Category Archives: Economic Development

Oil and Gas in Tanzania: Building For A Sustainable Future

From: Juma Mzuri

A call for a moratorium on new offshore exploration.

Tanzania is on the precipice of an economic evolution with the recent discoveries of gas. We have now confirmed reserves of 43 Trillion Cubic feet (TCF), roughly valued at USD 430bn[i]. Plans for LNG production are moving ahead of schedule. As a result there will be considerable new gas resources available for power generation and other needs for our economy and people including domestic use, petrochemical industries and fertilizer plants.

Our nascent oil and gas industry is set to expand greatly with the upcoming Fourth Licencing Round, which, according to Minister Sospeter Muhongo, is scheduled to be launched in Houston, Texas on September 13. We are now informed that the licencing round has been delayed. This is not enough and more work needs to be done.

The Fourth Licencing Round should be put on hold – postponed for ten years. In this, we echo the demand of Parliament’s Energy and Minerals Committee earlier this year (April 2012, Annual Report of the Committee) and the concerns of other informed citizens. It is very unfortunate that the recommendation to postpone the licensing round, supported by a Parliamentary Committee on Public Investments (POAC) and approved by a Parliamentary resolution, was largely ignored by the Ministry and TPDC. A moratorium will not only allow us to manage our new resources effectively it will also ensure the welfare of future generations. This is something the Government must take seriously.

We, as responsible leaders, have a duty to safeguard this country’s resources for future generations. This will require effective and sustainable management of our oil and gas reserves. The licencing round for the oil and gas offshore blocks announced by the Ministry through TPDC undermines our mandate to the Tanzanian people. If all exploration blocks are being licenced, what will our grand-children and great-grandchildren, who will be more educated and well prepared, do? It is critical that we approach these issues not in a short-term strategic thinking but long-term. We may not be here tomorrow but Tanzania will be.

We are not prepared for an expansion of exploration activity. Current legislation is out-dated and does not mirror the current political and economic status quo. We have no overarching Gas Policy, however progress has been made as both the Gas Act and Policy are currently being crafted. Nevertheless to continue on with a new round of licensing before these policies are complete is irresponsible. More importantly, we do not have legislation that will manage revenues from the sector. We need more time for the policies and legislative acts to be implemented. We will also need more time for institutions to be in place.

A ten-year moratorium will give us the space to develop our capacity in key areas. TPDC can be overhauled to become an active exploration and production company, modelled on Malaysia’s Petronas. Currently, TPDC does not have the capacity or resources to be an effective and strong partner in developing our reserves. These capacity deficits include the ability to conduct basic geological surveys, contract negotiations and management as well as production and processing. A moratorium will allow us to support TPDC to become a strong and reliable trustee and gatekeeper of the country’s resources.

A ten-year moratorium will allow us to build the necessary institutions that we will need to effectively benefit from these resources. These include establishing and supporting a Sovereign Development Fund , to manage revenues; coordinating with our educational institutions to train and foster young Tanzanians so they can confidently work and engage in this industry; and an oversight committee that would include parliamentarians, civil society organizations and local communities. These stakeholders would be mandated to ensure that our resources are used effectively and fairly.

A ten-year moratorium on offshore exploration will ensure that our increasingly young population will enjoy the benefits of our natural resources for generations to come. We kindly request the Government to stop any new licencing of exploration blocks and refocus all efforts into building the capacity to manage the discovered resources, make wise decisions and prepare the nation for a Natural Gas Economy in a timely manner.

Our past mistakes in the mining sector should guide us, as we comprehend the challenges and opportunities presented by the oil and gas sector. The country must first build strong accountability measures, ensure transparency, develop critical human capital and learn from case studies of other gas economies before licencing any new blocks. We need to think strategically and understand the long-game rather than thinking about short-term gains. As a result, we think 10 years will be enough to implement the necessary interventions and build a strong and sustainable oil and gas economy for all Tanzanians.

Kabwe Zuberi Zitto, MP
Shadow Minister of Finance.

President of Liberia and President of African Development Bank set new course for prosperity in Africa’s fragile states

From: News Release – African Press Organization (APO)
PRESS RELEASE

President of Liberia and President of African Development Bank set new course for prosperity in Africa’s fragile states

MONROVIA, Liberia, September 2, 2013/–Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, President of Liberia, and Donald Kaberuka, President of the African Development Bank Group (http://www.afdb.org/en/), launched a special high-level panel on fragile states in Monrovia on September 2, 2013. The panel seeks to answer the question, “How can we truly build peace and set a course for prosperity in Africa’s fragile states?”

Logo : http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/logos/african-development-bank-2.png

Conflict and fragility are major constraints to Africa’s development. While the African continent generally has enjoyed an economic growth rate of 5% over the last decade, fragile countries and those in conflict have not benefitted. Globally, GDP per capita is $945, but in fragile states, it hovers at only about a third of that, around $333. Addressing this challenge is a top priority for the African Development Bank.

“With the help of President Ellen Johson Sirleaf and a group of experts, we are crafting a new approach to help such countries to recover much faster and to minimize the impact on the neighbourhood,” said Kaberuka in establishing the panel.

The 60 participants at the launch included 13 ministries of finance and planning, and senior representatives from international organizations and civil society. They came from the Central African Republic, Comoros, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Sao Tomé, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Timor-Leste, and Togo.

From 2009-2011, the African Development Bank approved $2.5 billion for fragile states. It is currently expanding its strategy for engaging in fragile states. The high level panel on fragile states guides that work.

Members of the High Level Panel

Chair: Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, President of Liberia

Sarah Cliffe, Special Representative & Director, World Development Report-Conflict, Security & Development, United Nations

Gilbert Fossoun Houngbo, Deputy Director-General for field and partnerships, International Labour Organization

Geraldine Frasier-Moleketi, Special Envoy on Gender, African Development Bank

Callisto Madavo, Professor, Georgetown University

Greg Mills, Director of Brenthurst Foundation

Rakiya Omaar, Director of African Rights

Dame Barbara Stocking, President, Murray Edwards College, University of Cambridge

Distributed by the African Press Organization on behalf of the African Development Bank (AfDB).

Agenda and further information available at:
http://www.afdb.org/en/topics-and-sectors/initiatives-partnerships/high-level-panel-on-fragile-states/
Media contact: Sunita Pitamber via s.pitamber@afdb.org or mikias@coxsi.com

Africa as the Last Frontier: Why It Matters for the Global Economy

From: Zephaniah Mugittu

wake up Africa!!

Get out of unecessary berriers also let the youth take control of the economy and politics …

Regards,
Mugittu, Zephaniah,
Cell: +255 784 769 481
Fax2Email: 0736605633
Skype: Zephaniah N.N. Mugittu

No matter how high one is talented , business acumen still a necessity
“Poverty is a result of attitude …”

————
From: Yona Maro
Sent: Wednesday, 28 August 2013, 18:14
Subject: Africa as the Last Frontier: Why It Matters for the Global Economy

Africa as the Last Frontier: Why It Matters for the Global Economy
(Woodrow Wilson Center Talking Points, August 2013)

1. What is Africa as ‘Last Frontier’?

(a) The phrase could be interpreted from the perspective of the expansion of the world economy to new poles of global economic growth and transformation such as the BRICS countries and the Asian Tigers.

(b) It could also mean Africa as a virgin new territory for conquest by the unflinching advance of globalization and global capital, operating mainly through international trade and foreign direct investment.

2. Why Africa Matters to the World Economy

(a) It could matter as a source of extraction of raw materials and natural resources but not as a contributor to global prosperity through its own economic transformation. This is “negative mattering”. It continues a trajectory that has remained fundamentally the same since the transatlantic slave trade and the period of colonial rule. This kind of mattering – extractive importance – is the current phase of the economies of most African countries. We should also note that, in this context, growth could be taking place but no structural transformation, which is what creates real prosperity, is happening. Even this source of importance may be in decline with the discovery of fracking and shale oil and gas.

(b) But Africa should matter as a growth pole in its own right, like Asia increasingly does. For this to happen, however, I argue that a paradigm shift must take place because the current paradigm, based on unrestrained free markets without a conceptual grasp of the opportunities, limitations and kinds of capitalism, and the structure of world trade, cannot create an enabling environment for Africa to matter in the world economy. With 3% of world trade and 5% of total global FDI, the continent still plays a negligible role in the global economy.

(c) This paradigm shift must take place in the minds of Africans first, based on new, fundamental understandings about the world, the continent’s place in the world, and how to alter Africa’s trajectory. These understandings must then be translated into better, more effective public policy and governance.

3. What are these paradigm shifts?

· First, globalization, though a fact of economic and cultural life, is not neutral. It has drivers and passengers. African countries cannot assume that globalization is benign in its intent or agnostic in its belief when a careful examination will show that African countries are mostly consumers of the products of globalization. So, how Africa engages with the phenomenon of globalization will play an important role in the continent’s economic trajectory.

· Second, Africa will not matter economically until African countries become industrial, manufacturing economies rather than predominantly agricultural economies.

· Third, for Africa to prosper, African countries need to develop a clear and comprehensive worldview. This is the essential philosophical foundation of prosperity – and the West and Asia provide important examples.

· Fourth, based on the foregoing, the myth that Africa is rising needs some pause and evaluation. Let us ask some fundamental questions. Yes, growth rates have been better over the past decade, but are we seeing signs of real transformation? Are manufacturing economies now the norm, or will they likely soon be?[1] Is growth outpacing population growth, or could population growth and non-inclusive economic growth without jobs create a youth bulge in future? What is the role of science and technology and innovation in African economies?

· Fifth, African countries must move towards economic diversification and complexity, manufacture the consent of their citizens to clear visions and strategies for economic transformation, and strengthen weak institutions.

Based on these perspectives, African countries need to re-evaluate commonly held assumptions about globalization, foreign aid, free markets, foreign investment and so forth if they are to prosper.
This is why I wrote Emerging Africa – to decode and address the real factors that have held Africa back, and the secrets of prosperity they need to understand and apply in order to prosper, rather than merely repeating conventional wisdoms that have not brought about a fundamental change in the African condition.

———

[1]

[1] The World Economic Forum’s Africa Competitiveness Report for 2013 notes that many African countries remain uncompetitive, with 14 of the bottom 20 countries being African. Human development indicators are low, and more than two-thirds of the work in Africa are employed in agriculture, which means that there has been limited structural transformation in African countries. The continent has had had low productivity growth relative to Asian countries, which started in the early 1960s from a similarly low productivity base but have since shot into much higher rates of productivity growth.


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Gas and the New Development Opportunity in Mozambique

From: Yona Maro

In the two decades since the end of civil war the country has depended heavily on donors to fund its development. Mozambique has now discovered natural gas deposits in large commercial quantities that could contribute billions of dollars to the economy and catapult Mozambique into place as the world’s third largest exporter of LNG.

http://allafrica.com/download/resource/main/main/idatcs/00070834:e407164714744eaec3f728ec493d437e.pdf

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Africa’s Top 20 Tech Influencers

From: Yona Maro

Africa’s technology landscape is vast and growing. It is ripe for expansion and is increasingly becoming an attractive environment for companies (local and international) to set up shop and invest.

The people on this list have taken advantage of this growth and have established themselves as pioneers in the industry. Some of them are investors, others are entrepreneurs and bloggers, but a common thread is that they are all African and are behind some of the most inspiring and innovative companies in tech.

1. Elon Musk – SpaceX

South African born founder of Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX), Elon Musk has proven what can be achieved when innovation and creativity are expertly blended. The company’s SpaceX Dragon recently successfully completed its first commercial cargo mission to the International Space Station. In May 2012 the company’s SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon capsule grabbed international headlines by successfully launching from Cape Canaveral in the US and becoming the first space launch by a private company in the history of space flight.

2. Dr. Hamadoun Touré – ITU

The Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) was re-elected for a second four-year term in October 2010. He is widely acknowledged for placing emphasis on ICT as a driver of social and economic development and has previously served as Director of ITU’s Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT) from 1998 – 2006. Born in Mali, Dr Touré is also known for his contribution to telecommunications throughout Africa, having championed the implementation of outcomes of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) and launching projects based on partnerships with key global stakeholders.

3. Mike Adenuga – Globacom

Mike Adenuga is the founder of Nigerian multinational telecommunications company Globacom Limited (Glo), based in Lagos. The telecommunications company was established in 2003 and is owned by the Mike Adenuga Group. Initially launched in Nigeria, the company has extended its reach to the Republic of Benin, Ghana and the Ivory Coast. In 2012 Adenuga featured on Forbes’ Africa’s 40 Richest list – his net worth of $4.6 billion earning him the rank of second wealthiest Nigerian.

4. Strive Masiyiwa – Econet Wireless

Born in Zimbabwe, Masiyiwa is the founder of telecommunications services Group, Econet Wireless. Masiyiwa successfully fought a landmark 5 year legal battle in Zimbabwe beginning in 1998, which effectively ended the state’s monopoly in the country’s telecommunications sector. The company provides services related to mobile cellular telephony, fixed networks, enterprise networks, fibre optic cables and satellite services. Masiyiwa’s achievements and list of personal accolades include ’10 Most Outstanding Young Persons of the World’, ’15 Global Influentials of the Year’, Builders of Modern Africa and ’20 Most Powerful Business People in African Business’.

5. Naguib Sawiris, Founder, Orascom Telecom Holding SAE

Born June 15, 1954, Egyptian businessman and politician Naguib Sawiris is reported to have a net worth of $2.5 billion. He was executive chairman of the telecommunications companies Wind Telecom and Orascom Telecom Holding (OTH) before turning to politics in May 2011. Orascom Telecom Holdings has 20,000 employees and manages 11 GSM operators around the world. He is considered a nationalist and supporter of liberalism. He favored a gradual transition during the 2011 Egyptian revolution and played a mediating role between the protesters and Hosni Mubarak’s people. Although he expressed concerns about the military caretaker government he favored changes that increased democracy and stability.

6. Ronen Apteker, Founder of Internet Solutions

South African entrepreneur Ronen Apteker co-founded the country’s first commercial Internet Service Provider (ISP), Internet Solutions. Established in 1993, the company provides connectivity, communications, cloud and carrier services to organisations in the public and private sector, as well as to the consumer market via its wholesale offerings. Apteker is a noted author and respected entrepreneur, with titles like Trading Spaces and Funny Business…the secrets of an accidental entrepreneur under his belt. He remains a regular contributor to South Africa’s business and financial press.

7. Mark Shuttleworth – Ubuntu

South African entrepreneur and philanthropist Mark Shuttleworth funded the development of Ubuntu, a free operating system for desktops, servers and mobile phones. He also founded Thawte in 1995 and sold the digital certificate and Internet security company to VeriSign in 1999 for R3,9 billion. In 2000 he formed HBD Venture Capital and later also established Canonical Ltd. in support of software projects. In 2002 he achieved international acclaim as the second self-funded space tourist and the first South African in space. Shuttleworth has also elevated the profile of local business leadership through the establishment of the Shuttleworth Foundation. This is a non-profit organisation that provides funding for social innovators and entrepreneurs.

8. Leo-Stan Ekeh – Zinox Technologies

Nigerian entrepreneur Leo-Stan Ekeh is the Chairman of Zinox Technologies. He is credited with supplying the core technology infrastructure for the country’s 2011 voter’s registration. This feat earned Ekeh national awards, including Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic and Life Membership of the Institute of International Affairs. He is also on record as having pioneered the first Nigerian internationally certified computer brand, Zinox Computers and has contributed extensively to desktop publishing, computer graphics and the distribution of ICT products across West Africa.

9. Hakeem Belo-Osagie – Etisalat

Hakeem Belo-Osagie’s reported net worth of $400 million earned him the 40th position on Forbes’Africa’s 40 Richest list. As Chairman of the Board of Directors of Emerging Markets Telecommunication Services Ltd., trading under the Etisalat brand, Belo-Osagie has contributed towards the growth of an established, global telecommunication company. A dedicated philanthropist, he is said to be one of the largest donors to the African Leadership Academy, a Johannesburg-based institution that focuses on leadership development.

10. Stafford Masie – Thumbzup

Former Google South Africa country manager, 38-year-old Stafford Masie has been in the technology industry for many years and recently made headlines for establishing Thumbzup, a South African payment innovations company. A noted speaker and renowned entrepreneur, Masie is passionate about the development of local technology for local needs. His business grabbed the attention of the domestic market when it struck a deal with one of South Africa’s largest banks, ABSA, for the integration and distribution of the Payment Pebble, a world-first, plug-in mobile payment device. Under the agreement, ABSA will provide the Payment Pebble as a value added service to small business owners and merchants from 2013.

11. Jason Njoku – iROKO Partners

Jason Njoku is widely acknowledged for bringing Nigerian entertainment to the world, via the Net. Through iROKO Partners, Njoku has helped to raise the profile of ‘Nollywood’ and Afrobeats within the international film and performing arts industry. The company is marketed as the world’s largest online distributor of African movies and music. iROKO Partners was launched in December 2010 and according to its website, the company has built a global audience of over 6 million unique users from 178 countries.

12. Herman Chinery-Hesse – SOFTtribe

Herman is a software engineer by profession. 19 years ago he co-founded SOFTtribe limited, one of the leading software houses in West Africa. He holds a number of directorships and is an Assessor of the Commercial Court, Ghana. He has won a number of personal awards including Outstanding Ghanaian Professional from the GPA Awards (UK), as well as the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the Texas State Alumni Association and Texas State University-San Marcos (USA)—the first and currently only African recipient of the award. Herman has also been a resource person and visiting speaker at the Wharton Business School, Harvard Business School, Cambridge University, the University of Ghana, and the TED Global Conference in Arusha, Tanzania, amongst others. The BBC describes Mr Chinery-Hesse as Africa’s Bill Gates. Today SOFTtribe’s clients include Unilever, Guinness Breweries Ghana Limited, Pricewaterhouse-Ghana, the British High Commission, Ghana’s Millennium Development Authority, Ghana National Petroleum Company, Zenith Bank, Cargill and a host of other government, multinational and private sector blue-chip clients. SOFTtribe’s reach includes Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, Togo, Burkina Faso, Gambia, Guinea, Liberia and Côte d’Ivoire.

13. Ory Okolloh – Activist, Lawyer and blogger, founder of Ushahidi

Ory Okolloh started out as an impassioned blogger who wanted to democratize information and increase transparency through her website, Mzalendo (Swahili for patriot). When disputed presidential election results led to violent unrest in her native Kenya, Okolloh helped create Ushahidi (Swahili for “Witness”), a tool that collected and mapped eyewitness reports of violence using text messages and Google Maps. A few years on, this activist has emerged as one of the most powerful tech figures in Africa, currently serving as Google’s policy manager for the continent. It is a tremendous accomplishment for a woman who started out just blowing off steam.

14. Seun Osewa – creator of Nairaland

The creator of the online community Nairaland, Nigerian researcher, programmer and webmaster Seun Osewa has made a definite impact on political and social discourse in his country of birth. Recent stats reveal that Nairaland has attracted over a million members and is amongst the top ten most visited sites in Nigeria according to Alexa.com.

15. Robert Sussman – co-founder and joint CEO, the Integr8 Group

The origins of the Integr8 Group can be traced back to the year 2000, when co-founder and joint CEO Rob Sussman saw a gap in the market for an operator who could offer unrivalled, proactive IT service and support. Since inception, the company has grown from a modest IT services operation to emerge as South Africa’s largest privately owned Managed IT Services provider. Recently it made headlines when Integr8 IT, the IT management specialist firm within the Group, was acquired by systems integrator Business Connexion for an estimated R126 million. Sussman helped establish, drive and direct what has now emerged as Africa’s largest publicly traded IT Company.

16. Emeka Okoye – Next2Us

Emeka Okoye is the CEO of Vikantti Software and CTO & co-founder of Next.2.us. The latter is a website that focuses on geosocial connectivity using various applications, including SMS and mobile phones. Okoye has over 17 years’ experience in Web, Enterprise & Mobile Software and Project Management. He graduated as a Geologist in 1990 but being passionate about software engineering, he built Nigeria’s first banking website (IBTC, 1996) and Internet Banking app (IBTC, 1997), co-founded one of Nigeria’s earliest start-ups and built the biggest Nigerian Portal (NgEx.com, 1997) and was the Project Manager/Lead Architect of Nigeria’s first major E-commerce Project in 2000 (FSB Bank, Valucard, UPS & Xerox, 2000).

17. Gbenga Sesan – Executive Director, Paradigm Initiative Nigeria

Gbenga Sesan is a member of the Committee of eLeaders for Youth and ICT at the United Nations Department of Economic & Social Affairs. Sesan has completed executive education programs at a number of globally recognised institutions including Harvard University, Oxford University and Stanford University. According to his online profile, CNN listed him as one of the Top 10 African Tech Voices. Gbenga was Nigeria’s first IT Youth Ambassador and also held the position of Vice Chair of the UN Economic Commission for Africa’s African Technical Advisory Committee.

18. Stuart Forrest – owner and CEO of Triggerfish Animation Studios

Forrest is the owner of Triggerfish Animation Studios, an established operator within the marketing and advertising industry in South Africa. Media reports have described the venture as “Africa’s answer to Dreamworks, Disney and Pixar” and the company has produced several projects including the animated features “Zambezia” and “Khumba”. The offerings have catapulted the Studio to international acclaim, with Zambezia attracting the interest of Sony as a distributor to English-speaking territories – reportedly the first time a South African feature has secured US distribution of this level.

19. Wael Ghonim – Nabadat/ Google

Egyptian Google executive Wael Ghonim, is the head of marketing in the MEA region. He is also the Chairman of Nabadat, an NGO. Ghonim is credited with using Facebook as a tool to inspire the ousting of the Hosni Mubarak regime. He was also featured on Time Magazine’s list of ‘100 most in_ uential people of 2011’

20. Loy Okezie – Techloy.com

Few have made an impact on the online landscape in Nigeria as Loy Okezie has. Currently living in Lagos, Okezie started the technology news and research website Techloy.com to highlight the importance and development of Nigeria’s technology ecosystem. Since its creation, Techloy has grown to be one of Nigeria’s biggest technology websites. Started more than four years ago, Okezie now serves as Chief Editor, where he is responsible for the website’s editorial direction. His blog was voted ‘Best Technology Blog’ in Nigeria at the recently concluded Nigerian Blog Awards 2012.

http://africanleadership.co.uk/?p=852

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Kenya: A Briefing for the Rt Rev Bishop

From: odhiambo okecth

Dear Friends, Members and Partners,

After our 1st AGM in Nairobi on the 6th August 2013, a Team of Kimisho Leadership went to Bondo for a Meeting with a few other colleagues and more so to brief the Rt Rev Johannes Angela about the AGM.

The Rt Rev Johannes Angela is the Bishop of the ACK Diocese of Bondo and the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Kimisho Community Development Network- KCDN.

The meeting was attended by the following;

Ms Janet Winnie Ogot- Board Member- Kimisho,
Mr. Isayah Bwana- Finance Director- Kimisho,
Mr. Fred Banja- Tresurer- Kimisho,
Ms Emily Achieng- Team Leader- Kisumu Kimisho,
Mr. Philemon Odhiambo- Team Leader- Kimisho Siaya,
Ms Millicent Ogwel- Secretary- Kimisho Kisumu, and
Odhiambo T Oketch- Secretary and Executive Director- Kimisho.

[image]http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ESHwyWM16jk/UgsimT2RcAI/AAAAAAAADps/46hiP46DJJE/s1600/PICT0174.JPG
A Group Photo with the Bishop; L-R; Mr. Isayah Bwana, Ms Millicent Ogwel, Odhiambo T Oketch, The Rt Rev Bishop Johanness Angela, Mr. Philemon Odhiambo, Ms Emily Achieng, Mr. Fred Banja and Ms Janet Winnie Ogot- on the 9th August 2013 in Bondo

We also had an opportunity to share our thoughts with;

Prof John Alwar Ajuoga- Great Lakes University of Kisumu,
Ms Valerie Onyango- Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology,
Mr. Ken Omamo,
Mr. Joseph Kwaka and
Ms Florence Achungo.

During the meeting, members present agreed that on issues of economic empowerment, we had to seek several vehicles and partners and work with the teams we best feel comfortable with. Kimisho is hence on the right track and we are inviting only those who feel comfortable working with us to join in our vision and train. We have set our target on Registering 100,000 Members out of the 44 Million Kenyans. This means, the remaining 43.9 Million Kenyans are free to associate as they wish with initiatives of their choice. And we at Kimisho will be encouraging all those who feel they can add value to our economic empowerment agenda across Kenya to do what they can in their own way as well.

We then attended a fund raising in aid of Got Matar Secondary School in Yimbo where a total of Kshs 483,600.00 was raised for the School Bus.

On Sunday morning, I was invited to share with the faithfuls at the ACK Bondo Cathedral about Kimisho and our Vision.

We are happy that we have passed the first tests with distinctions. We are now set on Phase 2 and on Saturday the 17th August 2013, we are hosting our 1st joint Board, Management and Supervisory Committee Meeting to chart our way forward, set our agenda and design our work plan for the rest of the year.

This includes massive mobilization, massive subsidiarity and massive complementarity.

We have also set The Kimisho Investment Club and I am happy to report that 18 Kimisho Members have already shown keen interest on this Initiative. We are also happy to report that we will be hosting our 1st Investment Club Meeting in September and the Rt Rev Bishop has accepted to host the meeting at his residence when the date is set.

We are a Family and we are all joining hands and resources in this massive Journey of Hope across Kenya.

We can do it and we are hence doing it.

Odhiambo T Oketch,
The Team Leader/Executive Director,
KCDN, KSSL, KIC,
PO Box 47890-00100,
Nairobi, Kenya.
Tel; +254 724 365 557,
Email; kimishodevelopment@gmail.com komarockswatch@yahoo.com
Blogspot; http://kcdnkomarockswatch.blogspot.com
Mailing List; friendsofkcdn@yahoogroups.com friendsofnyanza@yahoogroups.com

Bringing Russia in From the Cold?

From: Abdalah Hamis

BY KESTER KENN KLOMEGAH, 7 AUGUST 2013

Around the world – from China to the US, and Turkey to Brazil – countries are stepping up their involvement in Africa. But what about Russia in all this?

When it comes to economic engagement in Africa, the approaches of the world’s superpowers – past, present and future – have been fairly well characterised. China, hungry for resources, but with many fingers in many pies; the US, slow to wake up to Africa’s potential but perhaps now trying to catch up; Brazil, building links but doing things a little differently; the ex-colonial masters, still very much present but facing increasing competition; India, Japan, Turkey, slowly but surely entering the fray.

But amidst this 21st century scramble for access to African markets and African resources, what of the erstwhile superpower Russia?

LAGGING BEHIND

With Africa’s vast economic potential increasingly being recognised around the world, many leaders have been taking action to ensure their countries don’t miss out.

In July 2012, for example, former Chinese President Hu Jintao delivered a speech promising to further bolster ties to the continent and announcing the provision of $20 billion of credit to African countries for infrastructure, agriculture, manufacturing and small and medium-sized enterprises. The next year, Hu’s successor, Xi Jinping, visited Tanzania, South Africa and the Republic of Congo signing a string of deals.

This June, meanwhile, Japan made a five-year commitment of $32 billion in public and private funding to Africa, including $14 billion in official development aid and $6.5 billion to support the building of infrastructure. This pledge was nearly four times larger than Japan’s last commitment to the continent.

And most recently, US President Barack Obama visited Senegal, South Africa and Tanzania in a bid to encourage US investment. During his official working meeting with South Africa’s President Jacob Zuma, Obama commented: “The United States’ strategy towards sub-Saharan Africa launched last year is well-timed to take advantage of this growing market. We look forward to strengthening the US-Africa partnership and we are pleased with the growing bilateral trade and investment.”

But in this enthusiasm for African engagement, Russia seems largely absent. And while the likes of China, India, Japan and now the US have provided funds to support companies ready to carry out projects in various sectors in African countries, some Russian firms complain of a lack of state financial support and investment credit guarantees from policy banks and money-lending institutions.

RUSSIAN LACK OF INCENTIVES

“The absence of export credit guarantees can be a real obstacle to some in countries such as Russia because there are businesses and policy holders that look for these guarantees to help alleviate the fear of doing business in high risk markets like Africa,” says Scott Firsing, a visiting Bradlow fellow at the South African Institute for International Affairs (SAIIA) and a senior lecturer in International Studies at Monash University in Johannesburg.

He continues, “One of China’s policy banks, the Chinese Development Bank (CDB), is the country’s largest lender for funding acquisitions and investments overseas, with loans totalling more than its four main commercial banks combined. This has helped to expand the overseas presence of Chinese companies like ZTE and Huawei which would have been unlikely without the assistance from such a policy bank.

“I would suggest to Russia that it has to design a policy strategy,” concludes Firsing.

However, some other experts believe that there are far deeper reasons behind the low Russia-Africa engagement. Charles Robertson, Global Chief Economist at Renaissance Capital, emphasises not the lack of guarantees and financial insurance, but a fundamental lack of incentives for Russian companies to consider involvement in Africa.

China, he says, has two clear incentives to look to Africa. Firstly, China needs to buy resources. Secondly, Chinese exports – from textiles to iPads – are highly suitable for Africa markets. By contrast, Russia’s main exports are oil, natural gas, metals, wood and a range of civilian and military equipment – all of which, apart from the last two, are already abundant in Africa. “The problem is not just investment credits or guarantees”, he says.

Furthermore, as Martyn Davies, Chief Executive Officer of the South African based Frontier Advisory (Pty) Ltd, explains, the Chinese model of financing infrastructural and construction projects in Africa may not be replicable in Russia. China and Russia’s policy banking systems operate quite differently.

David Shinn, Adjunct Professor at the Elliott School of International Affairs, George Washington University, also emphasises China’s unique ability to engage in African countries.

Shinn believes that Russia along with Western countries are at a disadvantage compared to China because of their relatively large private sectors and low level of government control over foreign investments. By contrast, Chinese investment in Africa passes through large state-owned companies, which effectively follow a government-coordinated agenda.

IN FROM THE COLD

There are thus structural as well as policy shortcomings underpinning Russia’s low involvement in Africa, but it is not all bad news for Russia-Africa relations. According to an article by two Russian academics, Aleksei Vasiliev and Eygeny Korendiasov, the scope for Russian-African partnership is expanding rapidly.

They argue that “through large-scale and purposeful participation in international development assistance, Russia is striving to advance its foreign policy priorities and strengthen the positions of Russian business in the African economic space”. Their article also quotes Russian officials insisting that Africa is “in the mainstream of Russia’s foreign policy”.

However, Vasiliev and Korendiasov also write that trade between Russia and Africa will only change for the better if the Russian industry undergoes technological modernisation. For Russia-Africa relations to reach their full potential, the state, they say, will need to provide Russian businessmen systematic and meaningful support, and small and medium businesses more access to more funds and financial security.

Among other things, Moscow will need to look into “defining clear guidelines and priorities of Russian policy towards Africa, creating conditions for the promotion of Russian goods and investments in African markets, setting up mechanisms of financial support by the state of export and investment projects … and introducing tariff preferences for trade with African partners.”

At this stage, that may be a big task. But if there is the political will to do so, Russia could become the investor that came in from the cold.

Kester Kenn Klomegah is a journalist, formerly of the Moscow Times, now writing for IPS. He is an independent researcher on both Russia and China’s engagement with Africa.

In 2004 and again in 2009 he won the Golden Word Prize for a series of analytical articles on Russia’s economic cooperation with African countries.

Agricultural Innovation Systems A Framework for Analysing the Role of the Government

From: Yona Maro

This report reviews recent trends in agricultural innovation systems (AIS) and discusses the impact of a wide range of policies on the creation and diffusion of innovation in the agricultural and agrifood sector. It suggests a framework for analysing the role of governments in fostering increased innovation, with a view to helping to identify practical actions that governments could take to improve productivity growth, sustainable use of resources, and resilience to future market developments in national and global agriculture and agri-food systems.

OECD, June 2013

Also available in: French

Link:
http://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/agriculture-and-food/agricultural-innovation-systems_9789264200593-en

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The Little Data Book on Africa 2012/13

From: Yona Maro

The Little Data Book on Africa 2012/2013 is a pocket edition of Africa Development Indicators 2012/2013. It contains some 115 key indicators on economics, human development, governance, and partnership and is intended as a quick reference for users of the Africa Development Indicators 2010 book and African Development Indicators Online.

The country tables present the latest available data for World Bank member countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, covering about 1,700 indicators from 1961 to 2011. Key themes are : • Basic indicators • Drivers of growth • Participating in growth • Capable states • Partnerships. Designed to provide all those interested in Africa with quick reference and a reliable set of data to monitor development programs and aid flows in the region, this is an invaluable pocket edition reference tool for analysts and policy makers who want a better understanding of the economic and social developments occurring in Africa.

Link:
https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/bitstream/handle/10986/13195/9780821397831.pdf?sequence=1


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China to help fund anti-poaching war towards Decolonization of Kenya with East Africa

From: Maurice Oduor

Judy,

You’re now confusing us. DECOLONIZATION means to REMOVING COLONIZATION.

According to your story, I thing you mean to say RECOLONIZATION i.e. RE-INSTUTING COLONIZATION.

Sivyo?

Courage

– – – – – – – – – – –

On Sat, Aug 10, 2013 at 9:09 AM, Judy Miriga wrote:

Good People,

Foreign Contract to Chinese Government to Stop Poaching is another way to spread Chinese Policing into the village country-side to hijack (take-over) Kenya and deny Kenyan Youths Jobs. It is another way to directly control over Kenya and the Great Lakes of East Africa. It is a system applied for quite transitioning of Uhuru-Ruto Administration handing-over power to Chinese Government to Rule and take Kenya by storm, in the process of DECOLONIZATION; which is going the Mozambique style and it must be stopped instantaneously.

Kenya with the rest of Great Lakes of East Africa are a Democratic Nation and No amount of invasion will be accepted as long as the International and UN Treaty have not been revoked. This calls for an urgent investigation of the World Bank, IMF and United Nations’ Secretary General Ban-Ki-moonby the FBI for fueling Corruption and Impunity through being part of this great conspiracy trigger. It is because, the manner at which they recommended funding for AIDs Funding to remove poverty, provide health-care, provide security, initiate job opportunities and Education in the Great Lakes of East Africa is questionable and suspicious. They instead purposely fueled extreme corruption and impunity in the Greater Region of East Africa.

Funds have been channeled through corrupt means with unclear Agreements in Partnership with the operating International NGOs on the ground who work along the Government side, where they don’t seem to transmit those funding directly to do what they were initiated for. Consequently, there are no follow-ups to determine positive effectiveness where if there is no good results from those funding, what immediate action were taken to avoid its failure???……… It was then found that, drivers of the funding disbursement have instead created and financed take-over of East Africa which is why, Migingo and Goma was taken with annexing of Port of Kismayu. We found that, the insecurity is spreading fast with fueling of thuggery, proliferation of Arms through Kismayu, Migingo and Lake Victoria. This is zeroed-in with active participation and funding of Rebel Groups thus:

Al-Qaeda, Al-shabaab, Mungiki, Pirating, drug peddling with foreign exchange money trafficking, Child Prostitution and trafficking; with more problems to include environmental pollutions, sicknesses, careless killings, forceful Land Grabbing and theft………Therefore, all these numerous accounts of injustices are unacceptable and justice must prevail……..They are all as a result of funds being channeled the wrong way without transparency and accountability, through Foreign NGOs on the Ground supposed to be providing AIDs to the Great Lakes of Africa to remove poverty, sickness and provide security and education.

Having realized that these NGOs are not doing much fast enough to aid quick killings and take-over, the UN Agencies with the Corrupt African Leaders with their network of the International Corporate Special Business Interest resolved to forcefully take-over Great Lakes of East Africa through Chinese Private Army in Kenya that was sensored by Kalonzo Musyoka and supervised by Raila and Kibaki in the Coalition Government.

This is the unfinished business Raila, Kagame with Museveni are fighting for while their paymasters standing akimbo watching them to fulfill their mission urgently……….and which is why, there is this struggle between Raila and Uhuru Government and why Museveni is the Chairman and Kagame the Secretary in this Great Lakes of East Africa who are both entrusted with the mission by heir pay masters who are the International Corporate of Special Business Interest in the Great Region of East Africa.

This is not right, it is not fair and it is not morally justified. It is a serious crime against humanity and it cannot be left to happen that way.

Therefore, Contracting Poaching Unit by Chinese must be stopped, it is not economical viable for Kenya or to any other Sovereign Nationality of Africa. It will be the beginning of World War and, Kenya with the Great Lakes of East Africa will be the battle-ground.

PETITIONING OVER CONCERNS:

These concerns must not be taken lightly by the International Community Leaders; as they provide fodder for the Third World War meant to wipe out Africans from Africa like what happened to Mozambique. It is immorally unjust to kill Africans and replace them with Chinese. It is all along known in world records that Chinese Government is the worst in Human Rights Crime, Violation and Abuse records including environment pollution. They must not be left to destroy Kenya with the rest of East Africa. I therefore petition US President Obama to lead good leaders Allys of USA to save a situation in Kenya with the rest of Great Lakes of East Africa.

Africa needs sustainable functioning development Agenda and not those of wiping out Africans through Chinese Private Army that are posing as policing poacher………..This is not what they are going for………they are going for human beings…….which is why Raila is calling the Youth Lizards (Raila led the onslaught comparing Obura to a lizard. He said according to a Nigerian parable, there was a lizard that craved recognititon. He said the lizard climbed a tree hoping people would see him). That in their cry for justified demands as per public mandate, the Youth have no rights……..They are going to exterminate human beings not Lizards in reality, and more or so, they are more interested in poaching themselves that to protect and save ……. They are interested in the big money not to preserve Africas interest………..

Wake up people, wake up and join forces to reject this mission in totallity………Let the world help to save Africans, let Africans not perish in the hands of these selfish and greedy businessmen !!!

Extremely very sad indeed………but the Truth with Justice ill set us all free……….and Peace and Liberty in pursuit for Hapiness shall prevail…………

May God Protect and Bless Africa with its people !!!

Judy Miriga
Diaspora Spokesperson
Executive Director
Confederation Council Foundation for Africa Inc.,
USA
http://socioeconomicforum50.blogspot.com

China to help fund anti-poaching war

PHOTO | COURTESY Kenya Wildlife Service rangers on patrol. China has pledged to fund Kenya’s efforts to curb wildlife poaching. NATION MEDIA GROUP | KWS

By NATION REPORTER
Posted Friday, August 9 2013 at 23:30

China has pledged to fund Kenya’s efforts to curb wildlife poaching.

Speaking at a meeting with the Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Water and Natural Resources, Prof Judi Wakhungu, Chinese ambassador to Kenya Liu Guangyuan said his country would give Kenya a grant, which he did not specify, to protect the elephant, rhino and other endangered species.

The pledge comes in the wake of renewed efforts by the Kenyan authorities to totally eradicate poaching.

The government has already formed a special unit to fight the menace, with China, the United States and UK among the countries funding it.

Last week, First Lady Margaret Kenyatta launched the “Hands off Elephants” campaign to spearhead the protection of elephants.

Speaking during the meeting with Prof Wakhungu, the Chinese envoy urged Kenya to strengthen wildlife conservation measures and severely punish poachers.

China’s anti-poaching laws are some of the most stringent in the world, with offenders often getting life imprisonment.

Expressing Kenya’s wish to join hands with other nations in combating illegal ivory and rhino horn trade, Prof Wakhungu praised China for its consistent measures and actions towards the enforcement of wildlife conservation laws.

The Kenya Wildlife Service says Kenya lost 384 elephants and 29 rhino to poachers last year alone. This year, 190 elephants and 34 rhinos have been killed.

Last month, a huge consignment of ivory was impounded in Mombasa.

The ivory, weighing 3.3 metric tonnes and valued at Sh65 million, was concealed in gunny sacks and declared as groundnuts bound for Malaysia.

The consignment comprised 382 whole pieces and 62 cut pieces of ivory.

The seizure came barely two months after customs officials in the United Arab Emirates seized 259 pieces of ivory shipped from Mombasa.

Ministry urges MPs to prioritise Wildlife Bill

Environment Principal Secretary Richard Lesiyampe flags off one of the vehicles that will be used by Inter Security Agency Anti-Poaching Unit at KWS headquarters in Nairobi August 8, 2013. The Ministry urged MPs to move with speed and pass the Wildlife Bill that seeks to tighten penalties for poachers. ANTHONY OMUYA

By JEREMIAH KIPLANG’AT jkiplangat@ke.nationmedia.com
Posted Saturday, August 10 2013 at 09:57
Related Stories

Prioritise anti poaching Bill, MPs urged
Environment Cabinet Secretary Judy Wakhungu has urged MPs to move with speed and pass the Wildlife Bill that seeks to tighten penalties for poachers.

Prof Wakhungu said poaching had shot up since the beginning of the year hence the need for the fast enactment of the proposed law, which she said is expected to play a bigger role in preventing the vice.

“We are keen on the speedy enactment of the Wildlife Conservation and Management Bill, 2013 that proposes stiffer and deterrent penalties. It has been published and tabled in Parliament but expect faster enactment,” she said Thursday in a speech read on her behalf by the ministry’s Principal Secretary Richard Lesiyampe during the launch of a special unit of security officers to tackle poachers.

The Bill will be read for the first time when the lawmakers return from their recess on September 17. It is expected that the proposed law will impose heftier penalties when it is enacted.

Last June, the Cabinet approved the Bill that is set to, among others, increase the fine to up to one million shillings for those found engaging in poaching.

Enhanced sentences

Mr Lesiyampe said the Ministry was lobbying for enhanced sentences for those found guilty of poaching.

“These are not ordinary criminals. They are economic saboteurs who should not be treated softly anymore. We are thinking of 15 years imprisonment or even life sentences,” he said.

The special unit comprises 121 officers drawn from Kenya Wildlife Service, Administration Police and General Service Unit. They will undergo training at the KWS centre in Manyani before being deployed to the three poaching hotspots in the country.

The hotspots are Narok, Tsavo and Isiolo.

KWS director William Kiprono said the unit will boost the fight against poaching, a menace he said, could not be addressed alone by the wildlife department.

“It is now a serious issue that KWS cannot address it alone. It is a national problem. We need everybody on board to tackle it,” Mr Kiprono said.

The formation of the unit comes a week following the launch of another campaign, Hands Off Elephants, by First Lady Margaret Kenyatta.

The campaign aims at pushing for tighter measures to guard against elephant poaching.

COMMENTS:

theafricanthinker
•a day ago •2 upvotes

Rot in government ministries. I’m just sick of news I’m hearing from
home these days.

There is nothing good. JKIA burnt, no one knows why.
Balala is demanding corruption from investors, no one is gonna stop him.

If police and other first responders loot victims properties, who shall we trust? If the ministry entrusted with wildlife is smuggling out wild animal parts, who should protect Kenya’s natural beauties?

Poor Kenyans have always been on the losing end!

see more
jackmuraguri@hotmail.com
•a day ago •0 upvotes

Life sentence to poachers and the confiscation of all their wealth is the only solution.

see more

Hoorayhenry
•a day ago•3 upvotes

It’s not new laws that we need, we need to let people who love & value
this great heritage look after it. We, indigenous Africans have no time for wildlife. Traditionally, we’ve always seen animals as a source of our basic needs (food clothing, shelter) period. This is my argument…. KWS under the Leakeys, was so efficient that poaching had almost completely been eradicated, & in fact the population of the ‘big five’ had increased to an extent of them starting to be a menace, & there was talk of culling elephants in Kenya. KWS is still here, now managed by us indigenous Africans, why has it become a joke? SA still have their wildlife protection intact!!!! Same reason perhaps???

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Published on Aug 9, 2013

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CORD leader Raila Odinga tells off
Kisumu Central MP Ken Obura over
leadership

Updated Friday, August 9th 2013 at 23:19 GMT +3

By RUSHDIE OUDIA
KENYA: CORD leader Raila Odinga has told off the young Turks over their plans to take over leadership in ODM.

The former PM alongside other CORD leaders, who spoke during the homecoming for Kisumu County Assembly majority leader, Samuel Ong’ou, aimed their blows at Kisumu Central MP Ken Obura who had showed his interest in the ODM Secretary General’s post.

Obura’s onslaught was brought forth using parables and straight attacks.

Raila led the onslaught comparing Obura to a lizard. He said according to a Nigerian parable, there was a lizard that craved recognititon. He said the lizard climbed a tree hoping people would see him.

“You can be old in body but young in mind and similarly you can be old in mind and young in body,” said Raila, advising the young leaders.

Funyula MP Paul Otuoma said Obura was like a young bull trying to overthrow the oldest bull in the house.

Machakos Senator Johnstone Muthama also dismissed the young leaders.

“Obura does not know what he is saying and he should stop all these theatrics,” said Muthama, adding that Raila wants unity yet some people are set to destabilise ODM.

National Assembly Deputy Chief Whip, Jakoyo Midiwo told Obura to respect the older leaders.

Homa Bay Senator Otieno Kajwang’ said ODMis like a church and there is no way a small priest could sit on the bishop’s seat simply because he is old.

Fears over new split as ODM bigwigs
cling on ‘one-man’
Updated Friday, August 9th 2013 at 23:50 GMT +3

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Dogeretti North MP Simba Arati (LEFT) are welcomed by ODM supporters in Dagoretti for presentation of bursaries in the constituency. [PHOTO: FILE]

By JUMA KWAYERA
KENYA: A fresh storm is simmering in the Orange Democratic Movement after the party’s top hierarchy failed to provide a definite roadmap to the eagerly anticipated National Delegates Convention.

The meeting is expected to result in radical decisions about the future of the party following a push from the rank and file for change at the top. ODM MPs demanded party leader Raila Odinga to cut lose certain officials at a meeting in Nairobi on Wednesday.

So sensitive is the issue that some of the party officials contacted either flatly declined to comment or referred all questions to newly appointed executive director Joseph Magerer Lang’at, himself facing a revolt as some members question his appointment.

At least 10 MPs are contemplating ‘technically’ defecting from ODM to underline their unhappiness. Former Roads Minister Franklin Bett says the party faces serious integrity questions in the manner it handles its affairs. In a tell-all interview with The Standard on Saturday, Bett took a swipe at the opacity in party operations that excludes majority of its members.

“I am aware they have tried to set meetings after the last Parliamentary Group meeting in June,” says Bett, who was in charge of the party’s presidential election team. “However, meeting and sharing with members is critical to the survival of this party. A clique around the party leader makes decisions. If a party avoids its members, it is doomed to fail. If they cannot find a way of accommodating all members, then the party risks being a one-man show.”

The brickbat that was clearly aimed at the party’s top brass left no doubt he shares the sentiments and frustrations younger MPs and senators have been expressing.

Jubilee is reportedly preparing a war chest to pounce on the dissenters. There have been reports of an effort to woo Western Kenya among other areas.

The latest developments represent the many twists and turns ODM has had to navigate to remain vibrant in the bicameral Parliament, despite its relatively weaker numerical strength. Some of the MPs met Raila on Wednesday evening during which they were categorical the bad eggs have to be dispensed with soon or the party risks another mass exodus as witnessed in the countdown to the March elections.

Kakamega meeting

The meeting was an attempt by Raila to calm the storm that has been building up involving mainly first-time MPs who have been calling for radical surgery to rid the party of senior officials they accuse of being responsible for the debacle suffered in the elections. The former PM’s responses to specific questions allegedly left some “frustrated”.

Raila, party secretary-general, treasurer and minority leader come from the same community, a reality those calling for disaggregation of seats to reflect the face of Kenya want changed.

The frustration of MPs from ODM political base in Nyanza coincides with a planned meeting in Kakamega this weekend to be addressed by, among others, former National Assembly Speaker Kenneth Marende. Marende is positioning himself for chairmanship.

The realignment takes place against a backdrop of reports that pressure is piling on Public Accounts Committee (PAC) chair Ababu Namwamba and Funyula MP Paul Otuoma “to work with” the Jubilee government. Namwamba would not respond to our phone calls or text messages.

Hot topic

One of the MPs who attended the 5-9pm “dinner” meeting told The Standard on Saturday that the former PM remained vague on when the party would hold elections to rejuvenate it. The MP says it is unlikely the much-talked about polls will take place this year, as it had become hot topic that would split the party further.

The Serena Hotel dinner talks were attended by Millie Odhiambo (Mbita), Opondo Kaluma (Homa Bay), David Ochieng’ (Ugenya), Ken Obura (Kisumu Central), Jared Opiyo (Awendo), Ken Okoth (Kibra), Sylvance Osele (Kabondo Kasipul) and George Oner Ogalo (Rangwe).

We have also learned that some MPs at the meeting said a senior official in Deputy President William Ruto’s office has been tasked with recruitment of disgruntled MPs from Nyanza and Western.

Kisumu Central MP Ken Obura referred to the meeting as routine “coffee meeting” with the party leader. “There is nothing extra-ordinary. We always meet with party leader for tea,” Mr Obura explained. The first-time MP, however, acknowledged the need to rebuild and re-brand the party.

“The National Governing Council will meet soon to set a date for elections. Once the NGC sets a date for a National Delegates Convention, we shall have enough reasons to speak on the direction we want the party to take,” he says.

Another first time MP from South Nyanza, who requested anonymity, says the session at Serena was stormy, with the MPs insisting demagogues responsible for the chaotic primaries be kicked out.

In a text message after the meeting, the MP described as “hot” the debate on the role played by chairman Henry Kosgey, Secretary-General Anyang Nyong’o, Eliud Owalo and Deputy National Assembly Minority Leader Jakoyo Midiwo in the March 4 elections.

The MPs questioned the recruitment of Magerer. The latter could not be reached by phone. Leaders from the former Western Province are pushing for either chairmanship or secretary-general’s post. Coast too is eying one of the positions, which are currently held by Kosgey and Nyong’o.

Other than Marende, Otuoma is said to be interested in Kosgey’s post while Namwamba and party assistant executive director Nabii Namwera are lining up to replace Nyong’o. Some MPs from Western are accused of either not propagating their party’s agenda or are quietly “working” with Jubilee.

10/03/08
03:32:29 pm, by nazret.com, 220 words
Categories: Ethiopia, Somalia
Should Ethiopia annex Somalia?

File Photo: Ethiopian Troops in Somalia

Should Ethiopia annex Somalia?

Writer Donald Kipkorir argues it is time for Ethiopia and Kenya to annex Somalia, in an opinion piece published in Kenya’s, The Daily Nation, titled, “Why Kenya and Ethiopia ought to annex and divide Somalia”.

Described by the Economist magazine as ‘The world’s most utterly failed state’, Somalia is a lawless state with no functioning central government since 1991. The writer argues the country is a ‘haven for terrorists and pirates’. He goes on to say,

“Annexing Somalia is thus in our strategic interest and we must do it now as the financial meltdown continues to take away the attention of the world.

Somalia as a state exists only in world maps. It is a classic case of a failed state. It is a state dismembered into as many independent units as there are sub-clans. Its 90-strong cabinet is emblematic of the actual number of units. Somalia neighbours Kenya, Ethiopia and Djibouti. Of these, it is only Ethiopia and Kenya that have strategic interest in Somalia. Kenya and Ethiopia must and ought to dismember Somalia and divide it between themselves along the 4 degrees latitude, each taking all the land below and above the line.”

You can read the full article from Kenya’s Daily Nation.

Should Ethiopia annex Somalia? Have Your Say

168 comments
Comment from: tola [Visitor]
I think that was the plan all along i say Hell yea we should take over Somaliland and Puntland and give the rest of Somalia to Kenya and also take Eritrea back and have Djibouti join us
10/03/08 @ 15:49
Comment from: KOKEB [Visitor]
ETHIOPIA never annex somalia. It is a dirty trick of MELATAW ZOMBIE and the TPLF TEGRE morans for all this un-wanted war.

Long live the people of ETHIOPIA & SOMALIA!

DEATH to MELESE and HIS bloodY family SHABIA!
10/03/08 @ 15:49
Comment from: dereje [Visitor]
it is sad the Somalis can’t put their house in order, relatively speaking. but Ethiopia never took other people’s land in its history and should keep it that way.
10/03/08 @ 15:53
Comment from: Emperor Menelik II [Visitor]
Perfect discussion We have to do this! Somaliland and Puntland join Ethiopia. The southern Somalians (Mogadishu)are the Shertam’ Somali dirt bag illiterate donkeys, they must join Kenya.
10/03/08 @ 15:53
Comment from: Ogadenian [Visitor]
Ethiopia is not even capable of feeding itself let alone annex Somalia. Ethiopia is in Somalia with the help of Christian Nations who have a deep hatred for all Somali Muslims,beside with all the finance,weapon,air and sea support for those Christians nations still it can not control one single city.

For goodness sake lets fight each other one to one,i meant Ethiopia against Somalia only no outside help and i swear to you Ethiopia will not last a week with us Somalis.

Its always Russian,Cuban,British, etc
Who are fighting against Somalian in the name of Ethiopians,that is why we are saying this is not fair.

10/03/08 @ 15:57
Comment from: berta [Visitor]
Not annex but it is a good strategy to temporarily split Somalia in to at least pieces. one ruled by Kenya plus AU and UN, the next piece ruled by Ethiopia plus AU and UN the other piece Puntland/Djibuti plus AU and UN.
10/03/08 @ 16:11
Comment from: Tesfaye [Visitor]
We have to be realistic. Somaliland & Puntland can join Ethiopia. Djoubiti & Eritrea should be given back to Ethiopia. Then we can build our country. We can mobilise our human and material resources to the maximum. This time we have to be serious about our internal enemies. They should be hunted and eliminated. Ethiopia needs a true national leader. Those leaders who have no respect for history are either insane or agents of foreign powers. ThEY HAVE TO BE DEALT WITH.

The case of Eritrea should be also resolved. Muslim Eritrea can be given to Sudan and the christian areas including Massawa should be given to Ethiopia. This is the way to deal with people who are bandas and messeners of destruction. The eritreans are mercenaries, slaves who been waging a war of detruction by proxy.

10/03/08 @ 16:26
Comment from: kirkiri [Visitor]
Kenya and Ethiopia don’t have the capacity to annex Somalia.
Somalia is closer to annexing both countries.

The Islamic courts union/al shabab hold more territory today than when Ethiopia cowardly thought it could do something about Somalia.
20,000 Ethiopian soldiers are dead and the Somali fighters not reached their full potential. Kenya is far weaker than Ethiopia.

Dreams are so cheap. Every fool can dream.
10/03/08 @ 16:27
Comment from: Tenkir [Visitor]
This is such a stupid question for those of us Ethiopians who know Ethiopia is run by a sophisticated gov that gives away land and territory (viz Eritrea) to manage a small country effectively In fact in a series of interviews I heard woyane officials complaining Ethiopia being too big to govern. So, please tell me how on earth will Ethiopia under the leadership of woyane would annex a land? Or are you asking a philosophical question suggesting since Somalia could be equated as a problem that the gov will not hesitate to bring anything negative to our side?
10/03/08 @ 16:28
Comment from: common sense [Visitor]
Sure it sounds an outlandish idea, but it’s really not that crazy an idea.It’s actually a win win situation for both Ethiopia and Somalia.If we look past European colonists era African tribes were just living side by side with out per say having a country of their own. It was mostly the English’s policy of divide and concur that brought about all these African nations. In light of that,if we are to entertain the idea of joining part of Somalia with Ethiopia should be given serious consideration.However it has to be in a democratic fashion with something like a referendum.I’m sure a lot of Somalis would support living side by side with their Ethiopian brothers.
10/03/08 @ 16:29
Comment from: Death to Weyanes [Visitor]
This is just stupid question? First let’s give Oromia and Ogaden their independence, they don’t want be a part of Ethiopia, then we can talk the other dream you have.
10/03/08 @ 16:42
Comment from: Emperor Menelik II [Visitor]
Tesfaye =You say Muslim Eritrea (30%) should be given to Sudan and Christian Eritrea(70%) should be given to Ethiopia? Did you know Ethiopia has more Muslim population then Sudan does? Ethiopia is 55% Muslim… at the same time you want Massawa in Eritrea to be given to Ethiopia? Massawa is Muslim Afars who live there. You want Djibouti and Somaliand to join Ethiopia and they are 100% Muslim If this is going to work we can not let religion play in this at all. The only Christians in the region are the Amhara and Tigray. The rest are Muslims.
10/03/08 @ 16:44
Comment from: raee [Visitor]
Should Ethiopia annex Somalia? what a moron question? Ethiopia should start feeding, educating, providing health care etc… for its nation. Stop talking about Ethiopia as if it’s some kind of a super power country. We have been begging for food every year God knows since when.
10/03/08 @ 16:54
Comment from: danieltekle [Visitor]
You guys are crazy.

If Haile Selasie’s annexation of Eritrea in 1951 ended with a devastation in 1991, as Eritrea gained its independence, why in the world would some of you suggest it is a good idea to annex Somalia. It is not controversial to say Eritreans and Ethiopians (at least those who live on the highlands) have a great deal in common with one another. Yet 30 years of war ensued in spite of the commonality. You want to repeat history?

Moreover, Ethiopia was also listed as a part of the failed states of the world, does that mean Kenya should annex Ethiopia, NOT!!!
Let’s clean our house before we judge other failed states.
10/03/08 @ 16:57
Comment from: Monkey [Visitor]
If Ethiopia commits to annexing Somalia and by doing so gives us an outlet to the ocean, I’ll volunteer to fight anyone who tries to stop this great plan.

The guy who thought of this is a genius.
10/03/08 @ 17:02
Comment from: gimatam shabiya [Visitor]
Really excellent article i ever read in this web site.This the only way to remove terrorist from horn Africa and to help Somalian brothers. Some Shabiyas in this web site start to urinate in there trousers.
10/03/08 @ 17:03
Comment from: uwnet lemenager [Visitor]
that’s dream which will not happen for ever because the Somalians are very energetic and a hero people. if their country were peace, they would have been control the horn of Africa by their military power,but their only enemy is a drug called “chat” or “mirah” if they avoid taking the above drug, they will be one of the strongest country in the region believe it or not.
10/03/08 @ 17:13
Comment from: Dr. Ashebir [Visitor]
Anyone who knows that even our brothers the Eritreans left us in a bloody war, would not be gullible enough to accept such seductive message. Let the Somalis keep their misfortune at a distance. Let’s not inherit their misfortune, instead fight it from overflowing.
10/03/08 @ 17:14
Comment from: Thomas [Visitor]
KOKEB
Kokeb; your comments are always full of hate, but nothing else. Why? I don’t know. Here is my assumptions; I think You are one of the losers from this government. Or, you are one of Iss-Ass Dikala who wants the destruction of Ethiopia.
Just get a life and stay in your Artera’s (Asmera) affaire. Leave us Alone please. You are Full of hate. use your hate to build your useless Aretera with your father Iss-ass.

10/03/08 @ 17:22
Comment from: soma [Visitor]
SOMALIA IS AN INDEPENDENT NATION WHO ARE SHOWING THEIR STRENGTH BY DEFEATING US AND MELESE

We all should understand Somalia is an independent nation no body will annex them.

The people of Somalia are different they are different when it come to US and Ethiopia.

Even though they have big difference among themselves when it comes to enemy like Ethiopia and US they have shown their strength.

10/03/08 @ 17:23
Comment from: Ali roble [Visitor]
In this day and age,even a drunkard Negro like this scumbag has some crazy idea, of course it unlikely his pure imagination but just some copy-cuts of colonialists and his former white master, what do with Somalia.Is he got enough share from the spoils left British by annexing Somaliland area to Kenya? What about if Luo tribes and others that live in Uganda and Tanzania when hostility against Kukuyo erupts next time around? Does Tanzania and Uganda also have right to annex them. Where we gonna draw the line? Are we redraw all African borders again thereby opening Pandora’s box?I think Ethiopia has enough problems of its own. Besides, its experience over Eritrea’s Annexation in the past taught unforgettable lesson. In the meantime I think Somalis will sort out their differences if left alone to deal with it.
10/03/08 @ 17:30
Comment from: Yonas Bekele [Visitor]
Another dumb and unsustainable idea. Somalia is not just a vast land mass, it has actually people living there and they do not want to be part of Ethiopia or Kenya. And what does Ethiopia have to gain by annexing its neighbor, if not more violence and other problems? I think we should withdraw our guys and let Somalis resolve their own problems, even if that means an Islamist state taking root there. No one like that scenario but Ethiopia is paying dearly in term of lives and treasure to help a country that may be a failed state forever.

10/03/08 @ 17:37
Comment from: habeshawu [Visitor]
the best way to secure peace in east Africa is to secure our borders and leave the Somalians to solve their problems by themselves, and most importantly give the eritrean law land to Sudan and throw the hamaseins in the salty red sea and give the high land to Ethiopia.
10/03/08 @ 17:59
Comment from: M.T. [Visitor]
no
10/03/08 @ 18:05
Comment from: sintayehu [Visitor]
please so not run so fast to say something without thinking about them. Even though Ethiopia has strong army in Horn now we can not invade Somalia because that would be a shame for us.What are we trying to show let invade Somalia like the Europeans did in their time. Somalia people are love people and we have to respect that O WE ETHIOPIANS LIKE IF ANY COUNTRY INVADE ETHIOPIA? ANSWER THAT AS THE FOR SOMALIA. But we are strong and we will be strong always.That is Ethiopia
10/03/08 @ 18:36
Comment from: Passerby [Visitor]
Honestly people! And nazret!!!!

This is the most stupidest idea let alone an idea for discussion…it suggests nazret thinks Ethiopians are that stupid? Now i wonder who owns this websites and on who side the owner is on politically.

1) Ethiopia during the 77 war won and could have annexed Somaliland but chose not to.

2) Ethiopia has under her rightful and patriotic rulers a history of hands-off lands that don’t belong to us, we went after eritrea thinking we were brothers and that didn’t workout as meles ceded all to his mothers side of the family.

3) every Ethiopian should be insulted by such questions cause Ethiopians don’t have a real representative gov’t that gives a darn about the people. When a rightful gov’t that is representative of the people comes to power, the real land of Ethiopia should be up for discussion…asseb!

10/03/08 @ 18:43
Comment from: SPINX [Visitor]
Hello my Horn Africa people

Let me take you back to 1960-70,war between Somalia and Ethiopia,or allow me to say Between Somalia and Russia and Cuba,with out the direct help of the then Soviet-Union,back then,Ogaden-land which is legally Somalian land,would still be Somalian,History repeats it’s self,Ethiopia never fought any war or battle alone by it’s own,it’s always been supported by the West,starting from Haile-Selassie and the British,then Megustu and Russia,Now Meles-USA,Dear Ethiopians,don’t believe the hype Somalians never forgot their stolen land,OGADEN,and now you acually think to take over the whole Somalia,are you out of touch,or reality,or common sense,The USA,Ethiopia’s #1,ally is no more a Super Power,it is collapsing,so Meles,please don’t think over your head,first think about how if you can beat the AL-Shabad,warriors,that are really getting stronger as we speak.Meles please think positive,and get our of Somalian-KusH-Land.HAPPY-EID,Brothers/Sisters
10/03/08 @ 19:01
Comment from: mercato [Visitor]
The nonsense idea of the century I have no word to express we have lost Djibouti ,Eritrea and part of Gondar I believe this is not our government plan!
To an wise commentator
Religions issue is like playing with fire it is not good for Christians based on east Africa reality also do not forget we have enough pagan in east Africa. Can’t you see we have enough problem? With 81 tribe and many religions. Way we do not try to negotiate with Eritrea at last we have the same culture in most area also we speak the same kind of language even our prime minister is from Eritrea.

10/03/08 @ 19:17
Comment from: aste menelik II (the best of all kings and dictators) [Visitor]
I say Somalia, Djouti, and Eritrea must all be comletely and totally be in the hand of Ethiopia. No Kenya should ever take a piece of land regardless. So that it will benefit the four countries. We will be as strong as Rassia, China, India and U.S.A. Do it right away without wasting any time. It is a very good idea but who has the stomach to do what is best for Ethiopia? If Meles can do such a thing for our country, we will praise him and keep him as an emperior that he holds currently until the time of his death. But the emperior is a spoild one, he never does what is best for our coutry but the opposite. ONE ETHIOPIA, GREEN, YELLOW AND RED. I LOVE YOU SO MUCH MY HOME.
10/03/08 @ 19:28
Comment from: ????? Free [Member]
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! Stupid nechachiba

10/03/08 @ 19:51
Comment from: EthioMan [Visitor]
Some with spinning heads spinx out of control. Ethiopia does not need to prove any battels fought and won. History will do that. Africans do not need to kill eachother over anything, not relegion not ideology, both not ours to begin with. For those who shout with the crazy annex theory… well, they are just venting. Those who claim territories of sovereign nations are as crazy as the annexers.

Somalia is an independant nation, has been for many decades. The fact there is no working govt does not lead anyone to suggets such dilusional and thoughtless means. It is poisoning otherwise lawful people and nations near by. It must be condemed for what it is. Spreading poison.

My take on this issue is, Ethiopia MUST withdraw and allow the Somali people to do what they may to themselves. If and when they cross our borders, then we will let those who claim we never beat any shiritam or shabian punk back to oblivion, come and watch. Till then, I say somalia to Somalis.

10/03/08 @ 20:02
Comment from: yahye [Visitor]
:Once Kenya and Ethiopia have sent their combined army to Somalia and declared the annexation, we will present to the world a fait accompli. ”

A mentally handicapped Negro Rambo.
10/03/08 @ 20:17
Comment from: Tegerami [Visitor]
Those of you support this idea must be out of your mind. In return, rather, ethiopia shoul leave and depart from the somali region of Ogaden, which was annexed by menilki the II a century ago. Because that is the root problem for all animosity and mistrust between these two brotherly horn of afrikaners.
If once ethiopia leaves the region, no doubt that peace will be prevailed between somalis and ethios for eternity. Anyways,we had the gut to give eritrea, the real habesha land, away by the bless of our government in our modern day history. So why we lose a courage to do so in Ogaden, non-habesha land, but somali land.
10/03/08 @ 20:23
Comment from: Sprinter [Visitor]
Ethiopia is cutting and running, what can it annex? As for the Kenya Kelinjin reporter, his suggestion of passing the buck to Ethiopia is interesting. Why did he not suggest Kenya to annex instead. Because he knows Kenyans cannot face Somalis. Kenyan soldiers are heavily equipped but in battles they defate on themselves. Anyone who lived in Northern Kenya knows that.

As for Ethiopia, its hallucination is over. It is reality checks. Its opportunistic moves are bust. What a field day we Somalis have. Its time you taste defeat. Your boys are hold up in few buildings in Mogadishu. As I write they want to desperately run away. They are afraid and terribly lonely. The bullet is their fate, either way if they say or not. They have exit strategy.

It must be horrible to be defeated by a country without a regular army. Yes, yes, your adventurism has eventually cought up with you. Allua Continua!!!
10/03/08 @ 21:07
Comment from: Gemechu [Visitor]
SPINX:
Your information on regards the war between Ethiopia and Somalia is right, but I have something to tell u.
Somalia was getting full support from Russian on the begging of the war when they invade Ethiopia. They have more than 200 tanks, MG fighter’s jet and other military hardwires. Then after Russia shifted their support to Ethiopia Somalia was supported by Egypt, USA (because of Russia Support to Ethiopia) and other Middle east countries……
The real question is, there were/are no countries in Africa who won any battle without other foreign/west countries support. We or Somalia don’t produce any weapon at the moment and because of that we always seek help from those who produce it.

When your country (Eriteria) fought for their independence they were getting supports from Egypt and other Middle East countries. So please don’t make it a big deal just because we get lots of supports from other country such as USA. No matter how much the support is you don’t wean without good fighters. Somalia invaded Ethiopia with more than 200 tanks and don’t know how to use it. Finally, they have to abandon all of their tanks for Ethiopian solders.
On recent battle with your Country Eri and Ethiopia your country did get lots of support from Egypt but they were not successful. The reason why they were not successful was luck of man power. U are 4 milon and we are 80 million. Somalia is 7-10 million and we are 80 million. You need to understand the facts. Don’t be moron! Population matters when it comes to battle and economy.

10/03/08 @ 21:56
Comment from: Training1 [Visitor]
Are these people on drugs?

They can’t control Somalia and they are thinking of annexing it?

30,000 Tigryabs,2,200 Ugandans and Burundis and thousands of Americans spying on Somalia can’t control the SOUTH. Tigryans are being dragged on the streets.

Now this guys is suggesting that we annex the whole country? Please brother. Stop taking drugs before you write.
10/03/08 @ 21:59
Comment from: ZXAmiche [Visitor]
In your dreams!

Be afraid and pray Somalinization not to haunt Ethiopia and Kenya!
10/03/08 @ 22:09
Comment from: Land of the day dreamers [Visitor]
Funny these are the same retards who comment about the unity of Ethiopia day and night
But turn around and dream of the dividing a neighboring country Somalia!!!!

I am appalled even for Nazeret to publish this kind of non sense article in the first place! But again seeing most of the contents published here day in day out and the majority of their clientele here it should not be surprising!!

Fools get down of your donkeys and think again! You could not even convince your cousins, the Orthodox Christian Eritreans to stay with you, what makes you think the Somalians can go along?

Get your house in order before your dreams of others!!!!!

10/03/08 @ 22:11
Comment from: ZXAmiche [Visitor]
lib inKirt yimegnal!
10/03/08 @ 22:18
Comment from: kitkat [Visitor]

Annex Somalia?

What you are gonna do with an empty empty empty land with the most getto people on earth?

Westerners should use it as hunting ground for wild animals?
10/03/08 @ 22:40
Comment from: Ababu [Visitor]
What a ludicrous idea!!! is there any legality of annexing a sovereign country? If so, yes. but i don’t think a failed state like Ethiopia would be able to annex a neighboring country and administer it. The only African country that played such a role was South Africa which had been mandated to admiister Namibia after the defeat of Germany in WWI. This whole idea is a wishful thinking that would mar our country to another round of instability and political complexity.
10/03/08 @ 22:51
Comment from: Wenebz [Visitor]
Ethiopia annexing who and what!? The love for aggrandizing thoughts – that is the real joke!
10/03/08 @ 23:11
Comment from: Time [Visitor]
What is his name? Kipkorir? Wow, I did not know a Kalenjin guy had the audacity to think beyond his nose!!. Does he know his uncle MOI when he was overthrown the man who saved his ass was a Somali (General Mohamoud)? All the Kalenjins went and hid themselves in their Shambas (farms) including Moi. It was Mohamoud who with few Somalis under his command took back the Statehouse and the Radio station and announced Moi is still the President.
Mohamoud took a helicopter and went to Moi’s Shamba (farm) to bring him back. The Kalenjin man (Moi) told Mohamoud ‘Please kill me in my farm. Don’t take me away’. Wow! and Wow again. A kalenjin can dare think of annexing Somalia? It is us somalis who allowed these low life neighbours who never dare look at our side the chance to even think of it. Alas, we somalis might be brave but we are stupid. This generations is definately not like our grand fathers. The year 2020 will be somalia’s year and down hill Issack Newton’s theory for Ethiopia. I guess Kenya has already started the rift more than eethiopia but what can a Kalenjin’s brain comprehend. Haven’t you seen the flying machetes? Each one of them has it in his garage and are ready to cut each other into pieces.
Having said all that, I would prefer seeing the people of Africa living in peace and prosperity rather than talking of annexing a sisterly nation. The Kalenjin boy forgot his country is at the brink of extinction.
Let me say all Afrcan countries need to re-evaluate their way forward. otherwise they will be written into the history books. Aids, Maleria, Poverty, droughts, Wars will only increase bearing in mind the scars reaources the world will be facing. I fear for Africa and he is talking of Annexing another country.

Wait until 2020 and tell me about it. Strategy and maticulous planning that covers many dimension will be the way out for Somalia. By 2020 the Alshabaab and warlords will be history and there will be enough educated somalis in western countries who will take the lead. Investing in Infrastructure, Education, Agriculture and strong social engineering will put Somalia on Track. If you remember what I said, Ethiopia will be going down hills since by then they are recovering from Meles and Tigrey Legacy if they are not mired in civil war. I just pray to God the Somalis don’t take revenge in playig a role in distabilizing Ethiopia more. That is what Meles did. If this happens I wonder who will hold together Ethiopian tribes and religions.
Somalis, we have a saying that says ” Don’t dig your brother’s grave as you might be the one that will fall into it”. Ethiopia has dug the Grave but will it be the one to fall into it? Twelve years will tell.
If you read my post please try to remember what I have posted.

Proud Somali.

NAZRET PLEASE POST IT.
10/04/08 @ 00:42
Comment from: araadom [Visitor]
Annexing Somalia-b/n Ethiopia and Kenya.
You people-why ,why you always bark when your masters in the west tell you.You daydream when your country is always called the land of famine and hunger.Do your homework clean your dirty backyard before you look into Eritrea and Somalia. For Eritrea Adois it is the land of its owners.
10/04/08 @ 01:10
Comment from: Master Mind [Visitor]
raee

Thank you.

You bunch of morons knowing your limitations and capablites should be priority, but which part of your air head have a brain to think?
Let alone annexing somalia you couldn’t take control of feeding your family, it’s too easy to open your mouth hiding your dusty head behind your $20.00 flea market PC but that is not the point…the point is know who you are, some of you idiots can not tell your own names in proper Amharic and most of you have no value of Africanism, simply a borndogs brainless idiots do you think Somalis will stand in a corner and watch you while your kimal is takin over their land?
What a stupid question???????
Nazret thank you for this rubish topic which was able to pull out these morons out of their rat hole.
10/04/08 @ 01:39
Comment from: Z-Mike [Visitor]
Although the suggestion is not a bad idea, Ethiopia should only offer Kenya 10% of Somalia’s land. Kenya did does not have the military need to stand for a fight if and when a fight (war that is0 breaks out. Kenya’s total military is estimate at about 45,000 including the police force, the navy army etc. So to suggest Kenya taking over half of Somalia is not realistic and a very dangerous suggestion by the media.

The next steps of Ethiopia should be:
1} train and build strong navy.
2) Stay in Somalia and if need get rid of the clan leaders and tell Somalis if they don’t get there act together, there wont be another nation call Somalia.
3} get rid of Sheabians along with its terrors.
4} hold a referendum in Ethiopia whether or not Eritrea becomes independent.
****Keep on building even stronger military in Ethiopia and work on stronger democratic systems. Once we do that, Ethiopia will become stronger then ever before and the world will see the strength of Ethiopia/ns.

Z-Mike

10/04/08 @ 01:51
Comment from: kitkat [Visitor]

Annex Somalia !

Yes, Please Please Annex it.

Specially for the sake of unarmed clans who are beings massacred by so called noble clans.

Please Ethiopia Annex Somalia !

10/04/08 @ 03:01
Comment from: habeshawu [Visitor]
Time,

you are full of sh*t, you keep saying 2020, did Somalia win the chance to host Olympic or what seriously be specific about your 2020 plan. you are a typical angry man with a hot balloon head just like our northern neighbors.
10/04/08 @ 03:50
Comment from: Tamrat Tamrat [Visitor]
Lets levae somalians affair to somalians. And if they tried to mess with uss like 2006, 1977, etc then will show them who we are and they strat singing cuba and russia help ethiopia. The worrest thing about the somalians is the story they creat and believ. Is it not a disgrace to discuss anexation of a nation by itself.
10/04/08 @ 04:04
Comment from: Interesting Topic [Visitor]
The writer is a good thinker of the time. But lacks the knowledge of History.

Once Hirsi Ali (a Somalian activist) said about herself that she is the 7th generation of an Immigrant came to todays Somalia. Meaning the not Habesha look like Somalians are not the original residents in todays Somalia.

Somalia never ever has been a country before the British, Italian colonization on her dividing in three. They were primitive nomadic acting and living the way their animals demanding them to do. As the Abyssinian history says, the Entire Somalia territory was under the axumite kingdom including Yemen, southern Saudi Arabia and Gulf states that many of them still looks like the Habesha people. Mogadishu means moqat and shum= the Abyssinians word. The shum/Astedader of the moqat area.
Because of spreading Islam in Africa through war and invasion, the Arabs and Iranians fought against the Abyssinians the same way the Arabs did at the time in todays Sudan against them, too. But never ever been Somalia as a state with her todays territory boundary.

Abyssinia (Ethiopia) was the oldest statehood in AFRICA/one of the world. Modern Ethiopia (small Ethiopia) is the oldest modern statehood in Africa since 1850/60+ under the leadership of the modern Ethiopian father Atse Teodros.
After the death of Zere Jacob, the powerful Queen Ellni took the Abyssinian responsibility including todays Somalia Territory. But the time was very bad to Ethiopia as the Turks and Arabs were taking vast territory in todays Sudan including the territory called Sabians (all of them were at the time Christians including eastern, northern and central Sudan). The conflict was going on actively for 400 years but started since 8/9 century. And the worst was between 11-15 in the north and eastern part of the country. In the 16 century after the queen Eleni death (1522), the Arabs saw the weakness of the kingdom and they came through the south (todays Somalia by hiring a primitive nomad converted to become Muslim and as then brainwashed blood sucker against all Christians.
The gruesome Muslim invasion against the Christian Abyssinians took 14 years (1529-1543). During this time they even reached to the centre of the Christian kingdom in Axum and burned down the Axum Tsion mariam. This shows how much human and material damaged all over the country they had caused and the country situation changed for good.

With the European help, the Arabs invasion to spread Islam through war and killing is defeated. But the Abyssinians were badly destroyed. Many have died. Others immigrated to the north to the highlands to escape. The rest became Muslims and the same times they started acting as the todays Somalian do. This is the way the Abyssinian look like Somalians became as Somalians. That is why we said Ethiopian Muslims didn’t become Muslims by choice but by force through invasion and war.

The weakness of the Abyssinians became an opportunity to the massive migration/invasion like ants for the gala migration to the southern, central and western Ethiopia. The Somalians also did the same by defeating the Adals.This way the Zemene Mesafent created and took about 300 years.
Yet, when Ethiopia regrouped and became as a nation in 1860+, there was no a single nation in Africa at the time. That is why I said, “Ethiopia is not only the oldest ancient country but also the oldest modern country, too.”
Egypt became as it is since 1922. The rest of Africa became as it is today since 1953 started from Ghana. Sudan, Kenya, Somalia and the rest of Africa is just 50+ years old. Even in the middle east countries Like Saudi Arabia became as it is today in 1906. Iraqi 1923. And other Gulf States became, as they are latter on. So, the OLF idea of Ethiopia hundreds years old is fiction, ignorant, baseless, wrong and second even if she it so, she is older than any nation in Africa and the Middle East, too. No a single African nation has a hundred years modern statehood.

When it comes to Somalia they have been a country for only 20+ years under Siadbarie. That is it. They never ever have been a country more than that. I think the habesha look like Somalians have the right to be part of Ethiopia if they want to be that way. But Ethiopia demanding them to be part of her will be a mistake. You cannot govern them because of they never been governed by themselves and they have no idea to respect it.
As the entire Kenyan cost is part of the Kenyan Somalians, Kenya will have big problem with them. If you listen Somalians individually, almost all of them like Ethiopians that any one from Africa including the Kenyans. The Somalian Immigrants that have been in Kenya will tell you their feeling about the Kenyans. While the same time those have been in Ethiopia also will tell you their appreciation and respect towards Ethiopians. Only few Jiahdists do hate Ethiopians because of religion.

Ethiopia has a big rat on her back yard and first and for most she has to deal with it. That rat is Eritrea. So, it is time to deal with the shabia rats. The have disappeared from Eritrea means all over Ethiopia will be peace and security as shabia is training all anti Ethiopian elements including the primitive Somalia Islamic terrorists, OLF and nomadic primitive ONLF.

10/04/08 @ 04:28
Comment from: Legassi Zenawi [Visitor]
Somaliland will be a free country with close ties to Ethiopia, UK, and USA, white isolated south somalia and pirate infested puntland are killing each other with their warlords and clan.

they always try to polarize and oversimplify the situation saying oh ethiopia = christian, somalia = muslim

you idiots either don’t have a clue or are primitive animals.

this is 100% about Territorial integrity of Ethiopia and 0% about religion.

u think that relgion can solve ur problem of fragmented society based on ethnic and tribal lines, YOU WRONG.
10/04/08 @ 05:10
Comment from: Legassi Zenawi [Visitor]
Ill make damn well sure that we take ONLY ASSEB and expel all NON AFAR eritrean animals/donkeys.

We will take back our ports, as Mengistu said:

“I was there [Eritrea] with 700 people, We are there only for military strategy of water [Red Sea], there’s no Oil there, no diamonds, no gold, it’s not a country, there’s no people, NOTHING”

We will be comming back for Asseb!

Ethiopia Tikdem
10/04/08 @ 05:16
Comment from: Yohannes [Visitor]
No! No! No! All so-called national boundries created by colonial masters should be dismantled. Africa must be united in order to survive in the 21st century as a viable entity. Clanish and tribal thought should be arrested. Let us think big and far into the future while educating the unlearned. Had it not been for their identity crisis, Africans could have thrived in modern global economy becuase of their untapped natural resources.
We have no one to blame now but ourselves.

Democracy is not for Africans, at least for now, for we do not have the cornerstones for it, education, self-respect, human dignity, etc. I think the primitive paternalistic dictatorship based on fatherly or may be, motherly rule would transition us to a better tomorrow. But for the current dictators….
10/04/08 @ 05:21
Comment from: dekia [Visitor]
who is giving ethiopia 100 years of more homework war again.
10/04/08 @ 07:34
Comment from: Somali [Visitor]
Kenya

– A country with the worst record of corruption in Africa since independence

– A country with the largest slums in Africa

– A country whose economy is controlled by ex-colonials and Indians and now Somalis

– A country where people a few months ago were burning/hacking and shooting each other to death – A situation that could break out again any day of the week considering all these ethnic groups are still not satisfied

– A country who’s main tourist industry is prostitution

– A country with a mindblowing aids rate – seven or eight times higher than Somalia

– A country that can’t provide water to all it’s nomadic ethnicities( funny how Djibouti was called primitive for the same reason)

This country is suppossed to solve the Somali problem? who’s going to solve KENYA’S PROBLEMS?

Ethiopia

– A country where a racist minority rules over majorities

– A country where a dozens different seccesion groups are active who want nothing to do with the country

– A country that has an inferior telecommunication system compared to Somalia

– A country with less universities in the top 100 of Africa than Somalia

– A country with a smaller GDP per capita than the failed-state Somalia( see Economist)

– A country where 15 million people every year face starvation

– A country that tap dances to every Uncle Sam tune

This country is going to solve the Somali problem? Who’s going to solve Ethiopia’s problems?

These GI JOE’s Arnold Kipkopkipko’s and Mutunga Wango’s pretending their countries are anything but slaves of America are amusing

Insha-allah by the time of his deadline 2030 Somalia will have swallowed them all

10/04/08 @ 08:03
Comment from: Mesganaw [Visitor]
Time:
A proud Somali? Proud of what?

Before the British and Italian came to scrub nomadic/primitive Somalia, there was no any form of govt since her existence. It was like a no mans land territory. It was ruled under a clan and sub clan system. After independency, Somalia was became as a nation only for less than 30 years.

Egypt was ruled by British. Libya was ruled by Italy. Algeria was ruled by France and Morocco was at last ruled by Spain. That is why there are 4 different countries despite they have the same religion and speaking the same language.

The same thing has to apply for Somalia, too. Somaliland was ruled by British. You have an Italian Somalia and Punt land. So, there must come three different nations in somalia the same way as it happened in North African and other nations, too. So you can count 2020, 2040, 2100+ as numbers are infinitive, but Somalia will not become as one nation. Canada and USA are speaking the same language and have the same religion, why they became two separate states? In the Middle East, South America and elsewhere different nations are speaking the same language and have the same religion. So, Somalia to become, as one nation because of they are speaking the same language and have the same religion is a weak, cheap and never materialise silly thinking. It is already tested for 20+ years and it didn’t work.

Why are you mad towards Ethiopia while the writer is from Kenya? Kenyans are using their arrows and machete against the Somalians calling them the primitive people in Africa.

You can cry or do what ever you like, but your Satanic wish about Ethiopia will never fulfil.
You really have no idea about Ethiopia. When the serious comes, they are one and even the air can not come between them. Accept it and learn more about the Ethiopians good side.

After all Ethiopians are the one saved Islam by giving shelter and support to Prophet Mohamed and his followers. This was the first recognised political asylum granted to any one in human history. The first person who became Muslim is an Ethiopian, Belay (Bilal). We also know what P. Mohammed said about the habesha land and people and to His followers would be conduct towards the habesha people.
But you bastard, his followers became the enemy to the prophet special friends(Habeshas). You are using his name to commit crimes by not respecting his message including towards the habesha people.
I think King Negash/the habesha people made mistakes by giving save heavens and accommodations to them and saved Islam from disappearing as it happened to other religion in human history. If they didn’t, Islam might not be here today. You can try what ever you can in the name of Mohammed against Ethiopia, but Mohammed, Jesus and God will not allow something bad happening against the habesha people. The Arabs are busy all the times against the habesha people for many centuries, but God is fighting against them in the name of the Habesha people. Their crime against the beautiful Habesha women also will be answered by God, soon. Their oil money will be the real curse towards them. You, a primitive Somalian is a slave to them. We know and you know about. Have you been in the middle East. They see you as a Mistake, servant, slave, leftover or a monkey came from the central Africa jungle.

How can you judge Ethiopia while you know nothing about yourself?
I’m talking this to you, not to other Somalians I know that are wise and respectful towards Ethiopians. Go to the Kenyans Blog and deal with them if you can how.

10/04/08 @ 10:20
Comment from: Wadani [Visitor]
If Ethiopia annexed Somalia,the dreams of Somalia will become true from the opposite way.It will be a surprising and an excitements to the Somalis that their dreams became true from their unexpected and believing their enemy of Ethiopia sides.As,ogaden peoples also,it will boost the voices we have in the federal parliaments of Ethiopia.
And it will be the end of the sources of liberator groups that used to be coming of each decades from Somalia (Mogadishu)without the Ogaden peoples consent.

Thus, it will be, a relaxing, peacefulness and a pretty ideas,if that dreams of unifications of Ethiopian and Somalia becomes true. Despite of the many causalities in the process,it will be really,a great idea and surely the rest of the region countries would be joining when they see the greatness and the prosperity reached of united countries of Addis and Mogadishu.

Nevertheless,My predictions of that early bird joining to the unions would be Asmara and the second would be Libiya even before the Djabuti joined to the unions,its Libiya of my second guess.

10/04/08 @ 10:30
Comment from: dereje [Visitor]
they say you can choose your friends but not your neighbors.

ethiopia is very unlucky to have somale and eritrea as its neighbor. ethiopias short term strategy should be to strengthen its economy and military so these bad neighbors stay off its affair and its land. in the long term ethiopia may have to take military actions to change the geography and the politics of the two menace.
10/04/08 @ 10:37
Comment from: Time [Visitor]
I have addressed this note to the editor of that article. Those like him should take heed. Africa is sick and tired of people like him.
———————————–
Dear Kir (Somali word),
What is your name again? Kipkorir? Wow, I did not know a Kalenjin guy had the audacity to think beyond his nose! Do you know your uncle MOI when he was overthrown the man who saved his sorry butt was a Somali (General-Mohamoud)? All the Kalenjins went and hid themselves in their Shambas (farms) including Moi. It was Mohamoud who with few soldiers mostly Somalis under his command took back the Statehouse and the Radio station and announced Moi is still the President.
Mohamoud took a helicopter and went to Moi’s Shamba to bring him back. The Kalenjin man (Moi) told Mohamoud ‘Please kill me in my farm. Don’t take me away’. Wow! and Wow again. A Kalenjin can dare think of annexing Somalia! It is us Somalis who allowed these low life neighbours who never dare look at our side the chance to even think of it. Alas, we Somalis might be brave but we are stupid. This generation is definately not like our grand father’s-Admission of guilt. The year 2020 will be Somalia’s year and down hill Isaac Newton’s theory for Ethiopia. I guess Kenya has already started the rift more than Ethiopia but what can a Kalenjin’s brain comprehend. Haven’t you seen the flying machetes? Each one of you has it in his garage and is ready to cut the other into pieces.
Having said all that, I would prefer seeing the people of Africa living in peace and prosperity rather than talking of annexing a sisterly nation. Kalenjin boy you forgot your country is at the brink of extinction. Let me say all African countries need to re-evaluate their way forward. Otherwise, they will be written into the history books. Aids, Malaria, Poverty, droughts, Wars will only increase bearing in mind the scarce resources the world will be facing. I fear for Africa and you are talking of annexing another country.

Wait until 2020 and tell me about it. Strategy and meticulous planning that covers many dimension will be the way out for Somalia. By 2020 the Al-shabaab and warlords will be history and there will be enough educated Somalis in western countries and back home who will take the lead. Investing in Infrastructure, Education, Agriculture and strong social engineering will put Somalia on Track. If you remember what I said, Ethiopia will be going down hills since by then they will be recovering from Meles and Tigrey Legacy if they are not mired in civil war. I just pray to God the Somalis don’t take revenge in playing a role in destabilizing Ethiopia more. That is what Meles did to Somalis. If this happens, I wonder who will hold together the Ethiopian tribes and religions. Somalis who have one religion and language have taken this long to resolve a civil war, what will you think of Kenya? this is a good perspective for a wise man.
We Somalis, have a saying that says “Don’t dig your brother’s grave as you might be the one that will fall into it”. Kenyans also say “Mchimba kisima huingia mwenyewe”. I have lived in Kenya long enough to know it upside down. You will not give me credit if I told you I am capable of formulating a strategy that will put Kenya on its knees within couple of years. I will not shout around like pumpkin head like you but be rest assured your desire was well known and it is a note well taken. Ethiopia with the help of America has already dug the grave for Somalis for many years and it is time they fall into it. As for Kenya and the likes of Kipkorir who don’t know what Somalis are, let me tell you, Somalis will not miss a sleep guarding against Kenyan invasion. The clock has started ticking two years ago and Twelve years from now will tell.

Proud Somali,
Mohamed Abass.

NAZRET PLEASE POST IT. THANKS

10/04/08 @ 10:47
Comment from: Master Mind [Visitor]
Time [Visitor]

What is a single point in all that crap?
You are recommanded to take a capule called “Vocabulary” every 8 hours before meal.
10/04/08 @ 11:07
Comment from: Tesfaye [Visitor]
Annexing Somalia is of strategic importance for Ethiopia to play the role of an ancient black civilisation. Ethiopia should take back Artra and Djoubiti. We have to do it by war if necessary. Eritrea is an ethiopian history. Those who do not want to live under Ethiopian administration are eritrean who are mercenaries. The real eritreans are ethiopians. Djubiti was taken from Ethiopia through international manipulations. Ethiopia is a might power. Unfortunaely the Zenawi group are anti-Ethiopia and are working against a centralised might power.

The Somalians have to be led. And it is only Ethiopia that could give Somalis some hope to live. The ethiopian army is still in full control in Somalia. If Ethiopia is serious, the Islamist will be destroyed with no man left. Ethiopia should wage a full scale war and annex Somalia for Ethiopia. The somalians could be chritinized and eat injera. No Islam in somalia. Somalians deserve more. Their children will go to the same schools as ethiopians. Somali girls will represent Ethiopia as ethiopians as atheletic champions.

Ethiopia is 70% christian- Orthodox Christian (60%). Islam is growing in Ethiopia but not significantly.

Wake up Ethiopians! Unite Africans under the banner of Ethiopia! Start with Somalia because Somalia needs us more!
10/04/08 @ 11:07
Comment from: visitor [Visitor]
Annexing Somalia…and what then? The problem of ethiopians is that we never learn..Last time, we annexed a country, we paid paid a huge price for it: 30 years of war and we missed a great chance to better our lives.

What i would advice all the dreamers in rags that we are, it’s to push woyannes to leave Somalia and focus on bringing health,education and food to the people they are supposed to rule :ethiopians.

10/04/08 @ 11:10
Comment from: ANNEX BRITISH EAST AFRICA AND HABASH [Visitor]
To annex Somalia mr. Kukiyo you need to
come to somali cities like Kismayo and
fight real men, Union of islamic courts/
Somali jihad movement/Somaliland National Army etc. We all know that conlonization of
of africa is finish but indeed the slaves
will never change their mindset. I am sitting today in Mombasa and looking at a Muslim /somali city and feeling home,
Kenya is a somali region and soon shall return to SOMALIYA/ we shall it return by be force or by talk, but untill then countinue with your Dreams.Because we as people
don’t talk nonsense we Somali take actions and Kenya is somali, go to any city and look for your self. while you are born slaves and only take orders, by somalis or british as in the past.We give orders. And
Todays Order to your mr Kikiyo is dream o
on my BOY>. this Text is written on behave of UNITED SOMAL EAST AFRICAN STATE (includes habashia and kenya).
thank you.

10/04/08 @ 11:11
Comment from: TEDDY [Visitor]
You mean ,annexion what a jock ,a tribal milicia army ,agazis ,blocked and harassed by bare footed children fighters ;has no means to control Somalia any longer than withdrawing or surrender .It’s sad to recognise since the evil Zenawi and his thugs took power Ethiopian Armed Forces have ceased to exist ,today the so called National Armed Forces are simply tribal based milicia forces led by illitrate TPLF bandit self apointed officers and generals .Agazis have no pride and dignity as much as the armed forces led in 1964 by Aman Adom and letter in 1977 led by Demisse Bulto ,of course the Air Force of Fanta Belay who really defeated twice Somalian invasion forces . LONG LIVE THE TRUE ETHIOPIANS !!!
10/04/08 @ 11:34
Comment from: D-barry [Visitor]
D. EAR Ogadenian please you talk sheet.I bean in ethio-somalia war 1977.When we start counter atack I saw with my eye the somalia army left behind all the Tank and weapon run like Horse 500k|meter.You know it 2 years ago it takes the heroic ethiopian army less than one week to control south Somalia.That is the fact broo.May be i have some difference with the government I still like ethiopia and the army.
10/04/08 @ 11:44
Comment from: girma yirgu [Visitor]
it is a good idea to take somalia to motherland ethiopia mokadischo means the papties city of ethiopia all ethiopian creastianity came frome thhough mmekadescha mokodischo if meles zenawi did that his name will be among the greatest of all somalia must join ethiopia as 14 provice of ethiopia
no more somalia only one ethiopia
ertrea will came by it self we must not forse them they used to be one nations
ertrea can not servive with out ethiopia please meles zenawi do that and clean your hand and make reconsilations among all ethiopians
so that your beloved childeren will with out fear of ethiopians

10/04/08 @ 11:50
Comment from: lekim [Visitor]
Only those who want Ethiopia and or Kenya to fight their dirty wars for them would advocate the annexation of Somalia. Ethiopia is a law abiding member of the world community and not a Trojan horse for imperialist pigs. Somalis can keep their banana republic.
10/04/08 @ 11:52
Comment from: Somalirealist [Visitor]
Somalia can Annex both Ethiopia and Kenya but not the vice versa.

This Kukuyu Niggar is dreaming.

Somalis own the biggest land in kenya, North Eat, NFD. SOmalis control the econmy in Kenya by taking over from the Indians. We have many politicians well placed into the system fot hat country. Muslims in Mombasa are with us. So basiccally we own Kenya.

TO Ethiopia, we own the biggest land, Oromos the majority of Ethiopia are firendly to us. 50 or more % are Muslim in Ethiopia and associate with Somalia, Eritrea is our Friend. Only Mountain people can go against us.

Above all, Somalia has the gutts to do this, without feering US and EU.

So given these facts, SOmalia can Annexx both of these countries.

However, it should not be our policy to do this.

This writer is a narrow minded fool who does not have any clue of what he is talking about about.

Somalia will think of Annexing any of its neighbours and if its neighbors start thinking so, we know how to respond with swift defeat.
10/04/08 @ 12:00
Comment from: Confussed [Visitor]
I was reading the credentials and experience of this so called the writer of this article, and come to the point of imagining the thoughts of his likes but less credentials. I guess they will imagine annexing the USA as well. All I can say is that this writer is loosing his mind and soon be a mad naked fool running around the streets begging for “Ugali”.

For those of you who applauded to his stupidest idea of all time are also thoughtless idiots. The matter of fact is that both Ethiopia and Kenya are barely making their needs let alone annexing another nation.

You all be really!

10/04/08 @ 12:32
Comment from: Seleme [Visitor]

. . . i dont agree,. . .let them live alone!. . .

10/04/08 @ 13:05
Comment from: Time [Visitor]
HERE IS THE FEEDBACK FROM THE EDITOR IN RESPONSE TO COMMENTS AND MY FOLLOW UP RESPONSE:
Mohamed,
Thanks for your comments though part of them are unnecessarily vitriolic! The strand of my thesis is that if Somalia can’t fix its problems since 1960 and be able to exploit its minerals then kenya and ethiopia should do it!
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone provided by Celtel Kenya

————————————
With all due respect Mr. Kipkorir, who would fix Ethiopia and Kenya’s problems? Did Kenya and Ethiopia exploit their resources? I think you are using lame excuse to bring forth your hidden agenda. Please advocate for civility and respect among the nighbouring countries. If we look at Kenya, solving the problem of Nairobi slums, disease and poverty will take years. Why don’t you concern yourself with that? It is humilating to suggest poor and backward countries like Ethiopia and Kenya should annex another African country. Why have you never talked of annexing Rwanda, Burundi, Angola, and Zaire to mention a few?
Your comment has no place in modern Africa. If you are among the peace loving Kalenjin people who are very friendly to Somalis, you would write an appology article in response to the ill thought and sinister article you titled “Annexing Somalia”.
10/04/08 @ 13:28
Comment from: el [Visitor]
Somali [Visitor]

assuming you are Somalian, where did you get your facts about Somalia’s GDP being higher than ethiopia or Somalia having more universities than ethiopia? It doesn’t actually matter whither you are somalian or Eritrean since you both have a lot in common in terms of being the only so called nations in the world with no annual budget and higher education(university) to talk about, let alone GDP . be happy you are not alone.
10/04/08 @ 13:47
Comment from: United Alem [Visitor]
I WILL POOT IT IN SHORT !…. NO NEED TO CREAT AGAIN EAST AFRICAN EVERLASTING WAR AS PALESTINE AND ISRAEL BETWEEN ETHIOPAN AND SOMALIAN!!!!!!EVEN 1000000 % WORST THAN PALESTINIAN AND ISRAEL!!!! “GOMEN/CABAGE BETEN” SANG TSHAY YOHANES
10/04/08 @ 14:07
Comment from: Tesfaye [Visitor]
Emperor minilk said if god gave him the the bless to live longer and in health, he would annex all territories along the indian ocean coastline.
When he aimed this He ignored the Eritreans(BANDAS)at the moment.
But minilik died before accomplishment.
Now Meles Zenawi look like
accomplishing what Minilk started.

10/04/08 @ 14:08
Comment from: mo [Visitor]
did i heard him say somalis have more per-capita then kenya.that says alot isn’t it? if that is the case knowing kenya has more per-capita then ethopia,they could only invade with artificially sustained armies. its a fact that we are prosprering more than you lot eventhougt we didnot have proper governemet for ages.what will happen if we have peace god knos
10/04/08 @ 14:38
Comment from: jank@mail.com [Visitor]
MY ANSWER IS SIMPLE YES!

WHY DID YOU TAKE YOU LONG!

for starter I have a fealing Somilian in Ethiopian have better life then Somilian in Somilian… Ethiopian problem is always money otherwise we are much modern people… even much better advance people then USA… we are very poor but we are not killing each or fool reason… you don’t some one telling you he will kill you because you are muslim etc etd.. or he doesn’t like because you are this or that ethnic groups… beside we are not war like people… we respect rule and law we vaule human life….

Beside on this Somilian would be better of ruled by Ethiopian under Ethiopian flag…

To make sure this become a reality we should arm all woman in Somilia give them gun to proect themselves from war lord… once we are all the woman in Somilia the man will lose their power… The man can not go around and tell the woman to sew their privet part… if they do the woman police officer will coem and take him to jail… you see if you want the woman right to be respected then you should give woman power how by giving them power meaning gun… GUN MEAN POWER IN AFRICA… if the woman misss use the gun and attack the Ethiopian army then that is their lose…

In fact armying the woman would be the best staragy even in all Arab countries… if all the woman have gun… how in hell the man will going to oppress them?

100,000 woman army will do the job to fix the men… now the warlord can’t wear the woman dress and do their drity job the woman will stop him!!!!

Eritean have woman army… some northern arab country also have woman army… if the woman feed up with this BS then they should be happy to fitght for their freedom…. if they didnot then they are have only themselves to belmeam

10/04/08 @ 14:53
Comment from: Shewarega [Visitor]
Somalia is a sovreign nation. What ever problem they have within them, including those of Somalilan/Puntland belongs to them. Having said that, I think Somalis should also stop this never ending plot of attacking and plotting against Ethiopia. We can all go to history and talk about who did what to whom. But lets just live that alone, and let us both strive to first reconstitute Somalia, and second bring about true Democratic governments in both countries. For Democratic nations do not spend their day plotting how to destabilize, or conquer their neighbors. Somalia had one chance to grab territories from Ethiopia. That was 1977 when Ethiopia was swept by revolution. But look what that brought upon Somalia. It disintegrated at its seems. And you fed and bred Meles, who was carrying a Somali passport, and you got what you deserved. He is bombing and destroying your homes. I think the bottom line is this talk of annexing Somalia is a joke. On the same token Somalis should stop this dream of grabbing land from their neighbors. The most important thing is that those who live there get a voice, and are beneficiaries of what they possess. I for one will be very happy if there is peace in Ogaden, and the oil is brought out to change the lives of those long suffering people there.
10/04/08 @ 15:26
Comment from: coolman [Member]
All of you people trumpeting for this
outrageous idea suffer from delusion of grandeur, which has proven to be the best recipe for disaster.

Thank God none of you seats at the wheel of power. What is next, Madagaskar? I think we should start with Sudan. And, with the oil money, we can buy all those fancy weapons and cash in Egypt and Libya.

Oh, Talian gudish fela, we are coming to get you too.

Peace
10/04/08 @ 15:31
Comment from: Mr Fair [Visitor]
I don’t know where Mr. Kopkirir grew up but I can see a dangerous mix of hate and ignorance.
If Southern and Central Somalia where part of Kenya, I have no doubt that withing few years, Kenya would have turned into a Somali dictatorship, Woyane style.
Kikuyu, Luo, Kalenjin etc. would have been just like the Gurage, Afar, Wolyta etc in Ethiopia i.e nice hard working people who have nothing to do with power struggle. In a few decades, there would probably be another Mao Mao to kick out the Somalis, or there may be Kenyan Liberation Front.
Somali Kenyans represent about 3% of the Kenyan population at the same time they control a big junk of the economy and they controlled the military to some extent. Raise that percentage to about 18% and Kenya would be in a big trouble.

What about Puntaland and Somaliland (Northern and Northwestern Somalia) being part of Ethiopia?
Here are two scenarios;
If they decide to fight occupation, then they are the ones who can organize themselves the most and they can wage a war comparable to that of Eritrea. Actually the Somalilanders (Nortwest) and the Ogadenis were historically the bulwark against the expansionist Ethiopian kings and they had the upper hand until European colonialists tied their hands(there was weapons embargo on all Somali Speaking region for more than 70 years).
If they decide to forget about Somali ethnocentrism, hold hands with their muslim brothers in the Horn, and compete for power withing Ethiopia, then the fundamentalist Ethiopian Orthodox church would be in trouble. That would have been a big boost for the humbled Ethiopian Muslims.

A short answer for the whole article would have been;
Tried it and good luck.

10/04/08 @ 16:14
Comment from: jank@mail.com [Visitor]
RE:-Somalia is a sovreign nation.

Next you will tell us they are Muslim nation.. you see sovereign nation doesn’t rap and murder their own people..

be it in Muslim be it in any law NO! country have the right to kill their own citizen… I have no marcy for those killer and murderer hiding behind Sovreign nation crap!

If they want to be respected as Sovreign ation then why are they looting the sea? if they are Msulim why are they looting at Gun point.. they are not Msulim yes they hide behind Muslim cover but what they did is not Isalam…

The old day where a sovreign nation can do any crap as they wish in their own people is gone… if you don’t trust me ask those Bosinan Msulim they got help from USA… when their own nation kill them

My point is Somilian are not a sovreign nation they break all the rule in the book be it UN rule be it Muslim rule be it devil rule be it any rule… they burn the rule and the holy book

my friend when white colonzation end the black colonzation started we Ethiopian will be the first to stop this black colonzation they like it or not..

I hope the Russian would be very happy to help us out to restore peace and law and rule in Ethiopia… it not today 20 years later Somilian will be greatful for the help we give them at their time of need…

MY question to any Ethipian would be you would not mind if the Somilian come and kick out Meles? I know you will not mind! that is why you are working with Eritrean to kick Meles therefore what is the diffrent here… if we help the Somilian people kick out the war lord…

as united with Ethiopia we are the same people think about it the federal system will sove all our proplem they can keep their port but all Somilian or Ethiopian will not need visa to come and work in Ethiopia or Somilia we use the birr and Somilaian currecy… us see we don’t want to control them we only want to be hlep that all..

Kenya: Balala revokes 31 mining licences PLUS …

From: Judy Miriga

Good People !

There are bright future for Kenya with a good number of job creation if only they follow and stick with the law as per the Constitutional Reform that respect and value public mandate, and honor Human Rights and through putting their leaders on checks.

Judy Miriga
Diaspora Spokesperson
Executive Director
Confederation Council Foundation for Africa Inc.,
USA
http://socioeconomicforum50.blogspot.com
Balala: Mining Bill ready

Published on Aug 6, 2013
http://www.nation.co.ke

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Speaking at a press briefing in his office, Mining Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala said the new Mining Bill, which was at the cabinet level would help streamline the mining industry saying all companies would get equal treatment by paying a flat rate in license fees and mining royalties, measures he said could earn the government over Sh10 billion immediately the measures were put in place. He also revoked 31 mining licences issued by the mining ministry between January and May this year saying they were issued in unclear circumstances. At the same time, the government has formed a taskforce to look into issuance of over 500 licences to mining companies since 2003, amidst reports that some were mere briefcase entities engaging in speculation and had no capacity to conduct commercial exploitation. Mr Balala said preliminary investigations indicated that only 20 out of the 500 companies were credible, with others out to make profits through speculation and hoarding of mineral resources, and making super profits by only paying a pittance to government by operating under the cover of export subsidies and other forms of preferential treatment.

Africa’s richest Aliko Dangote to visit Kenya over suspension of mining licenses

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Last Modified: 07 Aug 2013 23:39
Nigerian businessman Aliko Dangote could be coming to Kenya to discuss with government on matters touching on the suspension of mining licenses. The businessman, one of the richest Africans was initially expected today but rescheduled due to the shut down of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport due to an inferno
Balala revokes mining licenses

Published on Aug 5, 2013
In a move set to streamline Kenya’s mining sector, Mining Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala has revoked all licenses issued from January to August 2013 to mining companies across the country. Balala says the decision was arrived at as a number of the licenses issued did not follow the ‘set parameters’ of the ministry. The Cabinet Secretary further announced the review in royalties to be charged on various minerals. The move to revoke the licenses is estimated to affect over 31 companies. NTV’s Aby Agina has the details.

Parliament recess

Published on Aug 6, 2013
No description available.

Balala revokes 31 mining licences

Mining Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala has revoked 31 mining licences issued between January and May 2013, saying they were issued under unclear circumstances.
Posted Monday, August 5 2013 at 13:28

Mining Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala has revoked 31 mining licences issued between January and May 2013, saying they were issued under unclear circumstances.

At the same time, the government has formed a taskforce to look into issuance of licences to mining companies, that will scrutinize among other things, the companies’ capacity to undertake mining activities and generate tax revenue.

Mr Balala said out of 500 mining licenses issued within that period, only 20 were held by credible companies, while others were held by “briefcase’ companies that are in the business of speculating and hoarding of the mineral resource.

MPs probe Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital’s deals with Chinese companies

Updated Wednesday, August 7th 2013 at 19:25 GMT +3
By GEOFFREY MOSOKU

KENYA: Members of Parliament put Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) on the spot after it emerged the facility signed a memorandum of Sh17 billion with two Chinese firms.

The hospital signed a deal to engage China Aerospace Construction Group to carry out upgrading and expansion of the facility on October 2012. However, this year on May 3, the country’s second biggest referral hospital entered into another deal with China Wu Yi for the same project, without cancelling the first one.

The hospital admitted that they engaged a South African firm, TECMED in May 2012, but stopped any further engagement with it after Chinese government offered to finance the multi-billion shilling project on condition that only Chinese firms are considered for the contract.

Although the tender has not been awarded, MPs have expressed concern that the project may be derailed as it emerged that the earlier memorandum was binding. The MoU with China Aerospace is said to be having a clause that says, “MTRH does not engage with any other firm”.

The legislators want to establish if the hospital sidestepped the first company and is now favouring China Wu Yi, and whether the MoU with China Aerospace won’t return to haunt the project.

Another concern is why seven senior officials accepted a seven-day trip to China facilitated by China Wu Yi, a month after signing the memorandum yet they had not engaged further China Aerospace eight months after signing an MoU.

Delay

“We want to know under what circumstances MTRH signed a memorandum with the two companies. This may end up pitting the firms against each other and may cause unnecessary delay,” Health committee chair Rachel Nyamai said.

The committee yesterday ordered the management of MTRH hospital to furnish MPs with details of the two memoranda.

The legislators put hospital CEO John Kibosia to task to explain the status of the project given the existence of the two memoranda.

The MPs wondered why the CEO led management team to China last month on an all-expense-paid trip.

“The committee may consider this trip as a bribe,” Dr Nyamai said before ordering Dr Kibosia to return to the committee on Tuesday next week.

Embakasi North MP John Gakuya also wanted the hospital boss to explain why they had technically knocked out some companies, especially those from Spain that had expressed interest in the project.

The delegation to China included Dr Kibosia, Deputy Director Finance and Administration Agunda Ochanda, Deputy Director Francis Ogaro, Radiology and Imaging Head Of Department Ezekiel Chemulwo, hospital engineer Joseph Atogo, HOD Laboratory Services Florence Tum and Project co-ordinator Silas Tum.

Dr Kibosia defended the July 1 to 9 trip, saying it was part of due diligence in determining capacities of the companies that responded to the proposal. “The visit to China was to help the hospital carry out due diligence and make evaluations of Chinese medical equipment manufacturers. The visit was also meant to enrich our conceptual requirements of a modern referral hospital,” he told the MPs.

Kenya: Oto’s speech at the 1st Kimisho AGM

From: odhiambo okecth

6th August 2013 at the YMCA State House Road Nairobi 1st Annual General Meeting for Kimisho Community Development Network- KCDN and Kimisho Savings and Credit Co-operative Society Ltd- KSSL- a speech by Odhiambo T Oketch- Team Leader and Executive Director KCDN and KSSL.

The Commissioner for Cooperatives Development,
The Managing Director Kusco,
All our invited Guests,
Kimisho Members,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good Morning.

Today, I am an elated man. I am satisfied with what we have achieved and from now own, the battle becomes ours, not mine anymore.

I toyed with the idea of forming a Sacco Society for The Clean Kenya Campaign-TCKC, and I did consult with Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o- the Senator for Kisumu County, the Rt Rev Johannes Angela- the Bishop of the ACK Diocese of Bondo and many friends, and I am happy that what we are witnessing today is the fruit of those discussions.

[image]Odhiambo T Oketch during the AGM with Mr. Paul Kibugi- Cooperative Officer and Mr. George Ototo- Managing Director Kusco
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OAyD8l51SsM/UgHepwwnzLI/AAAAAAAADpI/tUeQ8Ng-cCE/s1600/988283_10201742369147104_965094524_n.jpg

I then consulted with the Commissioner for Co-operatives Developments and the Secretary of the Poverty Eradication Commission, because we needed to found Kimisho Sacco on firm grounds. I really want to appreciate their advice, guidance and support. I firmly believe that we are going to walk jointly in this Journey of Hope across Kenya as One united Kimisho Family under God.

Armed with enough confidence, I approached our Friends in the Media who gave us enough airtime to discuss our economic revival as a people in Kenya. The rest is now unfolding right in front of us today; the birth of KCDN and KSSL. I now want to salute Mr. Ben Oluoch Okello and Mr. Omole Asiko for seeing value in our preposition to them.

Kimisho Savings and Credit Co-operative Society Ltd is a product of The Clean Kenya Campaign-TCKC.

This Journey of Hope across Kenya has not been easy. But God has been on our side and He has helped us to overcome and fight all the battles we have so far faced. He has made us triumphant and I must appreciate what He says through the Psalmist in the Good Book of Psalms 140; 1-6 ‘Save me LORD, from evildoers. Keep me safe from violent people. They are always plotting evil, always stirring up quarrels. Their tongues are like deadly snakes; their words are like a cobra’s poison.

Protect me LORD, from the power of the wicked. Keep me safe from violent people, who plot my downfall. The proud have set a trap for me, they have laid their snares and along the path they have set traps to catch me. I say to the LORD, you are my GOD. Hear my cry for help LORD’.

Indeed, snares and traps have been set for us from day 1. Journeymen and loud mouths, men who cannot do anything but to criticize what others are doing, have been on our case. They have written derogatory remarks about us; they have called us conman; they have accused us of many things we do not even know about; and they have called us free loaders. They have chest thumped on how they will bring us down. But we have taken all these in our strides because I knew we are doing the right thing and we are firmly within our legal mandate and the Constitution of Kenya and many people are with us.

I am happy we were never shaken nor worried even for a moment. And you can now all witness today the fruit of that confidence.

[image]The Kimisho Team in a Group Photo with Mr. Ototo and Mr. Kibugi
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6ALqA7o1OBc/UgHffqbkfiI/AAAAAAAADpU/NIcAlbfO1Zw/s1600/954762_10201742401107903_2013531097_n.jpg

Today, we are hosting our 1st Annual General Meeting and our official launch as Kimisho Savings and Credit Co-operative Society Ltd and I want to pass the baton and mantle of Leadership to the Team that you have elected to manage the Kimisho Family. The law is firmly on our side and the people are with us. So, do not be afraid. Journeymen and idlers will say many things about you. They will accuse you of all sorts of impropriety, but you must have the staying power. You must not wobble at the first sign of trouble. You must be firm and remain solid.

You must keep your sights firmly on the squirrel ahead. Not on the side shows. We have one onerous task of baking this bread for all and sundry, and for many across the valleys and ridges of Kenya and beyond, and we must deliver. Again, we must not be afraid. Cowards die many times before their deaths.

At this point, kindly allow me to invoke the memories of the great Sembene Ousmane, who in his great epic- God’s bits of Wood- says- ‘if you are afraid of the heat, you cannot be in the kitchen. And with no one in the kitchen, there will be no food on the table’. He similarly says- ‘if you are afraid of blood, you cannot be a butcher. And with no butchers, there will be no meat’. We must remain in the kitchen however hot it is if we desire to place some food on the Kimisho Family Table.

Can we all kindly rise up, fill our glasses and let us toast to the long life of the Kimisho Family.

I want to invite my Team Members and Colleagues at Kimisho; this will never be a holiday resort for us. There is work to be done and I want us to listen very keenly.

1. Our first assignment is to set up an office both in Nairobi, Busia and in all our Branches.

2. We must then enhance our Recruitment drive to net 100,000 Members within the next 6 Months. But immediately, we must mobilize 20,000 Members to help make us break-even.

3. We must recruit competent staff to help us meet our immediate challenges.

4. We must develop software that will drive our massive membership drive across Kenya.

5. We must recruit a General Manager to oversee the setting up of Kimisho on firm grounds within the next 3 Months, the structuring of our Unit Table Banking Services and the setting up of Kimisho Investment Club.

6. We must develop a 3 Year Strategic Growth Plan that will see us develop into a fully fledged Banking institution within three years- Kimisho Commercial Bank.

All these are deliberate efforts which we must all work towards as a Team. We will not entertain theories, seminars and workshops. These are tools meant for mark-timing and procrastination.

I want to invite our two Chairmen- The Rt Rev Bishop Johannes Angela- Bishop of the ACK Diocese of Bondo- Chairman of our Board of Directors at KCDN and Mr. Dismus Omondi Obondo- Chairman of KSSL Management Committee, that your roles for the next three years is well cut out. We need sound management and more-so, we need the numbers. We must hit 100,000 Members within the shortest time possible. You are taking over when we have only enrolled about 500 Members, but we did this before we launched. Now that we have launched officially, we want to see the figures and the numbers.

At this point in time, I also want to appreciate our County Team Leaders and my Colleagues who have helped me steer this ship this far, especially Mr. Fred Banja, Ms Mary Akello, Mr. Philemon Ouma and many others. Let us now roll out firmly and strongly across all Kenya with one singular aim- we can also do it.

[image]Mrs Odhiambo T Oketch, The Chairman Mr Dismus Obondo and the Secretary Odhiambo T Oketch with Mr. Kibugi and other Kimisho Members
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gxM7xXFcyyY/UgHfswzVW1I/AAAAAAAADpc/YuXD5PEpZDw/s1600/62452_10201742403627966_1698867001_n.jpg

I have only lit the candle in a dark room and now, we must all share in the light and move on. In this Journey of Hope across Kenya, and as our Team Leader, I will listen very keenly to sound advice and ideas that add value. But I will dismiss with utter contempt ideas and comments that are pedestrian and from journeymen.

We will knock on doors that are friendly and enhance partnerships that will see us deliver on our three pillars namely;

1. Environmental Management,
2. Economic Empowerment, and
3. Poverty Eradication.

Our first source of funding will be by pooling our own resources together on a Monthly basis. We have revised our Registration Fee to Kshs 500.00 as from today and we will maintain our minimum Monthly Contributions at Kshs 200.00. Members have also agreed that they will all be making a voluntary Monthly contribution of Kshs 20.00 to help the office with logistics and administration and I want to sincerely thank all of you for this great magnanimity.

To achieve all the issues I have talked about, we must all invest in Kimisho and have the staying power. We must trust in the leadership that we have elected today and we must remain committed to our course. It will never happen by itself or by divine intervention. We must cause it to happen as we seek divine intervention. Members must have that self discipline that will see us religiously make our Monthly Contributions without being prompted and we must pay all the loans and support we get.

All our County Team Leaders and the Kimisho Unit Leaders must redouble their efforts at Recruitment and mobilization.

Before I wind up, let me pay special tribute and appreciation to the following Friends, Members and Partners for making the hosting of this 1st AGM possible;

Mr. Alfayo Ondego- Kshs 1,000.00,
Mr. Dismus Omondi Obondo- Kshs 2,000.00,
Mr. Steven Obala Otieno- Kshs 2,000.00,
Mr. Odhiambo T Oketch- Kshs 2,000.00,
Ms Merab Akuon- Kshs 2,000.00
The Rt Rev Bishop Johannes Angela- Kshs 2,000.00,
Ms Mary Asiko- Kshs 2,000.00,
Mr. Jairus Gilbert Omondi- Kshs 3,000.00,
Mr. Isayah Odhiambo Bwana- Kshs 10,000.00,
Ms Everlyne Akumu- Kshs 2,000.00,
Mr. Fredrick Omondi Banja- Kshs 5,000.00,
Mr. Tubmun Otieno- Kshs 3,000.00.
Mr. Joel Akama- Kshs 1,500.00,
Dr Abraham Korir- Kshs 2,500.00,
Ms Claire Omollo- Kshs 2,000.00,
Ms Judith Anyango Ombok- Kshs 2,000.00.

I also want to leave you with the wise counsel from St Paul in his epistle to the Corinthians- 1st Corintians 3;7; The one who sows and the one who waters really do not matter. It is God who matters, because, He makes the plant grow.

We have done our part and God is happy with us. He is making it happen for us and He will guide our growth.

Lastly, may the good LORD continue protecting us from the snares and traps of evildoers and guide our path into righteousness. May Kimisho rise to her full potential.

May God bless Kimisho. God bless Kenya and may all of you have great journey mercies as you travel back.

Karibuni Chai.

Kenya: 6 Days to our AGM

From: Maurice Oduor

I pray that there will be no tears in the end, that the investors at least don’t lose their capital.

Courage

On Wed, Jul 31, 2013 at 3:42 AM, odhiambo okecth wrote:

Dear Friends, Members and Partners,

We only have six days to go to our 1st AGM and I will be giving our Members daily updates on our progress.

I want to appreciate our Friends and Partners who have called me to express their appreciation with our progress. I must salute Dr Korir Singoei, Ms Irene Wasike, Mr. Dick Aduong’a, Mr. Orina Nyamwamu, Gen Elijah Kombo, Mr. Joe Omanya and a host of more Friends for their comments and encouragement.

It has never been an easy ride. We have faced snares and loud mouths in this Journey of Hope across Kenya. We have faced criticisms that are fueled by jealousy and nothing else, and we have maintained what we are doing. We have been accused of things we have no idea about, and traps have been set in our path but we have never faltered.

Some have even written plenty of letters to our Partners and Sponsors and they have failed miserably to kill our spirit. I did not know that men can also be this jealous!

We have come a long way and I am happy that what we started on a small scale as a Monthly Nationwide Clean-up Campaign is getting institutionalized across Kenya. We have played our part and now, those who are being paid by our taxes and are elected by the people must stand up and do their part. They have the legal mandate and they have the resources.We will be watching and acting appropriately as we move forward.

History and historians will judge us by what we have done and not by what people said about us.

We have now Registered a Sacco Society for our Members and again, I was laughing when the usual loud mouths started deriding what we were doing. They wrote all they could but we remained focused on our mission.

Kimisho Savings and Sacco Co-operative Society Ltd- KSSL is now Registered and we will be hosting our 1st AGM on the 6th August 2013 to ostensibly elect our Management Committee.KSSL is a child of The Clean Kenya Campaign-TCKC and KCDN and we are happy that our Membership covers across Kenya.

Seated L-R; Mr. Fanuel Odhiambo- Commissioner of Cooperatives Development, Mr. Odhiambo T Oketch- Executive Director- KCDN, Bishop Johannes Angela- Bishop ACK Bondo Diocese. Standing L-R; Mr. Fred Banja, Mr. Manasseh Ong’wen, Dr Florence Achungo, Mr. Joseph Kwaka, Ms Janet Awino, Mr. Leonard Obidha- Seceraty- Poverty Eradication Commission and Mr. Caesar Asiyo- during a Consultative Meeting for Kimisho

We are building Three Tiers of Management at Kimisho. We will have the Board of Directors for KCDN. We will then have the Management Committee for KSSL and lastly, we are going to have an Investment Club. All these will be legal entities and they will be managed by recruited and competent professionals.

Kimisho is not going to be a holiday resort for the Management. We are going for results and the good thing is, we pride in all that we do and we put in a lot of effort, research and performance. We value results and we want to see changes in our 1st Three Years of operations. We are not going to spend our time moaning about politics, economy and the decaying social fabrics. We are doing something about it.

We are going to mobilize for resources for our Members in the fight for Economic Empowerment and Poverty Eradication. And I am happy with the calibre of professionals who have applied for Leadership of Kimisho. Apart from the Management Committee, we are going to competently recruit a General Manager to run the affairs of KSSL and the Kimisho Investment Club. We are in discussions with the Commisioner for Co-operative Development, the CEO at Sasra and the Managing Director at Kusco so that they can help us recruit the right person at the right time.

These are not things that happen by themselves. They are made to happen and I must salute the Team around me who are helping me to shape this process- Fred Banja, Judith Ombok, Dismus Obondo, Isaiah Bwana, Merab Akuom and Mary Akello Omollo in Busia.

Again, I must appreciate the strategic advice I have been receiving from some of our political and religious Leaders. This has been so helpful and it has given me the energy that I need in this Campaign.

We are going to unveil our entire Team on the 6th August 2013 during our AGM and our Journey of Hope across Kenya is truly going to be exciting. Registration of Members for KCDN is open to all and all payments are made vide our KCB Mpesa Pay Bill No. 522522 to Account No 114 2400 913. Registration is currently Kshs 300.00 per Member, but is going to be adjusted to Kshs 500.00 from the 6th August 2013.

Pooling Resources together to fight the hard economic times is the way to go and as many as are of friendly opinion and support are invited to join with us at KSSL for Our Journey of Hope across Kenya. We have formed 60 Table Banking Units across Kenya and want to walk with all our Friends, Members and Partners. As usual, we will accept and appreciate comments that add value. But we will treat with utmost contempt comments from journeymen and pedestrians.

Lastly, I want to salute and appreciate our Members, Friends and Partners who have sent us their voluntary contributions to help us host our 1st AGM. It is a sure mark of confidence in what we have been doing and the direction we are taking. If you want to be part of the Kimisho Family, kindly get in touch.

May the good Lord bless all of us God’s Bits of Wood.

Odhiambo T Oketch,

The Team Leader/Executive Director,
KCDN, KSSL, KIC,
PO Box 47890-00100,
Nairobi, Kenya.
Tel; +254 724 365 557,
Email; kimishodevelopment@gmail.com komarockswatch@yahoo.com
Blogspot; http://kcdnkomarockswatch.blogspot.com
Mailing List; friendsofkcdn@yahoogroups.com friendsofnyanza@yahoogroups.com
__._,_.___

The Global Innovation Index 2013

From: Yona Maro

Economic policy action is still focused on finding the right balance between reducing debt and supporting demand through stimulus spending. But questions remain: Where will future growth come from to drive the global economy? Where will future jobs come from? In this context, the importance of innovation cannot be emphasized enough. It is the policies fostering long-term output growth – especially policies that promote innovation – that can lay the foundation for future growth, improved productivity, and better jobs.

To guide polices and to help overcome divides, metrics are needed to assess innovation and policy performance. For this purpose, The Global Innovation Index 2013: The Local Dynamics of Innovation is timely and relevant. The Global Innovation Index (GII) helps to create an environment in which innovation factors are continually evaluated. It provides a key tool and a rich database of detailed metrics for 142 economies, which represent 94.9% of the world’s population and 98.7% of global GDP.
Link:
http://www.globalinnovationindex.org/content.aspx?page=gii-full-report-2013


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Kenya: Setting the pace at Kimisho

From: odhiambo okecth

Dear Friends and Partners,

On the 6th August 2013, we will be hosting our 1st Annual General Meeting at Kimisho Savings and Credit Co-operative Society Ltd- a child and product of The Clean Kenya Campaign-TCKC.

We have come a long way and I am happy and excited with what we have done and achieved so far.

Like all good things, we have had our own fair share of challenges and they have only helped to strengthen our resolve. Am happy our Partners and Friends are impressed that their support and partnership did not go to waste. And many have called and written to us to express their pleasure and continued Partnership.

A Peace Campaign organized by The Clean Kenya Campaign in Dagoreti in Nairobi in February 2013

Today, I hence want to salute all our Partners and Friends who have seen us through to this end in our Journey of Hope across Kenya. I want to make specific mentions of Akiba Uhaki Foundation, the Public Service Transformation Department and A Better World/SOFDI. Their support, partnership and advice has kept us strong all along the trenches. They saw into our potential, liked our approach and decided to support the execution of our Programmes.

I am happy with their continued support as we start the 3rd Leg of this Journey of Hope across Kenya.

We have several other Partners and Friends whose advice, support and encouragement has seen us this far as well. It will not be easy to make mention of all, but allow me to pay glowing tribute to Sen Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o, Mr. Elijah Agevi, Dr Korir Singoei, Bishop Johannes Angela, Sen Janet Ongera, Mr. Kuria Mwangi, Pastor Absalom Birai, Mr. Dick Aduong’a, Mr. Joe Omanya, Mr. Cyprian Nyamwamu, Ms Irene Wasike, Eng Christine Ogut, Mr. Tubman Otieno, Mr. Oduor Ong’wen,…the list is long. I salute all of you today.

This is Muthurwa Market in the middle of Nairobi.

I am elated that you have been with us from day one, and you have supported us faithfully all this long. As we congregate to elect our 1st Management Committee during our 1st AGM on the 6th August 2013, I must confess that I am shocked at how fast we have grown. We started this Campaign in 2008 in Komarock as a Child Support Initiative, grew into a Clean-up Campaign where we pioneered the Monthly Nationwide Clean-up Campaigns in Kenya and now, we have grown into a Membership Organization with a Sacco Society to boot. Achieving all this is not an easy feat and I am happy that I have provided sound and steady Leadership to this Ship and The Clean Kenya Campaign Family.

I am now being joined by a Team of dedicated Members to focus our attention on our Economic Empowerment and Poverty Eradication as a means to cushioning our lives against the debilitating hard economic times Kenyans are facing.

This is Nairobi- where waste is shifted from one place to another and they call it Waste Management

At The Clean Kenya Campaign we do not whine and moan. We act. We do not respond to calls for proposals as well, but we work with willing partners and friends who see sense in what we are doing. We do not force any person to support our Initiatives but we only make broad appeals for Partnerships.

Those who have worked with me know I am one hell of a perfectionist. I work with results, not rhetorics. I suffer no fools easily and I am hard as a rock. I never get easily intimidated and these traits have seen The Clean Kenya Campaign reach this far.

We are now focused on Economic Emancipation for our Members as we join in the fight on Poverty Eradication across Kenya. We have so far established 60 Table Banking Units and the Team that we are going to elect on 6th August better roll their sleeves for hard work. Kimisho will never be a holiday resort.

We have absolute faith in what President John F Kennedy asked of the Americans- ask not what the Government will do for you. Ask yee what you will do for your Government. At Kimisho, we are focused on pooling our own resources together as One Family under God and then inviting willing Partnerships that will add value to our objectives.

We are going to pursue our objectives with the zeal with which Alexander Muigai found himself when he penned The Troubled Warrior- a Classic Poem;
‘Thus, all having been done,
And my poor heart settled,
I’ll venture to go home,
I’ll take up my hoe and dig,
I’ll pick up my stick and herd,
I’ll court my girl and wed.
Having done my duty,
I’ll sit by the fire,
And grow old’.
Kimisho will be in good and able hands as from the 6th August 2013. Watch this space.

Odhiambo T Oketch,

The Team Leader/Executive Director,
KCDN, KSSL, KIC,
PO Box 47890-00100,
Nairobi, Kenya.
Tel; +254 724 365 557,
Email; kimishodevelopment@gmail.com komarockswatch@yahoo.com
Blogspot; http://kcdnkomarockswatch.blogspot.com
Mailing List; friendsofkcdn@yahoogroups.com friendsofnyanza@yahoogroups.com

Securing Africa’s Land for Shared Prosperity

From: Yona Maro

Sub-Saharan Africa is home to nearly half of the world’s usable, uncultivated land but so far the continent has not been able to develop these unused tracts, estimated at more than 202 million hectares, to dramatically reduce poverty and boost growth, jobs, and shared prosperity.

http://allafrica.com/download/resource/main/main/idatcs/00070465:a47aeca2fdbddaa064c23fb0fec0d706.pdf

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Apollo Memorial 2013

from pwbmspac

Happy Moon Day.

Lets reflect upon this annual memorial to the Apollo astronauts lunar landing, summer 1969.

If their have been any further instances of contemporary Terrestrial human piloted travels spaceward beyond earth orbit (small or large scale), such remained officially unpublished in the open literature – – although rumored to occur.

In the time since the original 1969 Moon Day there have been several private sector initiative toward replicating the summer 1969 event.

One of them was the Artemis Society. Yet another has been investigating means to incorporate the moon into a destination option for the space tourism business.

In an overview, website site http://www.asi.org/adb/01/basic-overview.html states, “Our primary goal is to establish a permanent, self-supporting exploration base on the moon. From this initial base, we will explore the moon to find the best sites for lunar mining operations, and for a permanent lunar community. Along the way, we begin commercial flights to the moon. At first these will be expedition-class flights for rugged explorers, the sort of trip that will appeal to folks who enjoy safaris, climbing mountains, and spelunking hidden caves. Eventually, the lunar tourism industry will grow into luxury-class trips on large spaceliners.”

Another effort aims directly at private space tourism with lunar destination as an objective. Preliminary work focused upon enticing some initial subscriptions from those interested in being future travelers. The concepts consider assembling the transport capabilities starting with hardware ordered from Russian aerospace manufacturers plus use of associated operations centers.

During Summer of May or June of 2013, an article appeared in Aviation Week and Space Technology. It reported a university professor in India is now promoting the idea for a revival in programs aimed toward constructions of in-space platforms to collect solar power for supporting base load electricity needs at Earth surface (SPSS). Others, in this context, point out that employing construction materials mined from lunar surface or asteroids would make any such projects yet more economically productive.

This space economic development product, SSPS, does have merit. USA’s NASA and DOE had such a joint program until it was canceled officially as the 1970’s ended. Lets see if a call for revival of this project catches on.

-pbs-

Nigeria’s Economic Growth: AfDB approves up to US $150 Million Line of Credit to Fidelity Bank in support of Nigeria’s Economic Growth

From: News Release – African Press Organization (APO)
PRESS RELEASE

AfDB approves up to US $150 Million Line of Credit to Fidelity Bank in support of Nigeria’s Economic Growth

TUNIS, Tunisia, July 17, 2013/ — The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank (AfDB) (http://www.afdb.org) approved today a US $75-million medium-term line of credit (LoC) to Fidelity Bank Plc to fund selected projects in sectors that are critical to Nigeria’s transformation agenda and economic growth such as infrastructure, manufacturing and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The LoC will be complemented by AfDB arranged-syndicated financing of up to US $75 million on a best-effort basis.

Logo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/logos/african-development-bank-2.png

Fidelity Bank Plc is an indigenous universal bank that has been operational since 2001. It has over 200 branches and over two million customers located in the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. It is thus strategically placed to tap into various sectors and ensure diversification of its client base. As at December 2012, Fidelity had a total shareholders fund amounting to US $1.04 billion. Fidelity is ranked among the top six banks in Nigeria by equity base and eighth in terms of deposits and totals assets. The LoC will complement Fidelity’s other fundraising efforts through deposits mobilization and financing lines from Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), commercial banks and proceeds from its recent bond issuance.

The AfDB’s LoC will contribute to bridging Fidelity’s financing gap by providing much-needed longer-term liquidity to meet its pipeline demands against the background of a financial market that has hitherto slanted towards short-term liquidity inhibiting access to medium- to long-term lending. This financing will allow Fidelity to better serve and fund its clients, increase the tenors of loans to subprojects and expand its loan portfolio, particularly in the manufacturing and infrastructure sectors. Twenty per cent of the LoC proceeds will be dedicated to SMEs.

This LoC is in recognition of the positive impact of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen its supervisory framework, stabilize and instill confidence in the local financial system as well as improve liquidity and credit flows. This LoC sends strong signals that Nigeria’s financial sector has stabilized and confirms a return of confidence to the Nigerian banking sector. It is also symbolic of AfDB partnership role in supporting the private sector to play its rightful and important part in building the Nigerian economy. Moreover, it also highlights the AfDB’s commitment to supporting its Regional Member Countries and their governments in strengthening in their financial markets, diversifying their economies and revamping their infrastructure to facilitate stronger private sector participation and contribution to the economy.

Ultimately, this transaction will contribute to improved and longer term liquidity in the banking sector, increase government revenues, import substitution and job creation.

Distributed by the African Press Organization on behalf of the African Development Bank (AfDB).

Contacts:

Sabrina Hadjadj Aoul, Senior Communications Officer, T. +216 71 10 26 21 / C. +216 98 70 98 43 / s.hadjadjaoul@afdb.org

Lilian Macharia, Principal Investment Officer, T. +216 71 10 26 81 / l.macharia@afdb.org

About the African Development Bank Group

The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) (http://www.afdb.org) is Africa’s premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 34 African countries with an external office in Japan, the AfDB contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 53 regional member states.

SOURCE
African Development Bank (AfDB)

High-Level Forum on Water and Sanitation for All: WSA and the Ivorian Government are organising the 2013 High-Level Forum on Water and Sanitation for All

FFrom: News Release – African Press Organization (APO)

PRESS RELEASE
WSA and the Ivorian Government are organising the 2013 High-Level Forum on Water and Sanitation for All

800 participants are expected in Abidjan from 21 to 23 November 2013

ABIDJAN, Côte d’Ivoire, July 16, 2013/ — “To promote vibrant and effective South-South cooperation to accelerate access to hygiene, sanitation, and drinking water for all in Africa”.

This is the theme of the 2013 High-Level Forum on Water and Sanitation for All. Originally set up by the Pan-African Intergovernmental Agency for Water and Sanitation for Africa (WSA) (http://www.wsafrica.org), this year’s forum is being organised in association with the Government of Ivory Coast.

This is the third forum; the first two were held in Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso and Dakar in Senegal. Its objective is to provide a platform for various decision-makers and stakeholders involved in this sector in Africa to exchange information and exert their influence, thus encouraging decisions and concrete action in support of WASH in Africa.

Close to 800 participants (the minimum estimate) are expected in the Ivorian capital from 21 to 23 November 2013. The 2013 Forum has three main objectives: (i) to find the best way to take advantage of South-South partnerships for the development of business opportunities in terms of financial cooperation for the implementation of priority projects beyond the reach of national budgets in the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene sector (WASH); (ii) to develop strategic alliances and partnerships to strengthen the technical and institutional capacities of southern countries in the WASH sector; (iii) to stimulate the sharing of experiences and know-how between southern countries in the WASH sector.

The third High-Level Forum on Water and Sanitation for All in Africa is of interest to all stakeholders and senior officials in the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene sector in Africa. They include African heads of state, ministers responsible for water and sanitation issues in Africa, African finance ministers, as well as technical and financial partners from the North and South, mainly consisting of export-import banks, researchers, investors, NGOs, and integration and development organisations.

The institution, which has 32 member countries, has been working in Africa for 25 years to develop solutions to address the problems of water and sanitation on the continent. Its mission is based on the establishment of integrated systems combining the optimisation of technical and scientific approaches with innovative funding mechanisms. Visit hlf.wsafrica.org for further information.

Distributed by the African Press Organization on behalf of the Pan African Inter-governmental Agency, Water and Sanitation for Africa (WSA).

Contacts for further information:

1. Yacine Diene Traoré (Media Contact)

Head of the Communications Department

Tel: +226 74 48 54 49

Email: yacinetraore@wsafrica.org

2. Ali Dissa (Contact for information on the Forum)

Associate Director – Innovations

Tel: +226 70 72 86 99/78 89 12 18

Email: alidissa@wsafrica.org

3. Théophile Gnagne (Contact for information on the Forum)

Resident Representative (WSA Ivory Coast)

Tel: +225 01 32 30 64

Email: theophilegnagne@wsafrica.org

SOURCE

Pan African Inter-governmental Agency, Water and Sanitation for Africa (WSA)

Renewables 2013: Global Status Report

From: Yona Maro

Access to modern energy enables people to live better lives- providing clean heat for cooking, lighting for streets and homes, cooling and refrigeration, water pumping, as well as basic processing and communications. Yet over 1 billion people still lack access to modern energy services.

As a result of the UN Secretary General’s Sustainable Energy for All Initiative and the upcoming Decade of Sustainable Energy for All, achieving universal energy access has risen to the top of the international agenda. However, given that the world recently passed 400 parts per million of atmospheric CO2- potentially enough to trigger a warming of 2 degrees Celsius compared with pre-industrial levels – meeting growing energy needs in a climate-constrained world requires a fundamental shift in how those energy services are delivered. Renewable energy, coupled with energy efficiency measures, is central to achieving this objective.

Renewables already play a major role in the energy mix in many countries around the world. In 2012, prices for renewable energy technologies, primarily wind and solar, continued to fall, making renewables increasingly mainstream and competitive with conventional energy sources. In the absence of a level playing field, however, high penetration of renewables is still dependent on a robust policy environment.

Global investment in renewable energy decreased in 2012, but investment expanded significantly in developing countries. Global investment decreased in response to economic and policy-related uncertainties in some traditional markets, as well as to falling technology costs, which had a positive effect on capacity installations. Renewable energy is spreading to new regions and countries and becoming increasingly affordable in developing and developed countries alike.

At the same time, falling prices, combined with declining policy support in established markets, the international financial crisis, and ongoing tensions in international trade, have challenged some renewable energy industries. Subsidies to fossil fuels, which are far higher than those for renewables, remain in place and need to be phased out as quickly as possible. The emergence of shale gas brings a new dynamic to the energy market, and it remains to be seen how it will affect renewable energy deployment globally.
Link:
http://www.ren21.net/Portals/0/documents/Resources/GSR/2013/http://www.ren21.net/Portals/0/documents/Resources/GSR/2013/GSR2013_lowres.pdf_lowres.pdf


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