Rebuilding the wall of Kenya: One stone at a time

INTERNATIONAL LEADERSHIP UNIVERSITY

Wednesday, February 6, 2013 @ 1130-1230

REBUILDING THE WALL OF KENYA AT THIS TIME

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.

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.

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?

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:

1.  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);

2.  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;

3.  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;

4.  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;

5.  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.

6.  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.

7.  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.

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.

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.

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. It starts with each of us exercising leadership as personal responsibility.  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.  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.

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.

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.

In Service to God and Our Country 
Abraham Rugo Muriu

Scenarios for the Future: Role of the Youth?

NATIONAL YOUTH SUMMIT 2013

THE SCENARIOS FOR THE FUTURE

Friday, 1^st February 2013

Abraham Rugo Muriu

Institute of Economic Affairs

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.

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.

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.

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?

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. 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....

Watch the Kenya Youth Scenarios (KEYS) Documentary

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

In Service to God and Our Country 

Abraham Rugo Muriu

What the Party Primaries in Kenya have shown us

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. 

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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 we thought would bring the change we desire 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.

In Service to God and Our Country

Abraham Rugo Muriu

A Fresh Start

New Year Word at KTN Tukuza Show on Sunday, 6 January 2013

Jeremiah 29:1-11

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.

1.     To settle down (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.

2.    They are to increase in numbers (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.

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 (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 our 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.

4.  To watch against the deception of the false prophets (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.  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.

5.    In God’s time he will come and save us (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).

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?

Youth and Kenya Vision 2030

The Youth Agenda

Launch of Dira Yetu: Youth Priorities for the Kenya Vision 2030 2013-2017 Medium Term Plan

Hilton Hotel, Nairobi, 14 December 2012

 

 

Remarks on Youth Involvement on KV2030

 

 

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.

 

 

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.

 

 

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.

 

Thank you very much.

 

 

In Service to God and Our Country
Abraham Rugo Muriu

The Coming Devolved Government: How well do we understand it?

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.

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.

1. County Executive Committee (CEC): 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
2. County Public Service: 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.
3. The County Assembly (CA): This will be comprised of persons elected 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.

 Within each county there shall be various service and governance units all of which shall be under appointed officers or boards. This are:-

1. Cities and Urban Areas 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.
2. Other areas that shall fall under sub-county which shall be equivalent to Constituencies. Each sub-county will be divided into wards and each ward into villages. Each of this units shall be headed by an appointed administrator.

All appointments within the county shall be vetted and approved by the County Assembly.

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.

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.

Abraham Rugo Muriu

Homecoming

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.

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.  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.

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.  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?

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.

Abraham Rugo Muriu