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Kenya: The Cutting Edge
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The Nation (Nairobi)
COLUMN
6 June 2008
Posted to the web 6 June 2008
Nairobi
The zeal with which MPs pursue personal gain at the expense of all of us is baffling, says J. Mbwika, stunned by the latest news of a lucrative mortgage housing scheme. "I wonder whether the Truth and Reconciliation Commission shouldn't take this as part of their agenda, considering that MPs do not even pay taxes. I will not be surprised if the next round of unrest is sparked by anger over the plunder. The commission should recommend a law making it mandatory for all to pay taxes -- equally."
Kenya is not a failed state; it's simply a state that has failed to meet its goals, says Andayi Mushenye. "Compared to states with similar characteristics and resources at independence such as Malaysia and Sri Lanka, Kenya has failed. We're now in deep debt with the IMF and World Bank, with more of our revenue going to service debts. We continue to fall behind as our leaders politick every day and that's why many say Kenya is a failed state," he concludes.
Nairobi Railway Museum is a magnificent tourist attraction, but reaching it is a nightmare as the road leading there is in an appalling state, says Maurice Barasa. "I saw tourists hop and skip to avoid stepping into pools of dirty water, as they made their way to the museum. What a shame! This museum is our national heritage and is the only one in Africa that vividly tells the tale of the man-eating lions of Tsavo. It surely must be reachable."
After sleepless nights, thanks to the cheap disco music blaring bars in Migosi estate, Kisumu, residents wake up to even more irritating noise from matatus honking for customers, moans P. Okudo. He would like those responsible for the licensing of the numerous nightclubs in his neighbourhood to ensure the clubs do not continue to be a nuisance to residents or cancel their licences.
Where is Town Clerk John Gakuo? Nairobi South 'B' shopping centre has become an eyesore, with wide potholes, moans Mathew Mulei. "How can this happen yet we have a new mayor and a performing Town Clerk? There is a constant traffic jam from 6.20am due to the gaping craters near the shopping centre and Caltex petrol station. We pay taxes and rates and expect services," he adds.
While shopping at Sarit Centre, Westlands, Nairobi, Dorcas Mutonyi was attracted to an advert for an apartment, but was stunned to read that the advertiser was only keen on having Asian tenants. Dorcas says she just can't understand why such people, who could jeopardise the harmony Kenyans have enjoyed since independence, should be allowed to get away with such divisive antics. She poses: "How would people feel if someone put up a nice house in, say, Lavington, and put up a notice saying that it's for Kikuyus only?"
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With the skyrocketing food prices, says Evelyn Kibuchi, Kenyans are simply reaping the fruits of the seeds they sowed early in the year. She adds: "We killed, maimed, and displaced the people who produce our food, instilled fear among those who remained, burnt, destroyed and looted granaries. In short, we all contributed to the current status of our economy and now we are crying foul. Aren't we just making fools of ourselves? We need to work hard to reclaim our lost glory instead of wasting time!"Have a remorseful day, won't you!
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