here <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/24/nyregion/24jersey.html">http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/24/nyregion/24jersey.html</a>.<br /><br />We should consider strenthening the present authority, i.e reform. appoint a new leadership, add a legal framework to the existing model and consider to trim Presidential powers to appoint the commisioners.<br /> The Kenyan Parliament to it,s credit has used an existing vetting process..but we need a follow up. we as wanainchi should rise up and demand changes...To be continued....?Philhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16964583089849099633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3760984602797810808.post-40986623452185384332009-07-28T12:27:00.001-07:002009-07-28T12:27:00.846-07:00Post election violence It,s about time the truth is perpetrated,enough is enough, a whole village perished, churches got burned, innocent men and women killed and a country's nascent democracy and international credibility and not to mention a young vibrant economy vanished in a few weeks of post election violence. <br /><br /> What,s the truth? we will never know who actually won the disputed election, it is about time the instigators are brought out in the open, we are tired of hearing about mysterious envelopes, the rule of law must prevail?<br /> <div class="flockcredit" style="text-align: right; color: #CCC; font-size: x-small;">Blogged with the <a href="http://www.flock.com/blogged-with-flock" style="color: #999; font-weight: bold;" target="_new" title="Flock Browser">Flock Browser</a></div>Philhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16964583089849099633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3760984602797810808.post-55519611585800052822009-04-08T12:08:00.000-07:002009-08-05T14:05:42.987-07:00Dead CoalitionWe Kenyans are being held to ransom by politicians and individuals, bickering,amid the waste of government resources, corruption ,impunity ,flamboyancy, tribalism....In a nutshell they are just a bout the most disgusting individuals..ever to run a country..It,s time to move on..?.<br /><br />What happened to vision 2030?, The fight against poverty, Free education. infrastructure development.<br /><br />Our leaders have let us down, we have become an international laughing stock,shot of becoming a banana republic...The so called coalition is not working, It,s a bout time we had an electionPhilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16964583089849099633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3760984602797810808.post-68621918842986875732009-02-18T11:40:00.001-08:002009-02-18T12:06:00.710-08:00This is not good<a href="http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2009/02/18/nyregion/18delonas2.480.jpg">http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2009/02/18/nyregion/18delonas2.480.jpgb</a><br /><br /><br />Read the NYTimes story follow link below: new york post cartoon says it all. Unfortunate sad,and completely inappropriate.<br /><a href="http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/02/18/chimp-stimulus-cartoon-raises-racism-concerns/?hp">http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/02/18/chimp-stimulus-cartoon-raises-racism-concerns/?hp</a>Philhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16964583089849099633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3760984602797810808.post-17463272351153726872009-01-19T19:41:00.000-08:002009-03-26T22:12:27.885-07:00corruption IN KENYAInstitutionalized corruption, is eating the very moral fiber of our country, (KENYA)It will bring us down to our knees, aided and abetted by politicians, a bloated bureaucracy and a willing entrepreneurial class, When will it end?....Corruption as defined is<br /><p><b>Corruption</b> is essentially termed as an "impairment of integrity, virtue or moral principle; depravity, decay, and/or an inducement to wrong by improper or unlawful means, a departure from the original or from what is pure or correct, and/or an agency or influence that corrupts."<sup id="cite_ref-0" class="reference"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corruption#cite_note-0" title=""><span>[</span>1<span>]</span></a></sup></p> <p><b>Corruption</b>, when applied as a technical term, is a general concept describing any organized, interdependent system in which part of the system is either not performing duties it was originally intended to, or performing them in an improper way, to the detriment of the system's original purpose.<br /></p><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Political_corruption" title="Political corruption">Political corruption</a>, as the dysfunction of a political system or institution in which government officials, political officials or employees seek illegitimate personal gain through actions such as <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bribery" title="Bribery">bribery</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extortion" title="Extortion">extortion</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cronyism" title="Cronyism">cronyism</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nepotism" title="Nepotism">nepotism</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patronage" title="Patronage">patronage</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graft" title="Graft">graft</a>, and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Embezzlement" title="Embezzlement">embezzlement</a>. Political corruption is a specific form of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rent_seeking" title="Rent seeking">rent seeking</a>, where access to politics is organized with limited transparency, limited competition and directed towards promoting narrow interests (rent seeking is not to be confused with property rental).description,<br />I am sure all of us Kenyans and Africans have come across individuals who fit the above criteria<br /><br /><p>Corruption in Kenya is so institutionalized that the world Bank estimates that it is a crisis beyond a crisis...It,S THE GREATEST SINGLE threat to development and the fight against poverty any where in Africa. (In my opinion it,s worse than AIDS and Malaria) It,s not imminent threat but it is real and existing.</p><p>Law enforcement ,judicial and other legal avenues have failed, I have yet to see to a serious conviction by the anti corruption body..This leads to widespread poverty,Gross failure of public institutions and the finally ultimate, the lack of confidence in Government and social chaos, The present coalition government has yet to come with a plan to control, or abate the problem...We lack a RICO law (<b>Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act</b> (commonly referred to as <b>RICO Act</b> or <b>RICO in the US.</b></p><p><b>D</b>oes Kenya need a Rico Law, Yes we do, This should include mandatory ethical training for all public officials..Law enforcement,procurement,contractual,Legal and judicial and parliamentary and other key institutions.</p><p>No stone should be left unturned , ...To be continued?.</p><p>I a apologize to all my readers for the unfortunate delays. But we do need to to seriously address the day forward and future our country Kenya, While corruption is the red herring,</p><p> What do we need to do as citizens and people who love the country. ?</p><p>It,s all about change in thinking, behavior and practice. l am inviting all KENYANS to contribute their ideas on the way forward,<br /></p><p>We need to question our future social , Political and economic well being,</p><p> A Kenyan friend as i write has a problem obtaining ( import) Letter of credit financing to import Kenyan tea into the US....Quote "Credibility,Transparency and potential fraud" Letter from a major US Bank/////What do we need to to do? ,I am inviting everybody to comment . Usiogope To be continued.......<br /></p><p>Ref(<br /></p>In "It's Our Turn to Eat" (Fourth Estate, 12.99 pounds), journalist Michela Wrong delves into the corruption that has poisoned African societies, put a brake on development and discouraged investment.<p><b><br /></b></p><p><br /></p>Philhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16964583089849099633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3760984602797810808.post-53048921925635067662008-12-29T08:59:00.000-08:002008-12-29T09:20:25.781-08:00Russian Professor Predicts End of U.SThere is a very interesting story in the <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123051100709638419.html">WSJ..</a>.Some Russian professor /analyst Igor Panarin is predicting, The disintegration of the US, as a result of quote<br />"that mass immigration, economic decline, and moral degradation will trigger a civil war next fall and the collapse of the dollar. Around the end of June 2010, or early July, he says, the U.S. will break into six pieces...".<br />What is amazing is that he is getting attention from the Mainstream Russian media , This guy is just not another pundit.He is a professional analyst, though suspiciously with a background from the K.G.B and it,s successor the F.S.B...I,M very skeptical my self..My take is that i will not happen.Philhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16964583089849099633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3760984602797810808.post-90001556165607833062008-11-12T18:27:00.001-08:002008-11-12T22:18:08.120-08:00What does an Obama v?ctory mean for Kenya Africa and the WorldYes we can.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><br /> If Americans can throw out conventional thinking and a complete paradigm shift of seismic proportions and elect a black Man with a foreign sounding name, Ignore years of racial acrimony differences, stereotypes, Then we Africans have a lot to learn in regard to democracy ,tolerance and peaceful co existence.<br /><br /> l have just come to learn that true leaders are not made, but are indeed Born.You can have all the experience and the political pedigree , But at the end you cannot deliver no matter what, Certain men exude a certain confidence ,integrity and the ability to lead and inspire Hope among there respective constituency's, a good example are a well known cast of characters....<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Winston Churchill</span> , the WW 2 , British prime Minister who inspired hope, among Britons amid hopelessness and potential defeat by the Nazis, <span style="font-size:130%;">Ronald Reagan</span> who won the cold war without firing a single missile, <span style="font-size:130%;">Robert Kennedy, Martin Luther</span> King jnr who fought for civil rights and inspired American Blacks with his leadership.... <span style="font-size:130%;">Nelson Mandela </span>who emerged from jail and united a racially divided south Africa after years of apartheid, our own <a href="http://www.politicalarticles.net/Thomas-Joseph-Mboya/An-Evening-With-Tom-Mboya.pdf"><span style="font-size:130%;">Tom Mboya</span> </a>who inspired countless African trade unionist, and young politicians to fight the yoke of colonialism and exploitation only to fall to an assassins bullet...and now <span style="font-size:130%;">Obama.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Obama </span>now has that rare chance to prove he can lead and inspire a whole generation of young people for a better and brighter future.<br /><br />For us in Africa, It,s time to focus on the fight against well known suspects..Poverty ignorance and disease ,tribalism, racism and corruption not necessarily in that order.<br /><br /><br />We need to invite and initiate open discussion and debate about the road ahead , Invite the well known unwanted guest called DEMOCRACY and give him a chance, to prevail /build enviable institutions, and governments elected by the <span style="font-size:130%;">ballot </span>not the <span style="font-size:130%;">bullet.</span><br /> It's a bout time to <span style="font-size:130%;">change</span> the status quo and give our children and people hope for the future.<br /><br /> <div class="flockcredit" style="text-align: right; color: rgb(204, 204, 204); font-size: x-small;">Blogged with the <a href="http://www.flock.com/blogged-with-flock" style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153); font-weight: bold;" target="_new" title="Flock Browser">Flock Browser</a></div>Philhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16964583089849099633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3760984602797810808.post-24755772043245131802008-10-31T11:52:00.001-07:002008-10-31T11:52:41.157-07:00Obama Campaign video<embed allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/GtREqAmLsoA&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x3a3a3a" height="277" width="332"><p class="citation"><cite cite="http://www.politicalarticles.net/blog/"><a href="http://www.politicalarticles.net/blog/">Embedded Video</a></cite></p><div class="flockcredit" style="text-align: right; color: #CCC; font-size: x-small;">Blogged with the <a href="http://www.flock.com/blogged-with-flock" style="color: #999; font-weight: bold;" target="_new" title="Flock Browser">Flock Browser</a></div>Philhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16964583089849099633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3760984602797810808.post-74177914113162077152008-10-31T11:17:00.000-07:002008-10-31T11:23:08.114-07:00Obama win?The feeling is that Obama is on to a clear win,and on to make History as the first Black President of the US, It,s an amazing thing...I am just ecstatic , Well hope for the best.Philhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16964583089849099633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3760984602797810808.post-66063818538048208032008-09-25T11:42:00.001-07:002008-09-25T12:00:15.227-07:00Kibaki meets Kenyans in NYC<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.nation.co.ke/image/view/-/474442/highRes/43214/-/maxw/600/-/nocimvz/-/baks.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.nation.co.ke/image/view/-/474442/highRes/43214/-/maxw/600/-/nocimvz/-/baks.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />President Kibaki held a very successful and well attended reception for Kenya.s in the diaspora,<br /> The Meeting Was held in the , Helmsley hotel in Midtown Manhattan in NYC, Several cabinet Ministers a companying the president attended, Including the Attorney General Amos Wako , Foreign Minister Wetangula, Education minister Prof Sam Ongeri, National Planning and Vision 2030 minister Wycliffe Oparanya, Justice, Constitutional Affairs and National Cohesion Minister Martha Karua, and Assistant Minister Foreign Affairs Richard Onyonka. <div><p class="MsoNormal"> Kenya’s Ambassador to United States Peter Ogego and Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Muburi Muita also addressed the gathering.<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"> The President assured Kenyans in the Diaspora that the contentious issue of Dual citizenship will shortly be addressed in the coming constitutional talks</p><p class="MsoNormal"> He also reiterated that The coalition government is working hard to address development of the country in general, and there is evidence the economy had recovered substantially and was in stride to meet vision 2030 goals. He urged Kenyans to invest in the country and to help there fellow Kenyans at home,</p><p class="MsoNormal"> There was a brief hilarious moment, When President appeared to address Constitutional rights The issue is controversial as he appeared to touch on gender issues which he did not clearly elaborate . There is considerable debate among Kenyans as what exactly the president said.Thanks</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p></div> <div class="wide_google_ads"> <script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "pub-0846142691248784"; /* DN_468x60 */ google_ad_slot = "9794537467"; google_ad_width = 468; google_ad_height = 60; //--> </script><br /></div> <div class="flockcredit" style="text-align: right; color: rgb(204, 204, 204); font-size: x-small;">Blogged with the <a href="http://www.flock.com/blogged-with-flock" style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153); font-weight: bold;" target="_new" title="Flock Browser">Flock Browser</a></div>Philhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16964583089849099633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3760984602797810808.post-6289252878761414632008-09-21T17:23:00.001-07:002008-09-21T17:36:19.372-07:00MbekiIt is sad to hear that Mbeki the President of South Africa has resigned.<br /><br />It appears that allegations of alleged impropriety in handling the Zuma affair was his undoing, is South Africa ready for the political changes and transition of power? , we will wait and see.<br /><br />To his credit Mbeki spearheaded reforms that are now bearing fruit under his GEAR program(Growth, Employment and Redistribution<br />Oversaw almost 5% in economic growth new housing development<br />Finally convinced Zimbabwe,s Political opponents to come to an agreement and save the country from imminent total collapse.<br /><br />Was generally viewed with respect and Awe for his calm and sharp intellect and diplomatic ability to resolve complex international issues.<br />I do hope south Africans will choose a pragmatic leader who is ready to lead and and be a leading light for the rest of Africa just as Mbeki was.<br /> <div class="flockcredit" style="text-align: right; color: rgb(204, 204, 204); font-size: x-small;">Blogged with the <a href="http://www.flock.com/blogged-with-flock" style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153); font-weight: bold;" target="_new" title="Flock Browser">Flock Browser</a></div>Philhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16964583089849099633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3760984602797810808.post-1458783730525999642008-09-18T12:05:00.000-07:002008-09-18T12:30:13.110-07:00The meltdownThe Kenyan markets are too insulated and small to be affected by the meltdown in NY, the situation affecting Lehman bros, A.I.G, Meryl lynch is mostly as a result of bad investments in secondary mortgage related products, Their level of exposure is higher than previously thought..And this driven further by speculative trading, read short traders. the result is a luck of market enthusiasm and general luck of interest in the markets, Acording to the <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/19/business/worldbusiness/19centbank.html">NYTimes</a> To its credit the Fed has moved to quell speculation By keeping interest rates unchanged,had authorized a $180 billion expansion of its temporary reciprocal currency arrangements, known as swap lines, to allow banks to borrow more dollars in money markets at a lower rates.<br /> I'm bullish and hopeful there will be a turn around,It has happened before, We should treat this as a big Market correction.<br /> It,s not yet clear how emerging markets such as South Africa ,Kenya,Nigeria are going to be affected,I will focus on Africa's key economies for the moment.<br />I'm speculating that there will be a renewed interest for emerging Markets, especially in mining manufacturing,Agriculture,Tourism related industries the opportunities are endless..Philhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16964583089849099633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3760984602797810808.post-30936100791973842532008-08-29T19:12:00.000-07:002008-08-29T20:05:58.155-07:00US electionsRepublican Presidential hopeful has finally appointed a vice presidential nominee <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarah_Palin">Ms Sara Palin</a> current republican governor Alaska(R),<br />l am a great and enthusiastic supporter of Barack Obama<br />I am not scared of McCain.<br />But Ms Palin is a different case, She is a no non sense governor having devoted her gubernatorial term to fighting corruption in her home state of Alaska she is a former beauty queen to boot a devoted mother and a clear political mind despite her relative inexperience in National politics,<br />She is a complete departure from the political past, albeit she is not a beltway insider which is why McCain appointed her, The Obama campaign needs to come up with strategy to counter her appointment..I am still hopefully enthusiastic Obama will win, but she is the single apparent and clear threat to the Obama campaign.Philhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16964583089849099633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3760984602797810808.post-74491509112871061972008-08-20T13:06:00.000-07:002008-11-12T23:29:22.989-08:00Help save the Mau forest<span style="font-weight: bold;">Mau Forest should be preserved</span><br />It.s imperative that a long term solution be found to save one of East Africa's last indigenous forest<br />it,s serves as a water catchment area for the Masai Mara, the greater Rift valley and southern Tanzania (Serengeti eco - system, )The fact that Conservation organizations such as <a href="http://www.rhinoark.org/index.htm">Rhino Ark </a>are getting into the act is good news , They have a good truck record in the Aberdares where they raised money to fence off the Aberdares and preserve it from destruction.<span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" ><br /></span><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" ><a itxtdid="6318944" target="_blank" href="http://www.eastandard.net/InsidePage.php?id=1143993001&cid=418&#" style="border-bottom: 0.075em solid darkgreen ! important; font-weight: normal ! important; font-size: 100% ! important; text-decoration: underline ! important; padding-bottom: 1px ! important; color: darkgreen ! important; background-color: transparent ! important;" classname="iAs" class="iAs"> Environment</a> Minister, John Michuki, and newly appointed Prime minister Odinga </span>have shown a commitment to see that the project succeeds in spite of political opposition.<br />People who settled in the Mau forest should be adequately compensated to buy land and resettle elsewhere through fund raising with NGO,S , government programs and international donors.We will constantly monitor the project and are considering options to publicize it in the US.Philhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16964583089849099633noreply@blogger.com0