the-xposer

Moved to www.ombui.net

2010-08-04T03:59:00.000-07:00

Hello, I have moved to www.ombui.net

The Media and Raila's health

2010-06-29T21:24:00.000-07:00

It was remarkable to see the media report the details of what hospitalized the Prime Minister Raila Odinga yesterday.

Dr Livingston Oluoch – Olunya, a neurosurgeon at Nairobi Hospital tasked himself to explain the intricacies of minor surgery to end intermittent headache (subdural hematoma) the Prime Minister has been battling with for a few weeks. The media picked up this story and reported it. This is the best way to lessen panic and rumours in a "civilized" Kenya.

During President Daniel Toroitich arap Moi's rule, this was unheard of. He was hospitalized severally but the nation was kept in the dark. State House then used to inform the nation that he is in a “stable condition” with no further detail. I remember one time; the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation television replayed some clips where the president was officiating just to lessen the panic in the nation.

The change today means that the government is taking responsibility to inform the nation of what is taking place because be it the president, or the prime minister, the nation should be kept not only on the know, but on the better know.

Congratulations to the media for a commendable job.
*Photo/Nation Kenya

Chirbit | Share audio easily | ombui | Fistula 1

2010-06-29T20:56:00.000-07:00

Chirbit | Share audio easily | ombui | Fistula 1

Fistula in Kenya remains a challenge amongst women...

KBC Managing Director, and Corporation's Secretary suspended

2010-06-23T08:41:00.000-07:00

The Kenya Broadcasting Corporation’s Managing Director, and Corporation’s Secretary were suspended Wednesday over allegations of impropriety.

In a statement read by the board chair, Charles Muoki, the two, David Waweru and Hezekiel Oira were suspended indefinitely to allow independent investigations into money spent to get the World Cup rights, and how the rights were shared with other media houses.

The board never gave clear details of “impropriety” and when the investigations are expected to end, but went ahead to appoint the Editor-in-Chief, Waithaka Waihenya, as the acting Managing Director. On the other hand, Finance and Administration Manager, Musa Muthambi is to oversee duties of the Corporation Secretary.

David Waweru’s second contract was renewed August 3rd, 2009. Hezekiel Oira started working for the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation in 1993 as a legal officer and rose up the ranks.

Waithaka Waihenya joined KBC in 2007 after working with The Standard Newspaper as an editor. He is an award winning journalist and author, and a columnist for The Guardian, a UK Newspaper.

On the corridors of KBC, the move by the board seems not to make positive impact. They believe an overhaul should have been done to clean out inconsistencies that have tied the national broadcaster at the opposite edge of excellence.

*Photo/KBC

Prisoners is Kenya can now vote

2010-06-23T08:37:00.000-07:00

You can cast your vote even when behind bars in Kenya.

The High Court ruled Wednesday that prisoners be allowed to vote in the forth coming constitutional referendum.

A bench of five judges also asked the Independent Interim Electoral Commission and relevant authorities to facilitate the inmates to participate in the vote.

Only inmates with sound mind, above 18 years of age and with identification cards will be allowed to register for the referendum.

The Kenyan prisons has more than 50,000 prisoners.

Experts continue to raise questions, if the inmates that don’t have identification cards but meet the 18 years of age requirement will be issued with identity cards too, and allowed to register. Others are questioning whether the Committee of Experts on Constitutional Review will be given room to conduct civic education in cells or prisons having in mind that Kenya has less than two months to have the referendum slated for August 4th, 2010.

The-Xposer

2010-05-04T06:08:00.000-07:00

Very soon The-Xposer will be customized and it will have better products ranging from text to video. As a blogger, I believe it reaches a point where content diversity cannot fit the available free service.

Though I haven’t settled on a name to call my new site, worry not. I will update you on that.

In case of more ideas, please write to jardnimimi [at] gmail dot com.

Fabulous day.

Quote of the day

2010-03-23T09:54:00.001-07:00

Warriors in Africa get cows, but heroes get everything. ~ Jared Ombui

Quote of the day

2010-03-23T09:43:00.000-07:00

...if your eyes fail, please use your ears. If both fail, try feeling. ~Jared Ombui

Quote of the day

2010-03-13T22:52:00.000-08:00

a good smile is not when it is only on your face, but when it is reflected on others ~ Jared Ombui

Quote of the week

2010-03-13T01:38:00.000-08:00

...A wise man never knows that he is wise, but a foolish one knows he is foolish~ Jared Ombui

Mob justice: Who are you?

2010-03-03T03:04:00.000-08:00

It is long before I wrote about my neighbourhood, but here it comes with a connotation “who are you?”

I woke up and the world was getting wetter. A peep on the window was proof it has been drizzling all night into the morning. Water made mini-lakes between my block, and pink and green painted adjacent flat sitting on a swamp. Passersby held up umbrellas, wore rain-coats or jackets of various colours and boots. I didn’t bother if the meteorologists call it El Nino; after all they have been wrong for a year that I have lived in this city, Nairobi.

A day off work means relaxing and exploring.

I went down stares after a quick shower and teeth brushing to check a brother to a friend. I chose to watch multiple documentaries on gangs by Ross Kemp, a Sky TV reporter; all from London, Kenya, Bolivia, Belize just to mention but a few. Documentaries, or in-depth programmes and books make my early morning compared to movies that would probably be a lazy way to start a day.

Three hours later noise within the block brought us out. Women were standing far and watched with awe as a man, a suspected thief was being hit. Be it kicks and punches, or use of objects, they were random. You might think he (suspected thief) was a boxing punching bag, or he felt no pain.

He was ordered to strip. He began with his torn brown shoes and blue socks; then his silky grey shirt; an old black trouser; lastly a valentine-red boxer that had darken by dirt. Later he was pushed to sit on a cold stare on first floor as deterrence from taking off. The custodian perused through his wallet to get possible identification.

He looked shocked and disturbed to show his light skinned and slender body, and haired on the chest and legs.

Two men passed by us, and went up stares to join others that were spanking the man. They looked like masons, “they must be from a construction a few meters from here,” a lady standing near us whispered. They seemed charged to end thievery. They constantly hit the suspect until he started yelling for help.

“Uuuiii!! Uuuiii!! Please help me. Please don’t let me die,” the suspect pleaded.

“Be silent!! Be silent!! You are the people who disturb peace. Why don’t you work to get what you need?” the muscular and mean looking mason shouted with choked anger.

“Get a tyre and petrol. He needs to be taught a lesson…” The men beating the suspect said consecutively.

The custodian sensed that if the suspect is killed at his block it would have serious legal repercussion. He convinced the aggressors, that it was noble to take the suspect to the nearby police station.

He (suspect) hurriedly wore a boxer just to escape embarrassment from the women around. His clothes were thrown at him, and fell. As he bended to pick them, drops of blood from an injury hit the floor. Even before he rose to walk, he got a kick, “lead the way!” an aggressor shouted.

In less than a minute the suspect was a head while almost a dozen of men hurriedly matched behind him and spoke Kikuyu.

“What is your tribe?” One of the masons slapped him as he asked the suspect.

“I am a Kamba,” he answered fearfully.

“But you had said that you are a Kikuyu!” one of the beaters exclaimed.

The aggressors didn’t care about the injuries and the dripping blood. The suspect held tight a paper bag full of stuff plus his clothes.

In the evening, the custodian informed me that the suspect is in a Police cell.

This incident is typically a mob justice that isn’t shocking in Kenya. Reasons for this are vast; some say the judiciary and the police serve injustice, others feel the public is uninformed of the law that govern the land, but others think the streets convey justice. All these are debatable.

A part from mob justice being inhumane, a tribe question sent me thinking. What if the suspect was a Luhya, Mijikenda or Turkana? Does it mean he would have met his death immediately?

Who are you? Does it matter? How can it be used for good, than bad?

Chirbit | Share audio easily | ombui | Interview : Dr. Mary Kimani, Lecturer University...

2010-01-15T07:00:00.001-08:00

Chirbit | Share audio easily | ombui | Interview : Dr. Mary Kimani, Lecturer University...

Posted using ShareThis

The walk to the North - Pader, two year ago

2010-01-10T07:44:00.000-08:00

When I watch this old work, am humbled by the inspiration and opportunities I had/have as a human being and a journalist. This is how is was 2 years ago in a visit to Pader District in Northern Uganda.

I am on Chirbit

2010-01-09T23:20:00.000-08:00

The desire to have some of my audio project online has come to fruition. Check this Ombui on Chirbit

http://chirbit.com/ombui

Please send your comments, or try it.

How I am spending a-week-long leave : Day One

2009-12-14T06:56:00.000-08:00

06:12am I turned, hit off the mosquito net, and staggered to the bathroom to urinate while my eyes almost closed. Coming out a minute or two later, I was a little more awake.

The sun rays though the window panes never suggested that a day had started. I jumped back between the blanket [duvet] and the huge 6x6 blue Tuff Mattress, and switched off the mobile phone. A sleeping day had begun.

01:32pm I shouted, what are we taking for lunch and hid the head inside the bedding. Faintly I heard Cix, my eldest brother on a visit respond, "What do you want to eat. Rice, Ugali, Mandondo (boiled beans)..." He followed it with laughter.

"That's boring," I said as I dosed off.

03:30pm my sleep was cut by Cix miming a Buju Banton's song, Destiny. " The rich man’s way is in the city, yeah! Destruction of the poor is poverty, Lord. Destruction of your soul is vanity, yeah... yeah... do you yeah... I and I, I wanna rule my destiny, yeah! I and I, I wanna rule my destiny. Destiny!! Mama look from where you calling... Destiny!! Mama look from where you calling... I have been blessed, I have been touched. I love Jah so much..."

The problem wasn't miming, but discords and careless shouts.

"Please get a vocal trainer, at least Papa Shirandula will help you, and Ian Mbugua would judge your rendition and others,” I said as I gave him the back to the Kitchen.

"Ha! Ha! Ha! I need a better platform... Something better than 'The Idols', or 'America Got Talent,'" He hit back.

I dropped a 'Sufuria' on the gas with a cup full of raw ground nuts.

"Will that be enough for both of us?" Cix asked sarcastically.

"More than enough," I answered.

I walked to the bedroom to get a newspaper to use so that I avoid my fingers from getting burnt. I checked beside the wall unit and the almost all were current. As I got down to the heap newspapers I came across one that looked an A-4 sized tabloid.

"Ha! Kenya has tabloid?" I said holding the 8-paged Tribune paper.

"Yeah, there are so many, and most with unmemorable names," he said putting a side the headphones plugged on the laptop.

"Who brought this?" I asked.

"Don't worry," he said.

I sat on a plastic chair in the kitchen and looked at the headline that read "Raila: The Kibaki - Ruto Secrets." Reading the piece, there was no secret and they delved on speculations. Anyway, I hate politics and prefer development issues, or issues that check the government performance.

"Do they writer anything about Millennium Development Goals?” I uttered.

So I turned to the third page, here I found a piece on "A Hyena's Tale." It was not about any wild animal, but sex adventure. The language and narration of this story and the one on page five "Places Women Wants To Be Touched" purely confirmed that they were lifted from a Ugandan Tabloid, The Redpepper, or the writers for this paper are drawn from East African Countries, or...

Though the back page of the tabloid indicates it is published in Nairobi, Kenya, I feel there is a case a move to localise sex stories. Will I be wrong to say that "A Hyena's Tale" on the Tribune that is written and presented as the Hyena story on The Redpepper, or do sex writers have same experiences and language... even commas and fullstops?

Away from that, my nuts got ready. I split into half and served Cix. It was escorted with a mug of black tea.

4:30am I held 'Off Came: Private thoughts made public, by Ted Koppel.' He is a thirty-seven year veteran of ABC, and also an anchor of Nightline since the 1980's. This book that am almost on the back cover is simply his journal. It is interesting to read journalist's unsaid perspective, or perception, and critical questions that remain unanswered.

6:00pm let me get Kshs. 20 Sukuma Wiki (Kales), and prepare supper. What will it go with?

Oh! Let me switch on my mobile phone... Her sms will pop... I hope she won't be complaining, or a call for duty...

A dozen graduate, ready to report

2009-11-11T01:37:00.000-08:00

Twelve Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) journalists graduated in reporting for radio at the end of October, and they promise to roll out new programmes.

The training that began on the 19th - 23rd October, 2009 was conducted by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) lead by Solomon Mugera, Head of BBC Kiswahili Service at the British Council, Nairobi. The training was on writing for radio (cues, dispatches and wrap-ups), how to prepare and conduct interviews, how to use a Zoom recorder, and feedback.

It pooled reporters from various KBC units: Odongo Wandago, Mombasa; Salim Chiro, Pwani FM; Justus Amimo, Dholuo Service; Philemon Emongonyang, Teso Service; Grace Wawira, Central Service; Trizah Wainaina, Coro FM, Chris Wambuno, Metro FM; Martin Mwanje and Wilkister Muga from Current Affairs Desk; Susan Akoyan, Turkana Service; Grace Kaneiya, Radio Production Desk; and Jared Ombui, English Service.

During the training two Kiswahili and two English special programmes were produced and broadcasted in the respective Services.

Reporters attending the training had high expectations, and they were not disappointed after.

"I have learnt two key things, keenness and team work,” Martin Mwanje of Current Affairs Desk, "It is beyond just a Certificate. I am ready to apply the skills for the betterment of KBC."

"Now, I appreciate feedback,” said Susan Akoyan, Turkana Service, "am a better interviewer."

"I am confident to file stories, and even chase unique issues than what am used to," Festus Amimo, Dholuo Service.

The graduation ceremony on a Friday evening of 23rd October, 2009 at KBC's Grey Studio was graced by Anthony Wafula, KBC Radio Programmes Manager; Catherine Fellows, BBC Greatlakes Region Manager; and the KBC Managing Director represented by Mbugua Njoroge, Corporate Affairs Manager.

The trained journalist will roll out weekly news analysis programmes in from November 2009.

The reporters training came a week after managers training by the BBC.

*Photo: Solomon Mugera by Alusainc

Standardise busfares in Kenya, a better idea forever

2009-09-24T03:02:00.000-07:00

This morning I woke up 9:00am and prepared to step out the house for work. On the schedule, was a meeting and putting all the nuts and the bolts together to roll the Weekend Breakfast Shows that I co-host Friday to Sunday on KBC - English Service Radio.

After tucking in the long sleeved blue shirt on a navy blue Andriano -Italy Style trouser, I slid a Kshs. 20 coin and a Kshs. 10 coin into the shirt pocket and matched out of the house on to the dusty road almost half kilometre to catch a Matatu to town. From a distance, before crossing the final road, I saw a crowd of people, seemingly stranded. It hit my mind, something was wrong... It is unusual to see such a people waiting for Matatus at 10:05am.

I joined the waiting crowd. 15 minutes later an old grey and rusty Nissan van packed, and the tout raised his voice 70!!! 70!!! 70!!! 70!!! I wondered how it qualified to be on the road. People beside me rushed into it. This time, they never cared how it looked, nor how dirty the chair cushions and materials glared. There was no stereo booming speakers... Just a screeching mono sound, you might think it is a second world war radio call, or mistake it for a shortwave radio signal from Puntland, Somalia.

I touched my shirt pocket again probably the coins had multiplied, but no. So I made quick calculation to cross the road from one side of the round-about the other end maybe I would be lucky to get a Matatu from Mwiki heading to the Central Business District for what I had. 10 minutes later only a yellow mini-bus passed full of passenger, shortly to be followed by 8 traffic officers from Kasarani Station trooping on foot and stopping all motor vehicles on tarmac to check credentials. It was clear that there was a crackdown.

On my phone, I only had Kshs. 110 on M-Pesa (a mobile phone money transfer service). I strolled to Kasarani Centre to cash the money but I was told that it is impossible after a slash of Kshs. 30 service fee. I leanrt then that Safaricom does not transact money below Kshs. 100.

A man under pressure, ever has solutions. I hope I have one. I walked to Roysambu stage - Route 45 but busfare to Githurai too had been hiked to Kshs. 40. This marked the end of thorough ideas to reach office. Githurai was the last option for me to access an Equity Bank ATM where "I am a member."

Kenya busfares have never been stable or standardised. When there is an increase of the oil prices, busfares will go up and never bounce back even if the oil prices go low as far as $40 per barrel. In the capital city, Nairobi, busfares vary with time. Early in the morning if one is heading to the CBD the fare doubles or tripples compaired to when there is less flow of people to the CBD.

I would prefer set fares like in Uganda, where Uganda Taxi Operators and Drivers Association (UTODA) has specified what individuals pay no matter the time of the day or no matter the weather or police crack down. Through this, Uganda citizens are less prone to extortion from the taxi touts and drivers. Review of the fares too are done after sometime and the public is notified mostly in advance.

Can Kenya borrow from Uganda? That is a question that the public has to decide together with the Matatu Associations and the government. If modern railway transport is introduced, it can do the general public better.

I am at home reading and writing, and sure that tomorrow I will receive a memo for absentism from a crucial meeting at work... But when will the fibre optic cable reach my house so that we can tele-conference instead of running up and down? I am sure, with the Kshs. 30 I would have attended the meeting.

Ngamia

2009-08-13T04:09:00.000-07:00

Sunset in Arusha

2009-08-13T04:02:00.000-07:00

Arusha

2009-08-13T03:58:00.000-07:00

Arusha

2009-08-13T03:56:00.000-07:00

Arusha Camels

2009-08-13T03:53:00.000-07:00

Camels in Munduli, Arusha.

Two Students Shot, What Bugema needs to do

2009-07-28T10:58:00.000-07:00

It was sad to read the newspapers that two students were shot in Bugema Adventist Secondary School, where I happened to be a former student.

The circumstances of the shootings are unclear, and the Police Commissioner, Major-General Kale Kayihura orders the arrest of the Commander at Bugema and further investigation.

The wounded (Wilma Obega, a Kenyan and Mariam Odiera, a Sudanese) are hospitalized at Mulago National Referral Hospital, Kampala. But was the situation too bad for the police to shoot unarmed students?

It is reported that the students had gone on strike complaining of poor feeding and harsh treatment by administrators.

Why international students run to Bugema
Since the year 2002, Bugema went out to source for students mostly from Kenya and Tanzania. Its purpose was purely business out of the desperate parents that wanted to further the education of the children.

For sure, Kenya still has so many form 4 leavers and each year almost a quarter a million graduate but the tertiary institutions have failed to absorb even a quarter the figure punching Uganda A-level as an alternative. Tanzania’s education standard is a bit low opting for Uganda’s O-level and A-level education.

Bugema too has a history of producing some of the best students in the region.

This shooting has opened a can of worms
In early 2002 I was in form 6, and I vividly remember that almost 20 classmates were suspended indefinitely for they had only refused to transfer from the upper dormitory to the ones near the classrooms. The next time they appeared they were asked to pick their belongings and suffered so much to get admissions in other schools in the capital city, Kampala. Don’t ask if they were refunded the school fees after all it was a few days into the term, and if the reason for the indefinite suspension was proper.

Year in, year out, Bugema went for a huge number than its infrastructure cold hold. Congestion remains a challenge but Bugema has its simplest mechanism to curl out the huge number and that is indefinite suspension which is equally an expulsion. Alternative methods of disciplining are never employed more so for the A-Level students.

A student raising a simple complaint against the administration will automatically mean resistance. Not even dialogue is encouraged over very simple problems. On the other hand, the Seventh-day Adventist, Uganda Union, seems to act slow on matters arising from its institutions as well as appreciate and implement some recommendations from former students.

Today, A-level teachers have a hectic time balancing the many classes which will slowly impact on the results. What is the essence of having more than 200 A-level students yet 50 of them can’t join credible universities across the country? What defines “quality” education?

Getting back to the shooting incidence, the school should try to reach the real cause and not only put records straight but act accordingly. Is the problem emanating from the administration or the students?

Students have been sent home as they await "issues" to be addressed.

For the better of the institution (Bugema), I suggest change from the top administration and reduced intake, or if business is the catch word then improve the services through the quality expansion of infrustructure.

Why Kenya National Human Rights Commission published the list of post poll chaos suspected master minder?

2009-07-28T10:56:00.000-07:00

NAIROBI, Kenya - This month the Kenya National Human Rights Commission (KNHRC) unleashed a list of perpetrators of the post election violence but little did it anticipate the magnitude of the attack from the political circle.

Though the commission categorically stated that the named to be under investigation; it was blamed for carelessly publishing names without prove. So far, some of the named have threatened to sue the commission.

The list is a mix of Members of Parliament, former Members of Parliament and Businessmen.

But what is the significance of the KNHRC publishing names of what it calls master minders of the post poll chaos? Unless otherwise, I believe the published list is purely to give a soft landing to the WAKI LIST that the International Criminal Court, Chief Prosecutor, Moreno O’campo opened recently and tightly sealed again.

Last year after the disputed presidential poll results more than 1,500 citizens were killed and close to half a million were displaced within the country while a small percentage fled to Uganda. Today no one has been brought to book for the killings, rapes, looting and a fraction of internally displaced persons languish in camps.

The debate to reach justice spurs three options The Hague, the Special Local Tribunal and the Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission. A close look suggests that all will be employed and for the better, the International Criminal Court will speed up its investigations and prosecutions to light its efficacy.

This week the appointed to serve in the Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission will be sworn into office, and to be chaired by Ambassador Betwel Kiplagat.

Now the only struggle that the Justice Minister Mutula Kilonzo face is to convince parliament that if the special local courts are set they will deliver justice and away interferences. On top of that work on the witness protection Act.

For the common Mwananchi, it will be proper to see the named in the Waki list resign from government and parliament to pave way for investigations or answer charges.

Notes of a young Journalist (Three)

2009-07-28T10:53:00.000-07:00

Five days later I entered my house on the second floor after the painting and the fixing missing little things the previous occupant had messed.

The empty huge single bedroom house swallowed up my belongings. From then, my brain started running wild of ideas of how to get the beautiful curtains, a big metallic bed, a 21 inch flat television, classy sofa set… All that wasn’t backed by the pockets.

I untied the tiny military thin mattress and threw it in a corner of the bedroom. Pilled clothes on the wardrobe shelves; I had no hunger, and pushed the suitcase above the wardrobe.

The remaining task was to open the box full of literature and shoes. The offloaded shoes were on the wardrobe already had cobwebs, and cockroaches that ran faster than my swinging eye pupil.

My sitting room door and window had no curtain. It is only the bedroom that got lucky to have my Kikoi spread across covering a bigger part of the window but the remaining bit continued penetrate light into the house more so the sunrise rays.

The kitchen was smelling paint and filled with old newspapers. I added a plastic cup on the bare shelves.

Stepping into the 1X3 metres bathroom I hanged the towel and checked the toilet flash just to prove it functioned well. I picked an old broom from there and swept the house and later socked a grey t-shirt and dragged it to mop up.

Shortly Baix came in surprised of what I had done in a short while. In his hand, he held two bed sheets and he suggested we fix them as curtains on the sitting room which we did.

We later went to the balcony and talked the entire day sipping coca cola. A good style to catch-up with memories, and build up on the future on a Saturday afternoon.

Notes of a young Journalist (Two)

2009-07-21T04:26:00.000-07:00

Sunday 5:30am clicked as I drop off Kampala Coach Bus offices at River Road. Memories of how notorious Nairobi thugs never bothered me. Courageously I moved across the road to negotiate with a taxi driver and picked the luggage to a suburb, Kasarani.

A turn off the sixth round-about, I asked the driver to go slow through erected storey residentials as I made a call to a friend.

Surely, I had all reasons to forget this hood because I am not a city born, but arguing about African cities the difference is minor – I have lived in the Uganda’s capital for more than five years in m. So I know Kampala more than Nairobi.

Anyway, he (Baix) popped a block away from where we had parked the car, “Oh! I was close,” I sighed. We hugged; it was six years since we met.

We reached the flat’s gate and dropped my luggage and cashed Kshs. 700 to the mean-looking driver who had played gospel music along the way, and kept telling me about Jesus who happened to be his savior and redeemer. I wish he knew how tired I was to remember anything substantial.

We lifted a meter wide black Japan made suitcase loaded with clothes, and later lifted a box full of books and a few shoes into Baix house.

Baix hadn’t changed. He was still slender and of light complexion. His charming talk too across the board had grown; politics to religion, academics to rugby, and women to prosperity.

After a shower I was served breakfast and dosed on the sitting room couch only to be woken up by the 9pm television news signature, but I didn’t last long my eyes open.

Notes of a young Journalist (One)

2009-06-04T02:09:00.001-07:00

June last year I penned my last exams from the Mass Communication Department in Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.

Student life with its stress was “over” though I never entertained academic fire – burning of notebooks and examination papers. I firmly understood they played well as references a foot outside college.

The hurry to get back to Kenya, my country kept slugging as days lit and dimmed off. You know Makerere with its intentionally slow bureaucracy that made clearing hard like a walk to hell and back to heaven.

Almost five years of computerization of that hill of knowledge never simplified anything, can you imagine they are proud to dish “electronic” identification cards that have a chip that is never used to even check for a financial statement, but heavily paid for. Don’t ask me the cost of one. Listen to this; I practically had to carry my old torn and wrinkled receipts from first year to third year to Bursar’s office for verification; then ran to the Faculty of Arts bursar’s office for a rubber stamp; and then walk to a mini financial office for a financial statement at the faculty, a vital piece of paper indicating all payments.

When I was in first year, my college ever mentioned “computerization will make service delivery pretty first” but now service delivery is pretty hefty. Was there any computerization and ease?

Hey! Away from “the only university in the region,” words of Prof. Peter Anyang Nyong’o.

I took a bus to Nairobi, Kenya. A place I last stepped in July 2005 for a month-long attachment at Kenya Broadcast Corporation, Business Desk. Sure, I had no proper memories of this big city apart from the pinching cold and the high speed of its inhabitants compared to Kampala.

This came after five months of hustling in Uganda’s capital – men my student life was what I did even after campus. Imagine eating Rolexes (Fried eggs sand-witched by two Chapatis) because the media firm I was working for peddled promises for salaries and I needed real challenge.

--To Be Continued--

Government and women launch commercial tree planting drive

2009-05-06T09:25:00.000-07:00

Women have joined the tree planting campaign in partnership with the government for socio-economic benefits.

Maendeleo ya Wanawake Organization (MYWO) in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy launched a tree planting exercise today, with more than 6 million trees to be planted in 45 districts during the first phase of the three years period.

The Minister for Energy Kiraitu Murungi said, his ministry expects that the campaign will meet not only the economic needs of Kenyans, but also their energy needs.

Firewood remains a dominant source of energy in Kenya despite the Rural Electrification program which is mainly used for lighting.

Kiraitu emphasised that the government would support the empowerment of women by educating them on tree planting in order to maximize on their extended network at the grassroots.

The minister said the government will ban the importation electricity poles and ensure the 6 billion shillings is spent to purchase the posts locally, in the coming financial year. The electricity posts are presently imported from neighbouring countries and South America.

Meanwhile the minister for Gender, Children and Social Development, Esther Mirugi asked the government to ensure that women benefit financially from this initiative. Minister who was present at the launch of the tree planting exercise challenged Maendeleo ya Wanawake to plant a billion trees and make it a continuous process.

She reiterated comments by Jane Kiano, MYWO Patron, to nurture the trees so as to have maximum benefits. Murugi promised the women further funding from her ministry to sustain the tree project.

MYWO chairperson, Rukia Subow, on the other hand commended the tree planting effort appealed to women to join the 57 year-old organisation that has 3 million memberships, a small fraction of the 18.9 million of women in the country.

Director, Capacity Building &Technology Deployment, Africa Harvest Biotech Foundation International, Rose Njeru says, it takes close to seven years to have fully grown eucalyptus tree ready for harvest.

Kenya has less than 2% forest cover and recently it suffered a blow from the wild fire that lessened the MAU forest and continuous depletion by squatters.

On Monday, the Ministry of Environment launched a nation wide tree planting drive in Kona Baridi in Ngong which was graced by President Mwai Kibaki and the Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

Nakumatt Downtown: Forgotten deaths

2009-05-06T09:22:00.000-07:00

Many days have passed and others will pass, and nothing substancial is to come out of the inquiry team over the deaths at Nakumatt Downtown Supermarket.

The unprecedented inferno killed close to 30 Kenyans, who even after, never reached their resting places so quick because of the sluggish DNA identification - afterall the bodies burnt beyond recognition. It was the worst Supermarket case in Kenya, which reported the emergency exits to have been locked, and even as the fire broke out, the main door was closed too to stop the buyers from moving out with unpaid for commodities.

Jesus Christ being a lover of all, the Nakumatt owners got saved few days after the inferno just like Kamlesh Patni - a goldenberg mastermind did after multiple inquiries into the saga. Anyway, Kenya forgets so quick and forgives once someone runs to the feet of the Lord.

Now life goes on and the cleared fire site serves as a packing lot. But unanswered questions won't pass - because after that a building oozed smoke to the atmosphere for the past two weeks or more on Kijabe Street. Thank God there were no injuries or deaths reported.

Grief and tears occupy relatives of the killed victims in Nakumatt, and they ask, how far with the fire investigations? how many exits were open? Is property important compaired to an emergency? Were the deaths inevitable? Are there charges to follow that?

For the Nairobi City Council, is Fire Brigade now well equiped?

Can digital voting avert violence in Kenya?

2009-05-01T02:28:00.000-07:00

The Kenya Parliament made a great step Thursday by approving the membership of the Interim Independent Electoral Commission and asked it to be impartial.

The new team comes in headed for urgent tasks: voter registration, pending by-elections and a complete overhaul of the electoral system.

Its members include:
- Mr. Ahmed Issack Hassan - chairman
- Ms Winfred Guchu - Commissioner
- Mr.Douglas Mwashigadi - Commissioner
- Mr. Simiyu Abiud Wasike - Commissioner
- Mr. Tiyah Galgalo - Commissioner
- Ms. Hamara Ibrahim Adan - Commissioner
- Dr. Yusuf Nzibo - Commissioner
- Mr. Davis Chirchir - Commissioner
- Mr. Kenneth Nyaundi - Commissioner

One thing caught my eye in this proceeding, the Tourism minister Najib Balala called for a “digital voting system.” Is Kenya ready to go digital, and will it avert post election violence in Kenya?

Civil Societies asks Kenyan Government to be Pro active in the fight against crime

2009-04-30T09:23:00.000-07:00

Civil and Non-governmental organizations asks parliament to pressure government for a sustainable proactive national policy to combat mounting insecurity in the country.

The International Center for Policy and Conflict (ICPC) and the civil society Working Group on Transitional Justice supports the demobilization and disarming of militia groups, but suggests enactment of a proactive, holistic and sustainable integrated national security policy.

They urge the Parliament to pressure government to drop political rhetoric on security sector reforms and instead table the draft national security policy before the House for debate, adoption and enactment.

The organizations emphasizes that the national security policy must be paired with an equally robust strategy of sustainable economic and political development, that looks at both short-term to long-term governance and economic goals to foster the security, the uplift of human rights, and peace.

Further they ask for disarmament exercise to adhere to the principles of rule of law and rooting out of the entrenched impunity in issues surrounding militia.

After the formation of the coalition government last year, the two parties made an agreement on the urgent need to disband militia groups under agenda one, but up to date a number of them like the Mungiki do operate.

The group raise concerns of the government overlooking and sidestepping the full implementation of Waki report recommendations on the Security sector reforms.

Similarly, they are calling on the coalition government to set a specific timeline to achieve these reforms as a critical step in restoring public confidence in the security sector, mainly by creating a combined police service that operates under the single command of the Commissioner of Police and is free from executive influences.

Swine Flu: No need to panic

2009-04-30T08:28:00.000-07:00

The director of Veterinary Services in the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Dr. Peter Maina Ithondeka has asked Kenyans not to panic over Swine Flu.

He says surveillance by the Ministries of Health, Livestock and Fisheries indicate there are no signs of the disease in the country, and asked the the public to report all suspected cases to relevant authorities.

He added that, though Kenya has no swine Flu cases, people should avoid mingling with pigs and uphold high levels of hygiene.

Yesterday the ministry of public health and sanitation in collaboration with the World Health Organization confirmed to have set 26 stations in the country for surveillance and screening of persons from countries affected by the disease.

In Africa, South Africa awaits results from possible cases of the deadly respiratory disease swine flu virus, and Egypt has asked its farmers to kill all pigs just as a safety measure.

Currently, the African Union health experts are meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to establish a continent-wide response to any major outbreak of the virus.

So far, Mexico, USA, UK and some parts of Asia are badly struck by Swine Flu.

Labour Day: Just noise...

2009-04-27T03:19:00.002-07:00

Labour Day is here, but all the last year's promises by the government never came to play.

Will the government ever be practical when talking about improving working conditions and even salaries?

Rat fight contest soon in Kenya

2009-03-22T04:42:00.000-07:00

I had never thought weirdly than today - a rat contest.

This morning I was heading to work, but our Matatu driver saw it wise to turn off Thika Road and pass through Kariobangi, a suburb in Nairobi. So long as I reach town on time, I thought.

Everyone on board was in a jacket and a hood (head woolen sock) to beat the pinching cold at 3am. We were all mum. The only noise, was from the loose metals in that cab.

Later, the metals shook harder; an indication we were off the tarmac road. The dust rose from the rusty-holed points, more so underneath. At least we could peep through the misty-dusty window.

Three minutes in the rough road was horrific. My eyes swerved from the driver’s nape to a pane next to me. What I saw wasn’t real? (thinking aloud).

A huge and muscled rat was fighting the other for a piece of dirt-soaked piece of bread. I think each was more than 25cm long minus the tail with above 10cm height. The punches on each were heavy and the grip on the bread was too tight. The muscles bulged out. Let me not ask about if they are edible, only what make them too big?

In Kenya, we have bull fights, billy goat fights, also chicken/cock fights which are often publicized, and even reported about. I think, rat fights is on the way, just to maximize subjects set for such contests.

Yote yawezekana in Kenya.

*Yote yawekana is in Kiswahili and it means, all is possible.

Investigative reporting tips

2009-03-16T20:19:00.000-07:00

For long, investigative reporting has been quite challenging but now, it easy to read and put into active many tips.

Check this website Media Helping Media

Women’s Day, a dedication to ladies in the media fraternity

2009-03-07T06:11:00.001-08:00

Through the week the media was shouting hard in publicizing and sharing experiences of women, but forgot its.

International Women's Day (IWD) annually celebrated on 9^th March only was/is an item for all media outlets. Not even one highlighted on the economic, political and social achievements of female journalists, or challenges they face.

Kenya Broadcasting Corporation where I work, by a guess, has more women, but bossed by men in most departments. This is not different from other private media.

I take this opportunity to thank women for their professionalism. I figure them holding cameras like Maria Wamala of The New Vision; deejaying like Ann Lemaiyan of KBC (my mentor), or Talia Oyando of QFM - Kenya; editing like Ferial Haffajee of The Mail and Guardian of South Africa; anchoring like Lyse Doucet of BBC; reporting like Yvonne Ndege of Al Jazeera, directing, marketing, or even administrating departments, or houses and so on. They do it all.

Now, can IWD become a public holiday in Kenya just like in China, Russia, Vietnam and Bulgaria? Can magazines write on female reporters too, not only the female anchors? Can journalist also report on female journalists?

Happy IWD ladies and gentlemen.

Egg eating Valentine Day

2009-02-18T03:07:00.000-08:00

February 14, 2008, Nairobi, Kenya – This morning was nothing close to a Valentine Day. A phone call from Babz, a great friend, woke me at 10:40am. He wanted us to sort out something, and not to buy the red roses.

This is one of the Sabbaths this year that got me unaware that I should be at Church. By the way, most of my clothes are dirty and pilled in a corner near the bathroom. God forgive me for my laziness and please energize me more than what Lucozade drink can offer.

Quickly, I brushed my teeth, dressed and went down to room 3 – Babz's room. He jumped out of bed when he heard me and we headed to Sticky's room, just a block away so that he can take a shower.

It is the first time this year for the taps to run dry in Roysambu, a suburb neighbouring Kasarani Stadium and Moi Sports Centre. Possibly the water shortage is because of a rental house construction nearby.

Sticky's taps were only much drier. We stormed out together and later left him and D'mosh at our gate munching eggs. Our stroll back from M-Pesa Kiosk (M-Pesa is a money transfer by a local phone company) to send some coins somewhere, got D'mosh and Sticky at egg number 7.

We sat for egg eating contest. Each was handed an egg sand-witched with a concoction of slices of Onions, Tomatoes and Dania with a pinch of salt at a time.

With all the cheering and disses, it ended with Sticky and D'mosh tanking 8 eggs each, Baiba and I, were equals with only 7. Babz and I still stamp our feet for the next contest. I know we will win... Possibly a record of 30 eggs in case the boiled eggs vendor come with better stock and finds our pockets without holes.

BOOK REVIEW: New News out of Africa; Uncovering Africa’s Renaissance

2009-01-13T08:24:00.001-08:00

New News out of Africa; Uncovering Africa's Renaissance
By Charlayne Hunter-Gaulty
Published by Oxford Press, 2006
142 pages
Reviewed by Jared Ombui

The first chapter begins by exploring Africa in a context of the transforming South Africa, and how different the continent is potrayed in both local and foreign media.

Charlayne correlate the black Americans struggle against racism and bigotry to Africa's struggle against colonialism, or apartheid. Though she recommends the United States (US) steps against racism, she slaps it for its hypocrisy – backing despots in Africa such as Mobutu Sese Seko Kuku of Zaire, who almost emptied the country's coffers; and Jonas Savimbi of UNITA – Angolan rebel group, but, still called Nelson Mandela a terrorist for fighting a justified war against the apartheid regime.

Through her experience as black American, she is in a dilemma trying to reconcile spiritually, culturally and historically to Africa.

Though Africa's young democracies have walked past colonialism and apartheid, there are convoluted walls to tear down: diseases (HIV/Aids and Malaria), economic inequalities, crime, corruption, war and crimes against humanity, and so on.

So far, Africans are becoming masters of their own fate and charting ways out. For instance, many conflicts in the continent have ended out of "the African solution, for the African problems." But, she asks how many democrats are in the continent?

Just like any organisation or government, African initiatives like peace-keeping or enforcement mission are halted by limited logistical support and failure of countries to contribute soldiers, and New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD) crippled by limited grassroot participation, which is not different from the South Africa's Black Economic Empowerment Act (BEE) that benefited mostly the top echelon.

To fill the loopholes, I agree tis imperative for Africa to revisit its concepts on problem solving, in the African Union (AU) and NEPAD.

On the last chapter, she analyses the role of the media in Africa's renaissance which is only possible, when the media is free and independent to report with intention of truth, and influence sustainable development, democracy and good governance, and economic prowess in all fronts.

She negates "parachute journalism" by foreign journalists that never seeks genesis and depth of African issues. However, she calls for accurate coverage of the continent and portrayal of its people. For the African journalists, a better story is when they report from the prism of their experiences with fairness, balance, and truth telling to develop the continent on behalf of the [African] people.

Charlayne goes ahead to emphasis the significance of a good working relation between local and foreign journalists/media. She points out also, the challenges African journalists face: government gagging the media, inadequate skills and training of journalists.

She ends by encouraging African journalists to live their dreams.

This book is easy to read and to comprehend. This is a-must-read for Journalists, government officials and the general public.

Kenya's media 2008

2008-12-20T07:37:00.000-08:00

The Media in Kenya began the year sank into an ethical dilemma - haggling on what, and how to report - a disputed presidential vote. An explosion of frustration and unrest. The disturbance degenerated into bedlam and bloodshed between ethnic groups. The “opposition” supporters hit the “ruling” supporters, vise versa. Where was their nationalism?

Televisions splashed pictures of youth (attackers) using everything from clubs and machetes to bows and arrows, while the radios pricked the ears with the mayhem. The media thumbed hard in reflecting the tense situation [shattered confidence in the government of the day] - a position later barred by the government calling for responsible reporting.

Kenya’s “acclaimed” professional media in the region unfairly covered the turmoil that claimed close to 2000 people killed and more than a quarter million people seeking refugee after being driven from their homes. A few media housed (pathways) censored the content to quell the violence, very vital information on gross and systematic abuse of human rights remained blur.

At a point, political inadequacies propelled an editorial answer – sharing a headline, ‘SAVE OUR NATION,’ that drew Kenyans back to their senses.

After the formation of the government of national unity, the media fell in love again with parties thus subjecting minimal pressure in attaining substantial development and accountability.

This last month of the year, December, journalists made more news fighting against legislators refusing their allowances to be taxed, and the avenging media bill that they referred to as draconian.

Nonetheless, the media still fights and its news hugely shoulders political drama and trickery.

Media bill, a revenge?

2008-12-15T02:59:00.000-08:00

Now it is clear why the Kenyan legislators rushed to pass the Media Bill, without proper analysis.

The Standard Newspaper reports, “an Assistant Minister admitted that MPs passed the Bill to revenge what they saw as media persistence for lawmakers pay tax on their allowances.”

True, this is one of the most absurd acts this year from the Kenyan legislators.

If revenge would be the code of operation in this nation, what will happen to morallity? How many Bills have been passed out of revenge???

Download the Bill in pdf.

Urban Fest

2008-12-10T08:28:00.000-08:00

World Aids Day '08: Encouragement to test

2008-11-30T22:10:00.000-08:00

It is the 20th commemoration of the World Aids Day, a day when individuals,
organisations and governments, revisit and re-echo the fight against the
disease.

This day dawns, as the Kenyan government say that 80 percent of its
population is not tested, and more than a million infected Kenyans are
unaware that they HIV-positive.

But how is Kenya and the world to ensure that its citizens test
undiscriminatively to curb the disease?

Universal testing for HIV/AIDS seem a better decision, but legal, or ethical
battles are unconsidered so far.

Last year, this blog called for prosecution of swindlers of HIV/AIDS
funding. To date, the prosecutions in East African region are still slow and
unconclusive.

We also think of the one of the heroes, Philly Bongole Lutaya, the first
Ugandan and African musician to declare he was infected with HIV/AIDS. His
action not only encouraged many Ugandans to run for the test, but also
gave/still give hope to the infected and affected.

A step to test today, is an encouragement to others, for the better of us
all.

The Ivory Post: A Blog idea turned Newspaper

2008-11-30T00:10:00.000-08:00

It has existed for almost two years, and it intends to go beyond to cover its constituency – Makerere University.

The Ivory Post blog idea turned a newspaper, is a students’ initiative devotes to churn news from one of the oldest universities in the world.

Its slogan is The voice of young journalists and it remains to be the leading online university newspaper in the region... Check it

Waki "song" report

2008-11-26T02:23:00.000-08:00

When the Waki report is mentioned in the Kenyan media, it is about politicians' conflict over
its implementation.

Today, the politicians that once opposed its implementation and called it
all sorts of names –"neo-colonial, useless, shoddy or divisive" are
now bothered of whether their names are inked in the sealed Waki envelope
handed to chief mediator, Kofi Annan.

Politicians that support the implementation are standing firm and
sarcastically describing how visas and air tickets can be acquired to The
Hague, or how easy it is to carry porridge and pieces of bread to Kamiti
Maximum Prison in Nairobi compared to the Netherlands.

The Standard newspaper reported that President Kibaki, Head of Civil Service
Francis Muthaura and senior security officers met last week to discuss the
modalities of establishing the special court/tribunal.

It goes ahead to say that, local key leaders want a special tribunal
modelled on the International Criminal Court, but manned by local judges -
just to reduce foreign participation as proposed by Justice Phillip Waki.

Are politicians now confident of the Kenya's judiciary? Or, have they
forgotten that ICC will be handy in the local tribunal?

Last week, opinion polls indicated that majority of Kenyans want the the
Waki report implemented, whether The Hague, or a local tribunal.

December 17, 2008 is near and calling for quicker measures. Failure to do
so, Luis Moreno-Ocampo will be handed the envelope.

Slowly justice will reign and impunity will be history.

///////

"I deeply hope that the horrors humanity has suffered during the 20th
century will serve us as a painful lesson, and that the creation of the
International Criminal Court will help us to prevent those atrocities from
being repeated in the future." - Luis Moreno-Ocampo on the occasion of his
election as first Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court by the
Assembly of States Parties in New York on 22 April 2003.

Solio on Safari

2008-11-23T06:35:00.000-08:00

Kisumu goes Obama

2008-11-10T22:15:00.000-08:00

This is a Bill Board of Barack Obama in Kisumu city, Kenya. Now he is president elect for the US, I wait for another one written BARACK OBAMA, US PRESIDENT...

Obama’s win, Africa’s win and real change

2008-11-04T22:47:00.001-08:00

Barak Obama scooped the US presidency Tuesday to become the first black president. He is the 44^th president of the world’s super power. But what does his win mean to the African continent where his father came from?

The young Africans can now believe they can handle leadership and wave the continent to regain its identity washed down by wars, diseases and corruption. The relic mentality that old is gold as far as leadership is concerned is now in the dust bins. Africa will not manufacture neither old leaders like Omar Bongo of Gabon, nor dictators, constitutional manipulators reign, or, life presidents.

For Kenya, it means short celebration for now, but also constitutional reform and transparency in all fronts. Possibly, the current president, Mwai Kibaki will not run for presidency.

Kenya will be a US darling – mostly militarily.

So far, the infrastructure to western Kenya is being upgraded. Think of the tarmac road to Kogelo.

The wars in Somalia, Darfur and DRC will come to an end. The US will advance diplomacy to settle this continent. What will happen to the African Command?

Electoral commissions in this continent, have not only a lesson but a role model. The tallying process should be fast and result released fast - not because of fear of violence, but a right to know the results on time.

Generally, we all now know that we can be successful once we follow the right steps and dedicated.

His win will not mean roses, but mostly, political will and hope.

Obama has done Africa proud, but Africa has to sort out its mess before eyeing the better foreign policies from Obama's government. Africa should also lower its expectations - change within.

Bravo Africa!! Bravo Africa!!

WAPI 2: MC Straight

2008-11-04T03:29:00.000-08:00

MC Straight dropin some from the Bible... Gospel Mcs now flaunt at WAPI...

WAPI 2: Dance Project Uganda

2008-11-04T03:23:00.000-08:00

Dance Project Uganda

WAPI 2: Last lady MC of the day

2008-11-04T03:21:00.000-08:00

Last lady MC of the day

WAPI 2: The youngest

2008-11-04T03:17:00.000-08:00

He hails from Kisenyi, a slum near the

Kampala's CBD. He was the youngest

performer that evening. He sang a

ragga song... Good Kid.

WAPI 2: MC Racheal

2008-11-04T03:05:00.000-08:00

MC Racheal hitting fashion designer with questions

Sunset: Ntinda 3

2008-11-04T02:43:00.002-08:00

Sunset: Ntinda 2

2008-11-04T02:43:00.001-08:00

Sunset: Ntinda 1

2008-11-04T02:41:00.000-08:00

WAPI 1: B-Boying/B-girling 1

2008-11-04T02:31:00.000-08:00

B-Boying/B-girling by Uganda Dance Project

WAPI 1: B-Boying/B-girling

2008-11-04T02:26:00.000-08:00

B-Boying/B-girling

WAPI 1: Fashion

2008-11-04T02:23:00.000-08:00

WAPI 1: Extra Mile

2008-11-04T02:20:00.001-08:00

Extra Mile...

WAPI 1: Coin and Bear

2008-11-04T02:15:00.001-08:00

Coin and Bear dropping a joint. The use a Buganda- West coast beat but flaunt in Luganda.

WAPI 1: Sylvester

2008-11-04T02:12:00.001-08:00

Sylvester of Sylvester and Abrams hiphop group.

WAPI 1: Sylvester and Magu

2008-11-04T02:08:00.000-08:00

LEFT TO WRITE: Sylvester of Sylvester and Abrams Hiphop group, talking to Dennis Magu, CEO Yo Enterprise.

WAPI 1: Painting

2008-11-04T02:05:00.001-08:00

Do you know of stubborn corpses?

2008-11-02T20:51:00.000-08:00

It might sound strange, or even against science, but here is the story of stubborn corpses that “have minds to decide.” Read more

Adopted from The East African Standard, 03rd Nov, 2008.

KELELE AFRICAN BLOGGERS CONFERENCE

2008-10-15T10:15:00.000-07:00

Just across your fence is Kelele African bloggers conference set for August 2009 in Nairobi, Kenya. Will you be selected??? Move and read more...

The nuisance of SMS adverts...Invasion of privacy

2008-08-10T03:12:00.000-07:00

Day to day, my phone vibrates so hard only to check is an advert SMS from an agent or company.

It reads, JVC Radio winner: 0782 XXX XXX and 0752 XXX XXX. SMS SHAGGY to 09X XXX XXX. NOW to enter draw! More prices: JVC radios & Ticket.” The sender was SHAGGY.

As I put my phone back to my pocket another SMS drops into the inbox. Checking again it is an advert.

“WEFUNIRE OMUKISA! Tiketi 50 zakuwangulwa buli week okulaba omuyimbi naninku SWEET KID nga 7 September ku Didi’s world. Wandika KID usindike ku 8008.” The sender was SWEET KID

These adverts SMS’ range from music launches to beer rebrands and lottery. To a surprise the senders’ numbers are customised for instance SHAGGY and SWEET KID. MTN so far is conniving in vending subscribers phone lines to advertisers because its SMS centre number is in play, +256 77 110002.

All these are happening in Africa just because there are no consumer protection laws, or, in simple terms, invasion of privacy is no issue to telephone corporate and Uganda Communication Commission.

I don’t mind the tapings of calls and SMS scrutiny, or, surveillances by intelligence organs. I just wonder if they withstand my deep romantic talk with my girlfriend. They highly hope my love exchanges twist into terror information to value their taping. By the way, do they tape conversations of almost 3 million subscribers or it is for suspicious persons?

So MTN should know that, if I need any information be it gossip, forex and entertainment, movies, television schedules, radio stations, inspiration... I will pay for it, but not to forcefully send information to my phone.

The only exception will be information valid for all subscribers for instance change of services or tariffs.

Uganda parties sign a coalition protocol

2008-08-07T06:48:00.000-07:00

Uganda opposition parties have signed a historical protocol as a yard stick to win the coming elections.

The signing party leaders include Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), Conservative Party (CP) and Justice Forum (JEEMA). The Democratic Party (DP) was absent in the signing because of party consultations, however one of its member of parliament Mutumba Sebuliba of Kawempe South was present.

The current party co-operation chairperson, Maria Obote of UPC says the unity is a power house to win the coming general elections in 2011. She expects that will correct what she refers to as political inconsistency and intolerance.

Co-operating parties will work under an umbrella of Uganda Inter-Party Co-operation (UIPC) but will not lose their identities. The chairmanship will be in rotation after every three months.

So far, the coalition hasn’t agreed on common electoral platform which they believe can be done through agreement. FDC leader, Retired Col. Dr. Kizza Besigye says, “We will support anyone the co-operation yields.”

Inter-party co-operations are not new in Uganda. Shortly before independence parties came together to assume power from the British colonialists; DP and UPC coalition in 1980 election did not last after an uprise; In the 1996 election parties united under the Inter-Party Forces Co-operation (IPFC) but did not trounce Yoweri Kaguta Museveni who had 76% of votes; and 2001 election DP, CP and FDC came together but still lost. The 2006 election had no coalition and Museveni won with 59%.

Though the arms of this parties’ co-operation are wide, some smaller parties like Reform Agenda, The Free Movement, FeParty, National Democratic Forum and many others will not qualify to join for they haven’t taken part in any general elections, by election or local government election and have no functional secretariat.

The signing that took place at Kololo Airstrip in Kampala was concluded with participants testing how flexible their bones were by dancing to a South African song which they didn’t comprehend but said it was a liberation song.

My first BHH

2008-08-07T06:27:00.000-07:00

My desire to attend BHH had been shuttered twice. The first time was 17th July because I wasn’t sure. The second time was 24th July when CB confirmed 31st July to be correct.

A Thursday evening, CB, DMG, T and I strode through the ever open gates of Makerere University and connected two taxis to Efendy Restaurant on Jinja road, Kampala.

We located where the bloggers were. They got excited to see CB, but scared to see three others with bags. Brief introduction didn’t help at all, bloggers glued mostly to persons they knew even after we shifted to another table.

DMG stuck with T; Dn stuck with Ruth; The dying communist got two ladies; DA was a ‘freelancer’ to stir the idle ones; and I was with CB.

Chit chats went on and on while others turned the restaurant into a photo studio or scenery park. Camera flashes and phone camera clicks rhythmically blended with the oldies music kicks and mixes.

Shortly after 9pm, I expected an organised discussion to kick off but small talks minimised just because bloggers were bidding bye to each other.

DA came over and I vomited my experience and expectations from BHH. We later engaged ourselves on what makes a good blogger more so in sparking change or development in the community.

Time to go clocked yet DMG and CB hadn’t got their change. We bounced to the counter after repeated neglect from a waiter. Before the cashier they demanded for their change pulling an audience of waiters, the manager and even cooks.

I moved close to the entrance not be the Kanyama, but to be off workers at Efendy that were failing get simple addition mathematics and accept their mistakes.
They later accepted to hand-in the change when DMG and CB proved to have understood the simple primary 4 maths and CB hinted of his paparazzism.

In the next BBH, I guess DMG and CB will carry coins for eased purchases. A collective discussion too will be held.

Makerere: Gourd of hip-hop

2008-07-18T02:53:00.000-07:00

Makerere University is well known for its academic excellence in this continent, and often referred to as Harvard of Africa. But there is more apart from books, and I call it a “gourd of hip-hop.”

As one enters its main gate, students moving up and down most in jeans apparels catch the eye. Beside the road, the tax collectors in blue and yellow uniform rush to cars windows to get Ush. 500/= and issue receipts to motorists, excluding the ‘bodaboda’ cyclists.

A walk to the Margret Trowell School of Fine Art overwhelms eye pupils with its art pieces that dot the compound. They range from fabrics, clay work and statues. One to remember is a statue of a man on on-your-marks; he is ready to a race.

Round the university, relic and new structures make a pattern that says “old too, has purpose.”

Reaching the basketball court beside the swimming pool, though empty; the graffiti on the walls beckon to be read or photographed. One reads, Hip-hop is alive, and the other reads One on One show. Some sketches await a sunset that will force their completion.

Tuning my phone radio on, a new signal pops... “Ya are tuned to Ryde 107. Dj DMG rolling phat joint from tha Wesyde, Esyde, Black Continent and EA included...” I decided to trace for its location and ended up at Lincoln Flats, B1.

I was directed to dark complexion youth, who also has an afro, Ivan Wobusobozi, chief producer at 107 Campus FM. He takes me around the station, and He later emphasises that their frequency is flooded with urban music namely R&B and Hip-hop.

“We play R&B and Hip-hop,” He said. “Our audiences are ‘hipish’ and that is what they need and request for.”

On my exit from the radio station, I meet Renee da preach mc, a gospel hip-hop emcee in Uganda. Who goes ahead to tell me of his group’s album (Christ in da youth culture) and a solo project he is working on SAGE.

He says that since his early years in campus, hip-hop is what he has.

“Hip-hop I live, Hip-hop I know,” he said.

Obama

2008-06-08T01:46:00.000-07:00

"Xeno" South

2008-05-21T06:40:00.000-07:00

Was it Kenya that began the year with tribal killings? It all emanated from unresolved land and unemployment issues.

Just nearing mid year, the ghettoes of South Africa had smoke. The natives were flushing out the “foreigners”: Zimbabweans, Kenyans, Somalis, Mozambiques, name them.

It was reported that South Africans were whining that the “foreigners” had taken their jobs, provided cheap labour, even their women. The huge blame was masked on the Zimbabweans who are more than a million in South Africa due to bad political and economic conditions back at home.

More than 20 are dead and a number of “foreigners” are injured.

The South African government and the African National Alliance (ANC) chairperson, Jacob Zuma have condemned such acts and called it most a shaming.

The issue here is that the South African government failed to lower the unemployment levels rated at 23%. The anger from its citizens in the suburbs is an indication that the government has not been strategizing to lessen this aching problem.

South Africa is assumed to be one of the most industrialized states in Africa, and with development it draws experts from all over the continent.

The people in the ghettoes do not appreciate the interplay of demand and supply.

For sure Africans are quick to forget some issues that make them. During the apartheid, South African political activists were everywhere in the continent, more so Zimbabwe and Mozambique. But, why kill?

Xenophobic attacks are a sad story for this developing continent and should not be tolerated. If citizens of a country have a problem with a government, they should question the authorities not the non-citizens, or “foreigners”.

Zimbabweans out: Mugabe, Tsvangirai one voice

2008-04-21T10:41:00.000-07:00

I have been silent about Zimbabwe for a long time, but now I have energy to speak louder.

First I begin by thumbing Robert Mugabe for being among the true African liberators. Many of the sons of the soils have called him an ardent Pan-African. He stood by his people against a colonial government led by the late Ian Smith.

Mugabe is also praised for his eloquence in the continent. He churns English for the “good” of the continent, but for himself too.

A while ago, Mugabe flushed out the white-citizens from Zimbabwe, and gave the land pieces to his cronies, veterans, and “native.” Another school of thought says, Mugabe did not think of how best to run farms formerly owned by the white farmers. This would have been the source of food and fruits cutting down the imports. A knee-jerk reaction to this, were sanctions, from the Western countries that lead to an inflation of above 150,000%.

Inflation to date does not affect Mugabe in terms of purchase or acquisition of anything he needs. As many Zimbabweans wonder where to get necessities, Mugabe thinks of where to spend the next coin, after all government budget covers. Sanctions are increasingly making Mugabe unpopular amongst Zimbabweans as a strategy of the West to brew an up rise. As things look, the veterans and security organs will not allow any skirmishes.

The previous election results are not yet out but the clock ticks 3 weeks.

Morgan Tsvangirai of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) party believes he won, while Mugabe’s ZANU-PF party is doing better calculation to use electoral commission to “straighten” whatever the results to Mugabe’s favour. How does ZANU-PF command recount of some ballots without a court order?

It is clear that Mugabe is a good listener and a follower of “brother” Muammar Qathafi of Libya, who front liberators/revolutionalists for life presidency. If Africa needs liberators, how many does it lack for ballot boxes to function?

Before the elections, Mugabe was heard saying these words “ZANU-PF will not lose as long as he is alive”, and “If he lost the elections he would leave”. But at the moment, where does he fall?

It began with Kenya this year, then Pakistan, and now it is Zimbabwe. For sure, election axiom is becoming bogus, after all government of national unity seems to be a better bargain for the incumbents and opponents. The desire is only power no matter the course.

Mugabe and Tsvangirai are fooling the public that they are different and hard-liners. They are now cooking a government of national unity that is not inclusive of the citizens.

If elections are useless, which other way is to represent the mwananchi (citizen)?

‘Chengi’ slows Uganda entrepreneurship

2008-04-01T05:02:00.000-07:00

Entrepreneurs in Uganda blame limited capital for little growth, or expansion of their businesses. Some whine because of witches. But are those the fundamental obstacles of business advancement?

A few minutes before writing this piece, I was in Wandegeya on my way to town, and need for airtime arose. I went to an airtime stand, and order for 5,000 top up. A man in his late 40’s handed back my 20,000 note because he had no ‘chengi’ (change).

I moved to a next stand that was managed by an Asian, and I flashed my 20,000. The attendant took the note, handed me the airtime, and asked me to wait as he sought me ‘chengi’ from the business neighbours. Within two minutes, I was done and I walked away.

In comparing the earlier seller and the second one, I noticed that the earlier seller didn’t need money though he had an airtime stand. The second seller needed the money though he has not ‘chengi.’

In doing a random survey, if both sellers have ten customers loaded big notes within 15 minutes, the earlier seller would have nothing. The second seller would have benefited from customers. Dominance of business mentality of the second seller is what entrepreneurs in Uganda should apply for their businesses realise advancement.

Sometime back, Bank of Uganda ordered the banks not to chase people who seek for change from banks. Today, some banks sell ‘chengi’, even in the Taxi Parks ‘chengi’ vending booms, but 10% off the money need change is quite high.

It will take a long while for Uganda business men and women to notice how much they lose by chase a customer because of ‘chengi.’

Photo/smallbiztechnology.com

Kenya blow 1

2008-01-27T05:06:00.000-08:00

The killings in Rwanda in 1994 amounted close to a million, and thousands were displaced, but the United Nation(UN) was too slow to act under the leadership of Kofi Annan. A political situation that was discriminatory against the “bad guys” who were once brothers. Tutsis went for Hutus heads and Hutus did the same for Tutsis.

It is noted that arsenal support to the mentioned tribes were from without as far as Europe and so on. All that was lodged from a thinking that super influence is by spilling blood.

Yes, the war ended but lives lost were, are and will be irreversible.

Come 2008, it is not Rwanda again but Kenya, a country that is to commemorate its 45th anniversary since “independence” from the British in 1963.

Kenya formed in the spirit of peace, love and unity has hit a political quagmire; hostility, hate and disarray defines the present situation caused by electoral rigging and unconstitutional swearing in of the president.

So far close to a half a million are congested in refugee camps within Kenya and in Uganda while Kenya Police and vigilantes have killed more than seven hundred citizens. The families in the refugee camps are living miserably and even after the camps they will languish in poverty because their properties are flattened into ashes or in the looters’ bellies.

A month is getting done and nothing jump-starts Kenyaness; No ray of hope. Reverend Desmond Tutu of South Africa; President John Kofuor of Ghana as well as the President of African Union; Jendayi Frazier, US Assistant Secretary for African Affairs; and a team of retired presidents of Africa led by Joachim Chisano failed to organise a dialogue between Hon. Mwai Kibaki and Hon. Raila Odinga. They did good talking to deaf ears as Kenyans bled.

In contrast, former UN general-secretary, Kofi Annan succeeds in making Kibaki and Raila greet each other for the first time since before elections but their body language suggested something else.

Kofi Annan’s visit is the last straw to Kenya’s redemption or downfall. European Union(EU) and US are set to deny Kenya aid and sanction it incase nothing of great crux is reached. The Kibaki’s finance minister, Amos Kimunya and the government spokesperson, Alfred Mutua ululate that “…aid cut is rubbish,” rest assured that no one in their family pained by any situation.

Zimbabwe is a good lesson to Kenya when it comes to sanctions because it is the people “you and me” that suffer incase Kenya is sanctioned. Kibaki will get what ever he wants using government budget just like Robert Mugabe, even if inflation supersedes 5,000 percent.

But why is the International community taking so long? Do we need to be like Rwanda? The Nakuru incidences are mere revenge. Is the issue a tribe…I don’t think so…the point is that elections were doctored by a few individuals not a tribe or community. And some politicians are using this tribe overtone to advance their “might.”

When Kenya is in fiasco who benefits?
This means that our economy will suffocate and it will depend funding from “donors” and citizens will be taxed highly to servicing aid. The more time Kenyans waste in refugee camps and destroying wealth, the more subservient they become to the West or East. A weak economy is equivalent to voicelessness, and no political say internationally.

Terrorism activities will thrive. Training or attacks can be facilitated without check after all Kenya’s security and intelligence is focused on lessening tension countrywide and protecting Kibaki in power. No intense surveillance is on the boarders, ports and airports.

Neighbouring states are beckoning to investors as alternatives. Uganda is sweet talking Tanzania to revamp Tanga- Mutukula Road and railway since the Northern Corridor(Mombasa-Kampala road) is being eaten by mistakes of an economic giant in a region. Remember before elections that more than 25,000 Asians, even the ones with Kenyan citizenship fled to Tanzania because of speculations of elections’ violence…are they back? What about those who fled after the violence broke?

Revenue sources are becoming scanty mainly on the exports. Kenya’s exports will drop from 67% to Uganda because measures being set for it not to be caught unaware like this year where supplies/inputs to her industries and imports of petroleum products were stopped because of the bad political situation in Kenya. Other countries like Rwanda and Burundi are now moving their eyes somewhere else too. The figure of revenue lost due to skirmishes in Kenya is huge and not the $ 30 million per day that economists say.

The fact is that even if the violence stops today, Kenya has back-stepped too much in less than a month but it will take it more than two years to fix its economic mess. Social mess will take more than a half a decade to be polished depending also on unfolding events before the next elections. Politically, Kenya’s democracy seems to be at the edge of the drainage but it will be catapulted to a much better level than most nations in the world once the current crises are solved.

The only antidote to the prevailing situation in Kenya is KENYANESS…We have to act in the spirit of peace, love and unity that translates to justice. Care for KENYA because if you destroy it no one will build it for you for free…you will be a slave.

Kapsabet Video 4

2008-01-17T02:46:00.000-08:00

Kapsabet video 3

2008-01-17T02:36:00.000-08:00

Kapsabet Video 2

2008-01-17T02:32:00.000-08:00

Kapsabet video 1

2008-01-17T02:25:00.000-08:00

Kapsabet requiem

2008-01-16T02:34:00.000-08:00

Time proves unredeemable as Kenya deteriorates. Kenyans are now different: colour, language, thoughts and even the oxygen they inhale and carbon dioxide the exhale.

Post election violence in Kenya deformed the country including Kapsabet, a small town in the Rift Valley province that sings the requiem but did not feature in the media reports.

In this town, more than 15,000 Kenyans became homeless and properties were destroyed. These properties do not include the $30 dollars that Kenya does not capture as taxes since late December 2007.

It will take decades for love to grow in this small town.

Here are the pictures.

KENYA IS MINE!!

2008-01-14T06:02:00.001-08:00

I am sitting here, wondering what happened to the once beautiful, peaceful country that I call HOME. This WAS home when I was born, and I loved the aroma of the country, the green rolling plains and valleys. I loved the people who sweetly passed me from arms to arms, as they all gazed on this little Kevin, all saying… "He is so tiny… so cute... can I hold him for a while?”

I grew up and loved my schools, the children I met, sat with, played soccer with plastic bags tied together using sisal rope, so tight it was, we could play it for a whole month before "repair”. I loved the high schools, the places that taught me to stand on my own feet. The teachers at boarding school paced up and down the class daily to impart knowledge. Kenya was my HOME as I grew up, singing the national anthem whenever we raised the flag in our school, which was twice a week, Monday and Friday.

Kenya IS my home now, as I watch it burn, when the same people that carried me as a baby, taking me from my Mother as she watched them hold me in turns, several people that I so loved being near, who gave my Mum such a relief whenever they helped nurture me, these same friends are now foes burning each others' houses down.

December 27th 2007 , these same people, who sat down and ate together, line up in long winding lines, to vote for a president to this beloved country that I call HOME. There are no tribes, just lines and lines of KENYANS. The day was long and tiring, but the wait is worth it. After that, all hell breaks loose. There were no more Kenyans, there were Mijikenda, Luhya, Luo, Kamba, Kikuyu, Kisii, Kalenjin, Kalenjin, Eteker (Turkana, Pokot, Samburu and Maasai) and a host of so many other tribes that I may not finish here, because my teacher once taught me in that small classroom with paneless windows, that there are around 42 tribes in Kenya, and in that class more than half of these tribes were represented.

In exactly one week, from the culmination of the election, more than 250,000 KENYANS are refugees in their own country, more than 600 other KENYANS are piled up in the morgues, several thousands find a way into Uganda, and one needs to virtually cross the border into Uganda to fly into another part of Kenya!

My brother had to travel to the capital Nairobi and this is exactly what he did, and I am not proud of that…

The politicians sit in Nairobi with their choppers and bulletproof cars, with tight security detail; a normal Kenyan spends the day in their house, not knowing what to do. No food, no water, no communication as phone credits go up by 70-100%, and all transport means are grounded because some mean-looking men with bloodshot eyes will stop your vehicle, ask for your IDs before sifting through for the WRONG tribe, and then letting the RIGHT tribes pass. No ONE wants to know what happens to the WRONG tribe.

In all this pandemonium, some government officials can still say we don’t need mediators, and the country is not having a problem. Where does he live? Can’t he even afford a TV? Another one says that the international media was wrong to show pictures of horrific murders that occurred, I say why not, politicians have to answer for the dead citizens…time is with us.

Before Kenya belonged to any politicians, it was mine, simply because I decide which Kenyans get into government or into parliament. Before anyone can decide to burn my country or sit idle as the country burns, KENYA IS MINE. Before there were tribes, the common denominator, apart from the human factor, is that we are KENYAN. What kind of politics is this that leads to deaths and suffering? KENYA IS MINE because I will not stand and watch it burn. I will take the war back to the politicians because it is them who are burning MY KENYA. It is them who are killing my fellow KENYANS. It is them who have made my fellow KENYANS refugees in their own land, without food, without shelter. The politicians burnt KENYANS in a church.

The future of KENYA is mine to decide, and I will, if I get other KENYANS, who don’t see the tribal element, but the true spirit of KENYA, the patriotism that our leaders have so evidently lacked. If you love my country, like I love my country, even if you are not from my country, you are more KENYAN that the political assassins who watch as Kenya’s 44 years are quickly tuned to ashes. If you are there and you are KENYAN, either by birth or by the feeling of the dire need for peace, stand up with me and help me reclaim KENYA from the politicians, help me do this by holding my hand and proclaim… "KENYA IS MINE"...May we dwell in unity peace and liberty plenty be found within our borders... (Part of our national anthem).

Odinga rejects coalition call

2008-01-07T04:26:00.000-08:00

Who won?

2008-01-03T03:23:00.000-08:00

Emilio Mwai Kibaki might have won the recently concluded elections and sworn in immediately as a president of the republic of Kenya, but let us put simple thinking into use.

The history of voting as an arm of democracy proves that voters make choices. The choices are about parties; one party. This means, a party is voted all through in the councillorship, legislative position and the presidency. Having that in mind, Electoral Commission of Kenya (ECK) announced Kibaki as a victor with 4.5 million votes tagged with 36 seats in parliament. Raila Odinga had 96 seats in parliament that translated to 4.3 million.

It is now clear that, Kibaki had much lower than what has been announced. If Kibaki had at least 70-80 seats there would be a possibility of beating Raila considering the difference of population concentration in various regions. In this case, 36 seats whatsoever would not have reached even 4.5 million votes if it is not through rigging.

The resignation of four ECK commissioners too explained the magnitude of irregularities that are impassable. The EU monitors and the Commonwealth observers agree that malpractices were huge.

Kibaki should not cling to the notion that he won, yet, his 21 ministers’ losts seats to other parties lowering not only his strength but also the votes substantially. What does he learn from the remaining 6 ministers?

Riots countrywide are a sign of dissatisfaction of the citizens about the role of ECK in the previous elections. As a disappointment, Kenya army and Kenya Police have so far shot dead more than 200 fellow citizens. Was there shoot on site order?

Kenya at the moment has more danger even after these skirmishes. Notably is the undercurrent of terrorism that must have taken advantage of this confusion in the country and the divisions of Kenyans in tribal lines. Majimbo too, will not work in the near future of Kenya because everyone is extra sensitive due to the nasty experiences of having relatives or friends killed, property destroyed and people internally displaced.

These calls for urgency for psychological rehabilitation of Kenyans due to the anarchy witnessed. The Media on the other hand, should hasten the preaching of nationalism, respect of human rights, tolerance and mutual co-existence.

African leaders in the continent have a lesson that, when citizens want a leader out, no matter how the votes are doctored. Africans no longer waste time in slumberland; they tallying.

What does ODINGA swearing in mean?

2008-01-01T01:16:00.000-08:00

Kenya is becoming more unpredictable not only by her citizens but also the international community.

The announcement of Mwai Kibaki as the new president of Kenya resulted to eruption of violence country wide. According to Red Cross- Kenya, 135 people are dead and their bodies have bullet wounds.

In Kisumu city and other towns in the country, the military has been sent to calm the situation.

This morning, the media reports say that Gordon Brown has spoke with Mwai Kibaki and Raila Odinga to calm their supporters from being rowdy but some supporters say they have to fight to the end.

Raila Odinga too wants Mwai Kibaki to accept that he lost the elections for any dialogue to commence waiting to be sworn in at Uhuru Park on Thursday. He has pleaded with Kenyans to come in huge numbers.

What does ODINGA swearing in mean?

Does it mean two presidents in a country? Does it mean Kibaki will step down before Thursday? If Kibaki steps down, will he be interested of being an MP of Othaya? Does it mean that Raila supporters will be allowed to move to Uhuru Park yet there is heavily armed security persons? After the Swearing in Raila where will he go to: Statehouse, his house or jail? Will it mean that calm will prevail instantly?

Kenya unrest, Uganda fuel prices shoots

2008-01-01T00:44:00.000-08:00

The sore grapes of unrest in Kenya are felt far beyond her borders.

The prices of petroleum products have inflated simultaneously in Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and the eastern part of Democratic Republic of Congo.

In Uganda in particular, a litre of petrol or diesel costs Ushs. 5,000. Before the closure of Uganda-Kenya border from 27^th December, 2007, a litre of petrol was less than Ushs. 2,500.

It is also reported that other petrol stations in the country have no fuel.

Uganda depends solely on Kenya roads for majority of her imports.

Non-Kalenjin communities under tension in Kapsabet

2007-12-31T06:29:00.000-08:00

The swearing in of Mwai Kibaki has propelled violence in Kapsabet, a small town, on Eldoret- Kisumu road.

Hundreds of non- Kalenjin families are camping in Kapsabet Police Station because of fear of being of killed.

Yesterday night, several shops in the town were burnt down and some ransacked. Residences too were not spared.

Kapsabet is a home for most of the long distance athletes in the world.

There is urgency for the international intervention before bloodshed pools the Kenyan soil.

Pray for Kenya.

International politics bogs kenya's election

2007-12-30T21:58:00.000-08:00

It all started by the Electoral Commission of Kenya crying to have the results from the delaying constituencies mainly from Central Kenya. The European observers raised their eyebrows over the delays.

Kenyans were calm waiting for results. Three days down the line, idleness griped the hard working Kenyans. Shops looted, residences burnt and a number of citizens lost lives across the nation.

On 30^th December, When the ECK chairman announced the results that Mwai Kibaki had won, it took a few minutes and he was sworn in as a president of Kenya.

Raila Odinga on the other hand did not miss the microphone and he announced that he will be sworn in on 31^st December as a president.

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE INTERNATIONAL OBSERVERS
- European Union

- Commonwealth
- African Union

"We believe that, at this time, the ECK (Electoral Commission of Kenya), despite the best efforts of its chairman, has not succeeded in establishing the credibility of the tallying process to the satisfaction of all parties and candidates," chief EU observer Alexander Graf Lambsdorff said in a statement.

"We regret that it has not been possible to address irregularities about which both the EU EOM (EU Electoral Observation Mission) and the ECK have evidence," he added.

Graf said his mission had evidence of presidential tallies announced in polling stations on the election being inflated by the time they were released by the electoral commission in Nairobi.

WHY IS US AND BRITAIN ASKING FOR ACCPETANCE OF ECK RESULTS?

“We ask all candidates to accept the Commission’s final results and to urge their supporters to reject violence and respect the rule of law. Regardless of the eventual winners of this election, we call on Kenyans across the political spectrum to work together to advance democracy and national development,’’- a statement from US Embassy.

“We are disturbed at the violence surrounding the elections. The British government calls for an end to the violence, respect for the democratic process and for all Kenya’s political leaders to act responsibly,” – a statement by British Foreign Secretary.

This election had an international interest than the local interest.

Watch this space…

Bogs down kenya

What does it mean?

2007-12-30T21:44:00.000-08:00

“If they go ahead and declare Kibaki the winner, the consequences are too grave to contemplate ... look at Ivory Coast one of the most successful countries in West Africa ... we want to remain peaceful, prosperous and democratic,” Said Raila Odinga, Langata MP and ODM party leader.

Is it Nazareth, can something good come out of Africa?

2007-12-10T04:08:00.000-08:00

Since it became possible for me to read, history has never repeated itself. Things have been changing not only near me, but even where I can’t scratch. I can say, situations are different but tend to draw similar results.

Reports from within Africa and out of Africa have estimated this continent to be vanishing and soon it might be forgotten. The dirges are War, Poverty, Corruption, Nepotism, Tribalism, Poor media, Torture, Rape, Dictatorship, and so on, please, please sing on.

Yesterday it was General Idi Amin Dada of Uganda, and then Mobutu Seseseko Kuku Mbendu wa Zambanga of Zaire well known today, as, Democratic Republic of Congo, Daniel arap Moi of Kenya, Charles Taylor of Liberia and now, Said Al Bashir of Sudan and Robert Mugabe of Zimbambwe are bracketed to be dictators.

Few weeks ago, Joachim Chisano of Mozambique, got an award of transforming his nation. That is leadership. He is among the best African leaders championing the African agenda. Nelson Mandela the African gold of sincerity and justice.

Africa has produced great athletes who have scooped huge medals internationally. Kenyans, Ethiopians, Nigerians, Algerians, Ugandans, Tanzanians, South Africans, Namibians… are not only experts in climbing the beautiful hills raised above the sea level but race like cheetahs in the short races. No doping.

Let me not talk about the African queens…oh my…they are the best because nature says so. Be it character, the beauty and the complexion that matches the continent’s soils. Have you heard of Alek Wek of Sudan?

Remember, the African minerals have beautified almost all palaces and houses of respect. They still serve important role in the industries in the developed world as raw materials and energy source. If the continent was dark, the minerals would have stayed here. The game is opportunistic.

The wars in the continent too, have perforated African human resource, infrastructures, agriculture, mining, education systems and health facilities. Killer diseases like HIV/Aids and Ebola have proliferated. Somalia no longer produces Bananas and goats for export; Democratic Republic of Congo does not earn much from natural resource because of rebels claiming ownership of the mine fields; Southern Sudan cannot drill oil further because of the tension with Sudan government; and Niger Delta rebels say they will put their arms when the oil contracts become fair for the locals.

Most of these wars in Africa have international dimensions mainly on the supply of the weapons. In some instances, the foreign governments have ventured in having double standards in the sense of supporting coups and some instances fighting the enemies of peace.

If pointing fingers would avail solutions instantly, the continent would be far. Urgent solutions are needed to blunt the sharpness of poverty, war, maladies and levels of illiteracy.

Whether Africa is Nazareth or Jerusalem, we have to concentrate on issues that affect humanity. Let us overlook the borders or water boundaries that separate continents and think of how best we can contribute to the development of Africa and the world in general.

Photos/style.com, associatedcontent.com, smh.com.au

She was...she is***

2007-11-25T01:48:00.000-08:00

Dddrrring!! Dddrrring!! Dddrrring!!
“Kee-sy-ky…I wanna know u more,
I have clues of your don’ts and do’s,
What should I do to make it cool?”

Dddrrring!! Dddrrring!! Dddrrring!!
“Li-l-ly…I got no idea of you,
lets walk see if I can remember,
Are you the tall-short, oh…u gat…mmhhh,
Oh…the slender-fat, your smile…ehhhh,

Can I beep then u call?”Dddrrring!!
Dddrrring!! Dddrrring!!
“K…oh…really!! Anytime is perfect,
I appreciate…listening to you…
Wisdom and truth from you…
Wanna see u so soon…”

Dddrrring!! Dddrrring!! Dddrrring!!
“Dear…time has run,
Silence defines what you feel,
“Am out mind, Oh...really!!”
I utter what I see…”

Dddrrring!! Dddrrring!! Dddrrring!!
“NO more, when will it… Dddrrring!!”

Dddrrring!! Dddrrring!! Dddrrring!!
“Let me think…”

She was...she is***

Kiboga: A feet from the City

2007-11-11T01:15:00.000-08:00

Commonwealth Head of Governments Meeting (CHOGM) is here. The face of Kampala City has changed tremendously. At least some roads have been reconstructed and some re-carpeted. Hotels too, have mushroomed, and security officers are visible to ensure safety.

Last week, I decided to leave the "City Square" that is ready for CHOGM to tour Kiboga District, less than 100 kilometres from Kampala. The newly tarmacked road from Kampala to Hoima made my journey so smooth. The road was sandwiched with hills covered with vegetation and less activities beside the road.

Away from the city noise, congestion and an atmosphere less of oxygen, we drove off Hoima road through paths and I ended up in Lulongo Village in particular.

A village with a tiny trading centre of two shops with no electricity and one calling centre.

The inhabitants are a mixture of Buganda and Basongora Communities. I was informed that they all know each other because it is a small group.

A few metres, stands a protestant church made mud and thatched with grass. It serves as a school for the children on the weekdays. The school only accommodate pupils from primary one to four; above that level they walk three kilometres to get education.

I talked to the women and they poured out all their problems ranging from inaccessibility of health services to poverty. The children were smiling but their eyes did not hide pain and dissatisfaction.

Curisioty pressured me to ask if they new anything about CHOGM? The answers were summarised to “NO.”

Really, were there campaigns to make ordinary Ugandans know about CHOGM?

* A young girl who does not go to school because she has no money to buy school uniform.

*The only hope is my child.

*Have a bite.

* What an assembly.

*Take my picture.

Uganda:More Women die from Cervical Cancer

2007-11-03T10:25:00.000-07:00

Ignorance, stigmatization and lack of information have resulted to an increase in cervical cancer deaths in Uganda, according to a recent research conducted at Mulago National Referral hospital.

"The upward trend originates from irregular checkups of women, stigmatization, and lack of information about causes of the disease and the nature of cervical cancer symptoms that are manifested when it is late" the report reads.

The research further shows that cervical cancer accounts for over 80% of the cancer related deaths in women with the most affected being those between 31-50 years is 60%; 4%, 21-30 years; 20%, 51-60 years; 8% 61-70 years; and 8%, 70 years.

Cervical Cancer is caused by infection of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) that is sexually transmitted. Though HPV has more than 40 types, the evident types in Uganda are HPV 16 and HPV 18.

HPV develops to Cervical Cancer in a period of 10-15 years.

It is estimated that, cervical cancer affects an estimate of 490,000 women worldwide each year and leads more than 270,000 deaths annually, about 85% of which are in developing countries.

In related developments, Uganda is to implement a two-year HPV vaccine demonstration in two districts in 2008 and 2009.

The pilot project targets girls aged 10-13 years as a preventive measure for five years against HPV that leads to cervical cancer.

Dr. Robin LaMontagne, PATH Country director, says, “We choose age group 10-13 years, because most are not yet subjected to sexual debut and that is where benefit of such interventions can be witnessed.”

According to World Health Organisation, HPV vaccines have shown excellent efficacy against persistent HPV infections mainly among women not exposed to the virus.

Dr. Anthony Mbonye, Assistant Commissioner, Reproductive Health, Ministry of Health, says, “After the pilot project, HPV Vaccine will be included in the routine immunisation program.”

So far, HPV vaccine pilot projects are conducted in Peru and Vietnam.

Photo/flickr.com & cancer.org

Corrupt; utumishi kwa wote

2007-08-27T06:57:00.000-07:00

'Utumishi kwa wote' (Service to all), I mean the Kenyan Police was named the most corrupt entity in Kenya. The research done by an independent body, Transparency International did not surprise Kenyans, but hurt them.

Few days later, Police’s public relations officer said, when they say Police is the most corrupt, it means that it is both the police and the people who are corrupt because of the interaction. This points directly to you and me the citizen.

In this reign of capitalism, many only think of how better they can gratify self. I am not against your development but obtain it in the best way, the right way.

Today, most bribes are in form of cash meaning both the poor and the rich can bribe any system in order to survive razor government laws or have something illegally or have something faster.

Have we been bribing or have we been not bribing and stand by what the law says? It is a self searching question but how do we start fighting corruption in our society and later overcome it?

First and foremost you/ I should rekindle the love for our country. I know one or two things must have gone wrong and making you wounded, but you are the source of change. Stand up and put the nation in your heart and look at all that you do should have positive effect to other citizens.

Leading by example, by not giving and receiving bribes at anytime or wherever you are.

Also teach others on how they can stop and how adverse it is to bribe. Let them know what the law of the nation says and how they can be part in effecting the law.

Reporting corruption cases and incidences too, is valued. For example, if you see a Police officer asking or receiving bribe note the Police officers Registration number and report to relevant anti- corruption authorities or anti- corruption Non- governmental organisations.

I know you can have many and better ways we can stop corruption.

But who should be the most corrupt anyway? Let us fight to make our society corruption free, let us be 'utumishi kwa wote.'

Egypt in the US weapon deal

2007-07-31T06:24:00.000-07:00

“Yes we need it,” was the cheer heard from governments like Israel, Saudi Arabia and Egypt – Africa’s most civilised nation. These nations are to receive billions from United States of America to empower their military muscle.

Israel gets the biggest bite of the cake $30 billion dollars, Egypt pockets $13 billion and Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman and UAE – share $20 billions. The monies are to sharpen the teeth of Egypt against Iran, Syria and militant groups like Hezbollah.

In the recent past, Iran has been stiff-necked in abandoning her nuclear program. Also it has supported Syria, Hezbollah and other Shia groups in the Middle East.

"There isn't a doubt, I think, that Iran constitutes the single most important, single-country challenge to... US interests in the Middle East and to the kind of Middle East that we want to see," said Condoleezza Rice, the US Secretary of State.

Why Egypt?
Egypt is well-positioned facing Israel and Gaza on the East, borders Libya on the West and has Isthmus of Suez that links Africa and Asia. This eases accessibility to these countries.

With the permanent headquarters of the Arab League in Cairo, Egypt plays a ‘Father’ role in the league. It commands respect from all members that includes: Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Palestine, Jordan and so on.

In the international relations, Egypt has scored well. It can be noted that Egypt was the first Arab nation to establish diplomatic relations with Israel and been instrumental in negotiation of peace in most nations in the Middle East. The most recent is the Israel – Palestine conflict that seems never ending.

Historically, Egypt has developed military might and has modernised her military by acquiring sophisticated warplanes, warships and artillery. This makes it ahead of many African nations and the Arab world. It sends a chill to other nations that might think fight it.

Is all set? With the nuclear programs in some of the Eastern nations like Iran that threaten even the World-super-power America, Is Egypt building her nuclear defence system? Or is it what America is to do for her? Anyway is there a remedy to nuclear bombing?

Before I ask where Egypt is going to purchase the weapons and which weapons are they going purchase. It is wise to know if Egypt needs these weapons. Is USA doing this as a result of opposition from Russia to the nuclear defence systems and shields in Europe?

Weapons or no weapons?
There will be a twist on how Africa and Arab nations view Egypt. Doubts will intensify mainly from the Arab League, if Egypt is a brother or a betrayer. In Africa, how will the ‘brotherhood’ in Egypt and Libya react to Hosni Mubarak’s weapon deal?

Yes, Egypt has to develop her military might with reasons best known to her. Why cant it concentrate on diplomacy and dialogue to root out terrorism. Military strength has already failed in Somalia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Siera Leone and Ivory Coast.

Diplomacy softens the mind, weaponry hardens it.

Rewrite this text

2007-07-05T05:42:00.000-07:00

In one of my walks in Kampala City, Uganda, I came across the above signpost just beside a gate of one of the companies.

I failed to comprehend, the last message on the signpost though inquiries confirmed that it was in kiswahili language.

Please, help me interpret the 3rd message or re-write it in Kiswahili.

Stranger

2007-06-21T04:44:00.000-07:00

He is a stranger, she is not,
An sms to call, made her voice familiar,
Soft she speaks not to hurt, even the eardrum,
Sweet laughter, when I blush or blast,
I haven't seen her!!

She knows little nitty gritty of I,
I know her voice well, even when she changes numbers,
Her strong broom wipes all points
She has seen me!!

When I sleep, she wakes,
We don’t share the day pattern, the night pattern either,
Well will I see her? She feels it I guess?

I look back, she zooms my back,
Now hazy, she shakes, "It is long"
Which way? "I hope to see you"
My stranger!!

A “young” journalist in the field

2007-06-12T00:47:00.000-07:00

The Uganda society was privileged to host a distinguished guest from the commonwealth H.E. Hon Donald McKinnon early today.

In a sunny afternoon, the eleventh day of June 2007, media persons too had to endeavour to grip a scoop; at least something for the editor or file something. The venue was at the Uganda Museum in Kitante, Kampala.

From town, my team arrived with what they know best to use. Edy Mondo had his digital still-photo Camera while Dynoh held tight his not book and a ball pen. Renee shouldered the video camera bag and a stand and as I resigned from my co-driving job that was very temporal.

So, we dashed out of the special hire car as if we were one of the intelligence agents chasing a criminal that is almost detonating a bomb. Past the door the other three positioned themselves well not a word to pass them. For me, I had to look for a paramount spot for video coverage. Hurriedly, I moved to put my stand a metre away from the one that was highly jerked just above my shoulder. Even before I placed my stand that I had jerked a height slightly above my waist, some one poked me toughly on my back and he said,

“don’t you see this stand behind belongs to Simon Kasyate of NTV? You are going to block him. Move away”

“Ohhh” I answered reluctantly.

In a twinkle of an eye, Kasyate move closer to his stand from no where and panned his head and hand asking me to move. My intention was to kneel; to provide ample space to capture good shots of the subject. I lifted the lowly jerked stand and moved to the right wing of the room.

Yes, I was a “young” journalist, unknown journalist. Thank God where I went was the best because H.E McKinnon moved from his seat to the pedestal that was only four metres away my stand. It was the best position and I got twenty five minutes of professional shots.We left immediately only to catch up with an issue unfolding in town that was Newsworthy.

May be to ask, how long or what does it take for a “young” journalist to be known not to be bullied? What happened to the co-relation of journalists in the field and out of field?

Your President?

2007-06-07T05:57:00.000-07:00

A few minutes before I went out for lunch, a friend made a statement,

“Do you know that George Bush is the World’s President, Vladmir Putin being the World’s Vice President and Tony Blair its Prime minister?”

"So, what about the Kibaki of Kenya, Kikwete of Tanzania, Kaguta of Uganda or other African Presidents?" I asked.

“They are class monitors?” she lamented.

How do you rank you President?

Smoking 'sigara' !!

2007-06-05T07:12:00.000-07:00

In December 2003, Philip Karugaba an environmental lawyer in Uganda won a landmark victory in the high courts declaring smoking in public places a violation of non-smokers’ constitutional rights to life and to a clean and healthy environment.

The judge ordered Uganda's National Environment Management Authority to make regulations to ban smoking in public places within one year. On 12 March 2004, Uganda’s smoke free regulation came to effect.

Since then, there have been few publicized arrests and prosecutions. Fines for those who defied the ban ranged from 20,000 to 100,000 Uganda shillings and the owners of public places who failed to enforce the ban were to face a fine of between 50,000 to 300,000 Uganda shillings.

Today, when you move around Uganda, you will find smokers feeling freer to smoke in public places as if there is no maxim that bans smoking in public environment.

To the non-smokers, a minute figure knows about their right of having a clean and health environment or can have the audacity to tell a smoker to leave a premise (because they are smoking) or seek assistance from an environmental inspector.

It is said that, send a thief to catch a thief. What would happen when a Police officer smokes in public places? How many will be imprisoned?

Think about this, how easy is it to trace a smoker who cause a non-smoker to be ill or spoils the environment of a non-smoker?

Picture by http://www.everestuncensored.org/archives/no-smoking2.jpg

Stupid - true email

2007-05-06T04:12:00.000-07:00

Technology in Africa is slowly becoming of age. A small number though, of her inhabitants, are becoming more skilled in Information and Communication Technology applications.

This week, I got a strange email from a person who called himself Kasanya Lawrence [k200007@yahoo.co.uk]. The subject of the email was “[Makerere] IS ABBO A SUITABLE GUILD PRESIDENT”.

For you information, Susan Abbo from Democratic Party (DP) made it to presidency after scooping 44% of 8060 votes of the total votes cast. She beat even the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) candidate Mugaga Remy who was among the contestants.

So the strange sender went on to tell me what he/her had in mind.
“think of it a prostitute, a lier, agirl who arbotted twice last year am shockedthat makerereans this time u forgot your brains in the toilets”.

This email raised my eyebrows more when I found out that it had been directed to entire Makerere University Webmail subscribers. It was an example, on how simple information today can reach millions out of a simple click of technology.

From this email, am really disturbed of what technology advancement means to Makerereans. Is there some truth in this email from Lawrence Kasanya? Is anyone allowed to email or email anything to all subscribers of Makerere Webmail?

Drying tear

2007-04-30T08:05:00.000-07:00

Haven’t you heard they are the best?
The best before gaining power,
They utter out feelings, ideas
That “will” dry the tear,

The light, the dark,
Political revolution is political erosion,
Promote civil seclusion, hate civil education,
Ballot boxes only bring, but usher them out not,
When guns bring them, do they take them out?
Who comes after you?
Will they dry the tear?

The left, the right…aid–debt,
Oh, it hits hard on her chest…
She belchs, she pukes 3 times from a hungry stomach,
Where Peace equal bullets, many die,
Talks is peace, no body dies,
I hope the pain will dry the tear,

Yes, a ray of love, togetherness,
Work smart for her,
It might take time, you determine,
Africa my wonderful, dry the tear,