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Wandia Njoya
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Now that CORD didn't say it, let me spell it out

7/7/2014

46 Comments

 
PictureSource: Laikipia Wilderness. The picture captures the reduction of Africans, especially Maasai, to the landscape. They are not legitimate users of land.
​My friend and colleague Larry Ndivo has written a powerful piece in which he describes his tribulations trying to fund his doctoral education. No bank would fund him because, at the time, he was not permanently employed or in business, and other avenues for funding had dried up. He candidly says that his frustrations have left an indelible mark on his life: “My bitterness with an unforgiving economic environment and a country without proper support mechanisms for education have transformed me into an introvert.”

Dr. Ndivo’s bitterness reminds me of an argument I made last year that our country’s economy could open up to the youth if we changed our system and values of providing the youth with resources. For instance, I said, artists could be provided loans on the basis of their ideas, rather than on title deeds, which most youth don’t – and are unlikely to – have.

However, I have also said elsewhere that I honestly don’t think that a new economic logic will happen during an Uhuru presidency. I don’t have a thing against the president as a person. The guy is cool, he refers to the Lands Cabinet Secretary as “Charity,” wears Kenya rugby team’s t-shirts and his wife runs marathons for mobile clinics. But no human being can grow up in power and wealth entrenched in land and then dismantle the logic of land.

And even if he tried, as he and his deputy claimed today at the Lands Ministry office, Kenyans aren’t listening because the fact that he won on a well-oiled campaign is too loud for us to hear anything other than the fact that land=power. And since Kenyatta II got into office, land has become a major subject of conversation and of our national psyche. Companies are no longer offering tickets to Disney Land or Rio in their promotions; they’re offering title deeds. Even at our Sunday services, we’re told that land is the most secure form of investment because its value always appreciates (which I find problematic because Christians should get wealth by the work of their hands, rather than through things they did not create). In university, where lecturers should be being encouraged to invent and patent, we too are being encouraged to get title deeds for financial security. Vision 2030 (which I completely disagree with) and Konza city are no longer the trademarks of the future. I am haunted by a conversation my father had with a cab driver who boasted of how he has used his earnings to buy several plots of land for his children to inherit, not of how he has educated his children. And he gave the example of the Kenyattas who were wise and “bought” land while Jaramogi Oginga Odinga was politicking instead of buying land. And, according to the driver, that was why the Kenyattas were in power and the Odingas were not. So no matter how many times the president says he wants to solve the land problem, I don’t think anyone – least of all his supporters – believes him.

And while the premium on land may be okay for those who value land, it isn’t okay for the majority of young people who can’t get access to it and, by extension, can’t get access to loans and social status as adults who have something to contribute to the world, and who can build homes and start families. Like Dr. Ndivo, they keep knocking on doors closed to them while the oligarchy has no clue what it is like to live in Kenya if one has no networks, aka, a relative in high places. After all, the very nature of feudalism is that one has to be well connected by blood. And the government’s focus on digitizing land registration shows that the government still hasn’t got it; it still thinks that the problem of Kenya is the lack of title deeds, not that land remains the central – if not the only – key to opportunity in Kenya.

I naively expected the CORD coalition to nail down the problem at the Saba Saba rally which was ironically at the same time as Kenyatta II stamped his foot down as a land president. Instead, they presented Kenyans with their agenda to get the Jubilee coalition to share power. Personally, I couldn’t care less if that’s what they want. My issue is that our political and economic logic needs to graduate from the settler logic we inherited at independence, go through the industrial revolution in two days, if possible, and finally get into the current information era where opportunity – not blood – is the key to prosperity, and where it is technology, creativity and ideas, not title deeds, that drive the economy.

My sense is that Kenyans either support or are sympathetic with CORD not because the party is offering a solution, but because the Kenyatta presidency symbolizes a very low glass ceiling which can be penetrated only by those who know, or those who are related to those in power. That’s the bottom line. Every other claim, or resolution, just avoids bluntly saying that most of us don’t believe that Kenya belongs to every citizen. In fact, that lack of confidence is both on the Jubilee and CORD sides, except that Jubilee doesn’t mind the status quo because it is the beneficiary. But meanwhile, we are going to produce a generation of bitter young people who, like Dr. Ndivo, just need an opportunity to flourish, but continually have doors slammed in their faces because the country’s institutions and political logic are still in the plantation mindset that sees Kenyans not as citizens, but as tribal slaves of master families, slaves who can be placed on the slave auction block that we have baptized "elections" or "power-sharing" agreements. 

46 Comments
Dennis Kioko link
7/7/2014 04:40:47 pm

Saying that you write well, is an understatement.

Thanks too, for being the first to indirectly assure me that I'm not crazy for not seeing land as a means of investment, and for this eye opening piece.

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Peter ngugi
7/7/2014 05:08:16 pm

Great piece

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Antony link
7/7/2014 05:18:25 pm

This is a candid and well written and thought out piece. I don't agree with some of your views, but respect them. I think i still have HOPE in a Uhuru Presidency. But I agree that title deeds et Al are over rated. Times have changed.

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Larry Ndivo link
7/7/2014 11:56:17 pm

When I wrote my piece I only expected people to say I was ranting and making noise for no apparent reason at all. Thank you for hearing me out and for 'articulately' contextualizing my tribulations in the social, economic and political continuum of the country.

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Wamwangi Anthony
10/7/2014 09:28:19 am

Well put and deep commentary of our situation. Kindly keep Kenyans informed

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Annette
8/7/2014 12:03:35 am

You got it wright, thank youn great piece

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Potentash link
8/7/2014 01:30:10 am

I totally agree with you.

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Eva
8/7/2014 01:32:43 am

Sorry but I genuinely need to ask what the assertion of a low glass ceiling here "the Kenyatta presidency symbolizes a very low glass ceiling which can be penetrated only by those who know, or those who are related to those in power" is supported by. Even under the Kenyatta (Jomo) and Moi governments when deliberate and systematic unofficial policies ensured the marginalization of certain areas and communities, Kenyans have always excelled at pulling themselves up by their bootstraps. Conversely, there have always been a small group of wheeler-dealers around the presidency making money hand over fist. Always. That has never stopped ordinary Kenyans from getting up, going out, and getting on with it. It just seems to me that the difference now is that lately there is a growing sissy generation of whiners and whingers expecting handouts from government "naomba serikali". An enabling environment is all that government is supposed to provide really. Additionally, in an atmosphere where there is a perpetual government-in-waiting in the opposition flanks, this cheap rhetoric originates from said opposition quarters, and finds easy accommodation among critics and grumblers and unquestioning minds.

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Eric
8/7/2014 02:15:23 am

I favourite Eva's comment

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PK
8/7/2014 03:21:07 am

I totally agree with you. The purpose of government is to provide an anablong environment for business to flourish. This is done by making and implementing sound economic policies. The Kenyan issue for example is a difficult banking sector which is driven by a poor monetary policy. They recently passed a new formula of calculating interest and bank profit, it remains to be seen whether it will help. But my guess, it's just another of those policies that paraphrases the existing for you to think it's new. The point again, government will not, and is not responsible for putting money in your pockets, but to create efficient and effective policies that will support creativity and finance as well.

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SK
9/7/2014 12:10:43 pm

Indeed it is the governments job to provide an enabling economy, but what that means to each section of the citizens is different. We dont expect commercial banks to alter the commercial banking model to suit young entreprenuers, startups or other dissadvantaged demography in terms of loan approvals. However, as with most developed countries, we expect the government to realise this and provide that "enabling environment" that facilitates for the same banks or an entry of a new type of lender to be able to provide credit to the currently disadvantaged groups. This has began to happen through various instruments including the introduction of credit data sharing by financial institutions and lenders, the recognition by the government of the power of microfinance institutions (which do not require deeds), savings organisations, HELB reorganisation to lend parallel students, etc. There are many examples of some progress but as Wandia points out, alot more can be done. I believe that the only way out of this is by a rapid maturity of the financial system so that peoples credibility is measured on potential or past lending records. A good example is the provision of student loans to students pursuing degrees in specialist areas that almost have a guarantee of employment (areas with skills shortage e.g. doctors at national universities are more or less guaranteed jobs or doctors pursuing masters yet no bank has identified this demography as being lucrative to lend money for tuition). On another note as PK says there is also an angle that can be played by private sector / individuals - what is preventing people with an extra coin to start investment funds that lend to those that banks turn away on a different basis such as validity of business plans?

james Shenan Egan
8/7/2014 05:36:37 am

I believe what the writer is articulating is that of Dr. Ndivo's plight. It is the plight of many well educated well meaning graduates who look for opportunity in democratic Kenya. I believe like many Kenyans he found that tribalism, corruption, nepotism and class were his biggest impediments. I believe the slave mentality the writer speaks to is in reference to such thinking. I empathise with Dr. Ndivo, I have been through that discrimination many times in Kenya. But because of my confidence, resilience and determination I came out bold and on top. Nevertheless, it is futile to talk about an enabling environment when we know we are a long from it. It behooves us to talk about inequality, inequity, and other forms of discrimination openly and honestly in Kenya. Kenya has shaky democratic institutions we need to support these institutions by consistently passing laws that ensure the sustainability of such ideas, electing leaders who espouse these ideals and constantly encouraging dialogue so that citizens are informed and can contribute to their well-being.

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K
8/7/2014 06:34:57 am

Eva, Wandia is making the point that Dr. Ndivo is a victim of a system that gives no recourse to one who wishes to lift himself up by his bootstraps. In keeping with the academic theme (I think this provides a more narrow definition the problem), the lack of options such as financing, research/think tank/or government fellowships or teaching assistantships for someone looking to pursue a doctorate not only shows the lack of a support system but the absence of foresight (these PhD's are the ones teaching and guiding research for the next generation) from the institutions that are supposed to be moulding the next generations of leaders.
I have seen this as well, from personal experience. I'm a software engineer with over a decade of experience that includes 3 years spent working at 2 of the worlds top universities in Cambridge MA. I felt I could bring this experience to bear in a field (IT) that is apparently 'hot' right now. Despite the challenges faced, Kenyan universities and research are the regional research leaders in fields such as agriculture and tropical diseases. Two years ago I worked with a colleague on a solution that would curate and avail online, research publication and provide additional revenue to these institutions through a subscription model (directly tying work product to revenue streams) and raise their profile as research institutes ad well as track citations for individual publishers. Not a single bite!!! In keeping with the resilience that you decry our generation for lacking, we moved on...to chasing tenders and deals that kill the creative soul a little bit everyday. #JustSayin'

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Aida
8/7/2014 10:38:57 am

I shall start a university just to use your solution K. Well done for your contributions. I agree we must be resilient.

gigi
9/7/2014 04:06:35 pm

well said,i totally agree with you.to make matters worse it is actually young men and women who are the first to run to the social media and run their mouths while us women actually do go out and hundle business and you wonder why we excell while they are the first ones to go to rallys anf idle around.

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gigi
9/7/2014 04:11:39 pm

not to be mistaken was actually agreeing wiyh Eva

Maurice
10/7/2014 01:54:22 am

I wish there was a way to gold late this comment. people are busy making serious progress on the platform of ideas and some who dont want to go through with the process of making it just want to keep making noise. Unbelievable

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Asaph James link
10/7/2014 12:01:18 pm

I agree with you on one thing Eva - Kenyans have always outdone themselves DESPITE the leaders. But are we wrong to wish our leaders were to act cognizant of the societies situation, and albeit try to do their work - formulate policies to uplift the society, in general.
A reminder, sissys & whinners are more now because of social media AND the political space that sprung from the blows Rev Tim Njoya (amongst others) recieved. Whinning worked then. We are trying to find a better way to raise our frustrations and concerns to our representatives.

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Davies giteya
8/7/2014 02:34:36 am

Am loving your reasoning bro...great mind

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Douglas Odhiambo
8/7/2014 04:36:44 am

"But meanwhile, we are going to produce a generation of bitter young people who, like Dr. Ndivo, just need an opportunity to flourish, but continually have doors slammed in their faces because the country’s institutions and political logic are still in the plantation mindset that sees Kenyans not as citizens, but as tribal slaves of master families, slaves who can be exploited at every election or in every power-sharing agreement."

^This may be the idea. I think CORD is just there to give these disgruntled Kenyans a false sense of hope. It's almost like they're trying to delay a revolution that even they can see coming.

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shavajai
8/7/2014 06:20:55 am

This is a nice piece.The only problem is that most young men have been conditioned to believe in the culture that makes us suffer.

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Adam Hussein Adam
8/7/2014 06:57:15 am

You have said all but I can only pray for your welbeing and safety, particularly in these days of security misharps!

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Mwema link
8/7/2014 07:04:12 am

Writers should be readers and vice versa..I applaud your effort but condemn your careless remarks. You opine.... naively expected the CORD coalition to nail down the problem at the Saba Saba rally which was ironically at the same time as Kenyatta II stamped his foot down as a land president. Instead, they presented Kenyans with their agenda to get the Jubilee coalition to share power.

PRAY DO TELL ME WHERE POWER SHARING FEATURES IN THE TAKE OUT BELOW....SMDH

Cord Saba Saba Resolutions
RESOLUTION BY THE PEOPLE OF KENYA DURING THE SABA SABA ASSEMBLY HELD ON MONDAY 7TH JULY, 2014 AT UHURU PARK, NAIROBI
WE THE PEOPLE OF KENYAhere assembled at Uhuru Park on this historic day on which we commemorate our struggle for freedom, democracy and good governance;
REMINDED of the events of the 1960s leading to the clawing of the democratic ideals in the Lancaster Constitution by the administration of the late Jomo Kenyatta and noting that the Jubilee regime has adopted a similar pattern in reversing the democratic gains in our new Constitution by curtailing media freedom through the enactment of the Media Act, Amending the National Police Service Act and the National Police Service Commission Act, introducing amendments to the land laws to remove powers from the National Land Commission to the executive, amending the Truth Justice & Reconciliation Commission Act to allow Parliament to debate, amend and mutilate the Commission’s Report on historical injustices; and, introducing legislation to curtail the Civil Society movement in the country.
RECOGNISING that Article 1 of the Constitution of Kenya vests all sovereign power in the people of Kenya;
ALARMEDby the direction that our country is taking; in particular, the rising insecurity, escalating cost of living and increased negative ethnicity and exclusion from public service and national resources;
CONCERNED about the refusal by the Jubilee regime to accede to National Dialogue with the
CORD Coalition to discuss issues of national concern to the people of Kenya;
CONCERNED by endemic corruption rife within Jubilee Administration, including complicity by senior officials in Jubilee Administration including: Anglo-leasing, Standard Gauge Railway, School Laptop project, Security surveillance equipmentprocurement fiasco;
CONCERNED that the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has failed to take responsibility for their failure to duly discharge their mandate of managing an independent, impartial electoral process, with the open connivance and protection of the Jubilee Administration;
DISTURBED by the Jubilee Government’s relentless assault on our Constitution; in particular, the curtailing of our fundamental rights and freedoms including the freedom of belief, expression and assembly; freedom of the media and press; undermining devolution by establishing parallel structures of Provincial Administration in competition with County Governments; and, flagrant failure to uphold the national values and principles of patriotism, equity and inclusivity;
AWARE that Devolution is the greatest gift in the new Constitution to the people of Kenya to promote equitable sharing of national resources and therefore deserves to be jealously guarded;
CONCERNED about systemic profiling and victimizing of sections the country based on religion and ethnicityby the Jubilee regime, leading to capital flight by for example the Eastleigh Somali business community to neighboring countries;
DISMAYED by the emasculation and abuse of Parliament by the Jubilee administrationby subverting and undermining its legislative authority and mandate;
NOTING that this has already led to the assault on and reversal of democratic gains brought by the Constitution by enacting retrogressive and unconstitutional legislation;
DETERMINED to defend our hard-earned Constitution and to continue undeterred our pursuit of democracy, good governance, unity, peace, equality, inclusivity, justice and prosperity;
THEREFORE ASSERTINGour sovereignty as the people of Kenya and our right to exercisethe sovereign power directly; the Jubilee administration having refused to accede to our plea for national dialogue;
WE NOW RESOLVE as follows: -
1. We launch todayOKOA KENYA, a people’s movement to defend our Constitution, support one another in good and bad times, protect the gains we have made in democratic governance, and rededicate ourselves to national unity and peaceful co-existence.
2. Demand that the Jubilee administration addresses the escalating cost of living by reviewing the taxation regime; failing which we will boycott the consumption of goods and services whose prices are beyond the reach of the common Mwananchi and commence commercial sanctions against companies which continue to ignore our plight.
3. Convene an all-inclusive National Referendum Committee (NRC)for the purpose of preparing the people of Kenya for a national referendum on the critical challenges facing our Nation.
4. Mandate the Na

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wamwangi_anthony2004@yahoo.com
10/7/2014 09:37:36 am

Please send me the full article

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Dickson
8/7/2014 07:07:28 am

Interesting read and very fact-full. I don't believe that land is of any value if its no use and one is chilling to wait on it to appreciate value. I know its not easy to secure financing on even business ideas without a security. But this is changing, we have many youth who are trying all they can possibly do to toil with their ideas and are making money in the process. We have to will and forget about quest for land that we are not using.
I have no problem with Kenyatta family and other families owning trunks of land. I have a problem when they own this land leave it not farmed and citizens are dying of hunger, food is so expensive. They are wrong on that one.

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Mwema link
8/7/2014 07:15:23 am

3. Convene an all-inclusive National Referendum Committee (NRC)for the purpose of preparing the people of Kenya for a national referendum on the critical challenges facing our Nation.
4. Mandate the National Referendum Committee to ensure the maximum participation of the people of Kenya in the referendum at the County, Sub-County and Ward levels all over Kenya; in formulating the referendum question(s), collecting and collating one million signatures to initiate the referendum.
5. Having lost all confidence in the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC); donow demand its immediate disbandment and the establishment of a new electoral body.
6. Demand the immediate end to corruption, wasteful spending, reckless borrowing within and by Jubilee Government. In this regard, we demand that the Jubilee administrationimmediately cancels the inflated security camera contract irregularly awarded to Safaricom and that Safaricom withdraws from the contracts and subjects itself to competitive bidding, failing which we will commence commercial sanctions on Safaricom and other companies abetting corruption or engaging in monopolistic practices.
7. Demand that the Jubilee administration takes immediate steps to withdraw our gallant soldiers from Somalia to join our forces in securing our nation from home.
8. Demand that the Jubilee administration takes visible, decisive action to deal with runaway insecurity, including holding the senior security officials accountable for hundreds of Kenyans who have been killed and maimed in the various attacks and conflicts across the country.
9. Reject attempts by the Executive through Parliament to bastardise the Report of the Truth Justice and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC Report) and demand the immediate implementation of the original and unadulterated Report.
10. Demand that the Jubilee administration immediately addressesthe underlying land issues that are at the heart of some of the most enduring historical injustices and conflicts in our society.
11. Demand a National Audit and publication by the Public Service Commission of all appointments made in the public service by the Jubilee administration, with full details listing names, ethnic backgrounds and percentages.
12. Recognizing that the Jubilee administration has failed to apply national resources equitably across the country, we demand that 40 per centum of the projected ordinary revenue of the current fiscal year be allocated to the County Governments.
13. Demand that a National Audit on how resources at the disposal of the National Jubilee administration are applied across the country.
GOD BLESS KENYA

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Mwema link
8/7/2014 07:16:12 am

3. Convene an all-inclusive National Referendum Committee (NRC)for the purpose of preparing the people of Kenya for a national referendum on the critical challenges facing our Nation.
4. Mandate the National Referendum Committee to ensure the maximum participation of the people of Kenya in the referendum at the County, Sub-County and Ward levels all over Kenya; in formulating the referendum question(s), collecting and collating one million signatures to initiate the referendum.
5. Having lost all confidence in the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC); donow demand its immediate disbandment and the establishment of a new electoral body.
6. Demand the immediate end to corruption, wasteful spending, reckless borrowing within and by Jubilee Government. In this regard, we demand that the Jubilee administrationimmediately cancels the inflated security camera contract irregularly awarded to Safaricom and that Safaricom withdraws from the contracts and subjects itself to competitive bidding, failing which we will commence commercial sanctions on Safaricom and other companies abetting corruption or engaging in monopolistic practices.
7. Demand that the Jubilee administration takes immediate steps to withdraw our gallant soldiers from Somalia to join our forces in securing our nation from home.
8. Demand that the Jubilee administration takes visible, decisive action to deal with runaway insecurity, including holding the senior security officials accountable for hundreds of Kenyans who have been killed and maimed in the various attacks and conflicts across the country.
9. Reject attempts by the Executive through Parliament to bastardise the Report of the Truth Justice and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC Report) and demand the immediate implementation of the original and unadulterated Report.
10. Demand that the Jubilee administration immediately addressesthe underlying land issues that are at the heart of some of the most enduring historical injustices and conflicts in our society.
11. Demand a National Audit and publication by the Public Service Commission of all appointments made in the public service by the Jubilee administration, with full details listing names, ethnic backgrounds and percentages.
12. Recognizing that the Jubilee administration has failed to apply national resources equitably across the country, we demand that 40 per centum of the projected ordinary revenue of the current fiscal year be allocated to the County Governments.
13. Demand that a National Audit on how resources at the disposal of the National Jubilee administration are applied across the country.
GOD BLESS KENYA

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Mwema link
8/7/2014 07:17:12 am

3. Convene an all-inclusive National Referendum Committee (NRC)for the purpose of preparing the people of Kenya for a national referendum on the critical challenges facing our Nation.
4. Mandate the National Referendum Committee to ensure the maximum participation of the people of Kenya in the referendum at the County, Sub-County and Ward levels all over Kenya; in formulating the referendum question(s), collecting and collating one million signatures to initiate the referendum.
5. Having lost all confidence in the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC); donow demand its immediate disbandment and the establishment of a new electoral body.
6. Demand the immediate end to corruption, wasteful spending, reckless borrowing within and by Jubilee Government. In this regard, we demand that the Jubilee administrationimmediately cancels the inflated security camera contract irregularly awarded to Safaricom and that Safaricom withdraws from the contracts and subjects itself to competitive bidding, failing which we will commence commercial sanctions on Safaricom and other companies abetting corruption or engaging in monopolistic practices.
7. Demand that the Jubilee administration takes immediate steps to withdraw our gallant soldiers from Somalia to join our forces in securing our nation from home.
8. Demand that the Jubilee administration takes visible, decisive action to deal with runaway insecurity, including holding the senior security officials accountable for hundreds of Kenyans who have been killed and maimed in the various attacks and conflicts across the country.
9. Reject attempts by the Executive through Parliament to bastardise the Report of the Truth Justice and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC Report) and demand the immediate implementation of the original and unadulterated Report.
10. Demand that the Jubilee administration immediately addressesthe underlying land issues that are at the heart of some of the most enduring historical injustices and conflicts in our society.
11. Demand a National Audit and publication by the Public Service Commission of all appointments made in the public service by the Jubilee administration, with full details listing names, ethnic backgrounds and percentages.
12. Recognizing that the Jubilee administration has failed to apply national resources equitably across the country, we demand that 40 per centum of the projected ordinary revenue of the current fiscal year be allocated to the County Governments.
13. Demand that a National Audit on how resources at the disposal of the National Jubilee administration are applied across the country.
GOD BLESS KENYA

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apondi arara
8/7/2014 08:47:20 am

I still maintain that we have only two classes in kenya Rich and Poor...your piece Mzuri

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VW
9/7/2014 03:25:06 am

I concur. Please...anyone.....just point out a poor tribesman who has been elevated and is really benefitting from this regime.

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Mwenesi
8/7/2014 01:15:22 pm

Excellent article and well written. I concur, we need a mindshift and UK ain't gonna deliver

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Timothy
8/7/2014 03:50:43 pm

Every regime world over rewards people on their circle. If you a business you scramble to get in this sort of placing. Where I disagree in this article is that people must learn to fend for themselves. Isnt that what the bulk of humanity survives on. My distaste is that we as a people have no respect for our institutions. However hard American cops profiled black Americans never said that their police service is rubbish. I have never benefitted from any of the regimes but nothing can make me lose my sight cause my driving force is me and my desire to give the best to my family.

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Alex B.Momanyi
9/7/2014 01:05:27 am

Thanks Dr Ndivo for this eye opening piece-----there is so much to learn out there,may be Obama senior would have added a word or two on this issue----great ideas.

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kingori
9/7/2014 03:52:07 am

it the high time us as citizens stop asking what the government can do for us, you saying this country is not owned by citizens, what are you doing about it? airing your complains and frustrations will not help the situation at hand as much as what actions are you taking to better your country and to make it a better home for the coming generations. its time we ask what can we do for the government.

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noele
9/7/2014 01:07:50 pm

Hahahaha had to laugh! You are already paying taxes to the govt. you want to sell your kidneys too?

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John Mark
9/7/2014 04:29:13 am

Wandia, I had to check your profile first before commenting on this. Forgive my ignorance good lady, but I seem lost when you say that Kenyatta II has lowered the glass ceiling so low such that to amount to anything you must know somebody. Suffice it to say therefore that you must have known somebody for you to make HOD at Daystar University. Educate me.

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petro link
9/7/2014 11:58:51 am

powerful piece

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Lucille
9/7/2014 12:55:26 pm

Beautiful piece,your sentiments are appreciated.Keep sharing

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Njerin S
9/7/2014 01:07:32 pm

Great write up!

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Stephen Macharia
9/7/2014 03:38:06 pm

I like what you write and agree that an undue obsession with land obscures our vision. Our people are an invaluable resource but only if we invest in them.

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Gladys
9/7/2014 03:50:42 pm

Good article. I agree with you that UK isn't able to offer solutions but we probably cant blame him much as he is part of a rotten system. I think that we as Kenyan's are the problem and not the government as we are responsible for the leadership we have. We have the power to elect people who have a record of results e.g. Peter Kenneth but we go back to our tribal cocoons every time elections are called. I read somewhere that if you have a problem, before you look out through the window, first go to your mirror. Even the bible says that to see the speck in your brother's eye, first remove the log in yours.
What im saying is that i believe that we need to have a paradigm shift ourselves and this will allow us to have different leadership who think like us and care about others. E.g. corruption starts with me. If i refuse to bribe today then no one will ask me tomorrow and that means that things will have to work.
Democracy means that we elect our representatives so lets all rise up and choose leaders who have the right heart for people and for the nation!

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Jk
9/7/2014 06:14:03 pm

Whatever we focus on affects us.When we go with a mentality that what we want is what must happen,then we start losing.
Dr.Ndivo should realise he is not alone.Many of us(Me included) have missed university out of lack of funding,mind you,am from the president's constituency.
If our focus is making it in life,nothing can stop us.As for me,i do anything(push carts,get dirty,mjengo e.t.c) to put something in my pocket.
I value my talent too,i am always at poetry events and workshops to grow my writing career.
Whining won't lead one anywhere.
Eva said it well....

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Sammy K
10/7/2014 04:05:17 am

It take take all to develop Kenya. When one fails to do his/her part you are not contributing to the development agenda. Ask yourself at the end of every day what have I done to make Kenya better today? UK / Ruto govt should do its part, opposition should too and Kenyans should elect responsible leaders. We elect leaders based on their wealth and fame and care less on their integrity! What you see is what you get! bTW good article.

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ASG
10/7/2014 06:49:30 am

Great article.

Moral of the story...... we are the authors of our own misfortunes. Dr. Ndivo will not flourish as long as he continues to give power to people who keep slamming doors in his face.

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Asaph James link
10/7/2014 12:08:04 pm

Great article Wandia. Deep thoughts. Interesting insights.

But one thing I'll point out - the president's supporters do consider land an issue, from a different perspective. They have been trying to get their land registered, delays have been killing their dreams. Countless files have gotten lost, now found.
I heard some ppl say "now we can buy those plots in Coast" when the prez & deputy gave out titles last year. To them, the speed of execution is a solution looong ago sought.

What they won't grasp now, though they need to, is to embrace other forms of property. I heard Mutegi Njau say this morning that he's shocked Uhuru doesn't hold a single title to his name. David Makali tried to remind him Uhuru has shares in numerous ranches, but it fell on deaf ears. Its that thinking that's wrong. Focussing on land ONLY is bad. Diversifying our nest is the ideal situation.

We are yet to get idealistic.

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Infinite Pyro link
11/7/2014 08:27:51 am

See,

There is nothing to see here. Poverty and class-ism and land issues are not, have never been and never will be a Kenyan issue, not even a Kenyan government issue. The problem isn't government nor one tribe nor one opposition nor nepotism nor terrorism, the problem is that we are human beings. The problem is that we have a very flawed economic system as 21st century human beings. The problem is that we have no justice system distinct from political interests, other than 'barbaric' judicial systems. The problem is that we have people more concerned about the constitution of Uranus' atmosphere and getting moon rocks down to Earth despite the cost than they are about starving children in.

Wax noble and patriotic, sawa, but if you're claiming to spell it out you should at least <b>try</b> to. Everything politics/economics/judicial is non-human. That is the problem.

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