I have been so incensed by the issue of corruption in Kenya as a whole and more so in the Ministry of Education, because I could not imagine people stealing money for Free Primary Education. I have tried to look for the right words to describe the people involved and write something on this blog but did not find the right words and just hoped someone would step down and take responsibility or pave way for investigation. Even after being called to step down education minister Mr. Sam Ongeri and his PS. Mr. Karega Mutahi refused and denied they were involved. I waited for the President to do something, nothing was happening.
Suddenly last week the issue on Maize scandal came up again and I said another case is here before the other one is resolved (anyway this is very typical of Kenya, so many cases are pending). As usual the blame game started again, Minister of Agriculture Mr. William Ruto to blame, then the other story that the Prime Minister’s office knew about it. I started feeling sick because I thought we started the year well and hoped with the good rains things looked promising for Kenya all round, forgetting that corruption is a chronic disease in Kenya.
When Kenyan’s were waiting for action to be taken by the Principal, which is normally very slow and not forthcoming at all. The Prime Minister shocked us yesterday by sending the Minister for Education and Agriculture home for three months to pave way for investigations, I say shocked because I suddenly realized he had powers to do so. Though shocking, it was a welcomed move that got approval of many Kenyans. However before the end of the day our shock/joy came to a halt, and had to register another disbelieve when the President quashed the PMs decision by quoting the unfavorable constitution we are so fed up of.
Constitution or no constitution some one had to act on these graft issues, if the President was taking too long. I believe the PM was in order to send these two home, to pave way for investigations as this is part of his specified duties.
Majority Kenyans are so disappointed by the change of event, as much as these two Ministers and others go about their duties laughing at the PM. I am a disappointed Kenyan who only wishes reforms come faster and 2012 sooner.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Belated Happy New Year
It is not too late to wish my followers and readers Happy New Year, poleni I have been busy to blog and appreciate your support.
The year started so well with rains as we had prayed for, though they raked havoc in many parts of the country, we cannot complain because rains bring plenty for the country. The rains have brought plenty to an extent that it is too plenty for some to throw away. One would not believe it is the same drought stricken Kenya that was begging for food donations last year.
It is so strange to believe the country is now flowing in milk; our rivers will soon turn white with waste milk, that the government’s milk company Kenya Co-operative Creameries (KCC) cannot handle and is being poured after spoiling. I still cannot believe a whole government cannot handle this bountiful blessing to an extent of being thrown away, yet there are Kenyans who are suffering from hunger because not everyone has a job and is a farmer. There are also school children who depend on school feeding programs to get a meal. Hence the Government should have saved farmers from making losses by picking the milk and supplying to public schools if they cannot reach every needy person.
Now there is news that there was a bumper maize harvest and the story is the same, maize is also rotting in stores. This is so ridiculous because maize flour price is still high due to last year’s drought.
It looks like rains are still here, with clouds looking heavy in Nairobi morning hours; the weather is promising in most parts of the country. We expect more food, milk companies are offering extra milk in the sachets, and some companies give free 500ml milk when one buys two 500mls. Therefore Government should assist farmers to avoid more wastage. In many African cultures it is very bad to throw food, it is said in my culture that when you thrown food you will lack next time.
The year started so well with rains as we had prayed for, though they raked havoc in many parts of the country, we cannot complain because rains bring plenty for the country. The rains have brought plenty to an extent that it is too plenty for some to throw away. One would not believe it is the same drought stricken Kenya that was begging for food donations last year.
It is so strange to believe the country is now flowing in milk; our rivers will soon turn white with waste milk, that the government’s milk company Kenya Co-operative Creameries (KCC) cannot handle and is being poured after spoiling. I still cannot believe a whole government cannot handle this bountiful blessing to an extent of being thrown away, yet there are Kenyans who are suffering from hunger because not everyone has a job and is a farmer. There are also school children who depend on school feeding programs to get a meal. Hence the Government should have saved farmers from making losses by picking the milk and supplying to public schools if they cannot reach every needy person.
Now there is news that there was a bumper maize harvest and the story is the same, maize is also rotting in stores. This is so ridiculous because maize flour price is still high due to last year’s drought.
It looks like rains are still here, with clouds looking heavy in Nairobi morning hours; the weather is promising in most parts of the country. We expect more food, milk companies are offering extra milk in the sachets, and some companies give free 500ml milk when one buys two 500mls. Therefore Government should assist farmers to avoid more wastage. In many African cultures it is very bad to throw food, it is said in my culture that when you thrown food you will lack next time.
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