Kenya and Africa - Keeping in touch

kenya-Afrika is moving!!!!!

2009-08-09T18:02:00.005+01:00

It's been long since I blogged here. Too, too long. Well, I'm getting back to it but with a few changes. I love blogging, however, I just cannot manage the few blogs I started with. Therefore, I'm merging all my blogs to one and moving all my blogs to my main one - Jac's Quests. In the next few months, what I'll do is blog about whatever it is I'm blogging about at Jac's Quests while I work out how to move all my posts over there. I know it can be done, just don't know how, but I'll try. So, here's hoping that you will visit Jac's Quest and enjoy my blogging about Gardening, Hair, Kenya and everything in between.

Blessings!

Jacquie X

How far will Mungiki go?

2008-02-27T20:13:00.002Z

I subscribe to greenbele newsletters and today I received this one from them. Don't know what to say. Please show your support. Follow this link for more information.

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Dear Friends and Supporters,

We would like to urge you to take two actions organised by Amnesty International to support the
peace process in Kenya and to protect Wangari Maathai and other human rights defenders.

Urgent Action For Wangari Maathai

Nobel Peace Laureate Wangari Maathai received three death threats by mobile phone text message at around 12.30 am on 19 February, which read, “Because of your opposing the government at all times, Prof Wangari Maathai, we have decided to look for your head very soon, you are number three after Were, take care of your life.”

Two people working for her received similar threats on 19 and 21 February. The threats were signed “Mungiki”, the name of an outlawed gang mainly of Kikuyu ethnicity, that has claimed responsibility for beheadings and other murders involving mutilation. Prof Wangari Maathai is a former Member of Parliament. “Number three after Were” refers to MP Melitus Mugabe Were, who was killed outside his home in Nairobi on 29 January. A second MP, David Kimutai Too, was killed in Eldoret town on 31 January.

Prof Wangari Maathai believes the threats were a response to her call for increased pressure on both President Kibaki and opposition Orange Democratic Movement leader Raila Odinga to reach an agreement to deal with the political crisis in Kenya, and for her criticisms of politicians allied to the ruling Party of National Unity.

Take Action to protect Wangari Maathai and those defending human rights in Kenya

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF ACTION FOR KENYA TODAY

27th February is a day of public and online action to demonstrate solidarity with the people of Kenya and call on the Kenyan government to protect people from politically-motivated and ethnic violence. There are street protests taking place all around the world.

Take Action for Kenya by joining public and online protests

Kenya Office: Hughes Building, 1st Floor, Muindi Mbingu Street, Kenyatta Avenue Wing, PO Box 67545-0020, Nairobi

Europe Office: Development House, 56-64 Leonard Street, London EC2A 4LT

North America Office: 4245 N. Fairfax Avenue, Suite 860, Arlington, VA 22203

Support the Green Belt Movement www.greenbeltmovement.org

Forward this email to a friend

Please let us know if you wish to be taken off this mail list.

This is funny!

2008-02-23T10:25:00.003Z

Okay, so much for a hiatus, but I had to share this - kindly stolen from Joseph with laughter.....

I bet the website owner answering has had these silly questions for so long he doesn't care about potentially offending. Those questions are stupid though - and funny!

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These questions about Kenya were posted on a Kenyan tourism portal by potential tourists from various western Countries and
were answered by the website owner.

Q: Does it ever get windy in Kenya? I have never seen it rain on TV, so how do the plants grow? (UK)
A: We import all plants fully grown and then just sit around watching
them die.

Q: Will I be able to see elephants in the street? (USA)
A: Depends how much you’ve been drinking.

Q: I want to walk from Mombasa to Nakuru - can I follow the railroad
tracks? (Sweden)
A: Sure, it’s only two thousand kilometres….take lots of water.

Q: Is it safe to run around in the bushes in Kenya? (Sweden).
A: So it’s true what they say about Swedes!

Q: Are there any ATMs (cash machines) in Kenya? Can you send me a list
of them in Nairobi and Mombasa? (UK)
A: What did your last slave die of?

Q: Can you give me some information about
Koala Bear racing in Kenya? (USA)
A: Aus-tra-lia is that big island in the middle of the Pacific.
A-fri-ca is the big triangle shaped continent south of Europe which
does not…oh forget it. Sure, the Koala Bear racing is every
Tuesday night in Koinange Street. Come naked.

Q: Which direction is north in Kenya?(USA)
A: Face south and then turn 90 degrees. Contact us when you get here
and we’ll send the rest of the directions.

Q: Can I bring cutlery into Kenya? (UK)
A: Why? Just use your fingers like we do.

Q: Do you have perfume in Kenya? (France)
A: No. We don’t stink.

Q: I have developed a new product that is the fountain of youth. Can
you tell me where I can sell it in Kenya? (USA)
A: Anywhere where a significant number
of Americans gather.

Q: Can you tell me the regions in Kenya where the female population is
smaller than the male population? (Italy)
A: Yes, gay nightclubs.

Q: Do you celebrate Christmas in Kenya? (France)
A: Only at Christmas.

Q: Are there killer bees in Kenya? (Germany)
A: Not yet, but for you, we’ll import them.

Q: Are there supermarkets in Nairobi and is milk available all year
round? (Holland)
A: No, we are a peaceful civilisation of vegan hunter-gatherers. Milk
is illegal.

Q: Please send a list of all doctors in Kenya who can dispense
rattlesnake serum. (USA)
A: Rattlesnakes live in A-meri-ca, which is where YOU come from. All
Kenyan snakes are perfectly harmless, can be safely handled and make
good pets.

Q: I was in Kenya in 1969 and I want to contact the girl I dated while
I was staying in Mombasa. Can you help? (USA)
A: Yes, but you will probably still have to pay her by the hour.

Q: Will I be able to speek English most places I go? (USA)
A: Yes, but you’ll have to learn it first

Temporary Hiatus

2008-02-22T21:34:00.004Z

I seem to have run out of steam for this blog at the moment, so will be doing the others more till I find something I'm compelled to blog about here. Kenya is still beautiful, bad things are still happening in the aftermath of all the recent violence, people are still dying, only this time more especially children *sigh*, are dying of disease due to crowding and lack of sanitation. Stories are circulating about Red Cross volunteers favouring other tribes more than others and I'm stumped, but I sure will be back with hopefully some happier, brighter blogging other than mostly negative stuff.

On a brighter note, I'm now blogging about my hair as I really want it to be beautiful and long stay natural. All afro hair owners out there know I'm not exaggerating when I say it's a challenge. Hence my decision to make caring for my hair a hobby, alongside my gardening and trying to live green.

Okay...I know, I know, I'm blogging crazy, but hey, if I feel passionate about it and want to keep track of it, blogging is my favoured way of logging progress and hiccups (and getting people to read and offer suggestions)! One of these days I'll create one big blog to incorporate all my blogs, but as I'm struggling to build a website for my business venture, I'll leave the blog for now and use what I got!

Oooh, Mashada's back!

2008-02-22T21:26:00.003Z

Unfortunately with all the hard talk, there's still some badness, though not as bad as just after the elections. I was hoping there'd be zero tolerance but I gues once established, always there huh? Still, I find myself visiting lol.

So, Mashada is down and closed

2008-02-05T22:19:00.000Z

It's about time. See, I love online communities. I visit forums which discuss my passions and interests. I find it easier discussing many issues in writing more than I do face to face. Plus, the array of people with similar interests worldwide always brings forth different perspectives, both suitable and unsuitable, which gets me thinking and choosing what's suitable for me. You just don't get this in real life, unless you've some massively impressive connections.

Anyway, my most recent addition to the numerous forums I visit fairly regularly was Mashada. An African but mainly Kenyan forum. Finding Mashada was like finding a long lost friend - kinda. Not quite, but you know... Anyway, all these people on the forum reminded me so much of Kenya. I felt like I was in Kenya when I visited the forum and joined in on discussions. I related to forumites in Kenya as I remembered the 'good old days'. I related to kenyans abroad seeing as that is what I am. However, it was soon apparent that there was hardly any moderation. X-rated contents were allowed and discussions would go on and on. Offending members were revered by some and described as funny. Offended people hardly had anyone to stand their corner and I tried but it was in vain. The offended then also became offenders when responding to others postings and it seemed this was a vicious cycle. I thought I'd ignore some people and avoid certain folders, but that wasn't as easy. Posts that seemed to genuinely ask for advice or express interest were littered with nasty comments here and there. It seemed there were many with too much time in their hands just dedicated to offend and mock. I gradually drifted away, but I kept visiting back. Then came the elections and the aftermath. Hatred seethed left, right and centre. Still, no signs of moderation as such. Something got put in place but it wasn't enough. I gave up and have not visited since December. Now I've just learnt from Global Voices that Mashada is actually down, thanks to members being mean to each other. I expected this would happen eventually as the hatred got so bad. Mashada had potential to be a great forum, but it lacked leadership - just like Kenya lacks leadership right now. Comparisons have been made between what happened in Mashada and what is happening in Kenya right now. Kenyans against Kenyans. Mashada 'leaders' tried to control things but in vain. Will Kenyan leaders realise too late that they need to take action to curb the war on each other? Thankfully Mashada can be closed. What will 'closing' Kenya actually mean to it's people?

Wakenya Pamoja

2008-02-04T21:44:00.000Z

Superb. Kenyan musical artists from various tribes perform together... 'Wakenya Pamoja' translates to 'Kenyans Together'

On a lighter note...

2008-01-26T22:51:00.000Z

''Kids in Kibera have a new game. They have fashioned their own cameras out of mud, baked hard in the sun, and run around “filming” the mob of journalists that gathers on a hill overlooking their slum each day.''

Whilst on my regular nightly Kenyan blogs surf, I came across Rob's blog via Ory's. Just loved the above (pic and quote courtesy of Rob Crilly of course) of kids in Kibera - one of the worst affected or perhaps the worst affected slums in Nairobi - turning the tables on the journalists. Isn't this just adorable? Clay cameras? Shame they are so affected by the bad things happening in Kenya right now, sigh.

Poor Kenya... :-(

2008-01-26T21:50:00.000Z

Picture courtesy of Reuters

Bad things are still happening. Not getting better at all.

Kenyans burning fellow Kenyans... Will Annan's visit do any good? God only knows. We can only hope and pray.

Yesterday we were hopeful...

Today, yesterday's hopes are crushed. Big time.

In the meantime, those killing each other are forgetting that their relatives are the ones suffering. When will it stop? Surely, enough lives have been lost? This takes Kenya back... way back! Bows? Arrows? Please put them away! Tafadhali?

More pictures.

6007

2008-01-24T00:42:00.000Z

Ushahidi local number fot text messaging (SMS).

Sending help to Kenya

2008-01-21T22:00:00.000Z

Okay, this has taken me long enough. The situation in Kenya is getting worse for many. I know January is the worst time in the year for being broke for most people, thanks to the commercialisation of Christmas, but that's a totally different post. Anyway, like many Kenyans abroad, I happen to be breadwinner for my family back in Kenya. It's not an easy task, but I just can't let my family live in poverty while I 'enjoy' my life in the UK. It is unfortunate - my brother is educated to diploma level in computer sciences and yet he cannot get an internship let alone a job. He can do software and hardware development stuff and more (excuse my lack of knowledge in techical stuff) but he needs to study more, to a Bachelors level, then if he's lucky, he may get an internship someplace that'll lead to a job and perhaps an opportunity to pursue an MSc if he so wishes to - who knows. Anyway, all Kenyan employers are asking for BScs and MScs, so his diploma is falling short of what is desired. I got so excited when Google picked Kenya as it's African headquarters but well, Vic isn't qualified enough and has zero experience, so no joy just yet!

Unfortunately, nepotism still works majorly in Kenya and it happens that my family do not happen to have the 'connections', but that's okay, the boy is driven and well behaved and as long as he's interested and as long as God has given me the strength and the opportunity to work and pay his school fees, then he'll learn - at least it keeps him busy and away from the dangers brought on by boredom, and someday he'll get something. Went off on a tangent there, excuse me....

Anyway, I was sending home some dough today to my family as I do most months for their basics and I just could not ignore the plight of the many Kenyans displaced in the violence that is the fight for democracy, sigh. I've said (to myself) so many times that 'I'm broke, I'll do it when I can afford to spare cash', but the uses for money are so many and I realised that thinking that way was probably an excuse not to give. So, I felt guilty - big time. Very guilty. It took a potential family emergency, a heavily pregnant sister who has recently been told the baby is in an awkward position and may need more medical intervention. Her husband, my brother in law happens to be in a trade majorly affected by the current issues in Kenya and cannot work, and without work, there's no pay, and all the money they saved for the new arrival they've had to fall back on. That got me thinking of the poor people displaced without homes, their living shattered, without food, clean water, even basics like sheets and blankets. I felt I had to send a small amount of cash to help. It's something I've procrastinated for a long enough time and thanks to mamamikes I was able to send the little I could afford very quickly and got a free SMS to boot. Donations are as low as £5 and mamamikes lists all that the donated cash can buy. I'm ashamed it has taken worrying for a close family member to get it to sink and take action. Very ashamed. Very ashamed. At least, and I thank God for this, all my family are all to my knowledge safe and well and have food, water and warm beds.

Another way to donate is directly to the Kenya Red Cross Society. Please, please, think about donating just a little something. Every tiny amount donated helps people like these pictured below. A blanket will go a long way in keeping somebody warm. 5 litres of water will quench somebody's thirst for a few days. Every little helps. It all goes a long way in providing the very basic for many that have no place to call home but a show ground.

Courtesy of Whispering Inn - Thank you

The following are all from Joseph Karoki who is doing a wonderful job blogging images of what is happening in Kenya right now. Asante Joseph, God bless.

Opening of the 10th Kenyan Parliament

2008-01-15T21:41:00.000Z

Been at work all day, tired but had to post about this one. The Parliament opening has been covered so well by...

Mars group Kenya
Kenyan Observer
Kenyan Pundit...

...and many others. Happy surfing!

Thank you Yahoo!...

2008-01-15T16:07:00.000Z

If this story doesn't put to shame K and his government, then I hope that at the very least it gets others openly reporting the same - perhaps then we may get the true result? Doubt it, but it's worth a hope and a prayer...

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By Shashank Bengali, McClatchy Newspapers
Mon Jan 14, 10:35 AM ET

NAIROBI, Kenya — An exit poll carried out on behalf of a U.S. government-backed foundation indicates that Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki was defeated in last month's disputed election rather than being re-elected as he claims, according to officials with knowledge of the document.

The poll by the Washington -based International Republican Institute — which hasn't been publicly released— further undermines an election result that many international observers have described as flawed. The outcome has sparked protests and ethnically driven clashes that have killed hundreds.

Opposition leader Raila Odinga led Kibaki by roughly 8 percentage points in the poll, which surveyed voters as they left polling places during the election Dec. 27 , according to one senior Western official who's seen the data and requested anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue. That's a sharp departure from the results that Kenyan election officials certified, which gave Kibaki a margin of 231,728 votes over Odinga, about 3 percentage points.

U.S. and European observers have criticized the official results, which came after long, unexplained delays in counting the votes, primarily from Kibaki strongholds. Jendayi Frazer , the assistant secretary of state for African affairs, said over the weekend that there were "serious irregularities in the vote tallying, which made it impossible to determine with certainty the final result."

The head of the International Republican Institute — a nonpartisan democracy-building organization whose work in Kenya was funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development — said the data weren't released because of concerns about their validity.

The institute contracted an experienced Kenyan polling firm, Strategic Public Relations and Research, which had done two previous national-opinion polls for the institute last year. But on election day the institute's staff found that pollsters weren't gathering information in some areas.

Institute President Lorne Craner said institute staffers weren't in all areas where pollsters were working, so they couldn't be sure which areas weren't represented. Officials at the polling firm couldn't be reached for comment, although outside experts said such data problems could be adjusted for statistically.

Craner also said he was wary of releasing the results after protests had begun, but he added that he wouldn't have released them even if there'd been no violence.

"We didn't think it made sense to put out what could be an invalid poll in a climate of great tension," he said.

The senior Western official, who reviewed partial results, described them as credible. The survey included a sufficient sample of voters from around the country, and Odinga's lead was comfortably outside the expected margin of error for a poll of that size, the official said.

"What it tells me is there was an exit poll that had one candidate with a significant lead who, at the end of the day, was not declared the victor. That seems to me to be a little surprising," the official said.

The election and its aftermath have destroyed Kenya's reputation for stability. As the country braced for more opposition protests later this week, former U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan was expected to arrive as early as Tuesday for talks with Kibaki and Odinga, although several attempts to get the two rivals to meet already have failed.

Kenyan activists called on U.S. officials to release any data that would shed light on election fraud.

"People want justice and truth. Part of that can only be attained if there is an independent inquiry into the election results, and that will need independent sources like the exit poll," said Dan Juma , the acting deputy director of the Kenya Human Rights Commission , a nongovernmental group.

The International Republican Institute's work in Kenya dates to 1992, when it led an international mission to observe the country's first multiparty elections. According to its Web site, the institute sponsors public opinion research— including exit polls— "to help strengthen political and civic institutions" in countries where it works.

For last month's election, the organization sent delegates to monitor more than 100 polling stations. Its officials initially praised voting day as peaceful and orderly, but after the disputed result they issued a statement acknowledging "serious questions about the manner in which the vote tabulation was managed."

Ushahidi = witness

2008-01-11T19:44:00.000Z

A new website, www.ushahidi.com has been recently set up for witnesses in Kenya to post their stories and upload photos of what is happening where they are. No press interviews, no tapes, no notepads - just what the mwananchi has witnessed. Things that will us and not the press. There's a phone mumber set up as well to allow for text messaging - +44 762 480 2635. A local number will be added soon. Please visit ushahidi for more details and be sure to tell your friends and family in Kenya about it.

Edited to add: Local Kenyan number - +254 711 862 149

Thanks to Afromusing for regular updates.

Report Acts Of Violence In Kenya

He names his 'new' Cabinet

2008-01-08T23:41:00.000Z

How sad! This man seems to not care about Kenya. The country he so wants to lead, whilst not addressing or even acknowledging 'his' people. How can you lead and not share? Is that not dictatorship?

These guys tell more of this new cabinet. I'd be lost without my fellow bloggers - so disappointed with the news in news channels, sigh!

Mental Acrobatics
Pea
Toiyoi
Thinkers' Room
Modo
Kenyan pundit

Check out this link... Thanks Mental Acrobatics!

On a personal victory point... I've finally worked out how to post links one can click on, so forgive my enthusiasm, lol! More to come as and when I unearth them...

Edited to add this wonderful photo blog from Joseph. Thanks Joseph!

Mama Mikes update

2008-01-05T19:51:00.000Z

I received this email (copied and pasted) from Mama Mikes. I guess many that used them recently did too, but thought I'd share...

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We are writing to you from our office for the first time in 9 days since our elections in Kenya. Only some of us could come in. One of our team members sleeps during the day so at night she keeps watch outside her home for the possible outbreak of violence in her area. Each of us has experienced frustration, pain and disbelief at our country’s situation.
Up until now, we have been unable to reply to your many emails, smss, phone calls and voice mails. We also have not fulfilled many of your orders, especially airtime orders. The overwhelming demand for airtime, forced us to prioritize how we sent the available airtime we managed to get. We sent airtime to people whose messages expressed a desperate situation. We then fulfilled orders with smaller denominations. In unusual circumstances we made unusual choices.

As of writing this email to you, there is calm in parts of Nairobi. We are now working overtime to fulfill your pending order.

If you no longer need us to continue with your order, please reply with the subject: CANCEL followed by your order number. We will refund you in full.

We remain committed to making sure we live up to your expectations.

If you have something urgent you want clarified, please call us on any of the following phone numbers:

+254-733-618-079,
+254-720-248-004,
+254-20-204-6-345

+254-722-760-655,
+254-735-371-997

Share Love. Spread Happiness.

MamaMikes
Saturday, January 05, 2007.

Leo kumepoa kidogo........

2008-01-05T10:02:00.000Z

Thank God! I's calmer today, Vic and Wills (bro and sis) are out and about in town topping up on necessary stuff and catching up at a cyber cafe. The never happening supposedly rally starts soon (again, sigh), so they'll be off back home soon.

Pau (Pg sis in Dandoch) and her family are all okay too... things are calm down her end too and well, she's staying put bless her. A woman in her house.... she assures me that although Dandora has been awful, it's mostly huko ma phase 4 and they live in phase 2. I pray it stays that way or even better, gets back to normal soon. They've been able to get supplies locally, albeit at hugely inflated prices, sigh.

My cousin and good friend Linda in Embaa reports all is good down that end, so thank God for that.

The one thing they all report is the tension and mistrust based upon what tribe one may be... even friends are now so suspicious of each other, it's sad. Why can't we just be Kenyans, rather than Luos, Kikuyus, Kalenjins, Luhyas etc and all that 'support them'?

Sadly, I've also been told that a cousin of mine has been killed in Dandora. I didn't know him, but still... I still feel it's wise not to go out during times like these. Stay indoors, lock yourself in and stay safe. Forget looking cowardly or trying to prove a point. These lives should not be lost.

The politicians really ought to sort this out ASAP. Kenya is being reduced to... well... I don't know :-(

Mama Mikes

2008-01-04T15:44:00.000Z

Okay, I don't know if others have had any problems, but I bought phone credit from www.mamamikes.com on 1/1/8 for my siblings. Well, their phones have not been credited yet? It's so out of character as mamamikes have not replied to my email either - sent 2/1/8. They are always very prompt. I'm just hoping they are okay and also bringing this to the attention of others.

Phone credits are now being sold at such inflated prices for those who can get out to buy, it's ridiculous. I share Ory's sentiment on wishing Safaricom and Celtel just sold directly by credit, sigh. If anyone knows another way, please share with me as they're all out of credo and not hearing from them is so worrisome, sigh :-(

Latest - 4/1/8...

2008-01-03T19:02:00.000Z

Well, this is a text message I got from my brother this morning, after scolding him on text for not replying and i couldn't get through to them (worries me no end!)... 'Don't worry. Sent text jana, didn't get? We're keeping safe, don't worry. Police and protesters' battle still on.. houses, cars, petrol stations on fire. No access to town, tension great XxX'

Well, at least they're safe, so thank God for that!

My sister, who lives at the other end of the city in Dandora (been seeing this place in the news and it's full of mayhem), heavily pregnant and well, has no access to hospital if she goes into labour just sent me one saying... 'things are back to normal'. I pray that's true, but I suspect she's not wanting me to worry as I've been trying to convince her to carry her family and go to my mum's house, which is where my other siblings are and is fairly safe, plus there's a hospital she can go into close by. Trouble is how to get across safely. Praying this baby stays put for now till it's well calm.....

Oh, and a comprehensive list of Kenyan bloggers covering the elections and the aftermath from Hash. Thanks Hash!

What's happening in Kenya?

2008-01-01T18:15:00.000Z

Well, I've tried the International news channels - CNN, BBC News 24 and well, they keep telling me what I've already found out elsewhere. Forums, unfortunately are so full of rumours and hurtful comments, sigh. I'll stick to bloggers like Mental Acrobatics, Afro Musing, Thinkers' Room and Kenyan pundit - they seem to have news on tap - when they get a chance to update their blogs. Follow links to the left for more news from these guys...

It's especially difficult knowing your family is right in the middle of these unstable areas, and well, I'm worried for my siblings, sigh. Simple necessities like bread and milk are harder and harder to come by, and when one gets them, prices are ridiculously inflated. I so wish I was in Kenya just so I can look after my siblings though I'm sure they're looking after themselves well - they are sensible. Most of all, I'm wishing right now that all my loved ones were here with me....

Prayers that this unrest gets sorted sooner rather than later...

Oh, and a happy new year to all.

Kibaki wins

2007-12-30T15:22:00.000Z

Bah humburg!

Still No News!

2007-12-30T10:44:00.000Z

Oooh, Kenya yetu jameni!!!! Nani anashinda?

Been waiting for results of the Kenyan elections, but still nothing! Considering I was awake till 2am, I really I'm tired and well, need a result soon.............

And.... I've just read 8 (!!!!) text messages sent yesterday (phone was in jacket pocket!) calling for a massive peaceful demonstration at the Kenya High Commission today at 11am. Can't do it as I've too much to do, plus that'll tear me away from my 'puter and my warm flat (blushes)!!!

How long does it take to get votes counted???

2007-12-29T12:12:00.000Z

It's election time in Kenya right now. People voted on the 27th. Apparently votes are still being counted. In the meantime, tensions are rising and well, violence is breaking out in some places. I just wish they'd hurry up and stop looking for ways of swaying votes. I'm not being negative here, just stating facts. And well, I won't be majorly suprised if the incumbent wins again, even though it'd be difficult to explain, but when did the big guns ever worry about looking corrupt? (Sighs and curses)

What hope have we got?

2007-10-29T23:24:00.000Z

Corruption, and yet more corruption. It's everywhere in Kenya and in Africa. It's so blatant, and it may seem like small amounts of cash exchanging hands, but damn! It's there and it's ruining lives! I watched Sorious Samura's ''How to get ahead in Africa'' and .... well, we are doomed. Africa needs help. Not in the form of money, but in the form of education. Africa needs leaders who will say no to corruption - zero tolerance is the way to go. Then maybe in 100 years, things will get better....... I'm saddened by the state of affairs, by how poor people are and the rich will still ask for bribes to treat these poor people's sick children, teach the kids at school, to get poor people into work. I've no idea how things will ever get better, but thankfully it's not all bad, and there are things to celebrate still..... Like fresh air in the countryside, and very clear twinkling stars.... And I still love Africa.

No point to this one really, just had to write about this......

Kenya and the environment part1

2007-10-15T12:37:00.000+01:00

Right, today I'm blogging about the environment as part of the Blog Action Day organised by these guys . Just jumped on the bandwagon, as I'm passionate about the environment and the consequences of our actions on it, and I thought it was a great idea for thousands if not millions of bloggers to blog about something so important all on the same day, so here goes...

On my most recent visit to Kenya (my first visit as a Green Living convert), I could not help but notice how much plastic there was everywhere I went. In the city, you shop, and automatically the shopping is packed in a flimsy plastic bag. Loads of these used bags once unusable were mostly chucked anywhere, and needless to say, there were loads all over the streets and well, it does not look pretty. Rubbish heaps that get burnt to keep the amount of rubbish down was full of them, and one can only imagine the amount of dioxins and other bad gases emitted as a result. Still bits of plastic bags were all over the place, and it's not a pretty sight! As a result, I hate plastic even more, and I hope more and more people will realise how ugly they are in comparison to beautifully woven baskets and jute bags AND cute cloth bags too!

And plastic bottles - they were all over the place as well! I couldn't help but wish there were recycling facilities where all this plastic could be recycled. Maybe there are recycling facilities, but people are not aware of them - my family were not aware of any in their local area. Most people are not aware of why the plastic would be better off reduced, reused and then recycled. By default, things tend to be reused, especially if they are being bought, due to the money saving option, but there is no conscious knowledge of the importance of doing this, and the flimsy bags which are provided free take away the need to reuse anyway, as they are not paid for.

Anyway, off I went to the countryside to visit grandma and everyone else, and well, people use battery powered electronic goods due to lack of electricity. I was struck by the amount of batteries used and chucked any which way once they were spent, and thought, 'oh dear, the lead, mercury etc!'. I mean, you just have to dig a small piece of land and you'll uncover an old battery, with the chemicals within it all spilt out and all that's left to recognise that that was a battery is the metal in it and the greyish/black powder and maybe a bit of the *eveready* logo. A good number of these also end up in the pit latrines.

Speaking of pit latrines... and this is a change of subject - I've been reading my new John Seymour book on self sufficiency, and been thinking that actually, many people in the deep countryside in Kenya are already 1/3 to 2/3 self sufficient if they have the land to tend and the animals. What I've been thinking is,the majority however are not aware that they can actually live very good quality comfortable lives that way with just a little planning and education. I mean, take grandma for instance - she has masses of land, most of it is actually very, VERY underused. She keeps cattle, goats, sheep and chickens, and grows her crops the traditional way, meaning if the rains failed, or was too much, crops fail making it necessary to buy. And when it gets so bad people have to buy, the prices are so elevated, it's so wrong, but what does one do? Either buy or starve! The majority of people are the same. With some education on maximising water harvesting, composting and manuring, correct storage etc, the vast resources would be so well used to make the average household well fed all year long.

I was telling Mr Jac earlier that I'd love to take 6 months to a year's sabbatical and go back home and get a small holding going there, and show people that it is possible. It would be a huge project and I'd have to keep a very close eye on it to make sure it works, and it wouldn't be easy, by any means at all, but it is possible. A lot of capital would be needed of course, to get the necessary things like water tanks, storage etc built, and to ensure the necessary anti waste systems are in place for catching and sanitising gray water for example and for building composting loos. Oh how I wish I was thinking this way years ago! Still, I'm young, I'm blessed with good health, and God willing in a few years time, I'll be able to realise this dream, so here it is in print. I just hope I'll have good internet access so I can log in and ask for advice from my online friends when the time comes and I'm there and I get stuck on something.

Millionaires' Mission in Uganda

2007-10-11T19:58:00.000+01:00

Well, I've watched two and a half episodes of this fabby programme, and wish I saw all of it. Basically, a group of millionaire entrepreneurs from the UK worked with the charity organisation World Vision in a little village in Uganda in order to show the locals how to generate an income from the resources they have, rather than the usual giving of money for this and that which quite frankly does not work.

Anyway, as I watched, I could not help but admire the entrepreneurs for taking time out from their business empires to help this village. I feel it's what ought to be done in most of the third world to help locals get a business head. I wasn't an easy feat by any means. What these tycoons did was great. They could have just given money, but that wouldn't have been enough. It never is. I talk from experience. Give one food to eat, they are full for a few hours. Teach them a skill and they have that to work with and they can sustain a livelihood with that. That's what these guys did. They built a hotel - not just any hotel, but one where the paying guests teach the local children the english language. They also biult a store for potatoes, and encouraged the locals to form a co-operative so they sell their produce together in bulk to buyers when potatoes are off season. They also had a water system set up, so the kids are not going miles and miles in search of water and have more time for school and kids' stuff. Other projects were undertaken too, and some were not a resounding success. Never theless, a good thing came out of the millionaires' visit, and hopefully the local community manages to carry it off and get something good going for them and theis kids.

Another thing became evident too... corruption in Africa. Shame on the officials who would rather pocket money for themselves than maintain an ambulance or even pay the electricity bills for the local clinic. This is so common in Africa, and it makes my blood boil. People put in charge of things just see it all as an opportunity to fatten their wallets and do as little work as possible. Bloody hell, most could not even keep their appointment times with the entrepreneurs! And when they arrived, hours late, there was hardly an apology, and the expressions on their faces showed disinterest! Africa does have a long way to go, and God help us and give us some good leaders not just interested in becoming filthy rich at the expence of their subjects!

GM in Kenya

2007-10-08T13:26:00.000+01:00

Why, oh why would anyone support GM when there are better and natural ways of ensuring people don't starve? I would rather the money being wasted on these studies was used to educate people on sustainable ways of farming. God help us and deliver us from Monsanto!

http://www.abneta.org/site/pages/news/news.php?newsid=278

Iryn Namubiru

2007-10-06T22:03:00.000+01:00

Another newfound, talented lady, hailing from Uganda and blessed with a very mersmerising and soulful voice. A few videos I found on youtube of her doing het thing...

Nkuweki...

Njakunoba...

Nsonyiwa...

I'm so homesick!

2007-09-22T00:45:00.000+01:00

I miss my mum, grandma, great aunts, aunties, uncles, my siblings and my cousins like mad!

Maybe I should plan a trip to Kenya pretty soon.......

It's funny how the homesickness comes in waves. Right now, if I were a witch, I'd blink and be right there with them. I was okay all day, till just a few moments ago. Madness!

Continuation of yesterday's post cut short.......

2007-09-11T18:43:00.000+01:00

An Inspirational Thought

Look Well to This Day (Anonymous, 50 B.C.)

Look well to this day
For it and it alone is life
In its brief course
Lie all the essence of your existence

The Glory of Growth
The Satisfaction of Achievement
The Splendor of Beauty

For yesterday is but a dream
And tomorrow is but a vision
But today well lived makes every yesterday a dream ofhappiness
And every tomorrow a vision of hope

The Quote of the Day

Carl Sandburg said, "Time is the coin you have in life. It is the only coin you have, and only you can determine how it will be spent. Be careful lest you let other people spend it for you."

Hoping all have had a good day, and if not, that it's better from now no ;-)

Inspirational subscriptions

2007-09-10T20:06:00.000+01:00

I like positivity. In search of it, I tend to subscribe to newsletters online from anyone I think is good at spreading positive thoughts and messages. I recently subscribed to Kickstart - published by Martin Avis. Today, this is what he posted....................

My daughter just sent me one of those emails that you
are supposed to send on to all your friends. I never do
send them on and think that whole 'if you break the
chain you'll get bad luck' is horrible.

However, the story in the email did appeal to me so
I'll reproduce it here. Without the warnings about not
sending it on!

His name was Fleming, and he was a poor Scottish
farmer. One day, while trying to make a living for his
family, he heard a cry for help coming from a nearby
bog. He dropped his tools and ran to the bog.

There, mired to his waist in black muck, was a
terrified boy, screaming and struggling to free
himself. Farmer Fleming saved the lad from what could
have been a slow and terrifying death.

The next day, a fancy carriage pulled up to the
Scotsman's sparse surroundings An elegantly dressed
nobleman stepped out and introduced himself as the
father of the boy Farmer Fleming had saved.

"I want to repay you," said the nobleman. "You saved my
son's life."

"No, I can't accept payment for what I did," the
Scottish farmer replied waving off the offer. At that
moment, the farmer's own son came to the door of the
family hovel.

"Is that your son?" the nobleman asked.

"Yes," the farmer replied proudly.

"I'll make you a deal. Let me provide him with the
level of education my own son will enjoy. If the lad is
anything like his father, he'll no doubt grow to be a
man we both will be proud of." And that he did.

Farmer Fleming's son attended the very best schools and
in time, graduated from St. Mary's Hospital Medical
School in London, and went on to become known
throughout the world as the noted Sir Alexander
Fleming, the discoverer of Penicillin.

Years afterward, the same nobleman's son who was saved
from the bog was stricken with pneumonia.

What saved his life this time? Penicillin.

The name of the nobleman? Lord Randolph Churchill. His
son's name? Sir Winston Churchill.

Someone once said: What goes around comes around.

Work like you don't need the money.

Love like you've never been hurt.

Dance like nobody's watching.

Sing like nobody's listening.

Live like it's Heaven on Earth.

[Note from Martin: The above story is a complete load
of nonsense. Fleming did grow up on a remote Scottish
farm, but he went to London to study at age 14 because
his older brother (a doctor) was already there. There
is no evidence that anyone outside his family paid his
way. Winston Churchill was struck down with pneumonia
but was treated with drugs completely unrelated to
penicillin.

Don't believe everything you read in emails!]

Insert by Jac - snopes.com dispels these fake stories, lol!

Where's the *inspirational thought?*, I hear you ask. I'll post that tomorrow. This is a good one though, albeit untrue and made up! Mr. Jac says *food's ready, go have your shower*, lol, so I'll cut this one short.........

I've had it...

2007-09-10T19:37:00.000+01:00

Okay. I've had a gentle easing into the African blogging scene, what with the music videos, courtesy of youtube. And after surfing and lurking on other African blogs, I must say I'm well impressed. whereas I blog about me, me, and a little some, these guys blog about some mega serious issues about the state of affairs in Africa. Amongst other lighter things, I hasten to add.

Wow! Somehow things don't seem so acute when read/heard on the news, and then filed away not to be looked at/heard again in passing in the future. Blogging somehow offers different views hence the *digested* news is understood more. Kinda gives a lighter take when serious stuff can be discussed and solutions offered, if possible. Sooo, no more running away from peripherally reported news, but rather embracing, disecting and thinking of solutions. Hopefully solutions are available - yikes!

I'm glad I found the African blog ring. I feel I'll become a better person for them. Okay, I sound all geeky and nerdy, but what do you expect of one off work convalescing after surgery? I've time in my hands. I can't do my gardening proper for a few weeks. So, there!

More Juliana featuring Bobi Wine

2007-09-08T01:48:00.000+01:00

A bit of Afro reggae. Not mad about reggae, but I'm fascinated by the fact these guys do it so well in Kiganda.

Juliana from Uganda - superb voice

2007-09-08T01:26:00.000+01:00

This one is a gospel song that simply says * Let me sing*

This next one I've no idea what it says, but it's beautiful still....... I found out, in a nutshell - it's about a girl putting an end to a relationship where the man is unfaithful, and she's tired of it. Title of the song is *Nabikoowa*

This song says it all for me.....

2007-09-07T23:40:00.000+01:00

Wyclef Jean sings with 2Face, Faze, and S Sultan......

I'M SO PROUD TO BE AFRICAN!!!!!!

I think I'm getting homesick. Time to plan a trip back home...

Bongo Maffin - Another great Southern African group

2007-09-07T23:19:00.000+01:00

Another very talented group which apparently sings in 5 (!) languages. I believe I've read somewhere that the members are all from different countries, but I'll confirm once I'm sure. Truly international. Okay, not quite, but you know what I mean!

I so feel this song *Kura Uone*, even though I can only pick a word or 2, lol. Enjoy!!!

I'm an African Queen......

2007-09-05T16:26:00.000+01:00

Indeed I am.

Brenda Fassie

2007-09-04T04:16:00.000+01:00

Nikupambe, nikubusu, songea nikupambe, songea nikubusu. In true African spirit, Brenda sings in Swahili - a predominantly East African Language. She was South African. Enjoy!

Vulindlela - one of Brenda's biggest hits. I love it, and will always get up and dance to it, even though I've no idea what it says, lol!

Great South African group - Malaika

2007-09-04T03:53:00.000+01:00

I was looking for 'Malaika' the song. Couldn't find a version good enough yet, but I found these talented guys........

Great Kenyan performer - Suzanna Owiyo

2007-09-04T03:46:00.000+01:00

Amazing voice and talent. My eyes are peeled out for Kisumu 100 and her version of Malaika. In the meantime, enjoy these, featuring the lovely Mbilia Bel........

Kukumbuka nyumbani - Tony Nyadundo

2007-09-04T03:32:00.000+01:00

Agombo dala marach / Natamani home vizzii! Been watching videos on youtube and getting homesick. Thought I'd get a blog going to remind me and my peeps of home. First up, Tony Nyadundo. Enjoy. Oh, yeah, I may be obsessed with blogging. Keeps me sane, lol.