USA & Kenya: 120 KENYA BUSINESS DELEGATES COMMING TO MIAMI
Dear Everyone
About 120 business delegates are coming to Miami for a business fair organized by Florida Enterprises. It would be a great idea if they could meet with the diasporans. Kindly let me know if you live in the Miami vicinity and would like to meet them. I will give you the details, right contact and will also attempt to include you among those who would like to have a one on one with them. Feel free to contact me.
Dr. Barack Otieno Abonyo
Associate Professor of Pharmacology
College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Florida A and M University
1415 Martin Luther King Dr.
Tallahassee Fl, 32304
Tel:850-561-2553
850-339-4806
Kenya: The Clock is Ticking Away when The Big Brother and the World are keenly Watching; Compensate all Nyayo-era victims of torture and then prosecute Moi
Folks,
All is well is what ends well.
We have keenly taken stock of what has failed Kenya all these years. We know who the enemies of Kenya and Kenyans are, those who are determined to fail Kenya But, we have faith and trust in the two Principles’ Leadership (President Kibaki and PM Raila), we believe they will deliver the much awaited Reform Agenda through the Referendum in August 4th 2010.
We have faith that the New Constitution will pave ways for a New Era for “The Kenya We all Want” that which we will be proud of.
We also believe majority Kenyans are tired of living a wasted lifestyle. It is time for CHANGE and REFORM in a forward strategy development agenda for progress and prosperity.
It is time Kenya must show the world that "It is Ready for the World" in Economic, Social and Political challenges and competition, that which will provide a balance and make the Universe a better place to live in Unity, Peace and Love, caring and sharing for each other and preserving nature as was purposed by God upon creation.
Big brother and the world are all keenly watching the unfoldings in Kenya as the time keeps ticking.
This will be an opportunity for President Kibaki to offer and deliver a special gift to Kenyans. He will have broken the cord of the Devil which has been holding Kenya backwards and has kept Kenya behind from achieving its development worth, a sorry and truely sad-state-of-affair.
For many years, Kenya has remained sunk into bottomless deeper in oppression, corruption, impunity and in depleting poverty which has caused Kenya to remain behind in their development agenda strategy. This will now remain behind us.
President Kibaki will have in essence delivered true and real "Freedom" to the people of Kenya to mark the dead end of the long, hard and strenuous journey for Kenya’s freedom. Consequently, this move will begin to heal the broken hearted and be able to make history that which will be remembered by all Kenyans for very many years to come. A very memorable record will then be set on the Books of the World History of Fame, that which will have been made in Kenya, following with the rest of Africa in general.
We also noticed President Kibaki has already declared August 4th a holiday for Kenya. Surely this holiday is worth Celebrating in a big-big way. May I take this opportunity to request for a chance on behalf of all Kenyans, sympathizers, friends and foes to provide a moment for “Shake the Leg”? I believe it is prudent? This will suffice for an immediate antidote, a sure way to begin to forget and heal.....Spread the Word people, because, Ni Dawa !.... Let us all CELEBRATE.
We will all value, cherish and celebrate the month of August 4th in a couple of many ways, not forgetting that, the August 4th is also a Grand Memory Birthday of President Barack Obama, and for this, President Kibaki will have given Kenyans a privileged opportunity to appreciate and honor the Son of a herdsman from Kogelo "The Pearl of Africa" The President of United States of America in style. Glory to God, what a Blessing!
Seeing all women come out to soldier, I am already in a good mood. I must therefore, in advance take this moment of relief and offer appreciation, sending a word of “Thank You” to all from the bottom of my heart. Those who participated in all other ways and means to assist, those who pulled and help put all these activities together to a fruitful end, the push and shove of all kind that brought us this far, with those who stood by me in breathtaking moves, including those who acted in spar of moment upon the sound of the voice of alarm from the wilderness, to all partners and sympathizers, with those who diligently worked on their own volution, doing their own things which they know how that which contributed in part, as a result which has brought us this far, and in the most weird moments in upscale, deserve to be thanked.......and I thank you all.
Most sincerely, I must say, you deserve Kudos President Kibaki! Because of you, we are in a FREEDOM CORNER.
At such times, therefore, when Great Things are about to happen, many are called home to God, BUT, I humbly Pray to God to let me and my family with all those who are in the struggle, have a chance to see and feel the beautiful moment of the end of this Wonderful Story of The long Journey for Struggle of 50 years for Kenya’s True Independence.
I am looking forward to seeing a situation where the People of Kenya will be in command to make things happen for purposes of Sustainable Development where in Partnership with the Government, and under the New Constitution will provide Good governance with improved Legal Justice dispensation, where Public will Demand for their needs and provide directions to their legislators for service delivery, while focusing on how they wish to be governed, within the code of Ethics Rules of checks and balances, transparency and accountability, Responsibility and Commitment in a shared Public Services delivery. Or else, lazy leaders will be re-called back for poor performances ............This will in essence be a journey to a success story of True Reform Agenda achieved within time frame ..... proving the fact that, in Faith, “Yes” it can done People ! ……
Let us not relax, the struggle is not over, we must continue to endeavour in close watch and observation for the best of results..........
So Go Vote "YES" on the Referendum Day for a New Beginning.....
Cheers !
Judy Miriga
Diaspora Spokesperson
Executive Director
Confederation Council Foundation for Africa Inc.,
USA
http://socioeconomicforum50.blogspot.com
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Compensate all Nyayo-era victims of torture and then prosecute Moi
By PETER WANYONYI
Posted Thursday, July 29 2010 at 18:39
In a welcome departure from the norm in Kenya’s Judiciary, a Nairobi court late last week awarded compensation to 21 Kenyans illegally tortured and detained without trial by former President Moi’s regime.
The compensation comes late: the cases were first filed in 1988, and other cases with similar complaints are still pending in court, while seven earlier cases were concluded last year, with Lady Justice Roselyn Wendoh awarding the victims compensation of Sh1.5 million each.
Allegations of torture at the hands of Mr Moi’s corrupt regime have been made many times – indeed, many contend that Mr Moi did not stop at torture, but that his regime murdered opponents seen as a threat to its survival.
Even hard-boiled pro-democracy activists like Kiraitu Murungi and Gitobu Imanyara – who was the lawyer in the latest case involving these allegations – had to flee into exile when Mr Moi’s security men turned the heat on.
It came as a massive relief to Kenyans when Mr Moi’s Kanu was soundly defeated during the General Election of December 2002.
A line was quickly drawn under State-sponsored torture, as President Kibaki threw the infamous Nyayo House torture chambers open to public tours, and then closed forever.
That was the first step – closing the doors on an unfortunate chapter in our recent history.
It surprises no one that torture and political repression to this extent occurred under Mr Moi’s regime, a period in Kenya’s history that will not be forgotten quickly – such was the repression, economic retrogression and ethnic discrimination under the ruthless regime.
Few were surprised when Mr Moi’s motorcade was pelted with stones as he left President Kibaki’s swearing-in ceremony after the 2002 elections.
The courts, in awarding compensation to the victims of torture, have taken the second step in righting this massive wrong against the people of Kenya.
The compensation is not much, and can never make complete restitution for the evil visited on these Kenyans for merely standing up for what was right.
It is a mere recognition that the State – and Mr Moi, with whom the buck ultimately stopped – were not just wrong in doing what they did, but actually committed criminal offences against Kenyans.
These are people sworn to upholding the Constitution, but who went ahead to arrest, maim, imprison and murder citizens who had done no wrong.
This is why the third and final step in this process is vital. It is not enough for the courts to merely recognise that crimes were committed against the victims of torture by the State.
The responsibility for these crimes must be apportioned accordingly, and criminal justice procedures should be instituted against the perpetrators.
Mr Moi left power eight years ago after the ignominious defeat of his protégé, Mr Uhuru Kenyatta, by a coalition of then-opposition politicians and civil society activists.
These people had clearly had enough of his regime’s evil ways.
To President Kibaki’s credit, Mr Moi and his regime’s goons were largely left alone after they were turfed out of power, to the extent that some of the former president’s most loyal acolytes – like Mr William Ruto – even found their way back into government as ministers.
To no one’s surprise, Mr Moi is opposed to the proposed constitution, a document that is strong on the very civil liberties that his regime ruthlessly curtailed.
Indeed, the people who were closely associated with Mr Moi during his ruinous reign – such as Mr Ruto – have also come out against the draft. No surprise there.
It is, however, amazing that none of the politicians in favour of the document have pointed out this consistency.
Mr Moi’s regime was always against respecting the rights of ordinary citizens. It naturally follows that he would be opposed to a constitution that actively seeks to protect those rights.
In the quest to entrench civil liberties, it is crucial that the abusers of such rights – past or present – be brought to book.
This is why the Attorney-General, Mr Amos Wako – or his successor – should open criminal cases against Mr Moi and his erstwhile government’s associates, for the torture of the victims that were recently awarded compensation by the courts.
Anything less than that is unacceptable.
Mr Wanyonyi is an IT professional working in the Middle East. (pwanyonyi@gmail.com)
Kenya: A Summary of Gains in the Draft Constitution.
From: odhiambo okecth
Dickens has done us proud with this analysis.
But before I make my comments, I want to thank all those friends who have wished me a Happy Birthday on Facebook and via Email. I am humbled by your wishes.
Now, I also have 10 points to supplement what Migosi Mitawia has posted;
1] This was a negotiated document. We have taken long in these discussions, negotiated at every stage, and time has come for us to move to the next level; vote. Like Hon Martha Karua said in In the Constitution on NTV yesterday, we cannot start negotiating again with people we had negotiated with and betrayed the outcome of our negotiation. What will convince us that they will not backtrack again. The time is now to vote YES.
2] This document stamps its authority on the election dates. We all know how Mzee Moi used to use that as a secret weapon. Never again will someone else do that. The time is now to vote YES.
3] The document has set a sailing on the number of Cabinet Secretaries. It has also introduced a veting system for such appointments. Never again will a President saddle us with illiterates to help him run down a country like Mzee Moi did. The time is now to vote YES.
4] This document has streamlined our political transition. Never again will people be sworn into office in a hurried manner and at night. The time is now to vote YES.
5] This document has addressed the emotive land question and the land grabbers have nowhere to hide. The time is now to vote YES.
6] The document has introduced ethical standards into leadership. What else would we need after seeing all those wasted years of yore? The time is now to vote YES.
7] This document introduces Judicial accountability and we all know how the Judiciary has been used to water corruption and bad governance. The time is now to vote YES.
8] Reform is something that has been on our lips for such a long time. This document entrenched reforms into the institutions of governance more so the Judiciary and the Police. Who does not need that? The time is now to vote YES.
9] For a long time we have been saddled with incompetent MPs. This document introduces a recall clause which will enable us to do just that. The time is now to vote YES.
10] Lastly, for the first time, we are enabled to initiate a process that will lead to ammending any part of the constitution that we feel is retrogressive. What else do we need? The time is now to vote YES.
These analysis have been enabled by the resolve of Otieno Sungu in the midfield, Evans Machera as a striker, Elijah Agevi as a defender, Dickens Mitawia was coaching and Odhiambo T Oketch in the Central Command. This was our voluntary service to Mother Kenya.
Peace and blessings to you all.
Oto
Green Central Command
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--- Dickens Mitawia wrote:
Dear Kenyans and People of Goodwill,
In the next few days, Kenyans shall go for a historic referendum to usher in a new constitution. In keeping with our structured analysis of the Draft Constitution, find attached herewith a Summary of what I consider to be the gains that the new Draft brings to the table. The list is not exhaustive but picks out the most prominent aspects of the gains.
Thank you and Peace as we move to exercise our constitutional and civic duty.
A SUMMARY OF THE GAINS THE PROPOSED CONSTITUTION BRINGS TO THE TABLE.
The independence constitution that was negotiated in Lancaster ’s House vouched for a parliamentary system of government. Indeed Kenya gained her independence with a parliamentary system of government.
After some short seven months or so through some hurriedly passed constitutional amendments, we adopted a presidential system of government and our problems began.
Fast forward, agitation for multi-party democracy in the late 1980s and 1990s was on the basis of governance run amok. The executive arm of the government became unbearingly repressive, fundamental rights became non existent and the other arms of government to wit, the judiciary and the legislature became a twin marionettes to the whimsical designs of the Executive.
At its height, it was impossible to draw a line between KANU the political party and the state.
In substance, what drove the desire for reforms was bad governance supported by bad and/or weak laws. If the early reformists thought that the repeal of section 2A of the constitution was a breakthrough, they were in for a rude shock.
A brain-storming session for plan B at Ufungamano House in the early 1990s resolved to agitate in earnest for the overhaul of the constitution. The draft of 6th May 2010 represents a long and torturous journey and ultimately the closest Kenya is coming to enacting a new constitution after nearly 2 decades of agitations.
Let us, against that broad background, examine the gains that this draft stands to bring when it is passed.
1. This is by far the most people-driven, publicly discussed and inclusive draft. Whilst the draft borrowed heavily from the previous drafts, it was still subjected to the citizens’ comments by the COE. Of course not everybody’s desire would find its way therein.
2. One of the gains made herein is on the principles of governance and national values in Article 10 of the draft. This Article gives focus and acts as a guide to the Executive, Legislature and the Judiciary in formulating policies and in the act of governance.
3. Dual citizenship is a major gain in the draft. This was an issue whose lobby started three decades ago.
4. The entire Chapter 4 on the bill of rights is a major plus in the draft with a clear stipulation on when the Executive can interfere as envisaged in Article 58. For the first time, the Executive is not given a blank cheque on the declaration of the state of emergency. The requisite safeguards have been put in place.
5. Land and environment as a substantive resource has been given prominence in Chapter 5 of the draft. Taken positively, the government is expected to use land to spur economic growth rather than to promote political thuggery and demagoguery and perpetuate economic mediocrity.
6. The three arms of government have been streamlined in Chapters 8, 9 and 10 with the necessary safeguards in place. There are defined roles and independence in the operations of the arms. The greatest gain is on the financial independence of the Judiciary. The recall clause for non-performing Mps is a plus. Whilst it may initially be abused, the long-term benefits far outweigh the mischief that will be played out.
7. The devolved Government literally brings economic and political empowerment closer to the people. For the first time the local community will identify their felt needs and with at least 15% of the national budget at their disposal, the gains will be determined by the residents of the respective counties.
8. Equitable sharing of national revenue is clearly spelt out in Chapter 12 with clear stipulations. Issues of marginalization of certain areas are clearly checked.
9. Amendment of this constitution has been made stringent to avoid the kind of shenanigans that marked the first 10 years of the present constitution. This is a major gain.
10. The draft tends to bring to the fore a government that will be accountable to its citizens. With this accountability, loopholes where corruptions thrived will gradually get sealed and the country’s resources will be used to strengthen and empower the factors of production.
I wish to state that a good law is one that is generally accountable to the majority of the people and can stand the test of time. Individual and collective needs will always change.
Amendments will thus be done when need arise without compromising what constitutional lawyers call the basic structure of the constitution.
The overall mood of this draft is that it contains what unite us as a country more than what divides us.
Thank you and God bless Kenya .
Mitawia Dickens
USA & Kenya: Green vs Red is Obama’s new headache
from John Maina
http://www.nation.co.ke/Referendum/Green%20vs%20Red%20is%20Obamas%20new%20headache/-/926046/967312/-/item/0/-/y6al0dz/-/index.html
Poor Obama! -- the conservative extremists in the "NO" party in America and the "NO" camp in Kenya have vowed to frustrate his goals. However, I predict victory in Obama's efforts to make both Kenya and the US more progressive. Let us celebrate Obama's birthday on August 4th with a "YES" Green vote while we usher in a new constitution.
Yes we can!
JM.
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Green vs Red is Obama's new headache
Kenya’s quest for a new constitution has stirred American politics yet again, with 42 congressmen stopping short of calling on Kenyans to endorse the proposed law in next week’s vote.
The 42, who are members of the Congressional Black Caucus, allied to US President Barack Obama, criticised their colleagues and non-governmental activists who have sided with the ‘No’ camp.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the congressmen described the involvement of foreign organisations and American lawmakers in the referendum campaigns in Kenya as “shameful” and “harmful”.
“We, as members of the Congressional Black Caucus, strongly support the people of Kenya in their efforts to maintain peace and promote democracy,” the group declared. “The referendum on a new constitution is an important measure in meeting these objectives.”
“Unfortunately,’’ the statement added, ‘‘there have been foreign organisations and individuals who have engaged in a shameful and harmful campaign to derail the constitutional reform process,” the African-American contingent declared.
It says the critics had misconstrued both the nature of the Obama Administration’s support for constitutional reform and the content of the draft constitution.
Kenya’s profile in the US has risen since Mr Obama, whose father was Kenyan, became president. Mr Obama’s conservative critics have accused him of using American tax payers’ money to finance the ‘Yes’ campaign. Some of them have responded by working to frustrate the passage of the new laws.
Pro-life groups’ funds
The Black Caucus specifically attacked “American pro-life groups [who] have financed several Kenyan churches to defeat the proposed constitution because of a provision on abortion.”
The US pro-life groups, the congressmen charged in a statement, were behind the push to include a clause on abortion in the proposed constitution and were now financing churches opposed to the new laws.
“These foreign elements deliberately misrepresent what is in the constitution in the hope of galvanising an anti-abortion movement across East Africa,” the statement adds. “The draft constitution simply does not authorise abortion on-demand, and to state otherwise is misleading.”
“It should be clear that the constitution was written by Kenyans and for Kenyans. Parties to the drafting process have carefully weighed in to ensure that the constitution, among other provisions, balances right to life, respect for existing laws and programmes, and consideration of environment.”
The Black Caucus was responding to claims by three Republican congressmen who have accused President Obama’s administration of spending at least Sh1.8 billion to support the ‘Yes’ side.
Congressman Chris Smith has been behind a campaign to question the use of US taxpayers money on the Kenyan constitution stating that even though Washington had pledged to give $2 million (Sh160 million) to support civic education, the figure had risen to $23 million (Sh1.8 billion).
“There is no doubt that the Obama Administration is funding the ‘Yes’ campaign in Kenya,” he said. “By funding NGOs backing the ‘Yes’ votes, the administration has crossed the line,” he said. “Directly supporting efforts to register ‘Yes’ voters and ‘get out the Yes vote’ means the US Government is running a political campaign in Kenya. US taxes should not be used to support one side,” he added.
Congressman Smith provided a list of organisations that had benefited from the money channelled through the United States Agency for International Development (USAid). Vice-President Joe Biden and the US embassy in Nairobi have refuted the claims.
The Black Caucus also criticised US anti-abortion NGOs that have admitted channelling money through churches to defeat the proposed constitution on grounds that it allows abortion.
Even though the proposed constitution declares abortion illegal, it gives a window to “trained health professionals” to procure an abortion should the mother’s life be in danger.
Donations to defeat draft
Three weeks ago, an American-based group told the Sunday Nation that it was working through its office in Nairobi to tell Kenyans that the proposed constitution would allow abortion on demand.
Mr Jordan Sekulow of the American Centre for Law and Justice, said the organisation had donated tens of thousands of dollars to help defeat the draft.
The centre is a non-governmental public interest law firm founded in 1990 by controversial televangelist Pat Robertson, well-known in Kenya for his programmes on the Christian Broadcasting Network.
USA & Kenya: Report from the Interim Kenya Diaspora Committee
Robinson Gichuhi sent a message to the members of DIASPORA MOVEMENT OF KENYA [DMK] - TEXAS CHAPTER.
Robinson GichuhiJuly 30, 2010 at 2:38am
Subject: Report from the Interim Kenya Diaspora Committee
TODAY JULY 30, 2010, the Interim Kenya Diaspora Committee [KDC]will make its report on the assignment it was given by the people. The interim officials and team will do so on the air - East Africa Radio USA.
To listen go to: http://www.facebook.com/l/97d4aaV9UxU-0djiW3MHpTDaYWQ;www.blogtalkradio.com/denzel-musumba
The show starts at 6:00 pm United States Eastern Standard Time and ends at 9 pm United States Eastern Standard Time.
For US callers: To make comments, please call 347 857-1206 at any time during the program.
For Non-US callers, please add "denzel.musumba" to your Skype Contacts ask him to tag you live to make a comment. Thank you for your participation.
For more information, plse go to http://www.facebook.com/l/97d4aJPicVANaeCfdiIid62A38g;www.kenyadiasporacommittee.org
Kenya: God has given us this chance
From: odhiambo okecth
General,
His Excellency the President was not lamenting. He was stating facts.
There can never be 100% consensus as the NO People want us to believe. Each of the 40 million Kenyans will have one or two areas they would like looked into. The President, being one of us also has one or two issues he would like to be looked at.
If we all want to present our one or two issues to be looked at, when will we move forward and start focusing on more important issues of National Development?
This is why we are being honest with Kenyans, and a mechanism for looking at those one or two issues has been ingrained into the document we will be voting YES to on 4th August.
You have the choice; vote NO and be part of the 8% anti reformers, land grabbers, and people who brought Kenya to where we are trying to come from now, or, vote YES and you will be ushered into the Kingdom of God where he will parade us as having done the right thing for Kenya at the right time.
God has only given us this one chance; He never gives a second chance.
Peace and blessings as we all go Green on 4th August.
Oto
Green Command Centre
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--- Elijah Kombo wrote:
The Proposed Constitution is President Kibaki's legacy to Kenyans after serving two terms. Firstly, he failed to deliver the constitution in 100 days as promised. Secondly, he never honoured the MoU and thirdly, he was the President during the 2007 Post Election Violence. And now the Constitution is President Kibaki Project to leave a long lastign legacy!
While addressing residents in Kisii, the President said that he is unhappy with the number of counties but asked resident to vote YES. The big question is why the President is lamenting on the document he is vigorously campaigning, and even marshaled civil servants to leave their offices to go and root and loot for the proposed constitution?
Its unfortunate that the NO brigade have been locked out of Kisii stadium, a backward move of vote buying and incitement from the YES!
kOMBO eLIJAH
Kenya: fisheries
KSHS 144V MILLION FOR RESTOCKING NILE PERCH WITHIN E.A STATES
By Agwanda Powerman
Nyanza Provincial Fisheries Director Michael Obadha is saying that the three East African states sharing Lake Victoria have contributed kshs 144 million aimed at restocking Nile perch in the lake.
He at the same added that each state is contributing Sh. 48 million for the project dubbed ‘operation to save Nile Perch’.
Obadha says that the funds were channeled through Lake Victoria Fisheries Organization based in Jinja Uganda .
He says that current survey report indicates that there are plenty of juvenile Nile Perch and fewer adult Nile Perch.
He says that the trend forced the three states to join efforts in conserving the depleting Nile Perch stock since the species has done well in the global market.
Obadha says that in the next two months the three states will mount a joint operation to weed out illegal fishing gears in the lake that have been used to eliminate juvenile Nile Perch.
Speaking in Kisumu pier after a night operation in the lake that show over ten illegal nets being confisticated from the fishermen, Obadha says that the war on illegal nets will continue unabated.
Ends.
Kenya: The real challenge is ahead starting 2012
Gentle people,
For 24 years, we, Kenyans kept in office Moi while aware that he was plundering, abusing our rights with impunity and promoting cronism. The legal fundamentals that he applied to maim and torture as enshrined in the current constitution. But it is the same constitution that Kibaki has applied and seen us prosper meaning he has decided to apply the law for the gain of Kenyans and not to entrench himself in power. My take is that however good or bad a constitution is, it will eventually be crowned by the implementor - the person we elect as President. Even the devil uses the commandments to lead us astray. The American constitution is good but we have seen what happened when they put Bush Walker in office.
So please after we pass this draft lets always remember, the person at the top is critical. Even at Company level, Safaricom, KQ, Bidco, KCB, NBK, etc are as good as the CEOs they got. If the right person is at the top, all else falls in place.
What do you think?
Kimathi
Uganda: Heritage Oil battles with Ugandan revenue authority is a waste of time
Economic and Business News By Leo Odera Omolo in Kisumu
Heritage has demanded to settle the tax dispute at the
international court of arbitration
AFTER two decades of search for oil and gas, huge commercial reserves have been confirmed. However, Uganda’s ability to transform the assets into cash is in balance.
East Africa’s third largest economy has been entangled in a $404.9m tax dispute arising from a proposed $1.35b transaction, posing a serious challenge to Uganda’s capacity to raise oil revenues.
Heritage Oil and Hardman Resources, which later sold its stakes to Tullow Oil in 2004, ran a successful exploration campaign that enhanced the value of their licenses at least 10-fold.
Now the petroleum exploration is moving into the development and production phases that requires huge risk capital, access to project finance and long-term investments
Heritage sells stake
Heritage with little resources decided to cash out from the oil stakes it held in Uganda. After spending just $135m, the firm in December last year decided to sell the holdings to Italian giant Eni for $1.35b.The said offer was later pre-emptied by Tullow. The two firms are equal partners in the blocks.
However, the approval of the transaction was delayed due to disagreements over a $404.9 capital gain tax. Uganda rightfully claims 30% of the $1.35b deal.
Heritage was against paying the tax “based on comprehensive advice from leading tax experts in Uganda, the United Kingdom and North America.”
It demanded to settle the tax dispute via the international court of arbitration in London on depositing $108m.
Heritage is entitled to claim this money if the London Court rules that the firm is not required to pay taxes.
Heritage deposits $121m on URA account
In a dramatic twist of events, Heritage sold its assets to Tullow on depositing $121,477,500 of the disputed tax of $404,925,000 on a Uganda Revenue Authority account. The balance of $283,447,500 has been deposited in an escrow account held on Standard Chartered Bank pending resolution of the tax stalemate.
This is totally in contradiction with the energy minster, Hilary Onek’s, resolve to ensure that the land-locked country got the taxes it deserves.
Early this week, Onek told the media that Heritage will have to pay the full amount of tax ($404,925,000).
“They (Heritage) have been doing all sorts of things to avoid paying the tax but they will have to pay the full amount and the earlier they pay the better,” he said.
“Look, these guys are making super-normal profits. They just invested a tiny little figure of $150m and now they are going to earn $1.5b, why don’t they want to pay tax on that money?” Onek wondered.
President cautioned
There were also reports that Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) had advised the President not to accept the arbitration in London because Uganda will not be able to collect any tax.
President Yoweri Museveni has been assuring parliamentarians and the public that the tax arising from the $1.5b oil deal must be paid fully.
Legal analysts
Legal experts and analysts predict the rush to accept the deal will deny the nation the earliest opportunity to earn oil revenues; even before the first barrel is pumped out of the earth crust.
“Ugandans should not expect money if the tax dispute is resolved in the arbitration court because our laws will not be relevant,” Dickens Kamugisha, the African Institute of Energy Governance (AFIEGO) boss, observed.
“Uganda is a sovereign state and, therefore, all oil companies and any transactions should be subjected to national laws. By going to London, it means that Uganda accepts it is not supposed to levy any tax.”
The income tax laws clearly explain that any transaction in Uganda is subjected to 30% of the capital tax gain.
“The minister says that taxes should be paid and later you hear that the transaction has taken place. This is a bad precedent, which will encourage oil companies to go away without paying taxes,” said a petroleum expert.
Experts have revealed that Uganda could also lose revenues in form of tax in the proposed farm-down process where Tullow intends to partition two-thirds of its interest to Chinese National Oil Off-Shore Company (CNOOC) and Total.
“I don’t think Tullow will accept to pay any tax if Heritage does not pay. Tullow will try avoiding the tax since Heritage will have created a dangerous precedent,” Kamugisha explains.
“Government officials should serve Ugandan interests by forcing the companies to pay all the taxes in Uganda, not in London,” he said.
Tullow Uganda is selling part of its interest–two-thirds each - to CNOOC and Total - to get the much needed risk capital for the development phase Uganda’s oil industry.
Kamugisha advised that any further oil transaction should be stopped until “sufficient and strong laws are put in place to prevent oil companies from fleecing us.”
“Under what laws are the transactions taking place? Already the energy ministry admitted that the current petroleum laws are weak and, therefore, this means that policy-makers don’t have the capacity to negotiate better deals on behalf of Uganda,” he observed.
This will not be the first time tax in the oil sector has been avoided.
No taxes were levied when Tullow bought Australian firm Hardman Resources assets at about 860 million pounds.
Uganda wants to license several oil firms to avoid monopoly.
The firms must also support the Government’s development strategies, including early commercialisation of the oil resources, value addition and training of Ugandans in oil-related activities and processing.
Highlights
• Tullow has paid the agreed cash consideration of $1.35b;
• A further $100m was paid by Tullow in full and final settlement of a potential contractual dispute between the parties relating to the contingent deferred amount
• Heritage has received cash of US$1,045,075,000
• Heritage has disputed a tax assessment of $404,925,000 and deposited $121,477,500 with the URA, representing 30% of the disputed amount;
• The balance of $283,447,500 remains on an escrow account and will be released following resolution between the Government and Heritage of a mechanism to resolve the tax dispute
• Heritage intends to pay a special dividend of up to 100 pence per share in August 2010.
Ends
Kenya: Call for Proposals- Akiba Uhaki Foundation
Forwarded by: odhiambo okecth
From: Sarah Nkuchia
Dear Sir/Madam,
Akiba Uhaki Foundation – the Human Rights and Social Justice Fund (AUF), is a regional grant-making organization dedicated to supporting and accompanying human rights and social justice related organizations in East Africa (Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda) and in particular, works to support processes, forums, movements and work that initiates radical ways of looking at and addressing root causes of poverty, human insecurity and structural violence.The Fund envisions a just world in which all people enjoy human rights and live in dignity.
Its mission is to be a proactive and innovative grant-making institution working to promote and strengthen human rights inclusive of social justice. Akiba Uhaki espouses and at all times aspires to be guided by, advocate for and adhere to the human rights principles of accountability, empowerment, non-discrimination, participation and express application of the international legal (human rights) framework.
AUF is funding projects aimed at stimulating capacities of communities across East Africa to claim their rights in development. Through a Swedish International Development Agency funded initiative , Akiba Uhaki seeks to develop mutually beneficial partnerships with organizations whose innovative projects seek to advance economic, social and cultural rights of communities and to address the root causes of social injustice in the region. For details please visit our website at www.akibauhaki.org.
The second main aim of this development support is to stimulate Capacities for Communities within East Africa to claim their rights in development through the application of existing knowledge, advocacy and local participation. This will be realized through creative and meaningful partnerships with knowledge institutions and community based organizations.
This development support has the following four principal components;
1. Enhancing the capacity of people to demand their rights through the repackaging of existing knowledge
2. Strengthening linkages between research and advocacy
3. Making the law work to serve the people's needs and claims
4. Support access to Information Communication Technology(ICT) by rural, peri-urban and urban poor
In this regard, we are pleased to send you this information for your consideration. Should you find it in line with your work, feel free to contact us for discussion on this information. Alternatively, you can send us a Project Proposal or concept Paper for funding consideration. We also encourage you to pass this information to organizations within your network whose work is relevant to this Call for Proposal for funding consideration. Attached is our Call For Proposal document for your attention.
Regards,
Sarah Nkuchia
AUF Programs Intern
Sarah Nkuchia
Akiba Uhaki Foundation - The Human Rights & Social Justice Fund
K-Rep Center, Wood Avenue, Kilimani
Box 27611-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
Tel: (254) 20 2441204/2441196
Fax: (254) 20 3861576
Mobile; (254) 0722 659 364
Email: sarah@akibauhaki.org
Website: www.akibauhaki.org
……………………………………..........
“For a Just and Egalitarian East Africa where all persons enjoy their
Rights and live in Dignity”
- - - - - - - - - - -
AUF CFP .doc
STIMULATING CHANGE FROM BELOW : CALL FOR PROPOSALS
Background:
About Akiba Uhaki Foundation
Akiba Uhaki, the Human Rights and Social Justice Fund, is a proactive and innovative grant-making organization dedicated to supporting and accompanying Human Rights and Social Justice related organizations in East Africa i.e. Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda.
Stimulating Change From Below Project
Akiba Uhaki Foundation in partnership with the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA) is implementing a Project focusing on “ Stimulating Change from Below”. The objective of the project, which will run from 2009 to 2012, is to stimulate capacities of communities within East Africa to claim their rights in development. It recognizes that in order for citizens to be able to assert their rights, and lift themselves out of poverty, they need access to information.
The Project is a response to the need to strengthen the capacity of the citizenry to claim their rights from the state and other duty bearers towards improvement of their social and economic welfare including poverty alleviation through intermediation of knowledge. It is based on the belief that for the state to provide services effectively including those aimed at poverty alleviation and addressing other forms of social inequality, the citizenry must have the capacity to demand these rights and to hold the state accountable.
The project recognizes that the extent to which governments will be effective and responsive to the people's needs in delivering services and facilitating development greatly depends on the capacity of the citizenry to not only hold the government to account but also to actively assert and claim their rights. In addition, we recognize the fact that for the citizenry to be able to effectively assert its rights and to improve their social and economic conditions, their access to information is critical, hence the need to provide accessible, affordable, rights-focused alternative media, ICT and enabling infrastructure. This project will benefit communities in both urban and rural areas with a particular emphasis to disadvantaged communities/those who are most affected by social injustices.
Call for Proposals(CFP)
This call for proposals/concept papers invites applications from organizations in East Africa (Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda ), both registered and unregistered (provided the unregistered organizations are fiscally hosted by registered organizations). Applications are restricted to initiatives that aim to achieve any/all of the following;
1. Intermediation of Knowledge i.e.
* make knowledge from research institutions and other knowledge generating institutions easily accessible and usable by local communities e.g through dissemination of research findings and/or translation into simplified versions and/or local language versions
* link research to advocacy for positive change
* Strengthen the competence of the human rights and social justice sector to produce popular versions of documents.
2. Promoting evidence based advocacy and planning initiatives e.g.
* Bringing to the fore realistic indicators of poverty and other social inequalities
* research on how policy makers use local knowledge while making laws relating to human rights and social justice
* policy and legislative campaigns aimed at enhancing the capacities of people to own and participate in grassroots based development and poverty reduction initiatives
3. Strengthen Existing Community Media (Urban and Rural Community Radios and Community ISPs/Telecos) through
* Support to acquire equipment for quality community media services
* Internal capacity building of community media to push for realization of Social justice at the grassroots level
* Development of human rights and social justice content for community media
* Solidifying links between Community Based Organizations and community media
* Raising awareness of national issues at the grassroots level and linking of grassroots issues with national policy level discourse through utilization of community media
Application Requirements
Interested organizations should submit either project proposals (not exceeding 5 pages), or concept papers (not exceeding 3 pages). The proposals/ concept papers should be in English or French, and guidelines for Akiba Uhaki concept papers and proposals are available on the website: www.akibauhaki.org. Each proposal/ concept paper must be accompanied by the following additional information:
* Two (2) letters from endorsers (human rights and social justice experts, credible organizations, previous funders, government officials, etc)
* bank account details;
* confirmation from host organization (where applicable) that it accepts hosting responsibilities; and
* a budget not exceeding US $10,000.
Any application that is incomplete or fails to meet the above requirements will be disqualified automatically.
Technical Evaluation Criteria:
Proposals/concept papers will be reviewed by a multi-disciplinary panel of staff at Akiba Uhaki and the following will be the key considerations:
* Quality of proposed idea
* Relevance and responsiveness to the CFP
* Clarity in analysis of the problem and the root causes the proposed project seeks to address
* Clarity and viability of strategy and tactics proposed to address the root causes of the problem
* Innovativeness and creativity i.e. Pursuit of new ways to reach audiences, engage citizens and explore new platforms
* Organizational capacity
Upon notification, applicants with good concept papers will be required to develop them into full proposals.
Suitable proposals/concept papers proposal should be sent electronically, mailed or hand delivered to the undersigned by August 15th, 2010. Applications received after this date will not be considered.
The Program Coordinator,
Akiba Uhaki Foundation
Wing 3C, K-Rep Centre, Kilimani
P.O Box 27161100100, Nairobi, Kenya.
Fax: +254 (020) 3861576
Tel: +254 (020) 2441204/2441196
Cell: +254 (0) 722 659 364/731 465 660
Email: info@akibauhaki.org
Proposals/concept papers submitted under this Call for Proposals must contain this reference: REF. NO. 001/AUF/CFP/2010/EAST AFRICA:
Kenya: A Summary Of the Schedules
from odhiambo okecth
Thanks for taking us through the schedules Elijah.
This marks the end of this journey. What we are waiting for is a summary of the gains from the entire document from Migosi Disckson Mitaiwa which he will post on Friday.
Keep date with us on the final document.
I must thank the team that has been so dedicated in these forums in debating the document. It has been very informative. It has made many see the light.
From the Green corner, I must thank Otieno Sungu, Elijah Agevi, Evans Machera, Kuria-Mwangi, Lee Makwiny, Orina Nyamwamu, Dr Makodingo, the 2 Millies- Hon Odhiambo and CEO Odhiambo, President Ogendi, Dr Matunda, Prof John Maina, Lister Nyaringo, Enock Oduba, Dr Shem Ochuodho, Joram Ragem, Tom Kagwe, President Morris Odhiambo, Oduor Ongwen, Dr George Omburo, Judy Miriga, Erickson Oduya, Mburi Wabwaya, George Nyongesa, Maurice Oduor, Mt Edari and the entire team that has supported us in this online campaign.
Your contributions have been a source of encouragement.
I also want to commend the other team members. They were indeed, the Dare Devils; Gen Kombo, Okiya Omtatah, Dr Abonyo, Bishop Julius Mbagaya, Reuben Kigame, Jonah Ogaro and the few people who were supporting their stand on the proposed constitution.
You got it all wrong but you put up a spirited defense. You are honest people loosing honourably. Thank you for putting up a spirited mis-information campaign.
This has been rather informative and we want to confirm that we are all Kenyans, united in common destiny. Let us go out on 4th August and vote YES as a team. Whether you were saying NO, or YES. Let us all go out and say YES so that once this document is enacted and ratified, we start the process of building one united Kenya.
Peace and goodwill to all of us.
Odhiambo T Oketch
Green Centre Command Post
Dear Comrades,
Please find below the final posting in this series. It is devoted to the last section of PC- The Schedule.
Have a nice read as I proceed to Kenya School of Monetary Studies to deal with Land and Constitution Debate.
........................................
A Summary Of the Schedules
There are six schedules that have been put together with the view of elaborating on the contents of some chapters see first schedule for the full list of the counties. The schedules also clearly outline the steps that must be taken to give life to the constitution. This is exemplified by schedule five where the 70 legislative actions are to be undertaken by parliament. This will be done within specified time for each chapter and article. There is therefore no room for our reluctant MPs to say they do not know what, when and how.
The summary of the six schedules are outlined below.
Fist Schedule (Article 6-1)
The first schedule outlines the 47 counties based on the legal district as per 1992. However in future the outcome from the boundaries commission chaired by Andrew LIgale would provide a sound basis for rationalizing the number of counties
Second Schedule (Article 9-2)
This schedule is straight forward and simply outlines the National symbols, anthem, the coat of arms and the public seal
Third Schedule (Article 74, 141, (3) 148 (5) and 152(4))
The third schedule is devoted to the oaths to be undertaken by the president, deputy president, cabinet secretary, members of judiciary and the members of the senate and national assembly and speakers.
Fourth schedule (Article 185(2), 186(1) and 187(2))
This is an important schedule because as it seeks to show what the national government will do and what the new governance structure, the county government will do. The 35 functions of national government are outlined in part one of the schedule while part two provides the 14 functions to be performed by the county government.
Fifth Schedule (Article 261 (1))
The fifth schedule is the kingpin as it equivocally provides the legislation to be enacted by parliament, chapter by chapter, article and time frame. This is provided in an easy to read tabular form see pages 189 to 191.
Six schedule
The sixth and final schedule on transitional and consequential provisions provides a road map on how we shall move from were we are now to the new constitution dispensation. It is broken into (6) main parts covering a total of 34 articles.
· Part one covers: interpretation, suspension of provisions of this constitution, extension of application of provisions of the former constitution, parliamentary select committee and commission of the implementation of the constitution
· Part two deals with existing laws and rights as follows: rights, duties and obligations of the state, existing laws, and existing land holdings and agreements relating to natural resources
· Under national government in Part three issues of election and by-election; national assembly; the senate; executive and oath of allegiance in the constitution are eloquently dealt with in this section.
· Devolved government is covered under part four. The key areas dealt with under this part include: operation of provisions relating to devolved government; provision for devolution of functions to be made by act of parliament; division of revenue; provincial administration and local authorities
· Part five is devoted to the administration of justice. This part details: rules of the enforcement of the bill of rights; the judicial service commission; establishment of the Supreme Court, judicial proceedings and pending matters, judges and chief justice.
· Commission and oath offices together with miscellaneous matters are dealt with in part six. In this part the constitutional commissions are outlined. These are: The commission on Implementation of the Constitution and commission on Revenue Allocation; Kenya National Human Rights and Equity Commission; the interim independent boundaries commission; the Interim Independent Electoral Commission and new appointments.
· The miscellaneous part deals with citizen by birth, existing offices, pension, gratuities and other benefits, succession of institutions, offices, assets and liabilities and currency.
Have a peaceful and decisive voting day on 4th August, 2010 and play your part in assisting in ushering in of a new dawn in Kenya.
Yes the struggle and work continues until...................
Regards
Elijah Agevi
KENYA: TO THE WOMENFOLK-GET OUT THE VOTE, THIS IS YOUR MOMENT!!!!!!!
To our esteemed women, you have a great opportunity to emancipate yourselves and move a step forward to an equitable society on the August the 4th 2010. Kenya has been, and still is a society where women are discriminated and even learned men argue bitterly against empowerment of women, emancipating our women to rise up beyond housewives,babysitters, shamba tenderers and toilers of all the menial work around the homestead.
It is a male dominated society where sadly, elements of culture, tradition and religion are used in a skewed way to keep women down, close competitive doors for them in realms of societal decision making, opportunities and governance.
We all know that the girl child is born badly disadvantaged in many of our communities, they are the domestic servants at home from very tender ages, are more often than not denied an education where a choice has to be made between a son and daughter going to school, are married off to twisted old men before they barely get to teenage, suffer the humiliation of FGM, are disinherited right at birth for being born girls especially on land issues, often face rape and abuse even within the family and a myriad of other challenges. It is amazing that the girl child has not been declared an endangered species!!!
The draft KATIBA mitigates some of these flaws of society but moreso, begins to give women a voice in society. The greatest achievement for women if this draft passes is the mindset change for some of our bigoted men still living in the stone age. We shall welcome them into the 22nd century.
The draft carters for free basic education for all, ensures girls, as they grow into women, will inherit property from their parents especially land, ensures women will be entitled to at least a 1/3 of all elective positions and other government appointments from county to national government which men have been rotating amongst themselves as women are reduced to voting machines for them.
You must have heard men argue shamelessly about your lives, how the life of a foetus may be more important than your own in case of an endangering pregnancy. You have heard them, the ones who have never and will never bear a pregnancy claim you, in a matter of choice between your life and a week old foetus, they will chose the foetus because "it is the will of God" that you are left to die!! Some have no stake in childbirth because they are not married an by virtue of their professions never will. But they have a "right to determine" how you give birth (even in death) and you have no say. They use the Bible to justify your death while they have never used the Bible so vehemently, with such zeal and zest to fight the death penalty which has been in our statutes for ages. Well, they claim those are criminals being killed and it is alright!!!
Now I ask, a pregnant woman whose childbirth has turned into a death trap, is that a criminal too? You see, it is time to see things in the right perspective and ask these questions even to the "holy men".
This is a moment of truth for women, a moment to make a break with some of these dastardly ideals. These laws are your protection in a male dominated society and if you imagine men will give you much of these things on a silver platter, you are mistaken.You must yank some of them by force. You must ensure stiffer penalties for rapists, equitable consideration in jobs and appointments, inheritance for yourselves, right to education for the girl, criminalize early marriages and above all, change the minds of men. You must convince men during this vote that you deserve better.
What a better moment than the constitutional moment????? Get out the vote on August 4th and be part of the historic moment to uplift women.!!!!!!!
Otieno Sungu
Uganda: AFRICAN leaders headed home after Au Summit in Kampala ended with far reaching notes
news Analysis By Leo Odera Omolo
THE 15th African Union summit ended in Kampala yesterday with the chairman, President Bingu Wa Mutharika, saying it was a resounding success.
The 15th ordinary session, which brought together over 35 heads of state and government discussed and made resolutions on several issues over and above its theme, maternal, infant and child health and development in Africa.
President Museveni, the AU summit host, did not make any remarks during the closing ceremony. But Museveni, who was with his wife Janet, appeared jovial all through.
Host President Yoweri Museveni with Nigeria's Goodluck Jonathan and South Africa's Jacob Zuma at Munyonyo yesterday
Besides, he also held bilateral meetings with other leaders including Libya’s Col. Muammar Gadaffi.
In his closing remarks, Mutharika said the meeting was characterised by heated moments and disagreements in which they had to make difficult decisions.
He said the decisions made have far reaching implications, and urged the leaders to ensure that they are implemented.
“We have made decisions before but implementation has been a problem. It is time for our people to see the results. We have the means and political will, let us do it. I believe the future of the world depends on us,” he said.
“We should create a new Africa where Africans do not die of hunger, terrorism, diseases, wars and African children do not die before the age of five. We should have Africa where mothers don’t die while trying to bring life to this earth,” he said.
Mutharika expressed confidence that peace and security would soon be restored in the continent.
Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan called on development partners to finance the health projects.
He thanked other leaders for fighting poverty and diseases on the continent and pledged to work closely with them in making a difference in Africa.
Gadaffi said: “We need to stick to our ambition of integration. I am confident that we will have the United States of Africa.”
Bashir and the International Criminal Court
Mutharika said the AU asked the International Criminal Court (ICC) to suspend its indictments against Sudanese president Omar El-Bashir for one year as the union investigated the allegations against him.
The ICC issued two arrest warrants against Bashir, accusing him of crimes against humanity and genocide in Darfur. The latest warrant was issued last month.
Mutharika asked if the court had a right to try Bashir, when Sudan is not a member of the ICC.
AMISOM’s mandate in Somalia unchanged
Mutharika said the UPDF together with the Burundi forces making up the AMISOM made strident gains against the Al-Shabaab terrorists. He appealed for co-operation from international bodies like the UN, saying the problem was no longer for Africa alone.
He added that the recent terrorist bombings in Kampala were meant to discourage them from attending the summit, but their attendance had shown that terrorism has no place in today’s world.
Asked whether the summit had changed the mandate of AMISOM from mere peacekeeping to combat, he said they had not debated it but it would be decided by the Peace and Security Council.
Ping added that changing the mandate would call for new equipment like helicopters, which are not available. Guinea and Djibouti willing to contribute troops, he added.
Maternal, infant and child health
Ping said the members agreed to form a group to monitor and report on the progress of maternal, infant and child health.
Mutharika said the summit had agreed to place the welfare of women and safe motherhood at the forefront of their development agendas this year.
“If we improve the welfare of women, access to food and health care, maternal mortality will significantly reduce,” he said.
Infrastructure
The summit, he added, also launched a programme for infrastructural development in Africa and adopted the African charter on maritime transport. It also elected human rights commissioners, a committee on child health, and a judge to the African court of justice.
Other issues
A report on conflict resolution in Somalia, Darfur, Madagascar and other crisis states was presented to the heads of state. A report on the fight against corruption and others on drugs, and on coup de tats on the continent were also presented.
Mutharika said he believed in the next five years Africa will grow enough food to feed itself and supply to the rest of the world.
“Presently, Africa uses 10% of arable land whereas in Europe it is 100%. We have rivers, lakes which only need harnessing for irrigation. We have taken a decision that five years from now no child should die of hunger and malnutrition, or go to bed hungry,” he said.
On climate change, Mutharika observed that although Africa does not contribute to greenhouse emissions, it is the most affected and called for re-afforestation along river banks.
Ends
USA: Do you have questions about Wall Street reform?
from White House
LinkedIn Groups
Group: White House
Subject: Do you have questions about Wall Street reform?
Last week the President signed what are universally recognized as the most sweeping reforms of our financial system since the Great Depression. We want to hear any questions you have on Wall Street Reform and will chime in on the discussion later this week to respond to some of your comments.
To help you understand the significance of what’s happened, we’ve also put together a video that walks through the new rules of the road for Wall Street – and consumer protections for you: http://wh.gov/lNS
Here are a few highlights:
• There’s now a single agency responsible for looking out for consumers: The Bureau for Consumer Financial Protections. Instead of 7 agencies thinking through these issues part-time, one agency will be in charge of establishing clear rules of the road for banks, mortgage companies, payday lenders, and credit card lenders.
• Mortgage brokers won’t make a higher commission by selling mortgages to people that they can’t afford. This was a major factor in the recent housing crisis, but now brokers and banks have to take into consideration borrowers’ ability to repay when they need a home loan.
• No more bail outs for banks with our tax dollars, no more “too big to fail.” If a company’s in trouble because of risky gambles, it will have to liquidate – and do so before it can take down the rest of the financial system.
Don't forget to add your questions about the new law to the discussion. We will be checking in on the discussion and will drop in to respond later this week.
Posted By Jen Psaki
Kenya: Youth remain invisible in national politics.
To the Kenyan youth, from which I have recently graduated, it is time to rethink the strategies for youthful leadership. Many will find themselves passing their youth by before having a chance to play active role in our politics, now that youth is defined at the upper limit of 35 years old.
Having graduated from that lot recently, I still urge the youth of Kenya to take a serious role and position themselves for 2012 and beyond, to become key players in the management of our country and not mere supporters. With the youth constituting over 1/2 of registered voters, it should not be the case that they cannot bargain their way into political power and leadership, this should be given and granted by virtue of their ability to vote in their own.
Otieno Sungu.
Sadly leaving the youth club but still youthful!!!!!
USA: Tr : Will you sign Barack’s birthday card, with me?
Forwarded by: MOSES OPADO
From: Michelle Obama info@barackobama.com
Friend --
Every year, our family tries to come up with a fun way to wish Barack a happy birthday.
And this August 4th, when he turns 49, I have something new in mind.
This has been a big -- and hectic -- year for him. After signing the Affordable Care Act and Wall Street reform into law -- and completing his first year as president -- I think it's safe to say we will remember it for a long time.
And I know full well how much he credits this movement, and the work of supporters like you, for the change that we've accomplished.
So I'm putting together a birthday card that I would like you to sign. Together with other Organizing for America supporters -- and me, Malia, Sasha, and Bo -- we'll wish him a happy birthday and let him know that we're ready to take on the year ahead alongside him.
Will you wish Barack a happy birthday with me?
This year also brought a lot of surprises -- some good and some bad.
Supporters like you have helped him make the best of it -- by contacting Congress to help push stalled legislation forward, by re-engaging supporters in the political process, by giving back with service projects across the country, and so much more.
And while we can't know what the coming year will bring, all of us, working together, will continue pushing forward for change.
Will you help make this a memorable birthday for Barack and wish him a happy 49th?
http://my.barackobama.com/birthday
Thanks so much,
Michelle Obama