14 March 2008
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The similarity between the slanging match for the Democratic Party nomination between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton and Kenya's controversial election has caught Ochiba Lukandu's attention. Says he: "As I observe the battle for the nomination, having witnessed last December's polls in Kenya, it's clear we've been there before. The language is getting nasty, with rigging allegations flying around. Kofi Annan's mediation skills may be needed there too!"
More ideas on how to reward former UN boss Kofi Annan for his 42-day perseverance, which paved the way for the formation of a grand coalition. Says Jay Jay from Eldoret: "The best way our Parliament can honour the great work done by Mr Annan is to name the National Accord and Reconciliation Bill, The Kofi Annan Bill. This way, the feat he clinched will be forever etched in our country's history."
Schools, Kenya Revenue Authority, shopkeepers and supermarkets, Telkom, private hospitals, and so on, have all put up banners declaring, "Cheque Payment Not Allowed", Lucas Odemba moans. "They will only accept banker's cheques or cash. Can't someone challenge the legal basis for the refusal to accept cheques? It's frustrating for one to queue for hours to withdraw money to make payments or buy banker's cheques, yet it's more convenient to pay by cheque."
What has alarmed Iqbal Kassam in recent days, he says, is the return of roadside traders on Limuru Road and around Village Market in Nairobi. The authorities may not have noticed that the traders who often do more than sell those wares, are creeping back. Says Iqbal: "These places are soon going to turn into havens for crooks who will wait and pounce on unsuspecting motorists, especially at night. Can the authorities look into this and assure us of our safety?"
Thanks to the Government, hawkers now have their own market at Muthurwa, and soon, Nairobi's streets will be clear and the shops will be easier to access, says S. M. Gikore. However, Gikore can already see the demand for space at the market exceeding the capacity. The easiest way to reduce congestion, he volunteers, is to charge Sh200 a day. "This will also help recover the Sh700 million spent on constructing the market and generate revenue to put up more markets in places such as Ngara."
The past 17 years have been terrible for Francis James Khasira. His troubles began in 1991 when he was interdicted as chief accountant at the Meteorological Department over a dispute involving payment to a client. In 1995, the Public Service Commission ordered the Transport ministry to reinstate him, but he remains jobless. Francis, whose contact is Tel. 0725582632, hopes justice will be done some day.
Kisumu, which bore the brunt of the post-election violence, continues its streak of misfortunes. According to Patrick G. Achuti, the town, particularly its Ondiek estate, has been experiencing numerous power blackouts. "The frequency with which this happens means that either KPLC technicians are unable to fix the problem or somebody doesn't care about the inconvenience suffered." He wants KPLC to investigate and solve the problem once and for all.
Have a serviceable day, won't you!
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