5 October 2008
column
Nairobi — Kenya is at peace with its neighbours, so why do we need the 33 deadly T-72 tanks in the cargo ship seized by Somalia pirates? asks Mohinder Dhillon.
He says the country has too many problems, including the crisis of the people displaced by post-election violence, an ailing public health sector, and a poorly funded education system, to splash out cash on such military hardware.
"These tanks could also fall into the wrong hands, tipping the balance of power in war-torn Somalia," writes veteran war TV cameraman Mohinder.
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He has been following the twists and turns in the saga of the hijacked ship, and James Ombega Mageto says he can see the stage being set for yet another commission of inquiry.
He adds: "I won't be surprised if a team is appointed to investigate and ascertain the real owners of the cargo of military tanks. And when this comes, hot on the heels of the Grand Regency saga, it will confirm to me that Kenya is, indeed, a banana republic."
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Baricho Road in Industrial Area, especially the section behind the Toyota East Africa workshop, is one of the most neglected roads in Nairobi, moans James Thiaine.
"The storm water drains are always blocked and whenever it rains, motorists have to wade through it -- literally. Toyota East Africa administration manager David Kibatta has written several letters to the council, which sends over engineers who only come, survey and leave, never to return."
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For two months now, Ginn Nyokwoyo says, Nyamira township and its environs have been treated to "disco light" service by the KPLC.
"The lights come on and off, sometimes for more than 30 times in an hour. I've sat down for 15 minutes and seen the lights go off five times. It's costing young businesses like mine a fortune as I can't afford to run a generator with the fuel prices gone above the ceiling a long time ago."
Ginn's email is ginnken2002@yahoo.com
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A resident of Muhuri Road at Uthiru 87, Nairobi, Dr Karanga Kimani, says that in the past fortnight, the Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company has only supplied them with water once, and "with the taps running for only an hour".
But what's even more disappointing, he adds, is that the water company did not warn them of an impending water shortage. Our houses have been reduced to stinking dwellings," moans Dr Kimani, whose contact is Tel. 0733235142.
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The return of Stage Coach, some of whose buses are already plying Nairobi routes, is a source of excitement for Kamichore Mutindira, who remembers with nostalgia the days when the public transport firm ruled the city several years ago.
"Is this a trial run or has the firm fully resumed services in Kenya? I remember the splendid job they did during the 1997-98 El Nino rains, carrying passengers to destinations matatus would not reach. Welcome back!" says he.
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One of the ironies of life, Kinyanjui Mwaura says, is how some people get stinking rich, while others have absolutely nothing. He cites his own uncles, who "are poorly educated but superlatively rich".
Though they spend most of their time having fun in clubs, they continue to rake in loads of cash. "In contrast, their employees are highly educated, spend most of time at work and remain poor. As a young man working hard to get rich, this situation worries me."
Have a rich day, won't you!
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