IT'S A WRAP

It was dubbed the Year of the Faith. It’s hard to imagine 365 days, 52 weeks are nearly gone by and it feels just like yesterday we were ushering the New Year…I know that saying is cliché but really, it feels like yesterday. I was at the Bella vista New Year party having thrown all caution to the wind jumping up and down to the fist thumping music of today’s times. Karen was her name, I remember…a piece of art - am tempted to call her a masterpiece, it’s sad though that it was never meant to be. That’s how vivid that 31^st 2012 is, like its yesterday. That memory is still so fresh or maybe it’s just due to my super photographic memory.

Sigh the year of the faith is gone, but I am glad He has been faithful. So I wrote Him a letter to acknowledge and thank Him for 2013 and to throw in a list of things or opportunities that I would not mind coming my way. I didn't know your address but I have constantly felt you were the first to subscribe to my blog so what the hell…I know you will get this one too.

Dear God,

Am nervous, I have never done this before, written to you, although we talk all the time.Okay, I know I do all of the talking most of the time and you listen without complaint each day so I thought of doing a blog post just to find out if you’ll get the message since I told you to subscribe ages ago…lets see if you did. (chuckles).

It’s been a long year with its ups and downs and when it all started I did not know what you had in store for me, but so much good and so many blessings have come down on me to the extent I sometimes wonder if I am worthy of all this. Hey, am not saying that you close those floodgates of abundant blessings on me but this is just my way of saying that I have been pleasantly surprised each day this year and I am so grateful. You know these are the things that you don’t say much about because words only belittle their significance but I will give it a try.

I must say this year I have learnt a lot from you and about you…found out you have a sense of humor too. But you have taught me that your timing is always right. Regardless of how I sometimes felt that you were too slow like the coastal folks (oops) in handling your in-tray, you have taught me to be graceful both in waiting and asking. It was tough since I wanted everything at once, but you gave me most of them at your own timing. In retrospect I see your infinite wisdom. Finally I got a job, a good job (am a knowledge worker by the way…am paid to think)  and the opportunities are endless and moving forward the future looks bright, am grateful. I have flourished each day since you connected my employer and me and I have learnt a lot and still keep learning each day. But I must say sometimes laziness and negligence creep in, please do not think that I do not appreciate this opportunity given, it’s my character defect and my character is a work in progress. Jealousy from time to time creeps in and settles in when I see my fellow employees excelling and being rewarded. Teach me to be happy for others and to take their success as a challenge to strive for better, and to work hard, diligently and smart because those are the virtues you reward.

Family is important and that, you have constantly drummed into me throughout this year. It would have been impossible for me without my family this year. Constantly encouraging and pushing me on. The struggle was easier because they were there, am grateful. Though sometimes I am distant to my peoples and sometimes feel that they are constantly on my case, but then with time I realize they are your lieutenants that you put by my side to care and show me the way. I sometimes think my dad and mum are my Joseph and Mary. You gave them to me without asking because you knew I would be a perfect fit with them and they would stand by me through the darkest of times and we would share happy moments for years on end. All I ask is that you make me more patient for I lose my cool with them more often than not. That I may strive to understand them and this may be our year.

Well I graduated this year…finally! It was along wait I must say, and the journey was long and tough. I have learnt more these last three years than during any other part of my short life, but the most important  one is that your voice is only heard by a quiet calm relaxed mind. Campus life is no joke, and there are perils along the way that only we must be wary of each day…I must say I cannot confidently say I beat them all but I survived, heavily scarred though, but I know time will make my scars all fade away and they will seem like a slight blight on a heart striving to be with no blemish.All that was because I was abit jumpy and edgy but my thoughts are now more conscious and relaxed and I thank campus for that! You have taught that more often than not I will have to detach myself from all the madness, and chill out so that you can show me the way. Teach me then this year to know how to ran away from all the madness so you could show me your way.

I don’t want to bore you with a lot, (I know many other prayers, letters, posts, are trickling in) but in summary those are the biggest teachings I got this year. There are many others I didn't get but don’t tire for I am a willing learner and hopefully will become a better catholic next year. You were gracious in teaching me life lessons as you were in showering blessings too.  I bet 2014 will come with a bucketful of blessings and shitty days, but remind me that a bad day doesn't necessarily  mean it’s a bad life. I lost a couple of friends this year but for each I lost you gave me another, am grateful. She finally decided she had, had enough of me this year, I don’t know if she will be back but remind me always never to leave the one I love for the one I like, for the one I like will one day leave me for the one they love.

I am putting down my resolutions now, before I head out and imbibe the finest whiskey but am aiming for the stars come 2014 so help me. Don’t leave me when even when I question your very existence, scream and shout at you, slander your name or live like you don’t even exist. It’s a tough world out here and I know am only human and so I will falter and stutter along the way but always keep my eyes on the prize!

Kindest regards

QUANTIFIABLE GROWTH

                                                                  

KenyaAt50 preparations are in high gear as we near the big day. The president has already granted fellas with an 8-5 job the much awaited extended holiday. It was a much anticipated move. Banners are up high and monuments have already been refurbished in anticipation of the big day. It’s important we ask ourselves rally what we are celebrating this week and are these celebrations justified by the growth of Kenya for the past 50 years. Some may argue that the president has borrowed a page from the roman emperors where they held celebrations and feasts for days on end to ensure that the public momentarily forgot the decadence of living standards (in this case) in Kenya and in general the quality of life 50 years on from independence and 8 months from the swearing in of the new government. At this time Kenyans in the north are suffering from insecurity, perpetual famines, common diseases that could be adequately managed with good policies through sustainable projects. The budget of 500 million set aside for these celebrations could be channeled to these areas at least to reduce the levels of these problems some may argue. On the other hand proponents of the KenyaAt50 celebrations point to the fact that these celebrations are warranted by the growth of the country 50 years on after independence and that it’s a time to stop, look back and ponder on how to move forward.

I wonder though if these celebrations will really have the effect on the Wanjiku's that it was planned to have. Are most people aware of why we are celebrating or are we just glad that we have a few days in which to eat, make merry and get inebriated. There is no problem without a solution that is what I choose to believe.

                                                              

                                                                           

Am glad though that we are having these celebrations for at least they have made me think of what the Kenyan jubilee means. 50 years is not something to take for granted? 

50 years on, our democracy is still young and has the ability to grow into some formidable mature political system but at least it’s a democracy. We just have to look at our neighbors’ who haven’t experienced even the dysfunctional democracy that we have. It’s been anarchy for decades on after they gained independence. Ours has the ability to grow and mature and this is a process and it will take time, remember all good things take time. We boast of a fairly vibrant democracy which is not a mean feet to acquire. 50 years on we are a multi-party (a fete achieved though by shedding of blood). The first Kenyan parliament had 184 MPs all of whom were men. First female Mp was Grace Onyango in 1969, who came in six years after independence. We currently have women representatives in all counties, women MPs have gone up to numbers w could not imagine in 1963, in addition there are new 47 women representatives. Isn't this a step in the right direction?

Kenya’s population was 8,636,263 in 1962 and now we are shy of hitting the 40 million mark by a few hundreds. This is blessing. Rising population means that each day the Lord blesses us with new bundles of joy. Our life expectancy has risen from 45.2 at independence to the ripe old age of 64.2. All this credit goes to our improved healthcare systems. Are we there yet? No! But we are on the right path comrades. KNH is the biggest referral hospital in East Africa. That’s not an achievement you take for granted unless you don’t know the back breaking work that was and is being carried out each day to ensure it remains so. Yes there are scenes, experiences and poor service offered at KNH and our government hospitals that make you literally crunch but hey, this is a process and just because we have not  gotten it right the first time does not mean we will never get it right-It’s a process.. 908 was the number of doctors at independence and now the doctor count stands at a little over 8000. The doctor patient ratio is still wanting but this increase is something we should take note of. We had 177 hospitals at independence and now they are currently over 400. Improved health care..I think we deserve the recognition

Our economy is currently the biggest and most vibrant in East Africa. This is despite of experiencing moderately high growth rates during the 1960s and 1970s, Kenya's economic performance during the 1980s and 1990s was far below its potential. From 1991 to 1993, Kenya had its worst economic performance since independence. Growth in GDP stagnated, and agricultural production shrank at an annual rate of 3.9%. Inflation reached a record 100% in August 1993. In the mid-1990s, the government implemented economic reform measures to stabilize the economy and restore sustainable growth, including lifting nearly all administrative controls on producer and retail prices, imports, foreign exchange, and grain marketing. Nevertheless, the economy grew by an annual average of only 1.5% between 1997 and 2002, which was below the population growth estimated at 2.5% per annum, leading to a decline in per capita incomes. Despite of this economic depression we have still come out stronger under the Kibaki regime and with the precedence set by the Kibaki administration, the jubilee government has no option but to work above and beyond their call of duty in setting their mark with regards to the growth of our economy.

The number of universities in Kenya was zero in 1963 compared to the current 32. Although University of Nairobi existed as a college, it was upgraded to an autonomous university and renamed as University of Nairobi in 1970 with Kenyatta University as its constituent college. The number of secondary schools was 151 at the dawn of independence compared to the current 7,308. This is credited to the Harambee spirit and the introduction of programmes like the Constituency Development Fund (CDF). The number of primary schools across the country by 2010 was 27489, which is more than three times the 6,058 that were operational when Kenya became a republic in 1964.There was just a meager 445 students at The University of Nairobi at independence in comparison to the 50,000 that are currently enrolled. These are some but few of the milestone achievements that Kenya has achieved over the years in the education sector. We may have suffered a through a bout of severe brain drain but that has been on the decline due to the improved quality of life and employment opportunities currently on offer.

These are some but few milestone growth indicators that we as a country have made over the 50 years that have spurred on. Yet there have been some big failures that have taken place over the years and are in dire need of improvement. Insecurity has been on the rise especially in the northern part. The failure of our previous and current policy makers to make and enforce policies that would help curb insecurity for once and for all seems to be a daunting task for our policy makers. Corruption has grown in our institutions over the years and a culture of impunity is what our government prides itself in nowadays and this is because it wasn't nipped in the bud when this culture was born. Regardless we are glad with the efforts to streamline our agencies. Famine too is also a constant reminder of our failure to increase and optimize agricultural production and source for new farming methods. Tribalism has been on the rise and the country is always on the brink of ethnic clashes every time there is an election or land issues arise. Suffice it to say if one was too only look at the problems and difficulties facing us, we would be described as a failed state. All our Kenyan problems cannot fit in one paragraph and this paragraph is not representative all of our Kenyan problems but they are an acknowledgement that yes, we are celebrating our achievements for the last 50 years but at the same time know that we have perennial problems that hinder our explosive and massive growth in the coming years.

Should we not celebrate because we still have perennial basic problems? We should know that there will never be a time when we shall not be faced with problems as a nation. A brother is always going hungry somewhere, a child falls sick each day, armed raiders are always raiding villages somewhere. Its sad, I know but it is the way of the world. But it is a time to stop and quantify our growth, take a pause from the humdrum of everyday life and know what not to do again for the mistakes of yesteryear s are etched in our everyday lives.KenyaAt50 celebrations are a time for us to celebrate yes, but more importantly it’s a time for us to look at what we have achieved over the last few years, learn from our past failures and inadequacies and most importantly forge a new plan and that encompasses Kenya's dreams and aspirations. More importantly we should also reflect on the qualitative aspects too. Take heritage in our traditional cultures and look if our culture is in danger of assimilation by western practices. Take a hard look at our culture of impunity and corruption and set measures of how to curb these behavioral and moral inadequacies once and for all.  Sensitize our countrymen on the values we stand for and ensure that everyone wears them like a badge of honor

It’s a time for us to look back at why we fought and shed so much blood for independence. Did we do it so that we could cultivate a culture of impunity and corruption? Nepotism would be rampant in employing people to government positions? Insecurity would be a challenge and Kenyans in northern Kenya would time and again be at the mercy of bandits? More than half of the Kenyan population would still be living below a dollar a day? Perennial famines are still the norm 50 years on? Recognition and allegiance to our tribe than country? Health services would still be a luxury to many rather than a basic need? And most saddening that our democracy is more about tyranny of numbers than the values and track record on which political aspirants stand on! (This is not an endorsement of any political party).

And so if this is not the Kenya we envisioned and want then this is the best time for us to pause and map a path to the Kenya we want!

                                              

UNFINISHED

We are born, we live and we die is one of the undeniable truths of this world. A truth that everyone knows and must eventually come to accept whether we want to or not, that’s one thing about the truth-it’s just that...the truth, period. There are so many other truths but this one truth ultimately decides how our lives we decide to shape and live our lives. It’s the fickleness and uncertainty of life that keeps us in check, knowing that we don’t have forever. Sometimes I wonder what does forever even mean, is there something on this earth that will be in existence forever. I sometimes wonder what will outlast us all, the human race. In my mind I have this indelible vision that the earth as we know it will eventually cease to exist, maybe by fire, floods and sometimes I even think heck world war 3 might just seal the nails on coffin but am sure just as we are born, live and die so will everything on this earth wither, disintegrate and disappear into one empty abyss..I think.

Anyone who uses the word forever in their words I think is usually being plain sarcastic and am guessing the guys who came with the word too are a bunch of sarcastic fellas. And it is because there is nothing like forever on this earth that we are forced to live each day like our last knowing that our happiness, joys and sorrows are constrained by our inability to control our ultimate fate. I sometimes wonder why God in his infinite wisdom made life too be so beautiful and sweet yet so short..Sigh! Anyway these words ring a bell? For all you epic movie enthusiasts:

“The gods envy us, they envy us because we are mortal because any moment might be our last, everything is more beautiful because we are doomed, you will never be lovelier than you are now, we will never be here again”

These words by Achilles a Greek hero from the Trojan War epitomize the importance of living in the moment.

Its due to the  lack of this state called forever that most of the things we usually want to do with our lives eventually remain unfinished a truth reiterated by King Alexander that consequently then our greatest asset is time, a message put across satirically in his interment. Thus we start to do things with our lives that we think are important and are on top in our pecking order. Even those who sometimes say that they have done everything they set out to do and now live the rest to the upcoming Y generation, only say this because they know they can go no further even if they wanted to...Think about it? I imagine if let’s say hypothetically we existed for forever, would we strive and have that drive to push our imagination to heights that we didn't know existed before. I guess if the Wright brothers knew we lived forever they would have procrastinated inventing the airplane, would have technology have advanced this fast. Am guessing our quality of life would be relatively the same as a decade ago. It’s our competitive nature and inability to control our ultimate fate that pushes us to want to be better than the previous generation, but this competitive analogy is not fulfilling or lasting and eventually that’s why unfinished will always be the description of our lives.

Competition is what ultimately makes our lives to be unfinished. Like it or not our lives are constantly revolving about competition. Heck we even have a competition authority in Kenya and most other countries...and some people still tell you that life is not a race, that it’s not a competition. Whoever tells you this is most probably a flat out liar..Just scrutinize their lives and you’ll find out they have not been truthful to you about so many other truths too. Man was naturally born to be competitive but it’s also our Achilles heel. It’s always about who the best is, what is the best, whose building is the tallest, whose master piece is timeless...and what note…you get the flow now? It is due to competition that nothing is here to stay, your innovative idea will not transcend time…your most probably thinking that M-pesa is the epitome of all mobile transfer services but I bet you there is something unfathomable that will come and make a mockery of the mobile money transfer. To someone out there they know that mobile money transfer is unfinished. Think about it folks.

I bet for those who live to that ripe old age eventually ask themselves what could have I done differently but I guess more importantly they ask, could I have done more?