Africa. Africa. Africa.

Beautiful African Regalia. This is the true spirit of African Fashion.

redlipshottea

This picture made our day. Dontcha just love African fabric? Truly beautiful.
courtesy of : http://www.ourafricablog.com

 

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Ten Biz Tips

As I was researching on a client’s proposal,  I came across an article by Chris Kirubi on the Capital Fm, Kenya blog. Have a look at it here. It very eye opening and Capital Blog » Ten Business Tips From Kenyan Multi-Millionaire Chris Kirubi.

Draft National Policy on Human Rights, 2010 – A new dawn for Kenya…

The Government of Kenya (GoK) through the Ministry of Justice, National Cohesion and Constitutional Affairs and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNHR) have produced a draft National Policy on Human Rights, 2010 which will be formulated as a Sessional Paper. The Policy’s vision is to ensure that Kenya becomes a more human rights respecting state. This can only be achievable if human rights issues are incorporated into development planning, implementation and evaluation in all government sectors. 

The following is a summary of what outcomes the document is expected to have: –

1. Establishment and empowerment of effective national or issue-specific institutions that deal with human rights;
2. Enhanced awareness of the human rights standards and mechanisms which will enable everyone including the public servants, to understand how human rights impact on service delivery; 
3. Improved level of informed ratifications of international human rights treaties, domestication and effective observance by the government of its obligations;
4. Better linkages between human rights, planning and development (an important aspect for the realization of Vision 2030);
5. Focus on economic, social and cultural rights leading to improved quality of life, particularly among the marginalized and vulnerable groups (towards to achievement of MDGs); and
6. Provide a road map towards the realization of human rights respecting state. 

The document is thus based on the recognition that Kenya requires a comprehensive framework to protect and promote the realization of humans  rights for all Kenyans. While formulating the document, a multi-sectoral approach was taken to ensure that the document was comprehensive and inclusive. The stakeholders consulted included th public through forums held in different parts of the country, the private sector, trade unions, civil society organisations (CSO), and government ministries. From this consultative process the following objectives for the policy were identified: –

1. To promote the human rights based approach in planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation in all sectors in the country (government -private, formal-informal, urban-rural, etc);
2. To mainstream human rights in public policy development and resource allocation;
3. to strengthen the capacity of all state and non-state actors to provide for and ensure the fulfillment and enjoyment of human rights for all. 

The consultations also came up with areas of interventions which would be addressed by the policy to ensure that each Kenyan enjoyed maximum human rights. These to me were well thought of and are sufficient, though I welcome any views that one would add or subtract about the thematic areas. These include the following topics/areas: –

1. Insecurity and crime;
2. Lack of access to justice and respect for the rule of law;
3. Discrimination against women;
4. Environmental degradation;
5. Food insecurity;
6. Proliferation of informal settlements;
7. Abuse of children’s rights;
8. Political violence and negative ethnicity;
9. Inadequate health care services;
10. Limited access to services by persons with disability;
11. Low quality and relevance of education;
12. Disparities in land ownership;
13. Ineffective governance;
14. Youth employment;
15. Corruption;
16. Internal displacement of persons;
17. Inadequate access to clean water and sanitation;
18. Human wildlife conflict; and
19. Marginalized and minority groups.

In my opinion the time is rife for Kenya to lead the way in promoting and ensuring the adherence of human rights on a day-to-day basis. If this policy is passed, the country to me would have scored not only with the international community but most importantly with its own citizen. This will ensure that historic human rights injustices (political instigated harassment/violence, unequal resource allocation, development disparities, corruption,  among others) are not repeated. So we Kenyans should go through the policy and any clarifications may be addressed in writing to:

The Permanent Secretary,

Ministry of Justice, National Cohesion and Constitutional  Affairs,

P.O. Box 56057-00200,

Nairobi, Kenya. 

For more information please visit their website on www.justice.go.ke  

 

Hope you all will have a lovely day!

Back to blogging

It has been long since I blogged. Reason being that I had stashed myself somewhere in the rural of rural areas in Kenya where communication is still wanting. Now that am back I feel that there is much to write but I really don’t know where to start. So I might as well start with what is currently driving people nuts….

|The FIFA World Cup 2010.

1. My teams are performing well – Argentina and Netherlands… go! go! This time round I had no African team to support since The Pharaohs were knocked out. Please don’t hate on me…. I just support the best in the field.

2. The Ronaldinho Flair is missing and I don’t know what Dunga was thinking to leave him out of the Brazillian squad.. I would have been nice to see him one final time.

3. England and France – Just pack up and go home. Honestly! These teams have the best players but somehow they are clueless one how to win. Maybe someone should remind them that they are not playing the English Premier League in South Africa. Guys Wake Up! Rooney and company give Gerald some support, while Anelka should know Ribery is always there with the ball for him.

4. Finally, congratulations to Vincent Enyeama (Super Eagle’s gollie). This kid (pictured) can dive, punch, and whatever else is needed to keep that ball from crosing the goal line. It is unfortunate that his defenders were on the other hand clueless leaving him exposed to strikers’ wrath. But credit where its due, He managed to keep Messi at bay! and I salute you for this.

If I had my way Arsene Wenger should signup this kid ASAP! We need this kid at Emirates… Professor!

50 Ideas on Using Twitter for Business

50 Ideas on Using Twitter for Business

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The Mau Complex – Light at Last

Today is a big day for many people in Kenya and especially to someone like me, an environmentalist. One of the thorny issues facing Kenya – “The Mau Eviction” may finally see the light of day. Thanks to the Right Honourable Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s (pictured below)

Hon. Raila Odinga

move yesterday in parliament, to stand for what is right. When answering questions raised over the issue, he categorically stated that he is willing by the truth as it is always correct. So says the bible…. “The Truth shall set you free”….. A few days ago, he stated that he was willing to put his political ambition on the line.. Meaning if the proposed eviction of the Mau Settlers will mean the loss of the Rift Valley Votes… so be it. He further mentioned the beneficiaries of the former regime’s Mau Settlement Scheme (MSS)… Another Kudus to you mheshimiwa

Dear reader, maybe you might be wondering what’s so important about this Mau.

Fast facts: –

1. The Mau encompasses of a forest complex that form one of the water towers in Kenya. The others include the Aberdare, Mt. Elgon and Mt. Kenya. it is estimated that 65% of Kenya’s population depend on waters arising from here. It waters are not only important to persons within the Rift Valley, but to those in the Western and Nyanza Provinces. The head waters most of the rivers draining into Lake Victoria from Kenya, arise from the Mau. The Mara River which provides water to the Mara Game Reserve (one of the 7 Wonders of the World), famous for its wildebeest migration occurring usually in August has its waters from the Mau.

2. The former regime issued out land to squatters (initially) but due to the politics of the day, the politically correct at the time also had chunks of land (some to several thousands of hectares). What transpired after that was the wanton destruction of the forest in search of arable land. The complex had indigenous people – the Ogiek, who have been living here for many years. These have practiced sustainable living till the coming of the newcomers who brought along a new lifestyle. Loss of water catchment areas has lead to erratic rains, loss of carbon sinks, ground water has dwindled affecting among others our natural species.

3. As stated earlier, the complex is of national importance as the entire country depends on it. Thus we cannot allow regional politics in matters where national interests will be compromised. Those making the loudest noises are those who benefited from the unwarranted demarcation of the forest. They can only be described as arrogant, uncouth, and selfish individuals who prefer to owning land rather than respecting the wishes and needs of a nation. More to this, they are pushing for compensation from the government.

4. Compensation for those evicted should be given at those who are honest squatters (holding genuine government deeds) and to the Ogiek community. End of story.. the rest of the political hooligans who think they can bull doze their way into our pockets can think again….. It happened once when they got the land, and it will not happen again….. We are brighter now..

Verdict

1. Mr. Prime Minister, please do not deviate from the truth as some of your colleagues are doing. Stand firm we are 100% behind you….. About you loosing votes in only a section of a region, don’t worry. You are gaining admiration from the entire nation… Which is better?

2. Hon. Michuki, Minister for Environment & Natural Resources, the Environmental Management & Coordination Act (1999) has now been amended by the President. The amendment gives you and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) powers to act decisively. Both of you now have the teeth you have been longing for. Bite… and bite hard those who are destroying the environment.

A Mango in the office

On a light note

Enjoying a mango in the office

Today is quite cloudy not mentioning cold… After yesterday’s near chilly weather today everybody is warmly dressed. So I thought why note warm up the office with a mango and Walla!!! This is what came out… A delicious looking mango that am taking right now as I write this blog.
My colleague also too has picked up the practise.

It looks yummy doesn’t it?

To more serious matters now……

1. The TJRC

The President of Kenya, Hon. Mwai Kibaki has appointed a Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC) to study historical injustices and determine root causes of the 2008 post election violence. The commission’s mandate is to study social injustices committed since independence Kenya, something that should have been done ages before. However, I welcome the move since it’s a step towards the right direction. The commission is headed by Ambassador Bethwell Kiplangat, a man of moral integrity. Given his track record I am hopeful that the TJRC will accomplish its laid out objectives. One thing though parliamentarians should be a mile away from this whole process. Please give the wheels peace, justice and morality a chance.

2. The Hague Vs Local Tribunal…… The BigQ

Parliamentarians are facing the BigQ on whether to take The Hague or the Local Tribunal (LT) option. Both have their pros and cons. The Hague tackles with the big fish ….. lets call them the Sharks (politicians) who are involved in crimes against humanity. This is a plus to ‘wanjiku’ (common person) since they have no influence over the court’s operations. However, the court process is long and conviction of these may take 2-3 years.. Remember, Justice delayed is justice denied. The local tribunal is quicker than The Hague but too prone to political interference.

The President and the Prime Minister’s way of solving things is funny… Allow me to be sarcastic. At times I wonder whether they are reading from the same book as the rest of Kenya. They are rallying support for a special court to try the instigators of the violence. Ok may be this can work but if the following conditions are met:-

a)  The President should be stripped powers to pardon persons found guilty.

b) There should be radical change in the judiciary. Remember this is the same institution that existed during when elections were disputed. And which the opposition refused to petition to citing they had no faith in it.

c) The Attorney General (AG)be stripped the powers to enter nolle prosequi in matters relating to the 2008 post election violence.

My proposal…. Let’s have a hybrid based on the two. The Big Fish should be lead to The Hague tried and if found guilty (something I hope for), jailed away somewhere cold in Russia or Mongolia… The local tribunal will however deal with the smaller fish (lack of a better word) …. or better still, call them Piranhas (foot soldiers). These are the people who did the actual looting, killing and other crimes. These am sure will be non-influential since the Sharks will be busy at The Hague. This will ease the burden on Hague since the local court can deal with a greater number of persons.

N/B:- This is a sincere request to the rest of my fellow young Kenyans. Please do not let the politicians use us the way they did during the period in question. Before you take a stone to throw you should ask yourself the following:-

a) Where are the politicians when am throwing the stones? Are they with me or are they in the comfort of their homes?

b) Where are their children? Are they with me in the streets or are they somewhere safe tucked away in the posh estates of Nairobi or probably abroad?

c) If the police are to chase us, will the politician run along with me or will he be whiskered away with his limo by his body gourds?

d) If I am to suffer any injuries during this demonstration, who will foot the hospital bill?

e) At the end of the day, once the politician achieves his goal/objectives, how does that put food on my table?

Hey, don’t take me wrongly. I am an advocate for democracy, and believe in human and environmental rights.

Remeber whatever I jot here is just a thought……….. Pound on it!!

I think I can now enjoy my mango!!!!! Regards to all

Yummy

Just a thought…

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Makanga’s Home Blog

Hello there am a bit new to blogging but I hope I’ll get the hang of it soon. First of all I intend this blog to be a launch pad for what I feel about the many issues that affect our world. May it be the environment, politics, economy, fashion etc. Views and materials expressed here are purely personal and no prejudice is intended. If any caused, please I beg your pardon. You may express your reservation on an issue by commenting about it. All material here can be quoted by any one as long as he/she respects ownership of the same. Please remember to provide a reference back to the blog. I look foward to having fun and creative criticism.

Regards……..

Makanga