People,

The recently ended US presidential elections revealed similarities in problems Kenyans and Americans face .On the economic front for example, Majority of Americans feel that the Bush led-government had let “the markets run wild” i.e with no controls and the poor consumer was worst hit–keeping off even what is basic consumption.Second, the middle class’ purchasing power was being eroded by rising energy costs,increasing prices for consumer goods, high cost on health and housing related services, steady job losses etc. Obama then summed up the situation -a failed govt and failed economic policies of President Bush and his accomplice John Mccain. Americans concured with Obama and handed him presidency on 4th Nov.2008.with high hopes for a reverse of the trend, a re-newed economy and government.

LOOK at Kenya the same scenario—markets have similarly been let free.Business people (including landlords, those in the public transport industry, manufacturers, the range of traders in the trade chain etc) have all taken advantage of what looks like a lame duck govt and public/consumer exploitation in Kenya is disastrously high. One possible reason why MP’S are quiet about economic crimes meted on ordinary Kenyans is that they do not feel the pinch.Do they suffer taxes after all ? They earn more than what senators in the US earn and immorally more that what Kenya’s GDP should actually offer them in a prudent scenario.The nation is being strangled.

Majority of Kenyans face growing problems-high energy related costs, dawm expensive urban housing, high higher education costs, high private and public transport costs due to erratic world fuel prices—but in the case of Kenya, corrupt and unethical business people taking advantage of what seems like a lame duck govt such that as global fuel prices among other factors decline in favour of Kenya—-no effort is made to pass the same advantage to the consumer and as evidence—-public transport in Nairobi remains high even with reduced fuel prices and govt is dawm mute.Very irresponsible and immoral. So bad is that as MP’s give themselves enough housing allowances, they have never bothered to amend the archaic rent tribunal law crafted decades ago and so majority of Kenyans especially in Nairobi are being strangled to poverty by greedy landlords

Civil society and Kenyans must demand their independance and good governance.The present Kenyan situation requires vigorous protests from every right minded Kenyan except those immoral ones who find it difficult to pay taxes.

Kenyans must teach them a lesson as they did to majority of those in the 9TH parliament.Even if it takes a century, Kenyans will learn from America and elect their legislature and their executive who will look after their destiny and economic posterity.

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Date: Mon, 24 Nov 2008 00:51:52 -0800 [11/24/2008 02:51:52 AM CST]
From: henry ouma
Subject: Kenya Vs America’s economic dynamics

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nice expose.

would it also not be good to attempt to revive the economy without
falling into the trap of dishonesty that americana drove us poor
people into? an exclusively economics approach that disregards the
social approach may keep us where we are psychologicaly speaking?

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Date: Mon, 24 Nov 2008 12:17:05 +0300 [11/24/2008 03:17:05 AM CST]
From: Mohamed Jiwa
Subject: Re: Kenya Vs America’s economic dynamics

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Dear Mohamed and all,

It is becoming increasingly difficult to take an exclusively economic approach and turn economies especially African ones back on the path economic renewal.Politics In Africa have much influence on what is even purely economic policy.In Kenya, infact politics drive the economy—-one cannot imagine a dichotomy.

Politics are so pervasive and even hampering areas like technology policy development which would produce profound effect in the African economic development.

Economic change especially in Africa will require some forms of good corrupt-free governments, qualified and dedicated leadership not rogue regimes and democratic constitutions that support stability, accountability and peaceful govt change for sustainable economic development.

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Date: Mon, 24 Nov 2008 01:59:27 -0800 [11/24/2008 03:59:27 AM CST]
From: henry ouma
Subject: Re: Kenya Vs America’s economic dynamics