Tuesday, May 30, 2006

Kenya

Kenyan Bloggers Day 2006 Button



In response to the KBW request, I have felt the desire and the proud allegiance to write about Kenya in unison with my fellow KBW folk.

I guess at my age, Kenya exists as a pre Kibaki and post Kibaki country for me. Unlike many other Kenyans, I see reason to be very proud of what Kibaki's government has achieved. I believe it is absolutely unrealistic to have expected an immediate turnaround on everything after the new government took over. And this doesn't mean that I agree with everything that has come out of the current government (Why do I feel the need for a disclaimer here, dear cannot wait to argue Kenyans?).

For me, the glass is definitely half full. I realize it can quite easily be knocked over. However I wanted to write a messgae of hope. Hope for the future because Kenya's future will have the majority of adults knowing how to read and write, thanks to free primary education. Hope for the business sector as the Nairobi stock market flourishes now that it is open to all qualifying businesses. Hope for agriculture as the co-operatives revive and delayed payments start to make way to the farmers. Hope for the health of every Kenyan as the health Ministry looks at the possibility of a new health system. Hope for a bright future, because for the first time this year, the budget is expected not to include donor funds. With this expectation, how can you let anyone convince you that corruption has not been dealt with to any extent? No one is claiming it is done away with, quite frankly I am yet to find a non- corrupt country. Those wagging fingers at Kenya are as bad, actually much worse if you ask me. Rome was not built in a day and Kenya will not be turned around in 4 years either. Progress is what we are to demand and to expect.

As a Madaraka day wish, I urge that you all start seeing things as they have changed. Support the no smoking in public places ban. It will save lives including those of your loved ones. Revisit the breathalizer tests. Make the roads safer for all, young and old. It really doesn't matter who supplied the breatherlizers. Someone had to. As long as they weren't overpriced and the governement ripped off, there isn't an issue of concern. Keep your eyes focused on the real issues and don't fall prey to propaganda so easily. Support the media, but beg for integrity from them. Question Michuki either on his acts or his methods. Figure which one out. Remember that Rwanda April 1994 may not have happened if someone had stepped in and controlled the radio stations. Most importantly, stop echoing the wealthy nations' sentiments like a bunch of sheep. Take ultimate control of Kenya and its progressive path. This you do by entrusting all faith of capability and entitlement of Kenya to no one else but the actual Kenyans.

Madaraka cannot be given to you beyond being made available. The next step is to take it and to exercise it. And this part is up to every individual. You are as free as you let yourself be. Claim Madaraka. Take Madaraka. Be Madaraka.

Long live Kenya!

Wishing everyone a bright, positive and literal Madaraka day!

6 comments:

Uaridi said...

Half full glass always and be positive. Can you imagine all the work Kibaki and his people had to do to rectify the chaos caused by the last government?

Happy Madaraka Day

Mimmz said...

Happy Madaraka day to you too, Uaridi.

I have nothing but respect for what that governemnt has achieved, given what they inherited and the chaos they've been through. It's nothing short of a miracle!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for taking part.
Happy Madaraka Day!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for such a positive post. This day is all about celebrating and being optimistic. Of course we can find fault in our country and our government but it is nice when we take time to sit back and recognise the good.

Happy Madaraka Day and thank you for your contribution

Anonymous said...

My sentiments exactly, comin on 06/06/06 may be a bit late in the week, but hopefully not too far off. Quite often i have marvelled at my fellow kenyans eagerness to criticise, which is fine if we dont lose sight of how far we have come. My glass is always half full. Important too to be reminded it could very easily be knocked over. Bless you for that. Actually, those claiming ready to challenge for leadership in kenya are being quite reckless if you ask me. Be madaraka, be the change you want to see in the world(read Kenya).

walk said...

First time on your blog . your post is refreshingly different from the kibaki bashing i usually see. being an uhuru kenyatta supporter i still say people should shut up and wait for the next elections