Raila: Speak On Zimbabwe

As Kenyans, we must not dare turn our heads and ignore what is going on in Zimbabwe. After the disaster that occured as a result of the Kenyan polls, Africa needs to bid farewell to jungle politics.


By Morton Saulo

Prime Minister Raila Odinga has hit out at the African Union (AU) for silence on the Zimbabwe election impasse.

The PM asked the AU to come out strongly in dealing with Zimbabwe. He criticised African leaders over their silence on the matter.

"Zimbabwe is a major embarrassment to Africa and the rest of Africa is silent. No one is talking," he said.

He added: "African leaders must lead by example and speak when injustice is done on the continent."

Raila said delaying election results for more than a month and the ruling party’s call for a re-run and a vote recount in some constituencies were not the best way to run a democracy.

Raila called on Zimbabwe opposition leader, the Movement for Democratic Change leader, Mr Morgan Tsvangirai, to take part in the presidential repeat election.

"I have asked him to participate in the re-run," he said.

Last week, Zimbabwe Electoral Commission released presidential election results after a month of waiting.

It gave Tsvangirai more votes than President Robert Mugabe, but not the 50 per cent required to avoid a run-off.

The MDC leader garnered 47.9 per cent, while President Mugabe got 43.2 per cent.

On Sunday, MDC said it was discussing the conditions under which it could take part in the re-run.

Raila spoke to journalists on Monday night upon arrival from a one-week overseas trip that led him to Germany for an eye operation and South Africa.

While in South Africa, the PM met South African former President and Nobel Peace Prize winner, Mr Nelson Mandela, and his wife, Mrs Graca Machel.

Lands minister, Mr James Orengo, Medical Services minister, Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o, and Public Service minister, Mr Dalmas Otieno, welcomed the PM at the airport.

Meanwhile, the PM has released a programme for his homecoming at the weekend.

Raila will begin the tour in Kisumu on Saturday.

Raila’s spokesman, Mr Salim Lone, said the premier would then proceed to Bondo on Sunday. The tour moves to Funyula on Monday next week.


Source: The East African Standard

Kisumu Airport To Be Expanded

NAIROBI (AFP) — A Chinese engineering firm has won a contract to renovate an airport in western Kenya at the cost of three billion shillings (49.2 million dollars), a Kenyan official said on Monday.

The China National Overseas Engineering Corporation (COVEC) will start renovating the airport in the western city of Kisumu next month, said a Kenya Airports Authority official.

The work includes lengthening the current two-kilometre (1.24-mile) runways and building a new terminal -- updating constructions from the 1970s -- to accomodate large aircrafts, the official added.

Many local airlines have suspended operations to Kisumu airport in recent years because of its poor state.

Kenya is increasingly granting contracts to Chinese firms as the two nations deepen their ties.

"Obama’s Kenyan Roots" - New York Times

Thank you Laura Coe, jennifer and chris Brannigan

To date Laura Coe has raised over $6,500 U.S. dollars for the 7 orphans that Yaw Pachi is looking after for school fees and has also been collecting clothes for children and adults, Laura has also collected towels and bed sheets. The Brannigan's who have been major contributors to this project have raised to date $900 for school fees for 7 of the orphans who will be attending secondary school next year. In addition have been promised $1,700 more dollars that should come to Sagam during the next few weeks. We would also like to thank the architect from a town called Knighton which is in Wales. He has just said that he will send 67,500 KSh. As an architect, the idea of contributing towards a brick built building on the site appealed to him. Thank you to all of you that have supported this project and may god bless you, have a sfe holiday and new year.
Cheers,
Gordon Rogo

Investing and Living: KDNC 5th Business Workshop/Kennesaw State University/Association of Kenyan Professionals in Atlanta

The Kenya Development Network Consortium is hosting its 5th business workshop in Atlanta in collaboration with Kennesaw State University and the Association of Kenyan Professionals in Atlanta (AKPA).

This workshop which is expecting very many visitors from major industries is a wonderful opportunity for professional, business and academic communities globally to meet together to collaborate and co-create sustainable mission based enterprises that have an explicit mission for promoting social, environmental, and economic well-being through their business activities, or social entrepreneurial efforts. There will be opportunity for platform presentations, poster presentations, and product exhibitions.

THE ROLE OF THE KENYAN DIASPORA IN KENYA'S DEVELOPMENT
The workshop takes place on March 22-24, 2007 in Kennesaw State University, 100 Chastain Road, Kennesaw Georgia. Conference Chair Akanmu Adebayo (aadebayo@kennesaw.edu)

TOPICS
A. Structuring mission-based enterprises to gain support. Types of enterprises may include but not limited to:

1. Energy (i.e., energy production and distribution business (e.g., KenGen. How can you participate in energy business? How can you own an energy company in East Africa? How do you finance your company?)
2. Finance (i.e., raising money from banks, stock market, understanding the Nairobi Stock Exchange)
3. Telecommunications (e.g., lessons from SafariCom)
4. Transportation (i.e., road and air transportation. Owning an airline business in Afric-pockets of profits. Running trains in Africa-the true fortune at the BoP).
5. Eco-tourism enterprise (e.g., FlamoRose, and Flamoshop. Can you be an ecotourist? What is the role of ecotoursim in human development?)
6. Food and agricultural enterprise (e.g., the Highland Tea Company. What is the role of tea in your life, and in human development?)
7. Real estate enterprise (i.e., what is the role of real estate in your life and in human development?)
8. Information and communication technologies (Telecenters, and cybercafes. How can you create a cyber business to serve the local and global markets?)
9. Medical (ie., how can you build a hospital, maternity center, pharmacy, in rural Africa. How can you sustain a medical business in Africa?)
10. Biotechnology (i.e., is Africa ready for biotechnology manufacturing? Who are the players in biotech? Who will be the winners? How can biotech be financed?)
11. Ethical business (i.e., how do we avoid the pitfalls of the constant gardner? How do we hold the giant pharmaceutical industry accountable? How do we hold Western researchers accountable for ethical blunders that they are making sometimes blatantly in Africa? How do we mitigate medical colonization by Western institutions?)
12. Media and broadcasting (i.e, how do we develop powerful media companies that create the correct image for Africa? What is the role of broadcasting corporations? How can you create your own media company focused on the positive forces in Africa? What is the role of Kenyan television networks in human development?)

B. Capital Formation Strategies

1. Role of debt financing (i.e., borrowing from the banks: What is the role of equity bank)
2. Role of equity financing through the stock market (e.g., the Nairobi Stock Exchange)
3. Role of hybrid financing
4. Attracting mission based capital
5. Role of OPIC, Ex-Im Bank, IFC, World Bank, other international financing organizations
6. Role of non-international banks and local financial institutions

C. Legal and Governance Structures

1. Type of organization
2. What is the appropriate structure for mission based capital
* Cooperative
* Corporation
* Joint venture
* Partnerships

D. Gaining political support for your mission based enterprise in a developing country Business licensing issues (e.g. GeoNet Communications)

E. Defining the market share:
a. New market creation in regions where an obvious market is lacking (e.g., Equity Bank, SafariCom, GeoNet Communications).
b. Market models for sustainability in rural Africa (e.g., the Equity Bank).


This workshop is ideal for:
A. Mission-based entrepreneurs of all levels
B. Policy makers at academic and industry level
C. Business professionals at all levels
D. University and school principals, deans and department heads
E. Chief executives in industries looking for opportunities in developing countries
F. Heads of research organizations
G. Media owners
H. Top government planners and strategists
I. International financiers/ economists
J. Exporting companies

Exhibition Opportunities at the Congress Village include:
A. Mission based entrepreneurs
B. Companies looking for opportunities to invest in developing countries
C. Banks/finance houses/lending institutions
D. International development agencies
E. International finance houses
F. Promotional production companies
G. Media organizations
H. Journals/books and magazines vendors

RABOUR SINAGA AREA (RSA) DEVELOPMENT TRUST MEETING - 25TH NOVEMBER 2006

These are the minutes from the RSA Meeting held on the 25th of November, 2006. Click here for the document (Microsoft Word).

Carolina For Kibera

Nairobi's Kibera slum is home to as many as a million people, struggling to survive in a community of tin huts, dirt roads, and garbage. To make matters worse, ethnic tension periodically boils over, adding violence to Kibera's toxic stew of poverty, AIDS, and despair.

Two Harvard graduate students are working to bring hope, health, and a little soccer to the slum, through a nonprofit organization one of them founded. The organization empowers local people by giving them the tools and support needed to improve their community and their lives.

Carolina for Kibera Inc., or CFK, was founded by Rye Barcott - a joint M.P.A./M.B.A. student at the Kennedy School and Harvard Business School - after he spent the summer of 2000 in Kibera studying ethnic violence...

Find out more about Carolina For Kibera (CFK) by clicking here.

"A Kenyan Runner Seeks Peace for Her Corner of the World" - The New York Times

"Preaching Free-Market Gospel to Skeptical Africa" - The New York Times

Call for Papers: CONFERENCE ON THE ROLE OF THE KENYAN DIASPORA IN DEVELOPMENT

Call for Papers on the Role of Kenyan Diaspora in Kenya's Development, an
international conference jointly sponsored by the Kennesaw State University
(KSU), Georgia; the Association of Kenyan Professionals in Atlanta (AKPA); and
the KDNC.

The purpose of the conference is to bring together scholars, practitioners, activists, and the general public to examine the role of the Kenyan Diaspora in Kenya’s development and to address how best to harness the potential within the Diaspora for Kenya’s national development. Participants are expected to deliver scholarly papers, workshops, short presentations, poster presentations, and oral communications....

Read more here.

Click here to see the conference flyer

RABUOR – SINAGA AREA (RSA) DEVELOPMENT TRUST (RSA-DT) MEETING HELD 29TH JULY, 2006 AT REINSURANCE PLAZA – NAIROBI

RABUOR – SINAGA AREA (RSA) DEVELOPMENT TRUST (RSA-DT) MEETING HELD ON 29TH JULY 2006 AT REINSURANCE PLAZA – NAIROBI

In attendance
1. Eng. Apollo Rogo
2. Samuel O. Siguru
3. Collins Masime
4. David Rogo
5. Regina Opundo
6. Ombaka Ogolla
7. Bon Ouko
8. Geoffrey Ochieng’
9. Ouma Ojenge
10. Godfrey Omolle
11. Araka Sogo
12. George Oluoch
13. Leonard Opundo

Apologies: -

1. Ambrose Rachier
2. Walter Odallo
3. George A. Omollo
4. Margaret Ooko
5. John Otiende
6. Margaret Radier
7. Christine Okwirry

The meeting started at 11.20 a.m. by a word of prayer from Regina Opundo thereafter
the agenda for the day were laid as follows: -

-Perusal of Minutes of last meeting
-Matters arising from the minutes
-Progress on various development Agendas
-AOB

Mr. Ombaka Ogolla was appointed to chair the meeting and the official introduction of the members in attendance followed.

The agenda were proposed for confirmation by Regina Opundo and seconded by Ouma Ojenge and then the meeting started off.



1. RABUOR SINAGA AREA (RSA) COMMUNITY WATER PROJECT

1.1 Funding

UNESCO

The RSA DT Secretary Eng. Rogo has been in constant discussions on possibilities of funding with the above. The management framework that had been suggested earlier was a matter of great concern and professional personnel to handle the same was still being sourced for. The need for self-sustainability was really a big task and Eng. Jakoyo Ogutu of Kenya Water Institute is assisting on this. UNESCO is also addressing the question of professional water management and once a technical person is identified for the project, then they would be able to come in for funding purposes.

LAKE VICTORIA WATER SERVICES BOARD (LVSWSB)

The meeting appreciated the efforts that have all through been shown by the above in funding the water project Phase II. They had released the 2nd tranche of the funding and the work on the ground is very encouraging. The problem that has been reported earlier in digging trenches was now being addressed with the local authority through the Local Chief who is trying to sensitize the community on the important of their labour in digging the trenches to the whole project. The water committee has been overseeing the progress and should be able to report back to the Development trust.

1.2 PROGRESS

The meeting learnt that the 2nd Water Tank was being built at Rabuor to facilitate the flow of water to a larger area. The old pump had been carried away for servicing and a new pump had been installed at the water source. It was however a surprise that the trenching was slow and delayed the work progress in most of the areas. The meeting however sent an appeal to the area chief to mobilize and sensitize the locals to take an active role by engaging in digging of trenches that pass through their parcel of land.

2. ROADS

A contractor had been assigned to work on Rabuor Kagutu Road that was used as a diversion during the main road construction. The DRC had assigned the contractor to repair the roads and the other residents were also appealed to take a role in repairing the other roads that could be worked on manually to improve their status. The meeting contributed towards the monthly roads kitty as shown below:-

1. Evans Siguru 100.00
2. Regina Opundo 20.00
3. David Rogo 60.00
4. Bon Ouko 120.00
300.00

3. ELECTRICAL POWER SUPPLY FOR RSA

The KPLC have shown willingness to complete the 2nd Phase of power supply and the meeting was informed that KPLC personnel had started surveying the point where the work stopped with a view of continuing the process. The local residents were urged to be humble to the KPLC and allow them to complete the work that had stalled and whoever has dispute with the former contractor should be able to address the dispute with humility and humbly such that the project cannot stall.

Mr. George Oluoch was mandated to talk to Mr. Omwenga of KPLC Kisumu office to establish the true position on who had lodged a formal complaint to KPLC as regards materials that had been stores in his homestead. The meeting asked members to discuss openly any complaint that had arisen out of the materials stores within the local homestead and urge their neighbours to be humble for the completion of the process.

4. THREE PLANTING IN RABUOR SINAGA AREA

The necessity of a tree planting day was discussed and the need was overwhelming. It was therefore resolved that contributions should be started such that tree seedlings can be transported from Webuye where Mr. Philip Diro has been willing to offer seedlings free of charge.

5. SECURITY IN RABUOR SINAGA AREA (RSA)

Security having been a great concern to all the RSA residents, the news of the gazettement of Sinaga Police Post was received in the meeting with excitement. The Patrol Base had been gazette to be upgraded to a Police Post to operate under Yala Police Station. The meeting however had concerns raised with Yala Station that had earlier been reported not to be responding quickly to issues raised on security lapses. The RSA Security Committee was urged to address some of the concerns with the relevant authorities and Mr. George Oluoch was incorporated to the Security Committee. The Committee now comprises:-

1. Mrs. Margaret Radier
2. Owit Ogos
3. Geoffrey Ochieng
4. Odaga Masime
5. Otieno Siguru
6. Isaac Okoth (advisor)

The earlier planned security meetings with the DO and DC as regards security issues within RSA were still encouraged and should be arranged urgently.

7. EDUCATION OF BRIGHT CHILDREN IN RSA WITH PROBLEMS IN RAISING SCHOOL FEES

The treasurer updated the meeting on the exchange value of Dr. Rogo’s Education contributions of $200 to be equivalent to Kshs.13, 200/-. The Education Committee was taken to task to hold an urgent meeting to start sourcing for the girls whom Dr. Rogo had expressed willingness to educate through the secondary education.

8. ACQUISITION OF PLOT FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE

The position with the parcel of land acquired at Sinaga was still not very clear at the meeting. Mr. Ernest Were had been written to an d he has not responded so far. The meeting asked Mr. Geoffrey Ochieng to get in touch with Mr. Were such that a position can be found for the transaction that had already started and needs to be concluded soon. The need for more plots was still necessary for Community Development Services.

9. RABUOR SINAGA AREA COMMUNITY FUND
(MICRO FINANCE)

The meeting still encouraged members to purchase shares from the Community Fund and boost the fund’s share capital. The meeting also requested Mr. Rachier to study the Micro Finance Bill and be able to advice the meeting on its effect on the Community Fund.

The Community Fund has a link A/C.

RSA Community Fund
A/C. No. 132 129 358
Kenya Commercial Bank – Kisumu West (Luanda Branch).
Address: P O Box 719 LUANDA, KENYA
Tel: 057 – 351504

The Fund has been very supportive to the local peasants who access banking facilities and small loan for their small business needs. Money transfer has also been possible to make easier payments at home while you are away in other towns.

10. RSA COMMUNITY POLYTECHNIC

The concern earlier in the meeting was still the same, the Polytechnic Committee has not been updating the Trust on its activities and development so far. With the harambee done on the Polytechnic site on 22nd July 2006 that raised Kshs.520, 000 the Trust felt it was necessary to start serious involvement in the Polytechnic affairs and the Trust suggested that the Polytechnic Committee chairman be summoned to the Trust meeting to explain some of the concerns raised. Mr. Siguru was to communicate to the Chairman of the Polytechnic Committee and give a date that he should join other RSA members in their monthly meetings. The position would be reviewed in the next meeting. In view of the Trust involvement, Mr. Ouma Ojenge was seconded to the Polytechnic Committee to join Mr. Siguru who had earlier been suggested to join the committee. The two would be facilitating reports on the Polytechnic Development to the Trust in the meetings.




12. RSA CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT GROUP (RSA – CDG)

The meeting having learnt that the Community Times Publications had stopped wanted to have elaborate discussions with the Editor Mr. Okinda. Mr. Okinda was in a position to explain how this has happened and what the problem was. Hew would also be expected to furnish the Trust with all the inventories of their assets, liabilities and a possible way forward for the editorials operations and the future to the same. The Trust suggested that in future every project done under the Trust should be subjected to through audit and in this respect an audit team was appointed to audit all RSA activities periodically and structure for such audits would be put in place.

The team comprised:-

1. Mr. George Oluoch
2. Mr. Godfrey Omolle
3. Mr. George Apiyo Omollo
4. Mr. Leonard Opundo

An Audit structure would be worked on in the next meeting.

13. TELECOMMUNICATION FACILITIES IN RSA

The meeting learnt from Mr. Ouma Ojenge who in charge of RSA Telecommunication that wireless telephone lines would soon be launched. These are fixed line that operate like a mobile phone though only covers a certain radius in distance. The launching of this telecommunication facility would be done soon; Mr. Ojenge would keep updating the members of the development in the facility in the next meeting. The fixed line telephone facility is still available to RSA residents and those interested should follow up with the Kisumu Telkom offices.

14. INSURANCE POLICY COVER FOR RSA – DT MEMBERS

The meeting reminded all those who had not renewed their membership in the group to do so. The concern raised by Dr. Rogo could not have been discussed elaborately due to the absence of Mr. Nelson Rogo who had handled the cover on behalf of RSA.

The issue could be re-visited in the next meeting should Nelson Rogo attend.

15. YOUTH DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES IN RSA

As had earlier been reported, the mobilization assignment is still on and the Workshop to sensitize the youth would be called when the mobilization is through. The Youth Development activities would be reported on as soon as they become achievable and Mr. Siguru is working with an able youth team to facilitate the objectives. Progress would be reported as they prove realistic.

17. ESTABLISHMENT OF CO-ORDINATING OFFICE

The hindrances to the above were due to limitation of resources therefore members continued the voluntary contributions towards running the secretariat as shown below:-

Contributions

1. Ouma Ojenge 50.00
2. Godfrey Omolle 50.00
3. Eng. A. Okello Rogo 200.00
4. Bon Ouko 50.00
5. Geoffrey Ochieng 100.00
6. George Apiyo Omollo 50.00
7. Evans Siguru 50.00
8. George Oluoch 100.00
9. Ombaka Ogolla 50.00
700.00
18. RSA WELFARE CLUB

The meeting raised Kshs.3, 700 towards the RSA Welfare Club, the details of the contributions would be provided by the Secretary to the Welfare Club Mr. Ouma Ojenge. The Welfare Club encouraged monthly contribution of Kshs.500/- and Kshs.100/- membership paid once from members for faster mobilizations of resources to allow the club to invest in shares at Nairobi Stock Exchange. This was a programme initiated by RSA/DT to cater for individual members’ welfare and the structures are still being worked on depending on how contributions are recorded.

19. AOB

Mr. Bon Ouko reported having made efforts through the Ministry of Education and Sagam Secondary School received Kshs.150, 000/- to equip the School Laboratory. He promised to continue following up for more funding from the Ministry for purchase of school equipments. The meeting thanked Bon Ouko and encouraged him to pursue further funding to other schools within RSA.

The Secretary Eng. Rogo asked the Welfare Club Secretariat to furnish the members with an up to date position of the contributions and memberships of the Welfare Club in the next meeting.

19. DATE OF NEXT MEETING

The next RSA meeting was fixed for Saturday 26th August 2006 starting at 10.00 a.m. Venue, Reinsurance Plaza 7th Floor (Rachier & Amollo Advocates Offices) Nairobi.

"Obama in Africa" - Chicago Tribune

"Here's how Obama can help" - The Nation

"US politician given reception fit for a king in Kenya visit" - The Nation

"Kisumu comes alive with heroic welcome for American senator" - The Nation

"Obama Promotes HIV Testing in Kenya" - The Associated Press

Kenya Is Not A LDC

Kenya is the only country in the region that does not appear on the list of Least Developed Countries (LDC), according a report released on Thursday by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development...

Read more here.

Obama Returns...

RABUOR-SINAGA (RSA) UNESCO REPORT

Click here to read the full report

Dholuo Rap