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21:26
From: My part of the world.......
Read This Entry & More At My part of the world.......
Time and again I have spoken about womens' appetite for suffering and in true Aco fashion I can't resist the chance to share a story. There is this Kenyan chic I met sometime when I got here, a very nice chic but she always looks a bit tired. It is when I got to talk to my close pal who is her bosom buddy that I got to know why she looks a bit worn most of the time and drinks like a fish during Kenyan functions/bashes. You see this girl has been dating a dude for 5 years and this dude treats her like crap. I was once at their house and I recall him talking to her like a 5 year old at different occasions with some flippant remarks thrown in. I was told that things get worse, there was one day when she came home from work to find him seated with another Kenyan chic on the couch looking very cozy. She asked what the girl was doing there and demanded that she leave, this new girl in turn got up and began hurling at her the same kind of insults her boyfriend used to; meaning that the boyfriend had been sharing the dirt. On a side note this new chic had been in the country for less than 3 months, talk about coming in with a bang. The case ended when she called the cops and the chic was asked to leave since she wasn't on any lease or documentation showing she had the right to be in the house. Anyway several months back this dude was laid off from his job and since he is picky has not yet gotten a new job. In the meanwhile for all these months and even earlier this chic has been working two jobs to pay the mortgage. To make things worse, this dude has American citizenship and despite being together for all those years he told the chic that he wouldn't file for her to get residency. So this means that she is stuck doing entry level jobs where they don't check on your immigration status. I do understand that he may not be in a rush to get married but I do think he can file a prenup and do it for her seeing that they have been together for 5 years plus. But despite all this drama, she is still with him. Why she is putting up with all that? I don't know, I'll watch from the sidelines and keep you all updated. Message of the day from this video. Don't smoke weed before your interviews! But I don't think it would have made a difference in T-pain's case this dude is waaaaaaaaaaaay off the edge. In other news, I had a disturbing flashback. Do you all remember a show called Life Goes On? Remember one of the main characters Corky Thatcher, the boy who had Down's syndrome? Well since everyone used to watch the show in my school, people were familiar with his clumsiness and lower than average IQ that came from having Down's syndrome. Anyway whenever someone would do something stupid or clumsy they would be baptised "Corky" by the rest of the class till the class forgot or someone else did something just as clumsy or stupid. And people say kids are innocent. Oh well, have a nice weekend everybody!
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17:38
From: Kenyan Pundit
Read This Entry & More At Kenyan Pundit
Can’t believe that TED Africa is already here! You can check out the exciting program here.
Me and the familia are off to Arusha. I’m about to join the legion of parents who get dirty looks when they enter the plane with an infant. Hoping that Gabi travels well…packing for this [...]
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15:10
From: More to Life
Read This Entry & More At More to Life
Dear Kenyans,
It is with mixed emotions that I, through this blog, address you all on this very Madaraka day, 2007. Madaraka means freedom and freedom spells joy, possibilities and planning. But freedom comes with that other thing called responsibility. Madaraka is all these things and more, wrapped together with the aim to keep ALL Kenyans happy.
Today we remember Dedan Kimathi and crew, Kenyatta, Waruingi, endless list of knowns and unknowns whose blood we thrive on in Kenya. As the economy boosts to 6.1% growth, we must remember that we owe that possibility to these people. They lived, were tortured and some died so that we had the possibility that is the vision 2030 and more.
So I write with the awareness that the headlines are about Mungiki and a country that cannot agree on how to handle this menace. Let's all get to the responsible part. Where every Kenyan has the right to freedom of movement and business opportunities free from harassment from any and all. And that the court systems and the police crackdowns are butting heads over this issue. This is not amazing nor surprising. The menace that is Mungiki in its fervor right now is a new concept. Gang violence aided by weaponry such as guns is a new concept to Kenya. And as much as Kenyans sing about how Ali should do what, and Michuki shouldn't do what or whatever it is they say, truth be told, no one quite knows what to do. The obvious truth is that something must be done. And whatever must be done is going to require changes to old laws, new gun laws created, new gang laws and new right of questioning and hold times accorded to police for suspected gangs and terror groups. Instead of pointing fingers and issuing blame, let's collectively meet at a conference table, admit to new, ugly beginnings and seek a solution so that all deserving citizens may live and continue to prosper in peace. To be fair to Ali's team, his people, his employees are dying in this effort to end this menace. Imagine them watching these charges, on the implied purporters of this madness, be dropped. They need a lifeline. Something to believe in. New crime, new casualties, new end results all call for new laws.
It is unfortunate that like every garden, every batch of planted seeds has to deal with the menace that are weeds. Kenya as a growing or freshly planted nation is no different. But every weed, has its weed killer. All we need is to sit back, analyze what weeds we really have and then find solutions. The Mungiki, Mt. Elgon clashes and incessant tribalistic bashing by our very own elected officials are just some of the weeds to which we need solutions.
All is not lost. The economy is doing better. People are much more hopeful now than they used to be and I believe that many do see a light at the end of the tunnel now. Education is more affordable than it ever was and investment possibilities have been made a reality to majority of Kenyans via loans and stock markets. While Kenyans struggle with the difficult issues, they must not forget to look and see the things that are going well. Keep a balanced perspective. It's my opinion that less speculation and more interest in facts rather than emotional biases will lead Kenya to find solutions to its issues faster and more effectively.
So as Madaraka day comes and as it goes, let's dwell on hope. And earmark ourselves as individuals to be conduits for the real Madaraka to be passed on to every individual. By being better citizens in productive ways, actions, speech and intentions.
Happy Madaraka day na Mungu aibariki Kenya!
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9:02
From: tHE mEDiCinEmAn
Read This Entry & More At tHE mEDiCinEmAn
 First, let's start off with why i've not blogged for, well... such a long time. Simple really. It's the department i moved to from Paediatrics. The good people in KNH call it Obs & Gynae, we, on the other hand, prefer to call it Maternity, Mat in short. The first first, was me doing my first caeserian section, alone, yipee.. Oh, and that was before i delivered my first baby. hehe.. Another first, the number of hits on my blog pita'd the 1,000 mark. I was always looking forward to that.. now if only 1 of every 10 of those peeps left comments.. hmm.. Then i almost hit another first. I almost got internet in my room, save for a couple of 'gentlemen' that couldn't admit that they couldn't do the job.. story for another day by the way. Got my first salo'... Making friends became so easy suddenly. Humans! ... i'll add a few more firsts in my next blog, for sure. Keep it locked. And also tonnes of storo's from the Realms of Thika Maternity.. Oh, and guys, props to your mothers. I swear! The kind of sh*t (literal shit and otherwise), pain etc that they went thru' to bear you, is to put it mildly, excruciating. So, big up for my mum! & i'm back! Laterz, tHE mEDiCinEmAn.
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7:48
From: The Benin Epilogue Part I: Africa-Ready for Business
Read This Entry & More At The Benin Epilogue Part I: Africa-Ready for Business
For those of you who have not yet had a chance to read this interview, I highly recommend that you do it. The interview is between Joshua Wanyama, Editor of African Path and Keith Steel, owner of apparel maker Sandstorm Kenya. What I enjoyed about the interview is that it may have pointed out where Kenya’s competitive advantage lies amongst her global competitors. Here is an excerpt: “…Around 95% of all bag and accessories manufacturing comes from China,” Keith says. “We are proud of the fact that everything that goes into our bags are from Kenya. We support Kenya, the Kenyan heritage and its people. The whole operation in Kenya is run and operated by Simon Mwangi, our very strong and able manager. All our employees are Kenyans. This is a commitment that we will continually uphold as we grow Sandstorm.” “Sandstorm in no ordinary Kenyan company and neither is its owner Keith Steel. The rich heritage that the company embodies is a direct reflection of Keith. While Sandstorm is a relatively young company, Keith has managed to create a mature brand that conjures a romantic image of Africa. That of Indiana Jones battling through tough terrain while on safari seeking to conquer new lands. Wading through rivers in the jungle or crawling through the African bush. Keith says, “We are a safari-lifestyle brand and people expect the highest quality on our products. This shouldn’t be confused with luxury. Our customers are those with active lifestyles seeking lasting quality. They love the outdoors, care for the environment and appreciate authentic products.” Keith has a great love of Africa since his childhood in Kenya. He loves nature and the abundant wildlife in Africa. His love has extended to nature conservation. Sandstorm has developed a relationship with Lewa Wildlife Conservancy located on the Laikipia Plains in Northern Kenya. The conservancy aims to conserve wildlife, educate people, work with local and international governments and change people’s attitudes towards development. Sandstorm donates a portion of every bag sold to Lewa…” Read the rest here and get Benin Mwangi's take on how this illustrates Kenya's and possibly the rest of Africa's competitive advantage. Of course, I love your comments. But, if you can't comment at this particular time- but would like to let us know that you were here; please sign and View my guestbook
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5:28
From: Walk of Kings:
Read This Entry & More At Walk of Kings:
A psalm of David. When he fled from his son Absalom. O LORD, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me!
Many are saying of me, "God will not deliver him." Selah
But you are a shield around me, O LORD; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head.
To the LORD I cry aloud, and he answers me from his holy hill. Selah
I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me.
I will not fear the tens of thousands drawn up against me on every side.
Arise, O LORD! Deliver me, O my God! Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked.
From the LORD comes deliverance.May your blessing be on your people. Selah
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Happy Madaraka day
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5:14
From: Me, Life & Everything
Read This Entry & More At Me, Life & Everything
time: 1314hrs
length: photographic
mood: ati?
stars: none
at: home
level: two
track: photograph - nickelback, all the right reasons.
Irena went and tagged me, somebody stop them tags please! Oh heck. I like this one. I get to introduce four of my toys at the same time. Hehehehhe!!
My camera, HP LCD monitor, Linksys Wireless Router and the Mac Mini all [...]
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3:32
From: White African
Read This Entry & More At White African
Day 1 of the Mobile Toolkit Workshop had about 20 people in it, mainly technical people, but with a smattering of non-techies to keep us on track. These two days are being led by Tactical Tech, the company that puts together these software toolboxes for use by NGO’s worldwide. Marek Tuszynski has a great deal of experience running these types of meetings and channeling the workgroup’s energies towards a specific goal.
Our first order of the day was to declare what the Mobile Toolkit would NOT be, followed by defining who the target user should be, say what we hope to achieve and finally come up with a vision statement. The results were surprisingly good, I think this can be attributed to there being some incredibly smart people present, as well as the fact that people came from all different backgrounds.
Here are some of the results.
“It’s not all about technology”
“It’s not about the best technology, it’s about the most appropriate technology”
“It’s not about science fiction, but it is about the future”
What we hope the toolbox will achieve:
- That it will help people select the right tool for their campaign
- Inspire creativity and imagination
- That it will cut operational costs
- As a catalyst for positive change
Joe Kasonde, from Zambia, came up with what I thought was a brilliant vision statement:
“That all communities have access to information and tools, which enables them to use mobile technology to achieve their goals”
He was in my small group, so we had a chance to discuss some of the reasons behind the terms used. My primary goal was to make sure that people realized that it was beyond our control to say what the Mobile Toolkit would be used for. Just like any other basic application (examples being Google Apps, Gmail or Microsoft Word), all types of organizations and people will use it for whatever their needs are if they find value in it. With that in mind, we shouldn’t concern ourselves with whether it is only used by advocates, but provide a tool that can be used by them.
I’m looking forward to when the final product is completed. With the individuals present in the room working on it, I’m convinced that the final Mobile Toolkit will be exceptional.
 
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2:27
From: bankelele
Read This Entry & More At bankelele
One year ago today, Uchumi closed down. The management resigned, and the government later stepped in with a rescue package, receiver manager, and arrangement with the company’s' banks. AGM season; Yesterday Uchumi held a meeting for shareholders. Watching KTN, it appears the media were kept out (as had been at past shareholder meetings). I was not able to attend (as a shareholder) and I am requesting any reader who attended to comment with a synopsis or key issues mentioned at the Uchumi meeting or any other AGM at KICC yesterday. Anonymous comments are given less weight, so do sign your comment with a name/profile please. (Media reports here and here) This is AGM season and there are too many events to cover. I have tried to avoid going back to the same companies, but when you have two or three on a given day, in addition to other duties – yesterday company AGM's included Nation Media Group, Standard chartered and Uchumi, one can't be everywhere. Uchumi Receivership: Media reports indicate that Uchumi (under receivership) may have improved performance by 50% over their best recent year. The audited results have not been released do they public, nor do they when a company is under receivership. A receiver / manager (RM) (or bank hangman) is appointed by debenture holders (usually bank or financial institution) when they see a company is going to crash. His/her job is to salvage what they can for the banks to recover their money (usualy by sale of assets), not other shareholders or suppliers. By that measure, the Uchumi team (led My Mr. Ciano) has gone an extra mile in engaging & informing suppliers and shareholders in the recovery plan. Shareholders because Uchumi needs their goods on the shelves and shareholders to raise money. RM's usually are unable to revive companies. This is because, by the time they are appointed, the company is beyond salvation. The owners/management will have run it down, hidden information from banks on the poor performance of the company, withheld payments to banks, staff and unfortunately to the tax man and city council, among other fatal decisions. Some RM's have gotten very rich in this country, selling the assets of the company to themselves – at throwaway prices, employing their relatives, and enjoying the power to manager giant companies that they would not have risen to manage even if they had worked for 50 years. For others it has become a permanent way of life, as the company (under their management) remains profitable and they see it as a long term job – see the Naiorbi Grand Regency Hotel - that has been run by different RM's for over 10 years now). RM's also have to contend with lengthy court battles with the previous owners who also meddle in the company's affairs through proxies. But occasionally, and if appointed early enough, an RM can actually save a company. He/she can make some harsh decisions to trim fat e.g. shut down an unprofitable unit that was consuming too much money, terminate bad contracts, and fire excess/expensive employees. They are able to make decisions that a sentimental management were unable to. It has happened before (rarely) and sometimes the now greatful previous owners will acknowledge the work of the RM to turn around the company and will now come back and pay the bank and takeover their now lean & profitable company.
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2:23
From: bankelele
Read This Entry & More At bankelele
Kenya Re published their 2006 results in preparation for IPO planned for June. Assets were up from Kshs. 11.6 billion in 2005 to 12.8 billion ($183 million) in 2006 and net insurance premium revenue rose from 2.1 to 2.8 billion over the same period. The year also saw management expenses increase from Kshs. 290 to 453 million resulting in a reduction of pre-tax profit from Kshs. 947 million in 2005 to 762 million ($10.9 million) in 2006.
Kenya Re accounts are straight forward, but insurance reporting is tricky. Once a year, usually between March & May), insurance companies publish their year end results. But there is no rhyme, some report only total assets, some don't report profit/loss, or net asset positions while others have more/less detail – making it difficult to compare and see which companies are performing better. I wish their reporting could be harmonized.
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2:08
From: Kenya Imagine
Read This Entry & More At Kenya Imagine
This week's question addresses the controversy around the US and immigration. At stake is the issue of close to 12 million illegal immigrants and also the availability of special visas for highly skilled migrants and graduates from US universities. The debate pits on the one hand a band of human rights groups and minority organizations (often with strong backing from big business) against a motley of trade unionists, conservatives and sometimes purists. What's your take? Join the discussion here.
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1:51
From: Kenya Imagine
Read This Entry & More At Kenya Imagine
Read as Stephen Wanyama explains his identity, or lack of. Is he a Bukusu man, a Kenyan, an African? Well, he says neither. Read too, the interesting discussion that follows from readers-- the unafrican African. I know nothing about African customs. I read quite a lot so I know about some Agikuyu customs and Luo ones, I also know quite a number of Gujarati customs. I know about the customs of my parents' people, the Bukusu. I do not know any African customs though. I rather admire the history of some communities and famous people down the ages. Cyrus the Great, Mekatilili, Koitalel Arap Samoei, and so on. I even have a vague fondness for Napoleon and Thomas Jefferson, although the adventures of Samouri Toure and Uthman don Fodio don't particularly tickle my fancy.
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0:53
From: assidous
Read This Entry & More At assidous
While averaging Ksh200 at the NSE, KPLC may seem to be in a roll to a casual observer. But as they say, never judge a book by its cover. A behemoth of KPLC’s stature with a monopoly to boot is expected to be a star performer as well as our icon of corporate ideals. But the reality is a different kettle altogether. Take the treated poles tender for instance. The tender was advertised and a South African company won the bid. Whether it was competitive or not is neither here nor there. Its only later on that the company was linked to the ‘parastatal’s’ Human Resource Manager who was to become Sam Gichuru’s wife after a much publicized divorce with his first wife! Phew! The monopoly is literally hemorrhaging cash yet in Kenya they can purchase electric poles made of steel or concrete which, though expensive will last longer than the wood ones. But I always say that credit should be given where it’s due. The connection rate of new customers is now satisfactory if past standards are anything to go by. But this brings in a new kind of problem: It’s projected that by September the peak power consumption will be high leaving a surplus of only 200MW. This is at a time when no new power plants are projected to be connected to the grid anytime soon! While at it, factor in distribution system loses of 20% against an industry standard of between 8-14%. Sometimes back, its ownership became a source of news after NSSF offloaded its share which it held making it a parastatal! The shares were purchased by Transcentury Group owned by the President’s men. This brought a conflict since the government isn’t a major shareholder anymore. Whether it’s still a parastatal or not is yet to be seen, but their fleets still adorn the blue license plates!
Read the complete article at
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