tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37614665855036023502024-03-06T11:57:40.006+03:00My Country, My ResponsibilityKenya shall be changed by ordinary people like you and I who are willing to venture into the uncommon, do things differently and inspire others in the process. Lets join hands in this exciting journey in service to God and Country.Abraham Rugo Muriu, PhDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15525505003535993951noreply@blogger.comBlogger66125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761466585503602350.post-29863794567535145862019-03-03T20:13:00.000+03:002019-03-03T20:13:40.745+03:00Some thoughts on future of Universities and ScholarshipIt was my pleasure to give input on this topic at the just concluded DAAD Young Scholars in Africa Conference held in Nairobi, Kenya. As one who is working outside the formal academic spaces namely universities and research institutes I was keen to engage mainstream scholars. My work entails applied research, training and public engagement on public finance nd service delivery. As such I am daily faced with public challenges on public service delivery.<br />
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I underscored that future university and scholarship will need to respond to the needs of a fast changing society. The fundamental question being, what skills, knowledge and attitudes will future generations need? What role can universities play to provide them? Will university education as we know it continue and be relevant to that society?<br />
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In sharing, I gave three points that I believe will shape how university and scholarship will look like in the future. This is assuming that the relevance question is a granted.<br />
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1. Era of the PRACADEMIC: Practice and academia convergence. We are likely to see more and more people choosing to be what is popularly called PRACADEMICs. This are people emersed in industry but commited to scholarship. Some of the persons pursuing PhD have no plans of working in the university as we know it and even if they did cannot be accommodated. Many will increasingly work in industry but want to research and teach. Further declining funding for universities will cause them to rely more and more on outside help that brings practical experience.<br />
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2. ICT Enabled Teaching, Training qnd Research: Its an era of just google it!! Technological enablement’s especially big data analytics, communication technology will and are affecting the nature of work and working. It will affect the type of research, how fast and efficiently it can be done and will introduce new topics for inquiry. Interdisciplinary options where all can access publications from other fields and this can enable them be more open in their perspectives to research and teaching.<br />
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3. Academics without boarders: Globalization, technology flow and migration trends are pushing creating a new type of academics, scholars and universities without boarders. It is no longer necessary to be physically present in an institution or bound in one space. The future will be such that one can run an experiment in one country while teaching in another and working in another. This means that students can also seek education and training from scholars on any part of the world.<br />
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This three and other factors not here mentioned cut against the grain of how most univesities operate today. Scholars in this institutions have to choose to survive or thrive. The later means they just get along and even try to resist this change. Thriving requires a deliberate adjusting of sails to take advantage of the wind of change in society.<br />
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Happy to hear what you think.<br />
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<br />Abraham Rugo Muriu, PhDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15525505003535993951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761466585503602350.post-76743787492633928752019-03-03T19:41:00.000+03:002019-03-03T19:41:12.385+03:00Privilege and leadership I have spent my weekend with some DAAD alumni and current scholars from accross Africa. The theme was 'Young Scholars in Africa-Challenges and Opportunities'. In the discussions we reflected on varied issues including the landscape for women in research, the future of universities and the digitalization of research. Two other areas focused on were on the internationalization of research and leadership.<br />
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As one deeply interested in the intesection between politics and science, I was particularly interested in two topics. The one on scholarship and leadership, and the one on future of univesities and scholarship in Africa. It was my expectation that we would delve into how can the brilliant scientists in the room are working to solve the problems that abound. How are they leading in their spaces? I was shocked and encouraged in equal measure.<br />
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I believe that leaderships core is to take people and situations from one level of growth to another. Leadership is about making things better. To do so a leader must look beyond his or her situation. The fact that one is a leader, by virtue of expertise and knowledge in a field is already privilege enough. What shocked me was that even though many of us in the room were well privileged we were still inward looking. We seemed more focused on what is in it for me and not what can I do with what I have for others good.<br />
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What encouraged me was to hear and interact with some among us who were tired on the ME focus. Those who were setting out to apply science in the practical world where such knowledge is of value. It was apparent that a realization that society was moving even without the input of scholars, is making many of us rethink our value add. I got challenged to think of how my position of privilege should be applied in leading others to become better of themselves.<br />
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I believe the call to lead is one that requires we apply all we have to make the world a better place. Will I lead better or just focus on myself?Abraham Rugo Muriu, PhDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15525505003535993951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761466585503602350.post-8877220211741542942016-03-01T22:50:00.000+03:002016-03-01T22:50:05.186+03:00Accountability, Coordination and Participation Challenge in the Devolved System<div style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Picking from the previous post and still on public finances, accountability
in the use of resources was expected to be and has indeed been a challenge.
There have been cases of corruption in almost every county and sector. <span lang="EN-GB">How do we ensure that the county leaderships do not run
the county accounts dry? especially as they prepare for next elections? What about those who do not expect to win the
elections and thus are trying to recoup their cash by whatever means. Yet t</span>he capacity and role of the
respective county assemblies to provide has not been as strong in dealing with
oversight issues. In a rising practice of <i>perdiemocracy</i>
(where all public engagements are reduced to what brings perdiem/allowances
i.e. travel, meetings out of duty station, unnecessary meetings) and <i>tenderprenuership</i> (the angling through
proxies for public contracts by public officials who should not benefit from
such) how do we ensure that the MCAs and key county officials rise above. Are
the County Assemblies as currently constituted able to execute their oversight
role? Do they have the necessary capacity? Do they have the necessary incentive
and public pressure to conduct their work without fear and favour? I hold the
view that one of the ways to address corruption is to reduce the premium placed
on elective and senior appointed offices in the public sector. That would
reduce the resources one has to spend to get to these positions. These are
critical questions that we need to reflect on as we enter into the fourth year
of devolved government. Finances will remain limited buts it’s the commitment
to get the most out of what we have that will see us develop our country. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">At an operational level in
county governments, it was expected that there would be an urgent matter of clarifying
who was responsible for what. This was at different levels</span><b style="font-family: inherit;">, </b><span style="font-family: inherit;">between the county and national government ministries and
agencies, between county government and constituency development fund, and
between the county executive and county assembly. Coming from a regime where
legislators were actively involved in service delivery (through CDF and LATF)
and without clear information for those aspiring for this positions we foresaw a
conflict in at least four lines: between County Assembly Members and Governor; Governor and MPs (who
were likely to continue to influence CDF); Governor and Officers of the National
Government; and Governors and Non-State Actors who provide certain services especially
should governors want to exercise control over who operates in their
jurisdictions. Notably the intergovernmental frameworks in place do not bring on board MPs and NSAs in discussing devolution matters. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In what one can call a
system keen on putting enough checks and balances, the constitution of Kenya
created numerous institutions at national and county level. As such
coordination is proving to be a big challenge. We
have in mind the various commissions; will each of them have an office in each
county? Or how will they operate and who meets their costs? Secondly is the
coordination between County Governments and State Coorporations and Semi
Autonomous Government Agencies (SAGAs) in the various sectors whose core
functions have been devolved. For instance how will National Cereal and Produce
Board (NCPB) work with all counties to ensure that there is sufficient grain
reserve? And do counties decide how and where to sell their grains as well as
import if they so wish? This are the questions receiving silent treatment as each body seeks to maintain its former jursidiction and leading to county governments crying foul. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The awareness and capacity
of the public to effectively participate in governance of their areas remains
wanting. Not only is there inadequate information on devolution and the roles
of county governments and the elected representatives among the citizens is a
worrying concern. The process of rolling out a comprehensive civic education
programme has been long and patchy at best. With such a lacuna the public is
left to the mercy of sensational news items of all that is not going right.
This presents a challenge when it comes to demanding for accountability from
the elected leaders as the citizen can best demand for transparency and
accountability when they are fully informed and ready to engage meaningfully
with their county governments. I think not all persons in key positions want
the public educated as that would expose their true roles and hence greater
demands, but even then there must be action from those keen for a functional
system. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A final and in no way the
least challenge is around further decentralization within county governments.
While the main attention is on the transfer of power, functions and resources
from National to County Governments, there is a danger that we may have created
new “central governments” based at county headquarters. The County Government
Act 2012 and Cities and Urban Areas Act 2012 provide mechanisms for further
decentralization within counties. The persons responsible at these units are to
be appointed by the governor and County Public Service Boards. They also need
to be facilitated with enough resources to carry out their work. There is not
much we are hearing on this and yet it will determine how well services reach
the people at the lowest level. The process of establishing and gazetting the
units of further decentralization needs to be on top of County Assembly
agendas. Infact if the current county governments will be of value in posterity
then they should ensure they establish this mechanisms of moving services
closer to the people. </span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Abraham Rugo Muriu, PhDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15525505003535993951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761466585503602350.post-17623465279903552182016-02-12T14:50:00.000+03:002016-02-12T14:53:46.444+03:00Cash challenge and use in the 3 years of devolution<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In April 2016 we will
congregate in the Meru county for the 3<sup>rd</sup> Devolution
Conference. There we will reflect on what has become of our national experiment
and to what extent we have been true to the ideals of decentralization that saw
us favour it as an appropriate model for advancing our country. On the eve of
the first devolved units, Chrispine Oduor and thought about some of the
challenges that county governments were likely to face. I reflect on some of
them in the upcoming pieces.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">An upfront challenge was
on finances, in terms of raising sufficient cash and using it in the right and
accountable way. A key principle in the constitution Art. 175 is that
counties will have a reliable source of revenue. The said resources are to be
used in an accountable way (Art. 201). Counties have at their exposure about
four revenue streams – the equitable share from the national revenue; own
revenues from taxes and fees charged from services rendered; Conditional grants
from the national government for specific services; and borrowing from domestic
and international sources. Certain counties are also likely to benefit from the
national government equalization fund (Art. 204) that is supposed to help bring
services such as infrastructure and electricity to standards enjoyed in other
parts of the country. Own revenue collection was going to be a challenge especially
those with a weak resource base to raise enough revenues that will enable them
perform the devolved functions and deliver services to the citizen was a
concern given the weak performance of Local authorities that preceded them. The
equalization fund was likely to be so thinly spread. One expected that the
county governments would seal the revenue loopholes through automation and
updating of asset rolls.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">On use the available
cash would be strained by the wagebill and other overheads. While we expected
counties to ensure better service delivery, the conversation on the controls
for the county wage bill needed to take place. First there was the concern of
balance between state officers (Governor, the CEC members and the CA members)
and public officers (civil servants) pay as this would serve as a motivation
factor and may affect service delivery. Secondly is mechanisms of ensuring that
the wage bill is sustainable but at the same time lucrative enough to attract
highly skilled professionals into those positions. In the event that the wage
bill is uncontrolled then we may end with the current scenario of Las spending
up to 90 per cent of their revenue on salaries and salary areas (part of
debts). The expectation was that the recommendations of the Salaries and
Remuneration Commission would be taken seriously and implemented. In practice
we have seen such recommendations opposed by politicians who instead pushed for
highly unsustainable wages and the attendant allowances. Not to mention the
corruption that comes with it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The equitable share was
going to be complicated by lack of clarity on the devolved functions and which
of the two governments is supposed to perform which functions. While the
constitution broadly stipulated the functions of either government, the actual
work lay in the unbundling of functions. This is a task that the Transition
Authority (TA) attempted with limited success given what they termed lack of
cooperation from the national government (NG) ministries. Of course it was
expected that some of the NG actors would push back. But why should this be? The
constitution principle provides that finance follows functions, which means
that resources would be allocated to the government performing the function. I
imagine that some NG officials worried that a proper unbundling process would
reveal that some functions were redundant, duplicated or at most delivered at
the county level. This would mean that resources are allocated to the counties
and thus loss of control. I also think that some corrupt tendencies thrive on
confusion as money gets allocated to the same purpose through different
channels. Lastly I have often wondered to what extent the county officials were
interested in the unbundling business. Would it make them more susceptible to
accountability demands by laying bare what they are responsible for and hence
the resources they have allocated to them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">A related matter was on
debt management. County Governments inherited debts and other liabilities,
local authorities and other bodies such as the regional water service boards-
that provide water services in the rural and urban areas- had already incurred.
These boards had been obtaining loans to provide services and county
governments to take up these liabilities. That affected the starting balance
sheet of counties. The expected increase in wage bill would inevitably
lead to more borrowing. This means that the national government will
increasingly commit more resources to service the loans and hence can only
increase county allocations so far up. There is no indication since that the
county governments have been able to address the debt challenge. If anything
some have been considering to borrow much more.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We have observed
numerous debates every year on the amount of the equitable share that should be
allocated to counties. This has been reduced a political fight that is settled
politically as the numbers are not based on some firm functions performance
structure. Internal revenue collection while expanding remains not sufficient.
This partly is due to poor records and corruption. Automation has been slow and
in some places the process objected in courts due to flouting of tendering
processes. To what extent Kenyans are committed to pay taxes and public service
user fees remains to be established, especially in situations where they are
not very satisfied with services rendered. As for wage bill and attendant
allowances is high and unsustainable.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">C</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">ontinued in the
next blog post..</span></span></div>
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Abraham Rugo Muriu, PhDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15525505003535993951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761466585503602350.post-43565127592249290362016-01-01T15:00:00.001+03:002016-02-12T14:53:14.153+03:00Lessons from 2015: Courage, Patience and Learning to ask <div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Happy New Year!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">At the beginning of every year I take time to reflect on the
state of me. I reflect on who I have become in the past year and what I need to
focus on in the current year. My assessments, maybe just like yours, do not
always reveal great achievements. Sometimes it’s more of what I never achieved
that really takes the center of attention. This I realize does more of making
me feel like I am not making progress. Yet when I look at what I achieved even
beyond what I had planned, I am surprised. I notice ideas, projects, relationships
and much more that had happened that I never thought or imagined would take
place. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">As I look back at 2015- one important lesson stands out. Courage
and Patience is key to success. For it takes more than knowledge and mastery of
content to make it in life. One needs patience and the courage to step out and
stand out. Nothing great comes easy and fast. This has been mostly the reality
of my current status of graduate school. Writing a PhD dissertation in Public
Management has been a long desire for me, so I was very excited to begin in October
2014. The later part of 2014 was spent settling into the graduate school, but
it is in 2015 that the real test came. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">All along I had imagined I knew what I wanted to research
and write on but it soon dawned on me that this was not one of those projects I
had handled before. It turned to be a daily effort of trying to wake up,
putting a courageous attitude and patiently reading, writing and discussing
with colleagues. The real test was in May-June when I needed to finalize and
submit my proposal for review. This would determine whether I continue with my
research or I get out. Day after day I felt more and more confused as to what I
was actually doing. The long hours of walking in the dark with a faint light
pushed my patience limits to the very edge. I finally submitted my work and
attended my defence on 22 July 2015. It was the longest day ever. As I
presented my work and received a dozen comments on how to improve it, I felt
relieved that it was over but even more burdened that most of the work was
still ahead. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">A related lesson has been learning to ask and ask. An ego
problem one faces in graduate school is the sense that you should know what you
are doing and be an expert in it. Thus many a person has sat on their desk
trying to make ends on their own. I quickly learnt that I had to ask anyone I
thought would be of help. After all the worst they can do, is refuse to help.
That has saved me on many days of darkness.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This lessons I realize apply to all aspects of my life and I
will apply them wherever I go. I am not yet where I had planned to be by this
time but am at peace with the progress. So I start 2016 ready to work patiently
with confidence that the sweat of my labor shall one day be rewarded.</span>Abraham Rugo Muriu, PhDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15525505003535993951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761466585503602350.post-62958504562153284272015-03-01T22:37:00.002+03:002016-02-12T14:52:03.361+03:00What exactly is happening in county governments?<span style="font-family: inherit;">I have been thinking a lot about our (Kenyan) devolved system of government, that we chose for ourselves after centralization was deemed to have failed us for the last 50 years. About 2 years ago we went to the ballot and voted in the first County Government's executive and legislators. They all campaigned on a platform of transforming, bringing life and turning all that had gone wrong. Two years down and we have mixed opinions about them.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHji4t-8NwSA6loPEbxdGGUnPOSBJWqahc3qEqXQgL5ThFdEu2PKQ3m0dGB3_hyphenhyphen25SVWNYjUDhyN6LJEtmaEB3gtxZBrrN0oBdJSzvarxPzY7zbtV-D1sBsjkCCFpwMOhK3dhsHot-gmQ/s1600/County+Budgets+Online.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHji4t-8NwSA6loPEbxdGGUnPOSBJWqahc3qEqXQgL5ThFdEu2PKQ3m0dGB3_hyphenhyphen25SVWNYjUDhyN6LJEtmaEB3gtxZBrrN0oBdJSzvarxPzY7zbtV-D1sBsjkCCFpwMOhK3dhsHot-gmQ/s1600/County+Budgets+Online.png" width="331" /></a>I am still convinced that we made a good choice to choose a devolved system where decision making is closer to the people. I hoped then and still do now that this would provide a mechanism of holding the office holders to account for their actions and also to respond promptly to the needs of the people.<br />
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Quick reminder of why we opted for a devolved system: To improve representation of the people in decision making, to enhance accountability in the use of public space and resources, to facilitate equitable allocation and use of the available resources and above all to improve service delivery in all this parts of the republic. is this happening? how do we know?<br />
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Can we rely on the county websites for information? This seems not to be the case, according to a review of all the 47 county websites by the <a href="http://internationalbudget.org/tracking-county-budget-information-kenya/">International Budget Partnership</a> . There is lots of information that is not online and we are not sure where else to find it. Can counties provide this information as we are keen to know what is happening?<br />
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But why should access to county information concern us? At the least it shows that the county has nothing to hide as to its plans for using the public resources. It also directs public attention of where they should expect to see the next projects. In so doing the county government would be inviting the public to hold them accountable. Not availing this information only raises concerns that maybe all is not well and thus the secrecy. This is even made worse when the services provided by the county do not satisfy the least of expectations. when the said county governments are put on the spot not even their own citizens can defend them when they have limited idea of what is going on.<br />
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So can the county governments give us more information?<br />
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<br />Abraham Rugo Muriu, PhDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15525505003535993951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761466585503602350.post-79384053849318941642014-12-07T00:22:00.003+03:002014-12-07T00:22:58.564+03:00Mixed emotions.....Yesterday will go down as another first for Kenya's fourth president, he was the first sitting president to be accused at the ICC for crimes against humanity and now has had his case dropped as the prosecutor could not find sufficient evidence to sustain a case.<br />
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But was Uhuru Kenyatta taken to ICC in the first place. Because no one believed that the Kenyan judicial system had what it takes to give a fair trial for those who bore greatest responsibility for the Post Election Violence of 2007 that left over 1300 persons dead and hundreds displaced. Thus six persons, including his deputy president, William Ruto, were charged. Four are now off the hook and only Ruto and Sang are left.<br />
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There has been celebration for those who support the president. While I am not celebrating, I am among those who are not convinced that the ICC process was the right way to handle the issue. Infact I tend to think that ICC was to achieve other goals and the PEV was just but a window of opportunity. That said, and holding that one is innocent until proven guilty, I think the president has a greater challenge. He is president of the victims and perpetrators of the violence. He thus must make sure that justice for both is achieved. Any celebration of his acquittal must be tampered with the sensitivity that there are many whose lives have been affected in ways that are difficult to comprehend. it would be in order that he is seen to make it his goal to ensure that the real perpetrators are brought to book.<br />
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This is a hard call, but there must not be created an impression that the means to power does not matter. It does and must always matter, I think.<br />
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Greatness is in using your own success to make others successful, and more using the privileges you have to privilege the less privileged. <br />
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<br />Abraham Rugo Muriu, PhDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15525505003535993951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761466585503602350.post-62761519854874077892014-12-01T15:12:00.002+03:002016-02-12T14:55:24.926+03:00Are we really different or is it a political prank?<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 13.5pt;">I have spent my working life travelling across Kenya
doing research, training and giving talks on various aspects of public
governance. Have been brought up in the cosmopolitan town of Nakuru,
where I spent the first 18 years of my life, I was used to interacting with
persons of different cultures, languages and socio-economic classes. But
listening to people discuss other communities, I imagined that maybe they are
worse off than those they described. So I desired to see those places and
people when I grew up...Growing up I did and got the opportunity to go work in
Nairobi, C<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a>entral, Nyanza, Northern Rift Valley, Coast and
literally all places.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 13.5pt;">I have made two observations<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 13.5pt;">First in all the places, those who have means enjoy
the best there is in their place. It does not matter what language, religion or
even political ideology they belong too, they mingle freely, take their children to the same schools, shop in the same
places and patron the same clubs. They have same worries of whether their
wealth is safe and increasing, whether incase they are sick they will get the
best health facilities at their nearest place and whether they will remain in
places of influence. They compete to get a space in the upcoming suburbs where
they can live without disruptions. They are proud to have made it and wonder
why others are not making it. They are never troubled by who gets to power as
long as they have a surety that they will be safe. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 13.5pt;">On the other hand, the poor and those struggling all
looked the same. They were struggling to put food on the table, to pay rent,
and were engaged in hard labour (though in some places only the women and
children were working). But interestingly, some thought they were in their
situation because one of their own was not in power. But this could not hold in
central province where the current and former president came from, there I was
told that development would finally get to them as long as they ensured their
man remains in power. I wonder if this still holds with county governments
where each community more or less has their own as governor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 13.5pt;">So when election 2013 came around, I volunteered in
one of the presidential campaigns and my observations were confirmed. On social
media and in the streets there were all manner of arguements for and against
candidates. To my amazement the candidates and their close allies seemed to
have nothing against each other, they mingled freely and would even spend
evenings making fun of each other’s campaign goofs and tactics.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 13.5pt;">So I ask, why do the supporters fight when the
contenders seem to be friends in a competition?</span></div>
Abraham Rugo Muriu, PhDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15525505003535993951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761466585503602350.post-57142787593701074472014-05-15T10:48:00.004+03:002014-05-15T10:48:50.409+03:00Some Thoughts ob Organizing Public Participation in Kenya's Devolved System A key promise and gain of Kenya's Constitution is that of Public Participation. The law requires that the public (people and their institutions of self organization) have a right to to access all public information and be consulted on all matters of public policy. But how easy is it to achieve this requirement.<br />
<br />
At the onset it is important to acknowledge that participation is both in the National Government and County Government levels. Infact even the Judiciary should facilitate public participation in its work. In my work with various actors on public participation I have come to appreciate the complexity of making it a reality. questions such as what is participation? when can one determine that there is participation? and quality participation? whose view determines the effectiveness, the public or the government?<br />
<br />
At this time when various state and non state actors are grappling with how to structure participation a few thoughts may be worth sharing.<br />
<br />
1. There is need to appreciate the changed context of public participation. Before it was based on Ministry of Local Government guidelines, now it is in the constitution and the law. It is mandatory and will be enforced. A case in point is the <a href="http://kenyalaw.org/caselaw/cases/view/92660/">recent judgement</a> on the Kiambu County Finance Act 2013 that was nullified for lack of public participation in the process of its preparation.<br />
<br />
2. There is need for an effective framework for ensuring that there is sufficient and effective public participation. The frameworks should be easy to access and use in terms of time, location and cost. While there may be value in making a law on the same in each county, basic administrative guidelines that apply what the Part VIII of <a href="http://www.kenyalaw.org/kl/index.php?id=3979">County Government Act, 2012</a>, Section 207 of the Public Finance Management Act 2012 and the schedules of the Urban Areas and Cities Act, 2011 have already provided for.<br />
<br />
3. Planning and Budgeting for public participation is equally important. This should be based on the above framework to ensure coordination. Adhoc and disjointed engagement will lead to public fatigue and wastetage of resources.<br />
<br />
4. Access to Information, Public Communication and Civic Education efforts must be tied to the participation framework. Participation is futile without proper information, that is communicated timely and an in an easy to understand format and that the public has capacity to interprate.<br />
<br />
5. The governor is required to report on participation by section 92 of the County Government Act. But how shall s/he be able to do so? Shall it be on number of forums organized, number of petitions made or the value added to the process. number of opportunities created for participation is important but what we need to know is what is the effect of such participation on the process. On quality of service? on Accountability and control of corruption? on equity measures? on allocative and spending efficiency? and on cost recovery.<br />
<br />
That said, this first five years of devolved government are an experimentation stage. There will false starts, mistakes, successes and great stories. All this should be told and documented.<br />
<br />
all said, are we participating in building our country?<br />
<br />
<br />Abraham Rugo Muriu, PhDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15525505003535993951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761466585503602350.post-82702327335125295112014-03-14T12:21:00.001+03:002014-03-14T12:21:38.543+03:00Some Reflections on Kenya's Devolved System one year laterOne year since the devolved system of government was established following elections on 4 March, it is important we ask some questions in self evaluation. In my work around the country I have met people who are extremely excited about devolution and also those who are not sure we needed it. But many are those who argue that it is too early to make judgements as to whether it is working or not. But while some are concerned at the speed at which counties are getting their acts together, I am more concerned about the direction. It is possible to run fast or slow but if the direction is wrong then all the effort ends in futility. But how do we gauge whether we are in the right direction? We return to the basics of why we choose to devolve governance in Kenya.<br />
<br />
Why did we choose the devolution system? There are several reasons advanced but my reading is that we devolved for four reasons namely, To address the excesses of centralized government and especially an all powerful executive (read president); to enhance voice of the people in decision making; to take government closer to the people and hence improve service delivery and accountability; and to enhance equity in resource allocation.<br />
<br />
The Constitution of Kenya, 2010 establishes a devolved system that shares powers and functions between one National Government and 47 County Governments. Their respective functions are assigned by Art 186 and Art 187 and Schedule 4. Thus devolution has to do with shared mandates in appropriating the sovereign power delegated to the national and county governments.<br />
<br />
Key questions is to ask,<br />
<br />
1. Are both national and county governments working to reduce the excesses of the centralized system? or do we now have 48 "central" governments with the county one being the office of the governors? are we making laws and policies that ensure we are taking service delivery to the lowest level that is practical to do so?<br />
<br />
2. is the peoples voice being heard and represented correctly at all levels? can we now participate better with access to information than before?<br />
<br />
3. Are public actors accountable for their actions? and is there effort to make this the mode of operation in all levels of governance?<br />
<br />
4. Is there equity in resource allocation and service delivery both between and within counties?<br />
<br />
5. Are we encouraging innovation in public service so as to meet the needs of our people?<br />
<br />
While we cannot see the full results of the this introspection we can by looking at how the national and counties are running, tell if we are headed to the right place. Where we realize all is not well, it may be in order to stop and reflect.<br />
<br />Abraham Rugo Muriu, PhDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15525505003535993951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761466585503602350.post-69749045316486666042013-06-04T12:50:00.000+03:002016-02-12T15:01:25.345+03:00Size, Number and Character of Devolved Units in Kenya <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The new county government system was preceded by two
main institutions – the provincial administration and the local governments (Local
Authorities or LAs). The devolved system of government at independence with 7
regional governments and an eighth one for the city of Nairobi (famously known
as the majimbo system), It was short lived as barely a year later it was
abolished.</span>It was replaced by the provincial administration (PA).
The geographical units comprising the regional governments became the 8
provinces – Nyanza, Central, Rift Valley, North Eastern, Eastern, Coast,
Western and Nairobi. Below the provinces were established districts, further
divided into divisions, then locations, then sub-locations and villages. At
each of these units an officer was appointed to represent the interests of the
central government. This system was akin to the colonial system that had been
used to control the populace. The political elite saw it as a key means of
consolidating power and getting up to date intelligence on any matter.</span></div>
<br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">In later days the provincial administration officers
were to play a key role in the running of the ruling party – KANU. At one point
it was even difficult to distinguish the boundary between KANU officials and
government officials as each played the others role. PA officers became lords
in their areas and dictated on every matter. Anyone opposing them was seen as
an enemy of the state and acting in direct defiance of the president and was dealt
with by brute force and without any fair trial. It is this that has bred
distrust and negativity among the Kenyan people for the institution. However in
practice the administrative functions they provided have been critical
especially in the resolving of social wrongs, certification in matters of
registration of persons and property, and as agents of the government on matter
of law and order. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Also subdued under the central government were the LAs
which were put under the ministry of local government. Before the formation of
county governments there were 175 LAs. In theory the LAs were expected to be
where political, administrative and fiscal decentralization was exercised.
However, in practice they had weak system that saw the councillors elected
while their executive arm appointed by the central government thus undermining their
independence and ability to account to the public. Their limited capacity,
controlled resources and rampant corruption with impunity further undermined
them and worsened their performance. It was the abuse and failure of these two
systems that led to great agitation for a fully devolved system of government.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Through the Constitution of Kenya Review Commission)
CKRC) draft constitution, and deliberations at the National Constitutional
Conference <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Bomas) and later of the
Committee of Experts (CoE), devolution emerged as a key principle of whatever
system was arrived at. Kenyans wanted to ensure that they had a say in their
local affairs and that the leaders they elected had resources and space to make
and effect their decisions. They also wanted to be able to have key services
delivered by institutions close to them. Kenyans wanted a government that is
close and effective, a government that would enable them to resolve long endured
injustices. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">This desire raised the question: what kind of
structure would best deliver this? How many levels of government and how many
units at each level? And what would be the powers at each level? What would be
administratively and economically sensible so that Kenyans would not shoulder
too heavy a burden?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">According
to the CoE, the key factors to consider in determining the levels, number and
size of units included the </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: TTE22D23D0t00; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">geographical features of areas in relation to the
services to be delivered; means of communication or accessibility for effective
governance; density of population; resources, including human and physical
infrastructure; social feasibility in terms of accommodating into the
administrative unit; the historical and cultural ties of communities; minority
interests; and the views of the people. While CKRC had recommended five levels
of devolved government, the CoE through its harmonized draft constitution
released to the public in November 2009 recommended three levels: National,
Regional and County governments. The counties were to be the basic unit of
devolution and there would be 79 of them based on the districts agreed in the
Bomas Draft. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: TTE22D23D0t00; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: TTE22D23D0t00; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">The
regional governments, though not the basic units of devolution, were seen as
important as they</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: TTE22D23D0t00; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"> would be large enough geographical units with substantial populations
and would<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>accommodate ethnic and
cultural diversity and contribute to nation building; they would facilitate
coordination of county governments and planning for services that cut across
county boundaries; and they would form a productive linkage to the national
government especially for equitable allocation of resources and the protection
of the interests of devolved governments (CoE Final Report, 2010). Upon receipt
of the views from the public it was deemed better to have only two levels
largely on argument cost and simplicity of the system. There was also criticism
that the CoE had given no very clear role to the regions. Thus the regional
government level was dropped. The districts as enacted in 1992 under the
provinces and districts act were adopted as the basis of the county
governments. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: TTE22D23D0t00; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">What are current
structures like – number and size?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The Constitution of Kenya, 2010 establishes two levels
of government – national and county. The national government comprises the
executive, a bi-cameral parliament and judiciary. 47 County governments are
established each with an executive and legislative arm. Two main reasons seem
to have been key in adopting the 47 units. First was the need for units that
were easy to manage in terms of costs and size. One option was to have the 79
districts adopted at Bomas as the basis of counties. These were seen as too
many and economically unviable. The other option was to go for larger units
(say 25) that would mean the merging of some districts. This while making
economic and administrative sense sounded to be politically unviable given the
interests of various political groupings. Secondly was the delicate balance
between having units that are small enough to ensure effective participation
but also large enough to maximize on economies of scale of delivering key
services. As a compromise, the 47 districts, existing in 1992, before more
creation of districts of dubious constitutional validity, were adopted. This
did not require a change of names or boundaries. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The Constitution does provide a mechanism for changing
boundaries (Article 188), but this would require the recommendation of an
independent commission, and then the support of two-thirds of all the members
(not just those voting) of the National Assembly and of two-thirds of the
Senate delegations (which basically means of two-thirds of the Senators). This
will be probably hard to achieve. No change was allowed before the first elections,
which took place this year.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The 47 counties vary in every sense of the word. The
largest is Marsabit (70,961 square kilometres) and it’s also the one with the
least population density – of 4 persons per square kilometre. Mombasa is the
smallest county (219 square kilometres) after Nairobi and Vihiga which have a
size of 695 and 531 square kilometers respectively and has a density of 4292
persons per square kilometre.. The table below shows the 5 largest and 5
smallest counties. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An interesting observation
is that the size of the counties also has a close correlation with population
density and poverty levels. Larger counties have high poverty incidence save
for Garissa which is just below the 50 per cent mark and they are also sparsely
populated. They are also remote and among those that have a low County
Development Index and will thus receive a share of the equalization fund (CRA,
2013). This already indicates that the cost of delivering services there will
be higher especially in terms of infrastructure than in smaller and urban
counties. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Counties by geographic size in relation to population
and poverty indicators (First and Last 5)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: currentColor; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-insideh: .5pt solid windowtext; mso-border-insidev: .5pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184; width: 693px;"><tbody>
<tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;"><td style="background-color: transparent; border: 1pt solid windowtext; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 73.75pt;" valign="top" width="98"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">County <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: windowtext windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: solid solid solid none; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 50.85pt;" valign="top" width="68"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Marsabit<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: windowtext windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: solid solid solid none; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 49.25pt;" valign="top" width="66"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Turkana<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: windowtext windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: solid solid solid none; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 38.8pt;" valign="top" width="52"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Wajir<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: windowtext windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: solid solid solid none; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 37.7pt;" valign="top" width="50"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Garisaa<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: windowtext windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: solid solid solid none; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 55.3pt;" valign="top" width="74"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">TanaRiver<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: windowtext windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: solid solid solid none; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 37.7pt;" valign="top" width="50"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Busia<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: windowtext windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: solid solid solid none; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 37.7pt;" valign="top" width="50"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Nyamira<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: windowtext windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: solid solid solid none; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 43.85pt;" valign="top" width="58"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Nairobi<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: windowtext windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: solid solid solid none; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 41.85pt;" valign="top" width="56"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Vihiga<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: windowtext windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: solid solid solid none; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 52.9pt;" valign="top" width="71"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Mombasa<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td></tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 1;"><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 73.75pt;" valign="top" width="98"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Size (km<sup>2</sup>)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 50.85pt;" valign="top" width="68"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">70961<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 49.25pt;" valign="top" width="66"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">68680</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 38.8pt;" valign="top" width="52"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">56686</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 37.7pt;" valign="top" width="50"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">44175</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 55.3pt;" valign="top" width="74"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">38437</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 37.7pt;" valign="top" width="50"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">1134</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 37.7pt;" valign="top" width="50"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">899</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 43.85pt;" valign="top" width="58"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">695</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 41.85pt;" valign="top" width="56"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">531<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 52.9pt;" valign="top" width="71"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">219<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 2;"><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 73.75pt;" valign="top" width="98"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Population <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 50.85pt;" valign="top" width="68"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">291166</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 49.25pt;" valign="top" width="66"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">855399<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 38.8pt;" valign="top" width="52"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">661941<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 37.7pt;" valign="top" width="50"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">623,060<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 55.3pt;" valign="top" width="74"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">240,075</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 37.7pt;" valign="top" width="50"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">488,075<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 37.7pt;" valign="top" width="50"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">598252</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 43.85pt;" valign="top" width="58"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">3138369</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 41.85pt;" valign="top" width="56"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">554622</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 52.9pt;" valign="top" width="71"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">939370</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 3;"><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 73.75pt;" valign="top" width="98"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Density (persons per km<sup>2</sup>)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 50.85pt;" valign="top" width="68"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">4<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 49.25pt;" valign="top" width="66"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">13<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 38.8pt;" valign="top" width="52"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">12<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
</td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 37.7pt;" valign="top" width="50"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">14<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
</td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 55.3pt;" valign="top" width="74"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">6</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 37.7pt;" valign="top" width="50"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">430<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
</td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 37.7pt;" valign="top" width="50"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">665<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
</td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 43.85pt;" valign="top" width="58"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">4515<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 41.85pt;" valign="top" width="56"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">1045</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 52.9pt;" valign="top" width="71"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">4292<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 4; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;"><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 73.75pt;" valign="top" width="98"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Poverty Incidence (%)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 50.85pt;" valign="top" width="68"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">83.2<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 49.25pt;" valign="top" width="66"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">94.3 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 38.8pt;" valign="top" width="52"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">84.0</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 37.7pt;" valign="top" width="50"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">49.2</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 55.3pt;" valign="top" width="74"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">76.9</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 37.7pt;" valign="top" width="50"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">66.7</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 37.7pt;" valign="top" width="50"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">48.1</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 43.85pt;" valign="top" width="58"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">22.5</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 41.85pt;" valign="top" width="56"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">41.8</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 52.9pt;" valign="top" width="71"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">37.6<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Source: CRA
County Factsheets, 2012<o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span></i></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Key
characteristics of the devolved units<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The
47 districts were not very different from those created, and named in colonial
times, when the rationale was to divide and rule Kenyans. People were
balkanized into ethnic blocks and pitted against each other. Others – as with
the Kalenjin, Luhya and Meru – were put together as closely related yet they
have significant dialect and sub tribe groupings. It is thus of interest that
we have adopted the same districts with an objective of fostering national
unity by recognizing diversity. With the exception of Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru
and Eldoret, most of the counties have homogenous majority communities, and
they consider the county “theirs”. Even the names of some counties correspond to
the name of the majority tribe such as Turkana, Samburu, Pokot, Nandi, Kisii,
Embu, Tharaka and Meru. This has raised concerns among minorities at county
level. These are persons from communities with smaller numbers in each county
and who fear being marginalized. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"></span><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Given
that political organization in Kenya has largely been on ethnic lines, we have
started seeing possibilities of certain counties having an assembly and
executive with members from only one community. This is why certain county
assemblies will be without a single opposition member, as all persons elected
are from the dominant political party. Examples are Mombasa with all MCAs from
ODM, Kirinyaga with only one MCA from outside TNA out of 20, Kisumu <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and Elgeyo Marakwet where all MCAs save three
are from URP.. This presents a unique challenge for democracy in Kenya. The
constitution makes provision for law to ensure that the county government
reflects the community and cultural diversity and protection of minorities
(Art. 197). In counties like this, diversity and minority protection may only
be achieved through the party list members (often called “nominated”), for
marginalized groups and gender balance, but it is unclear how far this has
actually been achieved. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
</div>
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Does
it matter if a county is homogenous or not? In theory, it is argued that
homogenous sub-national units would have an easier time in agreeing on policy
priorities. On this basis, one would expect counties with greater homogeneity to
progress faster. This assumes the fact that homogeneity is also reflected in
policy and political ideology. This would be interesting to test in Kenya as – while
counties may be largely homogenous, at least ethnically, and even may have
voted for persons in the same political party – they may not hold the same
policy positions. This is because during elections, candidates do not
necessarily campaign on an agreed set of party policies but on personally
identified issues. Thus once in office, they are keen to have the promises they
made to the people accomplished even if that may be at variance with what their
party stands for. It is of course worth noting that the current devolved units
have also meant that there are no more “home” regions for the larger ethnic
communities. Good examples are the Kikuyu and the Luo who have been split into
5 counties. The inter-county competition may mean that there is less focus on
negative ethnicity. This has the potential of creating an equalizing effect
with smaller communities having a greater say in the county.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Here
in Kenya, the functionality of counties seems to have overridden concerns about
ethnic inclusivity, the latter being seen as an outcome of other factors such
as resource allocation. It has been argued that the reason Kenya has
experienced ethnic related conflicts is because one community (or group of
communities) has been denied its rightful share of the national cake by
another. Thus, goes the argument, if all matters of inequality – especially
economic and political – are addressed then the ethnic antagonism would resolve
itself. It is also why many a community want their own person to take the helm
of power at the national level so as to be able to get greater opportunities
for their areas. This has been a key argument for devolution of power to make
and distribute wealth. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The
devolved units also differ greatly in terms of natural resource endowments.
While past focus has been on agriculture production of the earlier marked
highlands, recent focus is on natural resources exploitation including precious
metals, minerals, oil and gas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Already
there is a rush to acquire land in areas thought to harbour such resources.
Other natural endowments are based on flora and fauna such as parks, mountains,
valleys, lakes, forests and jungles. These endowments and how they are utilized
will determine the progress of counties. For instance the great wildlife
potential in parts of Eastern and North Eastern of Kenya remains largely
untapped with tourism focusing on the west, central and coast of Kenya. Agricultural
potential must however not be undermined as it still holds the key to food
security and large scale employment creation. Human resource potential will
also be key differentiating factor. This is largely as a result of progress in
education access and attainment. This of course assumes that the well educated
professionals will be willing to take up jobs and invest in counties. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Assessing the
impact of the current structure<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The main concern is that the 47 devolved units are far
too many for the economy of our size. Each comes complete with an executive and
assembly functions modelled against the national ones. The cost is especially in
relation to the wage bill and multiple overheads of running government. This
would even be worse should corruption take root in the counties. As to whether
counties need more money or better investment on key priorities may also determine
the costs. More money is not necessarily equal to more development.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">There has been criticism of the scheme of building
devolution on the basis of sharing national revenue because it creates an
impression that there are unlimited resources held in some place that need
sharing. It is emerging that with counties wanting to control more and more
resources, counties with limited resource endowment may find it difficult to
run. This is because the national government will have less and less revenue to
share out. And those likely to be affected the most are the larger, and poorer,
counties although that may be debatable too, especially with discovery of oil
in Turkana and gas in Marsabit, as well as the great livestock potential of
these areas. A shift of focus to internal generation of wealth through
available opportunities would seem a better approach to address the economic
challenge of counties.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">As for development, the 47 units present more
opportunities than challenges. The opportunities are in harnessing the
competitive advantage of the counties and especially the human and natural
resources.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is a further
opportunity in counties forming joint forums/authorities through which they can
pursue cross-cutting development goals. A challenge will be in consolidating
the support of all actors of county and national government including
institutions such as state owned enterprises and state corporations. Private
sector and civil society organizations have also built great capacity in
dealing with some key issues and hence counties would greatly benefit in
engaging them. All said, the differentiating factor between counties
development is likely to be based on human effort, investment priorities and
resource endowment and not so much the size of the county and the number of
counties. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The writer is a policy
analyst specializing in devolution and works at the Institute of Economic
Affairs where he heads the Futures Program. This article is part of a series published every saturday by the star newspaper and coordinated by the Katiba Institute. It was published on May 18 2013. For other articles check <a href="http://katibainstitute.org/devolution-issues">http://katibainstitute.org/devolution-issues</a> </span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">
</span>Abraham Rugo Muriu, PhDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15525505003535993951noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761466585503602350.post-36023362294161493692013-04-13T12:54:00.003+03:002013-04-13T12:54:58.655+03:00Arming the watchdog: Do MCAs have the capacity to perform?<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Devolved government is here
with us and it is an exciting time. It is fulfilling to see the units take
shape. Of interest is that the 47 units of government not only have an
executive to implement the local policies but also have a local elected county
assembly. The County Assemblies are the key institutions in the county that
will represent, legislate and offer oversight in the running of the county. The
Members of the County Assembly (MCA) are elected from each ward and a few more
will be nominated to ensure that there is equitable representation of all
people. This includes women, youth, persons with disability and marginalized
communities in the county. The MCA’s thus have first and foremost
responsibility to ensure that the voice and preference of their constituents is
present at the table of decisions. They secondly have a law and policy making
responsibility. The laws and policies that they make is what makes the work of
the county government possible. It provides the desired end while making
provisions of how to get there. Thirdly they have an oversight role in which
they hold the power to approve, check and follow on every matter being
conducted in the county. Their is to check the powers of the governor.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This therefore means that
MCA’s have a greater mandate than was wielded by their predecessors the
councilors who operated in the local authorities. They have to take this
mandate with the weight it deserves. But standing in their way is their
capacity to handle this mandate. How well do they understand their legislative
and oversight role? What qualifications do they bring to the table of decisions
especially where complex matters of development are concerned? There is also the concern of their remuneration against the work we expect them to play. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In a training I was conducting
for the MCAs of Nakuru County it has emerged that they had very different
expectations in as far as their roles are concerned. Of concern is that some
have not internalized the principle of separation of powers as entrenched in
the constitution. That they will not be able to engage in direct service
delivery is already a matter worrying to many. And one would understand their
dilemma. In a country with nascent political party ideologies and thus no
binding party policies expressed in manifestos, every person seeking election
goes out promising different things. Some of the promises though exciting to
the masses are untenable. So once one is elected, they realize that they have
to honour their promises but cannot do so directly. There are collective plans
and budgets to be made and this means tradeoffs so as to work within the
resource purse available. Their wit in making the budget thus will be of
essence to ensure that they can accommodate other proposals while ensuring that
theirs are equally addressed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">But how equipped are the MCAs
to carry out this mandates. Do they have the expertise or at least access to
expertise to ensure their effectiveness. How well are the County Assembly
Service Boards resourced to ensure that the MCAs have offices to operate from?
In moving forward it emerges that there is a lot that needs to be done. In the
short term there is need for continuous capacity development especially after
the formation of committees. Some of those committees will have to be merged in
some counties given the number of MCAs. The office of the speakers may also
need sufficient support to ensure it has the technical support necessary for
effective performance. In the long term, there may be need to review the
educational and professional qualifications for election of MCAs as well as the
remuneration of this position so as to attract high caliber professionals. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Nakuru,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Friday, 12 April, 2013</span>Abraham Rugo Muriu, PhDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15525505003535993951noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761466585503602350.post-23567757696514212002013-04-04T10:13:00.003+03:002013-04-04T10:20:33.949+03:00Refocusing the Devolution Debate<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I feel the debate of why we devolved government is dwelling on non essentials - flags, names (Hon or HE), houses, cars, offices and personal assistants (drivers etc) for ourr good governors. Multiply this with 47 and add their deputies, speakers and other senior officials and we already cannot afford before we even start it. Our (my) reasons for supporting devolution was to ensure better representation and improved service delivery. Thus the question should be: Is our voice better represented and are we setting the systems that will assure better service delivery. Anything else is a side show and will soon degenerate to back passing. The loosers in all this will be you and I who have little say in the fight for power. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The constitution of Kenya provides for two levels of government with functions to be delivered to every citizen. In their wisdom the members of Parliament passed the National Government Coordination Act on 16 January 2013. This is in live with Schedule 6 Section 17 that requires that the Provincial Administration be restructured to be in accordance with the county system. It legitimizes the role of County Commissioners, their deputies, chiefs and assistant chiefs in each county. Their role is to coordinate the delivery of national government services as provided for in schedule 4. Thus the national government is represented by the County Commissioner (appointed) at the county level and the County Government by the Governor (elected). The question is: Do we need both? and is there value added in having the County Commissioners? Let us remember that at least 85 per cent of our expenditure is with the National Government and 15 per cent is with the County Government. I do not see the challenge of who should report to the other (Governor or County Commissioner). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">My problem is how to ensure that:-</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1. every service that kenyans are entitled too is delivered effectively and efficiently while ensuring value for resources spent</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2. both county government (governor) and national government (county commissioners) are accountable for the application of public resources</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">3. that citizens are assured of a recourse measure should either level of government fail in its role</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">While I hold in high esteem the governors we elected, it is not lost to me that they may not have the best interests of the county. Thus they need to be shielded from taking us down the drain in the pursuit of their personal interests. Governors can fly the national flag, live in the best houses and drive the latest cars all at state expense but that will be of little value if the livelihoods of the people in Kenya remains the deplorable.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Our constitution provides two measures - one is the Legislatures at both levels i.e. National Assembly, Senate and County Assemblies. Second is the Commissions and Independent Offices. This two have a key role in protecting the interests of the citizens. It is my opinion that both the governor and national officials working within each county should account to the above bodies. That way we remove this competition of who is more powerful than the other. It also provides for citizen participation including petitioning and demonstrating where their needs have not been met. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As we move forward, lets keep this in perspective: Are we better represented and are we receiving improved services? This is what we will keep drumming until it gets done. </span><br />
<br />
<br />Abraham Rugo Muriu, PhDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15525505003535993951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761466585503602350.post-39200192120015673402013-03-27T08:10:00.004+03:002016-02-12T16:17:15.820+03:00Letter to the Governors<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">Allow
me to congratulate you for earning the confidence of Kenyans. Their gift to you
is their vote and your gift back to them is service to all.. We have high
expectations as to what devolution can and will achieve. Today you will be
sworn in and will sit on the county government driver’s seat. We are all
waiting with bated breath to see where you will take us. We will support you where we can. Two most important
things to us is better representation of of our opinions in decision making and
improved service delivery. This we know will take time, but please make sure it
does not take forever. Soon you will tell us that you are not receiving enough
support from the national government, but remember we elected you because we
thought you are creative and convincing enough to bring government close to us.
Please do not let us down on that. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">As
one who has been closely following the devolution theory and practice, I know
that finance should follow functions. We are however concerned that the process
of functional analysis is not yet done and hence we are likely to have it the
other way round. Could you address this as soon as you are in office? It is
only with clarity of functions that we can start the road of allocative and
spending efficiency. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpLast" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">What
exactly do we mean when we talk of improved service delivery? Kenyans in each
county will expect that your government handles these 5 key issues par
excellence.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 0in; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<br />
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Allocative
and spending efficiency:</span></b> Kenyans want resources allocated to
areas of service delivery that are of greatest need to them. For some, it will
be to build markets, for others, to make access roads all weather, yet others,
it is to ensure that they have water for domestic and commercial use. Please
allocate according to the preferences of citizens. But while allocating well is
good, spending well is much better. We will be expecting you to spend every
coin where it is allocated and not allow room for wastage or under utilization
of funds.</span></li>
</ol>
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Equity
in service delivery:</span></b> We
are at different levels of development and inequality is real to us. We hope
you will ensure that services are delivered according to need and taxes payed
according to ability. Avoid the trap of treating unequal persons equally for
that only worsens inequality. Equity is not the easiest of the choices you will
need to make, for we are very selfish and we all want the best roads to lead to
our homes. But is that not what leadership calls for. </span></li>
</ol>
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Accountability
and Control of Corruption: </span></b>We expect your government to simply tell
us how much you have and where you spend it. No more. Tell us how many official
staff you have and how necessary they all are. We trust you are good men and<b> </b>will stand against corruption in all
its forms, but please put measures of transparency and let it be difficult for
people to steal public funds.</span></li>
</ol>
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Quality
of services:</span></b> The quantity of services is important but the
quality is even more important. We do not want to persevere in your county because the options of migrating are few, so please,
give us quality services. We better have few but good quality services.</span></li>
</ol>
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Cost
Recovery:</span></b> We want to ensure that cost for delivery of
services are recovered but done so in a way we all share the burden. Free
things are dangerous so as much as you can, please do not promise free
services. Let there be responsibility for citizens too. We may not like you for
this but as long as we see value for money, we will pay faithfully.</span></li>
</ol>
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Clarity
of functions </span></b>that are to be carried out by the county
government and national government. The citizenry have a lot of expectations but
should you really blame us? some of your manifestos promised everything under
sun.</span></li>
</ol>
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Citizen
participation.</span></b> This is the most progressive provision in the
constitution, but its implementation will prove tricky.. This is because we all
have opinions and need you to provide a space for us to air them out. You are
required to consult and involve us in planning and service delivery at all
levels of the county. Make that happen. Plan for it and budget for it too.</span></li>
</ol>
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Organization
and capacity of the county public service. </span></b>A lot of focus
has been put on elected officials and those that you will appoint in the
executive committee, but there has not been sufficient attention to the public
service, yet these are the key people who will bring to fruition the county
service promises</span></li>
</ol>
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Fiscal
responsibilities </span></b>which refer to how well you will raise
revenue, how and where you will spend it, how you will manage the transfers
from the national government and how you will deal with budget deficits
including the options of borrowing. We know you are placing high hopes on the
15 per cent minimum coming from the national government, but that is not
enough. How about you focus more on raising revenues so that the transfers come
to fill deficits? What about borrowing? Will you lead us to more debt or more
surplus?</span></li>
</ol>
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Further
decentralization within the county. </span></b>How do you ensure
that services reach every corner of the county? How do you ensure that the
urban areas and cities are well managed? What about sub counties, wards and
villages? The principle of subsidiarity dictates that service delivery is
allocated to the most practical level possible to do so. Therefore give us
services where they will be effectively delivered. Yes we want a dispensary at
our door step, but that will be of no value. Employ economies of scale and we
will all enjoy the services.</span></li>
</ol>
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Lastly are <b>Intergovernmental relations</b>. You are a
chief executive in your county and a diplomat out there. We expect to live and
work in peace with our neighbors and the national government. Tame your tongue
and sharpen your intellect.. Put our interests first and remember your
competitors may not be other counties in the neighbourhood.</span></li>
</ol>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">A
wholistic picture of devolution will be a great treasure in the long run, so please
seek the global picture of things even as you implement one part at a time.
Make us believe that today’s sacrifices are for our better tomorrow. But as you
work towards tomorrow, ensure we have some gains along the way. For this to
happen, six things will be of utmost importance:.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
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</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">In
all this we are praying for your good health, clarity of mind and conviction of
heart. Give us your best in all you are able to do. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In Service to God and Our Country </span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Abraham Rugo Muri</span>u</span>Abraham Rugo Muriu, PhDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15525505003535993951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761466585503602350.post-53970282800601261382013-03-03T11:52:00.000+03:002013-03-11T11:53:50.942+03:00Kenya Decides 2013 Wrap Up <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">PCEA St. Andrews Church<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Kenya Decides Wrap Up<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sunday Service, 3 March 2013 @ 0800-1000<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Finally the day is here but nothing is
finalized yet. The work of building our country is not finalized. Our
responsibility to seek and exercise peace is not finalized. Our call to
continually pray and stand in the gap is not finalized. Our obligation to be
the change we want to see is not finalized.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">A lot has been said and done in the last three
months of campaigns. Much more needs to be done to move this country forward.
Tomorrow we march forth and elect our preferred candidates for the six
positions. When you get to the polling station you will be sorted by your
surname. Remember you can only vote where you registered and using the original
identification documents you registered with i.e. Passport/ID. Once inside the
room, there will be 5 clerks. Clerk one will verify your registration by
checking your biometric. Once cleared to vote, Clerk 2 will give you the first
2 ballots. Clerk 3 will give you the next two ballots. Clerk 4 will give you
the last two ballots. Each ballot is to be folded along the length. Once done
with voting, Clerk 5 will mark your small finger with indelible ink. You are
then expected to leave the polling station and go home. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This process may take long and hence you will
be expected to exercise patience. Do also talk to others to exercise patience.
Should there be no winner for the president i.e. No one with 50 %+1 of the
overall votes counted and 25% in at least half the counties, then we will go
for a run off. This will be in a months time. Only the first and second
candidates will participate in the run off. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Our call to us today is to go out, speak and
live the peace of Christ. To exercise self restraint especially in matters you
hear that make you want to respond in a way that will only worsen things. To be
patient and encourage others to be patient. To pray for the following - That
there will be order at the polling stations and no room for speculations. That
the winners of each post will celebrate graciously and that the runners up will
concede honorably. That the system in place especially of relaying and tallying
results will have no hitches. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The work of building our country is far from
over. The greatest loss in this election will be if we the citizens elect and
sit back to wait for our leaders to act. We have a personal and collective
responsibility that we can neither delegate or abdicate. Today let us purpose
that we will work to see Kenya prosper. That we will build where we can and ask
others to build where they can. That we will transform our country ourselves.
By all means let we be the winners in this election. So as you elect your
leader tomorrow do also elect yourself to the position of responsibility, integrity
and justice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Every morning in an African Jungle, a gazelle
and a lion wake up. They both must survive. The lion by eating the gazelle and
the gazelle by keeping safe and running away. The lion knows that if it is to
survive, it must run faster than the slowest gazelle. The gazelle knows that if
it is to survive, it must run faster than the fastest lion. Moral of the story:
when tomorrow morning comes, you had better be up and running towards building
our country for posterity. God bless and Keep you. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In Service to God and Our Country </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Abraham Rugo Muriu</span>Abraham Rugo Muriu, PhDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15525505003535993951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761466585503602350.post-39192949354126862082013-02-24T11:45:00.000+03:002013-03-11T11:46:47.393+03:00Cohesion<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI MAIN CAMPUS
CHRISTIAN UNION<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sunday Service, February 24, 2013 @
0900-1100<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">COHESION<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Texts: Psalm 133 & Jeremiah 29:1-11<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In December 1991,
my family gathered at our rural home in Olenguruone, located in Molo District.
We celebrated Christmas and new year. Little did we know that it was our last
time to see our home, for in April 1992 everything had been reduced to ashes.
All we had was lost and life was never the same. Coming to terms and being able
to forgive whoever did that has not been easy. As a family we have learnt that
forgiving and living in peace after such an experience takes the hand of God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpLast" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Cohesion is the
tendency to stick together. From my above experience I have observed that:-<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</div>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">·
</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">It
is difficult to accept and move on</span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">·
</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">It
is a choice that is personal but with great public implications</span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">·
</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">It
starts with you and I not with your neighbor</span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">·
</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">It
starts today and not tomorrow</span></span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<!--[if !supportLists]--><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In Psalms 133:1-3
The bible exhorts us that it is good and pleasant when brothers and sisters
live together in Unity. The anointing would flow from the top to the bottom. Our
National Anthem reminds us that it is our responsibility to stay in peace and
unity. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Today I see and
hear many people talk of cohesion but how badly do we want to live together in
unity in this country? And are we willing to pay the price of such peace. Is it
something we think is a must or something we think we can do without sometime.
I say this because, I see us recline to our tribal grouping to drawn on
security of numbers. When we fail to consider other candidates because we they
are not from our own or they are spoiling for our own. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Cohesion demands
we take responsibility – personal and collective. While the promised blessing
is assured, it comes with a responsibility. Responsibility to do what is right
and to accept when on the wrong. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Jeremiah 29
provides the details of this responsibility.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpLast" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Central in this
chapter is the contention between the appealing voice of false versus the hard
sounding voice of truth. It’s a tension of to whom we pay our allegiance? To
the everlasting truth or to the enticing but shortlived lies? We find ourselves
in similar situation in our school, work and life. We have what we desire to
have or where we desire to be but there is a reality of where we actually are.
Daily we are faced with the temptation to do nothing productive in our current
place because we want to save our best energy and ideas for that great day,
when we are in our dream state. We feel the desire to do just enough to get us
along. God has a different message for us just as he had for the exiles then.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This letter
contains five things that are important and applicable to us today in Kenya:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;">1.
<!--[endif]--><b>To settle down</b> (Vs. 5) – not to
take their situation as though it be a passing wind. They are to build houses,
plant gardens and eat what they produce. We live in a world where we are always
on the run from one pursuit to another. Accept that we are a country of
diversity and that we cannot always have our way. Accommodate others. Be
tolerant. God wants us to settle down even in our hearts that we can build a
strong relationship with Him and his people. Remember we live once and that is
it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;">2. <!--[endif]--><b>They are to increase in numbers</b> (Vs.6) – Marry,
have children and give their children in marriage. While this may not be
literally taken as it meant to them then, there is a desire in God that we
increase. That we improve his world. That we leave the places where we are in
now, better than we found it. That we draw more people to his loving grace. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;">3.
<!--[endif]--><b>To seek the peace
and prosperity of the place they are in. To pray to the Lord for it, for if it
prospers they too will prosper</b> (Vs. 7). It is interesting that their
well being was tied to the well being of Babylon. This is an equally true
principle that our prosperity is tied to the prosperity of the place where we
are in. We see this all the time in economic, social and political crisis -
that everyone suffers when things goe wrong and that people are ‘happy’ when
systems are well. We thus cannot ignore what is happening around us for in the
end it affects us. This we are to engage in remembering that the true source of
prosperity is the blessing of the Lord. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;">4. <!--[endif]--><b>To watch against the deception of the false prophets</b> (Vs. 8-9). God’s
word as recorded in scripture stands in all times. He blesses obedience and
punishes disobedience – regardless of who is involved in it. We live in a world
that has redefined what is right and what is wrong. However, this does not
change what God’s word says. We are to watch against such and also watch
against being the false prophets who give others false hopes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;">5. <!--[endif]--><b>In God’s time he will come and save us</b> (Vs. 10). For
the exiles it would be about 3 generations (70 years) before God would take
them from Babylon back to their home in Jerusalem. For us we await in faith
that God will meet our desires here on earth. Also for the glorious day when
Christ shall return to take us home. This is the gift that God gives to those
who have choose to put their trust in Him (Rev. 21:12). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Cohesion starts
with you and I. It’s a responsibility we cannot afford to delegate or abdicate.
Kenya will remain after 4</span><sup style="text-align: justify;">th</sup><span style="text-align: justify;"> March. The decisions we make today have
an impact in posterity. This calls for wisdom and tough resolve as we live</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Californian FB', serif; font-size: 14pt; text-align: justify;">.</span><br />
<br />
In Service to God and Our Country<br />
Abraham Rugo MuriuAbraham Rugo Muriu, PhDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15525505003535993951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761466585503602350.post-21044979121981647402013-02-18T08:43:00.001+03:002013-02-18T08:44:01.184+03:00Sound Leadership Lessons from Nehemiah<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">PCEA
ST. ANDREWS CHURCH<span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">SUNDAY
SERVICE, FEBRUARY 17, 2013 @ 0900 & 1100<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"> SOUND LEADERSHIP: LESSONS FROM NEHEMIAH<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Text:
Nehemiah 4:1-15 and Matthew 22:34-40<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It has been an interesting week with the
first live presidential debate taking place. This is what some of the
candidates had to say (paraphrased), ‘It is very easy to deal with the health problem. In my
government we will establish the DIDA diet where people will only eat when they
are hungry. And even then they will not fill their bellies. A third food, a third
water and a third air. And there will be no meals timetable. On foreign policy,
the problem of Migingo is easy, I will first deploy the navy there push all
Ugandans out then we can negotiate if it is in Kenya or not.’ <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">When I first arrived in the city in 2001,
I was full of expectations. My parents had sent me to take computer studies as
I prepare for university education. I spent my first year in the city at
Pumwani Youth Hostel and attended the Kenya Christian Industrial Training
Institute (KCITI) in Eastleigh section 1. I ate chapati chafua, which was
basically chapati with free soup splashed on it. I walked along conjested
streets and sometimes on sewage and severally went wondering what I had just
stepped on. This was not the city I had anticipated. Yet it was in this place
that I saw diversity in its totality. I saw people from all walks toil in the
hot sun to make ends meet. They worked so hard although many earned so little. Nairobi was and remains to be a city of many
faces. There is the city those who are able live in and there is the other
Nairobi that many wish that never existed. This is the city where everything
goes. But this is the Nairobi that drives the productive engine of the city –
the labour, the consumer and the tenants. Same applies to many parts of our
country.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Our country has made many strides but the
inequalities especially incomes is a matter to worry any person. Poor incomes
have left many Kenyans vulnerable, hungry and angry. They are the broken walls
and burnt gates of our generation. The
inequalities that abound call for leadership that rises above the parochial
interests of ethnicity, class and even the so called analogue/digital divide. A
leadership that is courageous enough to turn the narrative and usher in a new
story. That leadership is what each of us is being called to. While is mostly
on political/public leaders, the truth is that each of us is a leader only that
our spheres of influence differ. It is how we lead where we are that will make
or break our country. We have a unique opportunity to shape the future. Shall
we build or shall we destroy it? Let’s turn to Nehemiah. I encourage us to read
the entire book to catch a grasp of this great leader.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Nehemiah is in exile. Despite his odds, he
is a privileged man just like many of us. He has risen to serve in the Kings
palace as a Camp De Aide. He is a high man but an accessible one. He receives
his brothers and enquires about his home country and specifically the city of
Jerusalem. He is told it lies in ruins. Its walls are broken and gates burnt.
The walls signified the security, protection and community. In their absence
the people were vulnerable. He is troubled and decides to do something. He
cannot stand to be enjoying a privileged life as his brethren live in
insecurity and disgrace from their neighbours. He prays and acts. He approaches
the king with a clear plan of what he needs and the amount of time it would
take him. Arriving in Jerusalem he assesses the problem, gathers like minded
people and gets onto the work of rebuilding. He faces opposition firmly. At one
point he arms his people to work and fight, calling on them to ‘remember the
Lord who is great and fight for their families’ (Neh. 4:14). He addresses the
plight of the poor and ensures that the people’s dignity is respected (See
chapter 5). Once the wall is done in 52 days, he invites Ezra to lead the
people in rebuilding the spiritual walls and gates. He knows that while the
physical infrastructure (hardware) is important, the spiritual infrastructure
(software) is more important. Indeed, a society is as strong as the inner
strength of its members. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Kenya is at a decisive time in her
development. In the 50 years of independence, a lot has been achieved. Much
more needs to be done. Especially on improving livelihoods, feeding our people
and providing quality education and health care. Ours is a call to be Nehemiah’s
of today. Men and women who get disturbed by what disturbs God. People who are
connected to God and relevant to the world. I get the sense that as Kenyans, we
know where we do not want to go but we have not fully resolved that we won’t go
there. Not when we are increasingly operating on fear. Fear of domination and
revenge should one who is not our own take power. This fear is what has made
many of us retreat to our ethnic numbers as a source of security. Not when we
politic with health, security, pensions, food and education of our people. Not
when we fail to address the plight of the majority young and educated but
jobless people. Not when we glorify those on the wrong and crucify the honest
and hard workers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We do not want to go over the cliff but
no one seems willing to stop and turn the car. We want to do things the same
old way but get different results. The family is in turmoil, the church is
crying for dedicated women and men, and the country needs leaders in all its
facets. This is what pains most: That we are not angry enough. But why should you
and I care, when we can fly out when things go wrong? When we can afford
private services when public health and education systems fail? When we can
afford supplies for the next one month especially with elections around the
corner? I think we must care because unless we address the plight of the
majority who are poor, we will not protect the minority who are rich
(paraphrasing John F. Kennedy). Unless we do that, we will build gated
communities that we cannot drive or walk out of. We will invest with fear of
loosing all should things fail. What then is God’s call to us? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It is to stand and do something. We see
this in Nehemiah. While what he did is commendable, the real cracks of it are
in the person of Nehemiah. They are in his software so to say. Sound leadership
will only stem from leaders who are sound in and of themselves. I hold the view
that a leader can only give who they are and what they have. For a leader,
being is as important as doing. A leader can only take people where s/he has
been to or is willing to go. It is in Nehemiah’s being that we see the fountain
of all he did. In Mathew 22:34-40 and Mark 12: 30-33, Jesus is confronted by
the leaders of those days. They ask him what the greatest commandment is. In
essence they are asking him, what makes a great person? What makes an outstanding
leader? Jesus answers that 5 things matter. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Love the Lord your God with all your
heart - <b>integrity<o:p></o:p></b></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Love the Lord your God with all your
soul – <b>conviction <o:p></o:p></b></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Love the Lord your God with all your
mind – <b>knowledge/intellect<o:p></o:p></b></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Love the Lord your God with your
strength – <b>ability/competence<o:p></o:p></b></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Love your neighbour as you love
yourself – <b>compassion/justice</b><o:p></o:p></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Pastor Oscar Muriu calls them the Five
Loves of a leader. They make the hallmarks of sound leadership. They are the
software of sound leadership. How did Nehemiah live this attributes in his
life? And what lessons can we take with us in leading where we are?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">First, sound leadership is one driven by
loving God with all your heart. This is what I call integral love. It is the
highest mark of integrity. Being undivided in your commitment to God. He has
your heart and you will follow where he leads. Nehemiah is totally sold out to
God. When he hears of the turmoil in Jerusalem, he turns to God in prayer. He
knows his heart is God’s and pours it all to him. He prays in confidence that
God will hear and lead him. And even as he rebuilds he constantly reconnects
with God. He records that the work got done because the people worked with all
their heart (Neh. 4:6). He knew his heart will remain restless unless it finds
rest in God (paraphrasing St. Augustine). Our greatest problem is a problem of
the heart. Where is your heart today? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Secondly, sound leadership is one based
on loving God with all your soul. This is the attribute of conviction that is
beyond surface talk. It is a deep conviction in what you have believed. It is
this conviction that makes Nehemiah arise and take action. It is the conviction
that that binds all your nerves and being in following a cause. It enables a
leader to see through a hopeless situation and turn the narrative – from
hopelessness to hope, from operating by fear to walking through fear in
courage. It is the drive that things can change. That people can change. It is
sad to observe that many a Christian are so by association and not by
conviction. They have no stand for something and thus fall for anything. Kenya
is crying for leaders of conviction not of convenience. Men and women who go
for what is right and not just convenient. Men and women who are willing to help
us delay certain gratifications so that we can enjoy long term prosperity. Will
you be the one? Will I be the one?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Thirdly, it is a leadership grounded on
loving God with your entire mind. It is a knowledgeable leadership. Our
intellect matters to God. It is a mind submitted to God and plans what will
benefit his people. What we saw in the Goldenberg and other scandals is people
using their knowledge to destroy a country. Nehemiah understands the work ahead
and makes careful planning which he submits to the King. When on the ground he
first assesses the problem to clarify his plans and when it comes to work he
divides it into manageable pieces. Using our mind to serve God and his people.
We have not always loved God with our minds. For starters we have many at times
failed to develop our minds. We read popular news but shun from challenging
matters. Yet God has given each of us a mind that is creative. A mind that can
innovate solutions that will serve many generations to come. Sound leadership
thrives on using our intellect to engage our society’s challenges.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Fourth, sound leadership is based on
loving God with all your strength. A leader’s ability, skills and competencies
are a great asset to a society. God desires that we serve humanity with
excellence and legacy in mind. Applying our strength to its best. Shunning
mediocrity and laziness. Nehemiah plans the rebuilding and is also there to
build. He does what he needs and delegates only that which he must not do. He
harnesses the collective strength of the people. In 52 days the work is done.
We live in a society where people want jobs but no work. Pay but no pain. People
want to reap where they sowed not. Think of all the gambling going on in the
name of brand promotion. Think of middle men and brokers who make unbelievable
margins by exploiting farmers and informal workers. God is calling us to be
leaders who use our strength. Who eat the sweat of our labour. It is also a
call to harness the collective strength of the people of Kenya to build this
our nation together. To collectively pay the fare and equitably enjoy the
wellness fruits. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Lastly, sound leadership is founded in
loving your neighbour as yourself. It is being compassionate. It is being merciful,
just and gracious. It is in treating others as you desire to be treated. It is
in seeing people as valuable creation of God. It is in working for the good of
the people around you. It is in protecting the weak and supporting the
vulnerable. In chapter 5, some of the wells to do people are exploiting their
brothers and sisters. Nehemiah steps in and reprimands them for such unjust
acts. He ensures that such oppression is stopped. Today we are faced by a
situation where many are exploited by the few who can. While it is easy to blame the government for poor pay of civil servants, think of the working
conditions in our industries, commercial farms and factories. Think of the
working conditions of many of our house helps and office assistants, cleaners,
cooks, watchmen. Take what you we pay them and calculate how long it will take
them to get out of poverty. They work so hard yet we pay them so little. They
too are children of God and have the same attributes as we have. The love for
neighbour has to start in the house of God. It is also the basis of bridging
inter clan and ethnic divisions that are threatening our country. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Sound leadership has to start in the House
of God. It starts with you and I. It starts with an individual resolve to be
all for God. To see what he sees and to be concerned by what concerns Him. To
start and sustain the change we want to see. When the history of this country
is written, on which page will you name appear? On those who built or those who
destroyed. And more importantly, when God asks what you did with you leadership
opportunities, what will you answer? In the words of John Maxwell, sound
leadership is the call to stand when others are sitting, to stand out where
others are standing, to be outstanding when others are standing out and to set
the standard when others are outstanding. Kenya shall be transformed when we
all practice sound leadership where we are. This calls us to prepare and do our
best for it is better to prepare and get no opportunity than to get opportunity
unprepared. God bless us and God Bless Kenya.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In Service to God and Our Country </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Abraham Rugo Muriu</span>Abraham Rugo Muriu, PhDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15525505003535993951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761466585503602350.post-20311292659141003112013-02-06T18:52:00.000+03:002013-02-18T10:27:40.794+03:00Rebuilding the wall of Kenya: One stone at a time<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">INTERNATIONAL LEADERSHIP UNIVERSITY <span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Wednesday,
February 6, 2013 @ 1130-1230<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">REBUILDING
THE WALL OF KENYA AT THIS TIME<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Thank
you for inviting me to share with us. I read that this is an institution
dedicated to producing the best of our leaders. And that is what Kenya needs,
and urgently so. Leaders whose hearts
respond to a higher call. Leaders who see the problem and instead of riding on
it, fix it. Leaders who are ashamed by what is a shame to God and his people.
Leaders who are connected to the people to understand their problems and
connected to God in order to solve them. Leaders who understand that better
systems are important but not the ultimate solution to the plight of man. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">That
is why I came to speak to us today. To challenge us to look at the problem not
with the fear of tomorrow, but with the courage to act today as God give us the
ability. To look at our fellow Kenyans not as a mere statistics for winning
elections, or numbers for county allocations, but as persons who have innate
value. People whose dignity and destiny matters to God. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Kenya
is undergoing a transition within a transition. It is a first in many ways.
First we are undergoing of transition of government as we exit the Kibaki
administration. Secondly, we are undergoing a constitutional transition as we
exit central and usher a devolved system of government. We have numerous new
offices created both in Parliament, Executive, Judiciary and Independent
Offices and Commissions. Yesterdays launch of new salary scales may be a good
pointer to the new structure. Our dual transition as time of change provide for
us with an opportunity to make or break our beloved country. our last
transition of government was not as juicy and we all know what it did to the
fabric of our country. We cannot as some would want us to, ignore what happened
then. But how badly don’t we want a repeat of 2008 Post Election Violence? Are
our individual choices and hence actions reflective of our resolve to never
again see bloodshed? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">My
concern is that the 2008 PEV was just but a tip of the iceberg. It surfaced
concerns and long held grievances which I doubt have been well addressed.
Instead we have been led to believe that a political compromise inevitably
addressed the socio-economic and political grievances that were there before. A
number of hard hitting realities are important: <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">1.<span style="line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">We are a society that seeks security in
numbers and our basis of mobilization towards that is in our known associations
(read ethnic groups and to some extent religious affiliation); <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">2.<span style="line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">We are a highly unequal society, it is
estimated that 2/3rds of the population
of Nairobi lives in a third of Nairobi in largely informal settlements; <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">3.<span style="line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">We are a water scarce society, we are largely dependent
on rain water, much of which goes wasted as we have not put in place sufficient
mechanisms for harvesting it; <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">4.<span style="line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">We are increasing becoming a functionally
illiterate society, studies have it that we are having children in class 8 who
cannot read a class 5 story book (see reports by Elimu Yetu Coalition), for
instance does it concern us that the first KCPE student in 2003 had 482 Marks
while in 2012 had 430 Marks; <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">5.<span style="line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">While we have put a lot of emphasis in
democtratic practices such as regular elections and a functional parliament, we
are yet to embrace democratic principles and values – of tolerance for
differing opinion, the rule of law, respect for public office, dignity in
public utterances and decorum, integrity in managing public resources and
objectiveness in media broadcasts.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">6.<span style="line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">Poverty has become a good of trade sold to the
highest bidder. Infact politicians have been on record fighting to have the
most poor constituency. This is because it translates into more cash which
rarely goes to solve the actual cause of the problem.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">7.<span style="line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">In terms of Faith, many a Kenyan are
Christians by association and not by conviction. If they were then corruption
would not be a matter at all. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">These
are the reports that meet us on everyday basis. Yet on the other hand Kenyans
are hardworking and very hopeful people. Even in the worst of times, we hope
and work for the best even if just to benefit ourselves. Today we are in
Nehemiah’s shoes. Who was Nehemiah? Reading in Nehemiah 2:11-20, He was a privileged man. Though in exile he
had a good life. He lived and worked in statehouse. Serving the King. He never
saw the potholes nor experienced cold nights. He had all that many of us are
seeking. Job security and a stable career. But when he hears that his land is
in trouble he gets troubled. He prays, resolves to act and goes ahead to act.
He steps out of his comfort zone and faces the reality of his people. I look at
each of us, and I see a Nehemiah. Studying in one of the best institutions in
Africa. Getting prepared to occupy the offices of the high and mighty. The
difference between us and the Nehemiah of old is just but one: whether we will
decide to act or will remain undecided which is effectively a decision not to
act. We cannot remain in our palaces. Be they study, prayer rooms, comfortable
offices, progressive careers. We are being called to join God in rebuilding his
country Kenya. And this I suggest is going to be a one stone at a time process.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The
problems facing us are great to one person, but they are nothing to a community
of God fearing and determined persons. Nehemiah assesses the situation and
plans carefully. He knows that while he bears the vision, he cannot accomplish
it alone. So he brings others on board, they together work at rebuilding the
wall. Each working on a different section of the wall. What is in a wall and a
gate. They symbolize security, protection and community. Today kenya is in dire
need of leaders who will lead us in rebuilding the wall of the various sectors.
But ours is even a tougher job for there are walls we must first pull down.
Walls of division. Walls of ignorance and blind adherence to evil practices. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We
are called to rebuild the wall of food security. The wall of healthcare. The
wall of entrepreneurship. The wall of security. The wall of education. The wall
of family unit. The wall of unity in diversity. The wall of social and economic
inclusion. The wall of peace. This is breaking the task into smaller units that
are manageable. None of us can fix everything, but each of us must step out and
fix something. We have lamented for so long on the problems we face but it’s
time to arise and act. </span></span><span style="line-height: 18px;">It starts with each of us exercising leadership as personal responsibility.</span><span style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;"> It starts with electing the leaders who
are responsible for their actions. They may not be as popular, but their track
record should show what they can do given a chance. </span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">It is time to start planning a return to our
counties and go to fix the systems that are broken there so that politicians do
not transfer the inefficiencies of the central government there.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We
can talk till dusk but change will only come if we arise and act. We must, as
Nehemiah did, let people judge us by our actions not our talk. To work and
defend the people of God from the evil schemes of the Tobias and Sanballats of
our generation. To oppose them through our good deeds. That is the solemn call
that I have decided to respond to. We must be willing to work and rebuild the
wall. Some through the government as officials. Some through the elective
political positions. Some by addressing the software in churches. Some through
working with international partners. In whatever place we find ourselves, we
must be busy using every resource at our exposure to rebuild our country. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The
journey ahead will not be easy for the spaces we want to influence, are
occupied by others. However Daniel’s words give us courage, (Daniel 11:31-35) that
they who know the Lord their God shall be strong and will do exploits. I
believe we are the people Daniel was referring too. People who (quoting John
Maxwell) when others are sitting, stand up; when other stand up, they stand
out; when others stand out, they are outstanding; when others are outstanding,
they are the standard. We are called to set that standard. That whatever we do,
will be graced with excellence and legacy. Looking forward to the author and
finisher of our faith as continue in this race. My prayer is that we shall
appear in history books as those people who contributed to the solutions of the
myriad problems facing us. This we do for His glory. Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In Service to God and Our Country </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Abraham Rugo Muriu</span>Abraham Rugo Muriu, PhDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15525505003535993951noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761466585503602350.post-19259554569395157782013-02-01T18:39:00.000+03:002013-02-01T18:39:04.421+03:00Scenarios for the Future: Role of the Youth?<div style="text-align: center;">
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<b><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;">NATIONAL YOUTH SUMMIT 2013</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;">THE SCENARIOS FOR THE FUTURE</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Friday, 1<sup>st</sup> February 2013<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Abraham Rugo Muriu<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Institute of Economic Affairs<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It
pleases me to share with us this morning. Thanks to Emmanuel Dennis and team
for constantly reminding us that we have a responsibility to our beloved
country. We are here because we desire a better Kenya. One that we can proudly
associate with. This calls for deliberate actions by each of us individually
and collectively. At 50 there are many things I hope to have achieved. I think
you too. I would like to be a proud father of well developed children. To be a
man whose life has made a difference to humanity. To be a person described with
three words: Righteous, Just and of Integrity. What about our country at 50? In
August, 1962 The Kenya we Want
Conference was held here in Nairobi. It aimed to take stock of Kenya then and
“to stimulate constructive thinking of what Kenya the people wanted after
independence”. The convention envisioned a country where people lived in peace,
had a quality education and made gainful employment in whatever industry they
put their efforts in. They envisioned an inclusive and supportive society. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;">50
years later, we have much to be proud of and much to be ashamed of. We are
proud of our great natural endowment, but ashamed that we have not used it for
the good of all. We are proud of our diverse cultures and communities, but
ashamed that instead of being better together we are bitter about each other.
Proud of great brains but ashamed that we have not given them room to innovate
and reach their highest potentials (at some point we even persecuted them for
thinking differently). Proud of hardworking people but ashamed that we have not
created sufficient opportunities for them to find or create gainful employment.
Proud of a youthful population (78 per cent below 35 years), but ashamed that
their potential remains largely untapped and are only engaged for advancing
selfish – economic and political – interests. Proud that we have one of the
most literate populations around the region, but ashamed that we have not used
this to tap into the global service opportunities. Proud of having democratic
space, but ashamed that we have not adhered to democratic values and
principles. This must not be the case moving forward. We must get down to the
business of undoing our shame and building our pride. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As
we gather under the theme of My Country My Responsibility, it’s worth noting
that the future we once desired and wanted to live in is here with us. I am
particularly happy with the theme for it is inward looking. For many times we
have looked at what can be done to us by Kenya. Today we are asking what we can
do to Kenya. To make it the country we desire. To be part of the solution as
much as we could have been part of the problem. To make national building our
individual and collective agenda. This realization and the immensity of the
challenges facing us can either make us do something or recline and give up. I pray we do the former. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So
in line with our three pillars of Peace, Leadership and Entrepreneurship, what
does the future look like? What are the scenarios of the future? In the year
2000 the IEA Kenya developed scenarios dabbed Kenya at the crossroads. In it
there was a possibility of an elnino scenario that would see a total collapse
of Kenya. Then there was envisioned a maendeleo scenario where focus would be
on economic growth but without clear regulative and distributive mechanisms
only a few would benefit and this would lead to a disaster (year 2007/8) is
indicative of this scenario. Then there was envisioned a katiba scenario where
focus would be on constitutional and institutional reforms, there would be so
much faith in the constitution but then without parallel economic recovery
there would be little to offer hope to the many unemployed in Kenya. This feels
like the road we are currently in. Lastly was envisioned the flying geese where
we as country would collectively share the burden of nation building. Where we
would labour together through the solutions to our country. We would have
visionary leaders who walk the talk and keep their word. They would harness us
to apply our potential in all aspects – economic, social, cultural, political,
spiritual etc. I feel this is the scenario we would break into depending on the
choices we make in the next four weeks. How badly do we want it?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As
a result of the Kenya at the Crossroads conversations, The IEA Kenya put
together a team of 42 young Kenyans in 2003 to deliberate on a national vision.
This was dabbed The Promise of our Generation. The average age of the team was
27 years and hence they dabbed it Vision 2027. Their desire was to think
constructively of how Kenya could usher herself into the flying geese scenario.
It was thus no surprise that in 2005 Kenya embarked on the process of
developing Vision 2030.</span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> So where we are now
headed? And what role shall we the youth play in making the Kenya we want to
come true? This was the question that saw the IEA Kenya bring together youth
from across the country to reflect on possible scenarios of the future. I
invite you to reflect on their output....</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rvL-Xd9ojh8">Watch the Kenya Youth Scenarios (KEYS) Documentary</a><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Indeed
we are standing at a crossroad. We cannot stand there for long. We must decide
and move forward. But here comes my
concern? Are we ready to make that choice? A choice out of a clear conscience
and not just to clear our conscience? As you have seen, it will depend on us.
And this calls us to ask and answer the right questions as Dr. Bitange
challenged us yesterday. Questions of what can I do to promote peace,
leadership and entrepreneurship? Questions of what are my special skills and
talents that I can use to make Kenya a better place? Knowing that each gives
what they have. This is not the time to blame anyone for past wrongs, it is
time to right them. It is time to rise to the occasion and be counted. It is
time to resolve that Kenya shall be changed not by them but by me. That Kenya
shall export talent not of others but mine too. That Kenyan shall be on the
world map for all the good things done not by others but by me. That I will be
the peace maker Kenya needs. That I will be the leader Kenya needs. To provide
solutions those are long overdue. That I will be the entrepreneur that Kenya
needs. That if it is to be then I will do it. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Kenya
is a focal point, an epicentre of development in the region. Over the years we
have attracted investors and partners in all spheres of life. We not only host
world acclaimed institutions such as those affiliated to the UN but are also
attracting heavy investments in technology and service industries. I have in
mind Ihub, 88MPH, Konza City just to mention but a few. We produce the best in
many fields - sports, education, ICT innovation etc. However, world leadership
in this and other fields requires we the youth to think and act differently.
Times have changed and they are changing real fast? Have we changed? The world
is moving to a knowledge economy where ideas and their pursuit has greater
value. We are becoming borderless and much more internationally integrated.
Thanks to technology, for as you listen to me now, you could be updating your
friend across the globe. Innovations that would have attracted a laughter of
mockery years ago are today made possible. The world is becoming a village,
what about the villagers? Are we changing how we do things. The finesse with
which we package and deliver our ideas.
We cannot do things the same old way and expect new results. </span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It is time
we change the story. It’s time to develop other hubs in finance, in
agriculture, in sports, in arts and culture. It is time we used technology for
a productive course. To research, develop and deliver cutting edge innovations.
To build on the good of the past as we correct the wrongs of the same. To focus
on what matters most – improving our health care, food production,
environmental conservation, and creating employment. To commit ourselves to the
ideals of justice, integrity, human dignity and meritocracy. To work and create
opportunities for all so that we can develop together. To avoid avoid lonely
ascents for as John F. Kennedy wisely advised ‘you cannot protect the minority
who are rich without addressing the plight of the majority who are poor’.
Towards this we have learnt an important lesson from the older generation that
you cannot walk alone. They will differ and vehemently so but when one needs
the others support they are there to help. This we need to emulate.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We
have two major opportunities. Regional Integration and Kenya’s Devolution.
While others may see only the political opportunities to this two I see a
peace, leadership and entrepreneurial advantage. Devolved units provide us with
an opportunity to develop our leadership and professional skills, to experiment
in peace ideas but most important to nurture our innovations. Regional
integration gives us a wider platform to market our innovations and products.
When others are thinking of power and sharing the spoils of devolution, I
suggest we spend time developing inter-county cooperation that will leverage on
our county’s competitive and hence comparative advantage. So that Kwale county
seeks cooperation with Bomet county. That they will supply them with all the
nuts and Bomet will supply them with Milk. That Transzoia will produce the
Maize and Machakos will produce Fruits. Our future is in cross border
cooperation and trading. This is the conversation we need to have. That instead
of each county having all services separately, we have shared services and
facilities located on boarder areas hence reap on the economies of scale. Our
focus should be not so much on sharing wealth but in creating that wealth.
Creating conducive environments for investment.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The
future is in consolidating our efforts. Creating cooperatives and companies
that can leverage on economies of scale. It is in coordinating efforts so as to
ensure that we are not duplicating efforts. It’s in building each other’s
competitive edge so that we each shine in what we do best. The future is in
technology not as something to be happy about but as something we use to solve
our everyday problems. The future has never been brighter than when we have so
much behind us to learn from. I am hopeful for I am seeing people with
potential. Today I stand and urge you who may be seeing HOPEISNOWHERE, to just
tilt your eye and see HOPEISNOWHERE. We can be the best we ever were. We can
rise to the highest of our potential. We can do it and do it with style. And
when all is said and done, let much more be done than said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In Service to God and Our Country </span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Abraham Rugo Muriu</span>Abraham Rugo Muriu, PhDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15525505003535993951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761466585503602350.post-15322933699510991062013-01-21T11:19:00.001+03:002013-01-21T11:32:50.455+03:00What the Party Primaries in Kenya have shown us<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The last few days have seen the Political Parties nominate their candidates for the various positions in the coming 4th March Elections. The party primaries were interesting in many ways. The most positive observation is just to see parties have nominations, this for me is a good start of things to come. However, from the said nominations a number of lessons are worth noting. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">First, Regardless of how good your ideas are, you need touch with the people. Politics is 10% ideas but 90 % personal touch. People want to know you feel with them and understand their issues. Ofcourse there are places where some money did the magic (ofcourse very temporal) but in the overall those with strong grassroot touch won the day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">A second lesson is that it takes time to reform a system. Fixing the car is the easy part, fixing the driver is rather hard. It requires a hard decisions and courage to act. So no surprises that some politicians are still on the hung ups of the old system - vote buying, rigging, intimidating returning officers and causing violence. When we enacted a new constitution in August 2010, many of us relaxed hoping that it would lead to change. That has been largely challenged as MPs (a majority of them) have worked to water down any provision that would be to harsh on their old way of doing things. The celebration and rest must now end. We need vigilant people to ensure that our country is progressive. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Thirdly, is that people can only be pushed too far. This is especially when their expectations are not met and yet their support is taken as a granted. This is particularly important for those desirous of leading this great country in various positions, they must work to serve the people. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Fourthly, that maybe not all positions should be elective as it ends up attracting the most popular and not necessarily capable person. Governor is such a position that I think should have been appointed with the approval of County Assemblies. Ofcourse democracy interprated as the rule of the majority means that whoever they elect gets the position.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Lastly, is that a country is not changed online. Many of us the good professionals, elites and middle class, were very active on the social media describing the candidates </span>we thought would bring the change we desire<span style="font-family: inherit;"> but never went to nominate them. Come 4th March we have no choice but to elect from among those who have been short-listed for us. Hope we will make better choices then and give our country the leaders it deserves.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In Service to God and Our Country</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Abraham Rugo Muriu</span></div>
Abraham Rugo Muriu, PhDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15525505003535993951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761466585503602350.post-7529535539133313472013-01-07T15:01:00.001+03:002013-01-10T10:44:17.151+03:00A Fresh Start<div style="text-align: center;">
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">New Year Word at KTN Tukuza Show on Sunday, 6 January 2013<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Jeremiah 29:1-11<o:p></o:p></span></b></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">As we start 2013, it is a great moment to be reminded
that God has the best interest for us. He is good to the core even when things
are worst to the roots. He has and always will be for us. This may not look so
when we have no idea where school fees will come from, when we remain jobless
and when our business may not be doing as well as we expect. For others, it is
that everything is so good that God has equally lost meaning. We think He is
the God of the poor and we do not need Him. Yet there are those of us who want
more of Him. We want to rise higher in our devotion to God and service to
humanity. Whichever group you fall in, God’s word in this year of jubilee is
clear. In Jeremiah 29, the Israelites are in exile in Babylon and Jeremiah
writes them a letter whose content is very relevant to us in Kenya.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Californian FB"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Californian FB";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">To settle down</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> (Vs. 5) – not to take our situation as though it be a
passing wind. They are to build houses, plant gardens and eat what they
produce. We live in a world where we are always on the run from one pursuit to
another. God wants us to settle down even in our hearts that we can build a
strong relationship with Him and his people. Let us make up our minds to settle
down. That is to be ambitious with contentment and not greed. Only settled
people can build this our nation together. To settle down to the fact that our
diversity is our strength. That every person has a right to enjoy the best this
country has to offer. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Californian FB"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Californian FB";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">They are to increase in numbers</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> (Vs.6) – Marry, have children and give their children
in marriage. While this may not be literally taken as it meant to them then,
there is a desire in God that we increase. That we improve his world. That we
leave the places where we are in now, better than we found it. That we draw
more people to his loving grace. Be it in the spiritual realm, in the economy,
in politics and in all others spheres let us increase in 2013. Let us increase
in honesty, in integrity, in love, in faith, in hope and in service to
humanity. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">3. To seek the peace and prosperity of the place they are
in. To pray to the Lord for it, for if it prospers they too will prosper</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> (Vs. 7). It is interesting that their well being was
tied to the well being of Babylon. This is an equally true principle that our
prosperity is tied to the prosperity of </span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Californian FB";">our </span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">country Kenya. We see this all the time in economic,
social and political crisis - that everyone suffers when things go wrong and
that people are ‘happy’ when systems are well. We thus cannot ignore what is
happening around us for in the end it affects us. This is an election year and
we need to be involved, some to vie for positions, others to campaign but all
who have registered need to vote. This we are to engage in remembering that the
true source of prosperity is the blessing of the Lord.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Californian FB"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Californian FB";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4. <span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">To watch against the deception of the false prophets</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> (Vs. 8-9). God’s word as recorded in scripture stands
in all times. He blesses obedience and punishes disobedience – regardless of
who is involved in it. He blesses hard work and curses laziness, regardless of
who is involved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We live in a world that
has redefined what is right and what is wrong. However, this does not change
what God’s word says. We are to watch against such and also watch against being
the false prophets who give others false hopes.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Californian FB"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Californian FB";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5. <span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">In God’s time he will come and save us</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> (Vs. 10). For the exiles it would be about 3
generations (70 years) before God would take them from Babylon back to their
home in Jerusalem. For us we await in faith that God will meet our desires here
on earth. Also for the glorious day when Christ shall return to take us home.
This is the gift that God gives to those who have choose to put their trust in
Him (Rev. 21:12). <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"></span><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">For the
Lord knows the plans He has for us, plans to prosper us and not to harm us,
plans to give us hope and a future (Vs. 11). God has allowed us to see this
year so that we will be part of the solution to his world; to make his will be
done and to serve our fellow human beings. To give hope to the hopeless and to
hold the hand of the weak. To reverse the trend of getting things and using
people, to honoring people as God’s vessels of noble use. I am convinced that
God is doing a new thing and I pray that none of us will be left out. That we
will stand to be counted. To be counted among those that did the right when
others were doing the popular. Who helped the weak when others were taking
advantage. Who were honest when others were being corrupt. Who followed their
hearts conviction and stood for the truth even when it was fashionable to lie.
God has a plan for good and let us wait for indeed He is doing a new thing.
Shall we partake of it?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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</span>Abraham Rugo Muriu, PhDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15525505003535993951noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761466585503602350.post-4165422114504845862012-12-14T17:00:00.000+03:002012-12-14T17:00:12.939+03:00Youth and Kenya Vision 2030<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Youth Agenda</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Launch of Dira Yetu: Youth Priorities for the Kenya Vision 2030 2013-2017 Medium Term Plan</span></div>
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Hilton Hotel, Nairobi, 14 December 2012</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Remarks on Youth Involvement on KV2030</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">My fellow youth, ladies and gentlemen. It is my pleasure to share with us this morning. This is a great milestone for the work of the Youth Agenda in ensuring that the youth factor counts in policy decisions of this country. KV2030 work began in 2005 and was seen as a great way of advancing the gains that were expected from the implementation of the Economic Recovery Strategy for Wealth and Employment Creation (ERSWEC 2003-2007). In June 2008, KV2030 and its first Medium Term Plan 2008-2012 were launched. This was after the formation of the grand coalition government which was occassioned by the disputed presidential election that triggered violence. It is important to note that the idea of a national vision was actually started by young people. In 2003 under the leadership of the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA-Kenya), 42 young people came together and developed the Promise of Our Generation which spelt a vision for Kenya. This was picked by the government and we think it led to the conceptualization of KV2030. It is thus sad to note that the young people were not as much involved in its crafting and have been in the dark as to its provisions. This is despite the fact that it is a vision for them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It is therefore praise worthy that the Youth Agenda too the cue and in 2009 began a process of having the youth engage in the implementation of KV2030. This was with the publishing of a critical review of KV2030 by Kenya's youth. Since then they have held many public forums across the country and partnered with the key agencies involved with the implementation of KV2030. In this line I am convinced that the youth of this country have participated in laying a strong foundation for growth. engagement with KV2030 has brought a number of issues to fore. First is that while zeal for change is good; skill to design and deliver that chánge is much ´better. This has been by the call to make clear proposals on what needs to be done and how best it is to be done. Secondly is that while there should mechanisms for wealth redistribution, there is a greater and more urgent need to think about production at source. This is the concept where focus is more on identifying regional and local potentials and supporting their growth. Redistribution assumes that there is sufficient production controled by a central power (in this case the national government). Given the productive potential of young people, our focus should be more on what we can produce for ourselves in our localities and not just what can be given to us. A third lesson is that our engagement needs to be more informed, strategic and timely. This means that we need to invest sufficient time in preparing ourselves for public engagement. The opportunities we seek will be of no value to us unless we have adequate preparation. Only then can we and the people we serve enjoy our contribution. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The challenge of our generation is hence to be solution providers and not just recipients. We must role up our sleeves and engage on what we have. We need to identify our niche of engagement and give it our best. KV2030 will come to be when most of us will be at the peak of our careers and for the older ones approaching retirement. What kind of country do we want to spend our sunset years in? That is the country we should help build and am convinced that KV2030 is the way to get there. This is a responsibility we can not delegate nor abdicate without facing harsh consequences. Let us make this year of Jubilee to be our time of increased impact for generations to come. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Thank you very much.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In Service to God and Our Country</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
Abraham Rugo Muriu</span>Abraham Rugo Muriu, PhDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15525505003535993951noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761466585503602350.post-42166995023419179332012-11-30T10:06:00.000+03:002012-11-30T10:06:17.890+03:00The Coming Devolved Government: How well do we understand it?<div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;">
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"> When we go to elections on March 4, 2013 we
will be saying goodbye to our current system of centralized government. We will
usher in a decentralized government through creation of county governments.
These 47 units will have powers and functions to deliver certain public
services. They will effectively take up roles that were initially carried out
by the provincial administration and local authorities, though not all as some
will be taken up by the national government. The coming changes are immense and need wisdom in instituting them.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Kenya's devolved system bestows power in the
executive and legislative bodies in the county governments. At the top of
county government system there will be three important organs.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<ol start="1" style="font-family: inherit; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>County Executive Committee (CEC):</b> Each county
executive will be headed by a popularly elected governor and deputy governor.
The governor shall form a 'cabinet' known as the county executive
committee of at most 10 persons who are not elected in any office of the
public. Thus the CEC shall be comprised of 13 persons including the County
Secretary</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>County Public Service: </b>Below the CEC will be the County Public Service headed by the County
Secretary working working with the County Public Service Board. All public
officers appointed in the county will be recruited by this board
competitively. </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>The County Assembly (CA):</b><span> </span>This
will be comprised of persons<span> </span><span>e</span>lected from each ward in the county as well as those nominated from
party lists based on proportion of votes won. The county assembly is the
legislative body of the county. It will be headed by the Speaker working with
the County Assembly Service Board. The CA is responsible of making county laws,
policies, approving budgets and providing oversight in service delivery within
the county. County Assembly representatives are not allowed to be involved directly or
indirectly in service delivery. This is in accordance to the principle of
separation of powers. </span></li>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> Within each county there shall be various
service and governance units all of which shall be under appointed officers or
boards. This are:-</span></div>
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<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Cities and Urban Areas </b>which shall be categorized
as either City, Municipality or town. Each of this unit shall be under a
board. Such board shall have members appointed from various professions
and interest groups and they shall work on part time basis. The secretary
of the board shall be the city, municipality or town manager. This shall
be a professional officer charged with the day to day service delivery
within the specific city or urban area.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">Other areas that shall fall under
<b> sub-county</b> which shall be equivalent to Constituencies. Each sub-county will be divided into <b>wards</b> and each ward into <b>villages</b>. Each of this units shall be headed by an appointed
administrator.</span></li>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">All appointments within the county shall be
vetted and approved by the County Assembly.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">From the foregoing one observes that we have to
be extra vigilant in deciding who to elect as the county governor as well as
county assembly representative. A governor with an unsurpportive county
assembly will not function. The elected governor should be a people and
resource manager. One with a vision and clear strategy to get the county headed
to prosperity. A negotiator who can convince the county assembly, national
government and other investors to support the county. A mobilizer who can rally
people to support his policies and pay taxes to ensure efficient service
delivery. An innovator who can lead the county to great investment paths that
will see less money leave the county and more come in. A common sense thinker
who will deal with problems as they are and lead the county towards prosperity. In this we the citizens have to take up our responsibilities and demand our rights. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">This we need to do knowing that future generations will celebrate or mourn our decisions. This we do in Service to God and Our Country.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Abraham Rugo Muriu</span></div>
Abraham Rugo Muriu, PhDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15525505003535993951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761466585503602350.post-6261058904765792012-11-27T10:07:00.001+03:002012-11-27T10:07:37.601+03:00Homecoming<div style="font-family: inherit;">
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">It is great to
be back home. Now I appreciate home than even before. I have seen the said
first world and indeed its advanced. Germany is a rule based society where
efficiency and time keeping are the values of honour. Where your word is to be
trusted and where what you see is what you get. They are technologically
advanced and have very reliable public funded safety nets. Their public
transport is great and the general organization of their economy well run. They
have food for their people and shelter for all. They are a very hard working
people and for them if you cannot do it perfectly then don’t do it at all. Now
we know why Made-in-Germany is always a trademark of great worth.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">They have a good decentralized government and many
small functional cities. The land side where they produce their food and the
forest covers are well guarded. Thus most people live in the cities and towns
hence freeing land for large scale production. We found that farmers especially
for dairy, wheat and barley are among the very rich people. Those who live in
towns and cities have the possibility to hire small plots for kitchen gardens.
They thus can produce their own food...but not for sale.<span> </span>Their system of education is rather relaxed and
hence children get an opportunity to explore their interests at an early age.
They also get to specialize rather early. Most schools are public and in almost
all states education is publicly funded for all persons below age 30. Based on
the right to information principle, teachers are obliged to give pupils at all
ages all the necessary information including on reproductive health. It is then
expected that the students would make the choices that best serve them.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">All this said, what have I brought back? As as
some of you may be aware, I did graduate with a Master of Public Management
specializing in Public Policy and Administration. By the grace of God I topped
my class. I was in an international class of 26 - 2 Ghanaians, 1 Ugandan, 1
Cameroonian, 3 Egyptians, 1 Rwandese-Canadian, 1 Kosovorian-Swissish, 1
Mongolese, 1 Guinean, 1 Japanese, 3 Vietnamesen, 2 Indonesian, 1 Brazilian, 1
Argentinian, 4 Chinesen and one Kenyan. And in some classes a few Germans. This
has enabled me to get a glimpse of how the rest of the world views various
issues.<span> </span>My biggest concern is how I
translate both the attitudes, skills and knowledge that I got into productive
ideas in building our country. How do we translate the efficieny and time
management of the germans, the hardwork of the Japenese, the tenacity of the
chinese, the compassion of the vietnamese, the beauty of the rwandese and the
elegance of the ghanians just to mention but a few into practical ways of a
national lifestyle. For having looked at our country from outside, I am more
than ever convinced that attitude change is a critical starting point. The
heart of our problems is the problem of the heart. We need, starting with me,
to search and turn our hearts. From easy income to earned income. From
Godfathers to God the father. From do I know you? to are you qualified? From
just speaking our mind to minding our speech. From living for the now to living
with a vision. From just saying what should be done, to doing it. This turn
will be unconformtable at first but is definately worth pursuing. Afterall,
shall we pass out as flowers that never shined or as a clouds that never
rained?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">We have work to rebuild our country that we can neither delegate nor abdicate. Only we can do it. As we register and prepare to vote a new government at National and County level. Let us not plan to leave it to them to lead as they wish, we need to be involved. The Constitution provides a prime place for citizen participation in decision making. Let us apply ourselves to every opportunity that is there. Let us live and teach our children to live by the labour of their hands. To aim high and work hard. To seek to excel in all our ways. Let us raise the standards in our body politic and service to humanity. And when all is said and done, let the be much done than said.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Abraham Rugo Muriu</span></div>
Abraham Rugo Muriu, PhDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15525505003535993951noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761466585503602350.post-4224506833741840692012-10-25T10:48:00.000+03:002012-10-25T10:48:44.872+03:00Farewell <br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Our dear
friends. It has been a great pleasure meeting and knowing you during the 19
months that we have spent in Germany. Our only wish is that we had spent more
time with each other. When we arrived here, we little could have imagined how
fast time would fly. You have showed us great kindness and we remain forever
grateful. Our son had many of you to play with. You opened your homes but more
importantly your hearts to us. You have given us the opportunity to learn from
you but also to share with you what we knew.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Be it in the
university where we lived and studied or in the church where we shared in our faith,
you did not fail to support us. We encouraged each other to do our best and
sought God's guidance in our lives. For others we interacted in social forums
where we discussed that which concerned us most. We remain grateful to you for
helping me to see the world from other angles. We have enjoyed your beautiful
country despite the cold weather. We have enjoyed your trains and buses, your
cities and land, your bahns and bicycles. Yes ours has been an enjoyable time
in Deutschland.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Now comes the
time when we must go back home. While it would be desirable that we stay, it is
of necessity that we should go. That we should go to join our fellow country
women and men in delivering the promise of our generation. That we should go
and share with them the ideas we have accumulated during our stay here. That we
should take our son to see the great country where he was born. Some of you
have expressed your concern as to the state of our country Kenya and of Africa
at large. Indeed challenges do abound and I must not pretend that the road
ahead will be easy. But as we have suggested before the opportunities far much
out way the challenges. Our brothers and sisters have what it takes and are
making a difference for good. It will take time but it shall surely come to be. The fact that the past has been bad does not mean
that the future is hopeless. Just like you my friends, we are not so proud of
some of the pains that we have inflicted on each other through self-centred
leadership. And now that we know that which inflicts us then we are better placed to deal with it. This is the generation that shall see our country turn towards prosperity for all. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">What we ask
of you is to support our country where you can. Not much with money and techniques
but more with space and freedom to invent our solutions, make our mistakes and build our legacy. With
the encouragement and moral solidarity that seeks to bring out the best of what
we have. With fair trade conditions that
see both sides benefit. With time and patience that has been known to bring out
all solutions to bear. This we ask of you and this we shall hold ourselves to.
To build our country for the common good. To advance justice for all within and
beyond our boarders. To support the weak and encourage the faint. To be all we
can as God gives us the strength to be. We wish you well and hope to remain in
touch.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Abraham,
Faith and Amani Rugo.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Thursday,
October 25, 2012</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Abraham Rugo Muriu, PhDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15525505003535993951noreply@blogger.com1