Rafiki Kenya

Meet Andrea Kenneth

noreply@blogger.com (Rafiki) — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 20:24:00 +0000

Andrea Kenneth (guys, please, try to focus on her eyes for a while)

So, Peter Kenneth formally launched his presidential bid on Sunday with a great and clear manifesto. His son, Andrew Kenneth, became an instant online celebrity on Monday, following a superb speech during his father's event.

And now, it's time to meet Peter Kenneth's daughter: Andrea Kenneth. I think she's kinda cute. What's your opinion?

I don't know a lot about her. I think she may be 17 years old, since there was an eleven-year-old reader of Coastweek, Andrea Kenneth from Nairobi, who said in October 2006:

"The goats were funny and the book made me wonder how it is to be a goat.
"Some of the stories go from sad to happy and some leave you in suspense - I like that."

Andrea Kenneth with a friend (no, I don't have her number)

Well, she may have stopped wondering how it is to be a goat by now, and she may be looking forward to bigger and greater things very soon.

Did we ask for a Kenyan reality TV show? NO!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Rafiki) — Fri, 02 Nov 2012 22:17:00 +0000

Lizz Njagah

Oh my God, someone decided Kenya needs a reality TV show. The show "Meet the Konstantaras" should become the ‘African Kardashians’...

"The celebrated Film and TV couple Alex and Lizz Njagah Konstantaras have charmed their way into the hearts of pan African audiences with their diverse film roles; Lizz for her beauty and easy charm and Alex for his quick wit.

Now, away from the lights and cameras of the show biz world, "Meet the Konstantaras' " follows this power couple as they settle into married bliss, move into a new home in Nairobi and balance their hectic careers with married life.

Take a peek into the lives of Alex and Lizz Njagah Konstantaras!"

Here's the trailer. Remember the trailer should be teasing and making you look forward to the actual thing. This show must be more than crap!

Maybe our dear Lizz Njagah could do us a big favor and go back to Lux soap commercials?

Do the Kemboi dance #TeamKenya #KemboiDance

noreply@blogger.com (Rafiki) — Sun, 05 Aug 2012 21:40:00 +0000

Let's do the Kemboi dance

The Kemboi Dance

Kemboi broke into a dance in celebration after crossing the 3000m steeplechase line in London.

The Kemboi dance

#TeamKenya: Go Chepseba Go!

noreply@blogger.com (Rafiki) — Sun, 05 Aug 2012 12:06:00 +0000

Kenya's hopes for a clean sweep in the men's 1,500m at the Olympic Games in London were boosted after Chepseba was reinstated to the semifinals after being eliminated on appeal following a trip by American Matthew Centrowitz on Friday night which cost him a qualification slot.

Go Chepseba Go!

Spain’s Diego Ruiz, left, and Germany’s Carsten Schlangen, right,
lie on the track as Kenya’s Nixon Kiplimo Chepseba walks past
following a men’s 1500-meter heat during the athletics in the Olympic Stadium
at the 2012 Summer Olympics, London, Friday, Aug. 3, 2012. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Go Kenya Go!

noreply@blogger.com (Rafiki) — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 10:00:00 +0000

Kenyans rocked the streets with over 400 dancers to show their support for Team Kenya at the London 2012 Olympics.

Not really a flashmob, but still...

GO KENYA GO! And come home with all the gold!

The Song "Coming Home" by Nameless is becoming Kenya's unofficial national anthem. Here are the lyrics.

Intro
Narudi nyumbani, been around the world seen alot of things,
alot of things, au sio

Kenya at the Opening Ceremony of London 2012

Verse 1
I'm writing this letter
to my daughter
I wanted to tell her (I'm coming, coming home)

I'm writing this letter
to my daughter
I wanted to tell her (I'm coming, coming home)

but now I'm on a mission
to represent my nation
but now I'm on a mission
to get that victory
so switch on the TV
and hope that you see me
getting that victory
that will make you proud of me
I went out on the station
to represent my nation
I went out on the station
to get that victory
so switch on the TV
and hope that you see me
getting that victory
that will make you proud of me

Chorus
I'm coming home
home where I belong (whoo o o)
I'm coming home
home where I belong (whoo o o)

Narudi nyumbani, nyumbani
nyumbani, nyumbani
Narudi nyumbani, nyumbani
nyumbani, nyumbani

Verse 2
I have seen many things,
been many places
been round the world I have seen many faces
I've fought many fights
through the days, through the nights
through the journey
I realise
there's nothing better than la familia
there's nothing sweeter or more superior
than to know where you are from
and represent your home
so when you hear this song
I'm coming home

Chorus
I'm coming home
home where I belong (whoo o o)
I'm coming home
home where I belong (whoo o o)

Narudi nyumbani, nyumbani
nyumbani, nyumbani
Narudi nyumbani, nyumbani
nyumbani, nyumbani

Verse 3
check me out
up in the horizon
coming home, I am coming home
check me out
up in the horizon
coming home, I am coming home

narudi nyumbani, nyumbani
nyumbani, nyumbani
narudi nyumbani, nyumbani
nyumbani, nyumbani...

narudi nyumbani, nyumbani
nyumbani, nyumbani
narudi nyumbani, nyumbani
nyumbani, nyumbani...
(oh o o o ohh, mmh mmh hh)

Miss Nobody

noreply@blogger.com (Rafiki) — Sun, 29 Jul 2012 22:05:00 +0000

Patricia Kihoro

"Miss Nobody" is a new Scenarios from Africa film crafted by Hot Sun of Kibera, Nairobi and starring Kenyan singing sensation Patricia Kihoro.

The story: Mr. Wallace has grown rich "by eating AIDS money like a famished crocodile". He thinks that he's untouchable and that a group of young people who are trying to shine a spotlight on his corrupt ways are nothing but "a bunch of nobodies". Wallace is about to learn that, in today's social-media world, the Nobodies have power, too.

Based on original ideas by Patrick Bongole, age 21, Uganda; Miss Mounifa Bodi, age 19, Togo; and Miss Samkelisiwe Simelane, age 23, Swaziland.

Scenarios from Africa brings together the creative genius of young people, the expertise of a uniquely multidisciplinary team and the magic of cinema to inspire open dialog and action on HIV/AIDS and related social issues. Celebrating its 15th birthday this year, Scenarios from Africa is a positive-minded, partnership-based process. Scenarios from Africa empowers young people to play a central role in efforts to stop the spread of HIV and to improve the lives of those most directly affected by the epidemic.

Hitler's Google - Mocality rant

noreply@blogger.com (Rafiki) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 20:57:00 +0000

Kenyan social media fanatics - as well as traditional local and international media - have really enjoyed the Google-Mocality story so far.

I am not going to add my two cents on the story here, since I think they could have just sorted out the issue between the two of them.

I just wanted to share Hitler's thoughts on this.

Subtitled parodies of Adolf Hitler's last days in the Berlin bunker, as depicted in the 2004 Second World War film Downfall, have become one of the web's most enduring memes.

The Nazi dictator's rants have proved their remarkable versatility in hundreds of spoof clips, from sporting rages to economic polemics to video game reviews.

Furi Furi Dance with Julie Gichuru

noreply@blogger.com (Rafiki) — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 09:43:00 +0000

Julie Gichuru

Kenyan gospel artist Jimmy Gait recently released his Furi Furi Dance Remix.

The remix is featuring Coco Janabi, Jeff Koinange, Bob Collymore and MILF Julie Gichuru.

The song is full of energy, fun, nice choreography and has a wonderful message. Apparently, the remix is supporting a good cause.

You can watch the video below. Enjoy it, and please share your thoughts by leaving a comment.

Meet Agwambo Gal

noreply@blogger.com (Rafiki) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 00:14:00 +0000

Agwambo Gal

Agwambo Gal wants to dance, harness as many dancers for peace as possible, and prepare for peaceful 2012 elections. Her intention is to bring all youths together to dance and vote for their preferred candidate in a peaceful way.

Who would want a repeat of what happened in 2007? Kenya is a peaceful country, and yes, we can dance to that. And as Agwambo Gal dances to peace, she calls you all to join her to dance for peace. Unfortunately, Agwambo Gal also seems to be supporting one particular candidate.

"Stop fighting, start dancing" and "Lets dance! Let’s engage, and let’s vote!" seem to be her mottos. That's fine with us, but is she hot? Probably not, and she can't even dance. So babe, get your act together, and make sure your next video is raunchy. And stop supporting a particular candidate.

Why Kenyans do it better

noreply@blogger.com (Rafiki) — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 09:24:00 +0000

Kenyans do it better

In my post earlier this month, I explained why some tourists better stay out of Kenya. Today, I would like to show you an example of the kind of tourists we would like to have more of in Kenya.

Alexander Oswald, a Head of Marketing at Nokia, travelled to Kenya with his family. The driver on their safari showed him how we are working with mobile solutions in Kenya in our daily lives, including mobile payments and text-based information systems in agriculture and education. He then shared his positive experiences in Kenya at TEDxAustria. You can watch the video of his talk below.

The video got a lot of views on YouTube and very positive comments over the past few days. It is actually great marketing for Kenyan tourism and Kenyan businesses.

Alexander is very happy about the amazing feedback on his TEDxAustria talk and curious to see where this is going to develop. He is pleased that the video is touching the heart and pride of people in Kenya.

Alexander is a very kind man with his heart in the right place. He has been thanking people on a individual basis through Twitter and collectively on YouTube.

I would love to know who his safari driver was - the driver should be honoured as a great marketer of Kenya. And Alexander, please come back to Kenya soon. Our government should waive visa fees for families such as yours (and prevent the entry of tourists such as Jamjam222). Karibuni tena!

Merry Christmas 2.0!

noreply@blogger.com (Rafiki) — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 08:09:00 +0000

Making Christmas merry

A new viral video on YouTube portrays the story of the Nativity as told through social media. It tells the story of Mary, Joseph and the birth of baby Jesus in a new way.

The video gives you answers to important questions such as "If Joseph had a Twitter feed, what would it say?".

The video is very nicely done and in case you aren’t one of the nearly 7 million people who have already viewed this video, I have embedded it below for your convenience and viewing.

Yes, the times they are changing! How has Christmas changed for you over the past few years?

My Blackberry is not working

noreply@blogger.com (Rafiki) — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 17:46:00 +0000

Are you craving for an Apple?

Kenya has been having a special relation with the United Kingdom since colonial times. We share part of our history, a bit of friendship and some political, economic, commercial & cultural interests. Well, and sometimes I wish the Brits could colonize us again. Not for everything British, but at least for a few nice things. I don't want to learn anything about their bad cooking, but I love their dry sense of humor for instance.

This “fruity” video from The One Ronnie starring Ronnie Corbett and Harry Enfield is just hilarious. These guys jokingly take on the tech industry's obsession with fruits like Blackberry, Orange and Apple, and throw in a few brilliant Microsoft comments as well.

Check it out below:

Oh, I just love that last one about the eggsbox 3,60. And you, do you enjoy such British humor?

Dress code: red and black

noreply@blogger.com (Rafiki) — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 20:45:00 +0000

Dress code: red and black

December 17th is the International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers. Yes, another International Day!

A gathering in Nairobi will include a silent public procession, starting at Koinange Street, and ending at the Sarakasi Dome, in Ngara. Events will include testimonies by sex workers as well as edutainment in the form of theatre, music, dance, and spoken word. The events are free and the dress code for this day will be red (sex worker rights) and black (Africa). I am giving you Jessica Alba's suggestion for the dress code in the picture.

The International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers aims to raise awareness of the violence and abuse perpetrated on sex workers.

Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania will be marking this day for the first time this year.

When asked to comment on her reasons for organizing this event in Nairobi, Dorothy Ogutu, a sex worker activist, said:

As the saying goes, sex work is the oldest profession, and yet it is the one industry that records the highest rate of violence and brutality. By marking this day, we are calling for an end to violence in a working community that has experienced and continues to experience so much of it. As Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Injustice anywhere, is injustice everywhere.”

True, I couldn't have expressed it in any better way! Could you?

I don't care about Bono, but I like his wife

noreply@blogger.com (Rafiki) — Sun, 12 Dec 2010 16:23:00 +0000

No need for bra or panties with Kenya Kids Tees
(photo courtesy of Edun)

I don't care about Bono and what he is supposedly doing for Africa. His One campaign received almost £9.6million in donations in 2008 but handed over only £118,000 to good causes. But I love Ali Hewson, Bono's wife. Ali is fashion's conscience: she set up Edun, one of the world's leading ethical fashion brands. Yes, fashion can be ethical.

Coral dress by Edun

Ethical fashion? Yep, this dismal term has been kicking around for some time, but since Edun sold a 49 percent stake to the fashion conglomerate LVMH last May, it has definitively gone mainstream. "It's given us more muscle," says Ali.

Ali Hewson describes Edun's fashion as follows: "In general, the Edun aesthetic is feminine, sexy with a rock'n roll edge – clothes that take you from day to night, the office to the club."

Edun's clothes are produced with communities in Kenya, Tunisia, Lesotho, Tanzania and Uganda.

Edun also supports Bidii School in Kibera in Nairobi. The artwork on Edun's Kenya Kids Tees (see picture above) was created by kids from the Bidii School. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the sales of these really striking shirts go to back to the school.

#KCPE2010 : Kenyan topic trending on Twitter globally

noreply@blogger.com (Rafiki) — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 18:25:00 +0000

Virginia Wira (right) and Elizabeth Auma
preparing for KCPE in 2009
(Photo by Liz Muthoni, Daily Nation)

Earlier this year, our Miss Twitter Kenya contest already showed the popularity of Twitter with Kenyans. And today, a Kenyan topic was trending on Twitter. #KCPE2010 was actually listed in the top 3 of Trending Topics on Twitter globally for a few hours today.

The Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) examinations kicked off countrywide today and Kenyans on Twitter were attempting to make guesses on the questions that have been designed to mould our "leaders of tomorrow".

(Note for non-Kenyans: The Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) is a certificate awarded to students after completing primary education in Kenya. KCPE results are extremely important in Kenya, as it determines the secondary school the student will be accepted into.)

Most of the #KCPE2010 tweets are really quite hilarious! Here's a very incomplete sample:

@letiank: #KCPE2010 If I dropped a Vitz in the grass how would I find it? a) Use a magnet b) Cut grass c) Forget it you'll catch another one

@alfredmutua: #kcpe2010 My nephew asked me which of the following is not a planet a) Jupiter b) Pluto c) Neptune d) @JimmyKibaki's head

@Njemah: #KCPE2010 Discuss the role of football in the recent vuvuzela concerts held in South Africa

@gitts: #kcpe2010 Excuse I wasn't copying just RT-ing my neighbour's answer!

@gummybear254: #kcpe2010 Science: Calculate the tension between Karooocy and Wambui

@gummybear254: #kcpe2010 What does Yash Pal Ghai's daughter call him? (2mks) ----> Ghai Fafa

@gummybear254: #kcpe2010 What do you get when you're hit by a Vitz? A mosquito bite.

@gummybear254: #kcpe2010 Name 2 types of chicken-----> Kenchic, Akuku Danger

@muraguri: #kcpe2010 #ghc Sketch the map to your house. Not applicable if you stay on Thika Rd!!

@nyawizzy: #kcpe2010 CRE: Who is a traitor? A. Judas; B. Kalonzo; C. Kalembe; D. All of the above.

And we had a nice Twitpic by @smusyoka on how to curb cheating during KCPE examinations:

#KCPE2010 How to curb cheating *deadandburied*

The Trending Topic was started by @ki_bet through this tweet, and we thank him for making our day! Also have a look at this funny report from the Artful Dodger.

What's your favorite tweet from #KCPE2010? Please leave your comments!

Let's play with condoms

noreply@blogger.com (Rafiki) — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 19:05:00 +0000

Kid in Mbita having fun with condoms

Turning condoms into toys

You can have sex with a condom, that's usually fun. But children in Mbita on Lake Victoria have discovered an interesting new purpose for condoms: use them as toys! Wow, Kenyans are innovators!

Now, what else could you do with a condom? Well, some random guy who loves bad jokes launched some 'projects' on this. Here's a pack of five cool things (called the 'Condom Hack Pack') you can do with a condom, including the Condom Lifesaver, the Condom Cat Toy, the Cellular Condom Protector, the Condom Shotgun and Condom Floaters:

And you, what do you do with your condoms?

The Witch Doctor

noreply@blogger.com (Rafiki) — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 18:56:00 +0000

When a Kenyan man discovers he is HIV positive, he turns to a traditional healer for help. But what advice will the witch doctor dispense? This light-hearted film has an important message about the relationship between modern medicine and folk treatments.

Have you ever gone to a witch doctor? I regularly see one. He is from Tanzania and he is always so much fun. I just go for the fun of it, I don't believe in it at all. I have even taken friends from abroad to the same doctor, and we always have a good laugh afterwards. It is relatively cheap and excellent entertainment!

Free SMS from Gmail to Safaricom

noreply@blogger.com (Rafiki) — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 08:25:00 +0000

Staying in touch with your girls is important

Did you know that you can now send free SMS to your friends on Safaricom directly from your Gmail account? Try Gmail SMS and start texting your friends from your computer.

You can send SMS messages to your contacts’ mobile phones using Gmail Chat. If your contact replies, the text message response will appear as a reply in Chat. These conversations are stored in your Chat history just like regular chats.

Sending and receiving a message from Gmail to any phone is free. When replying with an SMS from phone to Gmail, you will be charged a regular SMS rate by your mobile provider. Gmail SMS is currently available in Kenya with Safaricom.

Here's how to use Gmail SMS:

Log into your Gmail account. In the Send SMS box above Chat, enter the phone number you want to send a SMS to.
In the dialog box, enter Contact name of the SMS recipient and check that country and phone number are correct. Then, click Save.
Type your message in the chat window and hit Enter.
Your message will be sent to the phone number you entered.

Try it out! It seems to work fine.

SMALL UPDATE: In some cases, e.g. when you are logging in to your Gmail account from abroad, the Gmail SMS feature is not automatically activated (and you can't see the Send SMS box in Gmail). Here's a solution. Try going to Google Labs, select Gmail Labs and enable "SMS in Chat gadget" and "Text Messaging (SMS) in Chat". That should do the trick, like it did for @kenyanpundit.
@marvintumbo also confirmed he received a Gmail SMS from a friend in Sweden. Unfortunately, the friend is a dude and not the blonde Swedish hottie I had hoped for.

Nairobi Secrets

noreply@blogger.com (Rafiki) — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 18:39:00 +0000

The red hot Sexy Siren Doll

Are you interested in the rapidly evolving Kenyan e-commerce scene? Then you may find this post interesting... NairobiSecrets is a new Nairobi based online retail lingerie shop which was launched this week.

The site uses Kenyan models Racheal, Boyo, Sonia and Vera. Models are selected for their interesting, outgoing, sexy and goofy personalities, as well as their academic and cultural backgrounds... Of course, other assets and a model’s face also help.

The site is organized in categories such as Sexy Lingerie, Sexy Swimwear, Sexy Gowns and Robes, and Sexy Indoor Wear (I am ignoring the category Floral). And then you have the sub-categories. Under Sexy Gowns and Robes for example, you will find Lingerie Gowns, and Baby Dolls and Chemises. Don't ask me what a Baby Doll is, but the red hot Sexy Siren Doll - which you can see on the picture - is one of them. It has just a trace of lace and a side slit, and comes with adjustable straps and a matching panty.

For online payments, the site accepts all major credit and debit cards, as well as PayPal. And taking advantage of the proliferation of mobile money transfer services in Kenya, the site also accepts payments through ZAP and M-PESA.

Delivery is only available in Nairobi. A standard delivery service is offered within the Nairobi Metropolis for a standard KSh 300/- and free for purchases over Ksh 6,000/-. All shipping is done through courier service to ensure safety and privacy.

They also have an interesting Facebook page, where they answer any question you may have. Trini Totcy had a burning question, and it was promptly answered:

Trini Totcy may i ask ignorantly plz.the c-string how does it go like,cn it be worn when in a skirt? how about that?? how does it hold?? tell me more abt the c-string n hw to do it.Thank you

nairobisecrets.com You are welcome Trini. Your eyes are not playing tricks on you. Here's how it stays: C-String has a flexible internal frame that hugs and holds it to your body. At the front it looks like a normal sexy underwear and to the rear it has a thong-style strip.

This is the first time its being sold in Kenya but its common in the US, UK and Germany. To those we gave samples to, we got raving reviews.

Instead of having to deal with annoying underwear lines, this C-String provides coverage without the panty straps.

nairobisecrets.com The toughest effort to hide panty lines comes when one tries on an evening dress. This is a test the C-String excels at. With the CString nothing is visible, and the dress can do justice to your body curves.

Out and about: the C-String can be worn under all your favourite clothes: dresses, skirts, jeans...

Trini Totcy I see,..thanks a lot for the info. I do appreciate. Great stuff u got, all the best!

nairobisecrets.com You are welcome Trini

Yes, okay, I think I have learned something. Have you?

Pumzi: Kenya's first sci-fi movie

noreply@blogger.com (Rafiki) — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 22:46:00 +0000

Pumzi, a Kenyan sci-fi movie

What? A Kenyan science fiction film? Yes! The film is named Pumzi and started as a joke, but resulted in a very interesting synopsis:

Nature is extinct. The outside is dead. Asha lives and works as a museum curator in one of the indoor communities set up by the Maitu Council. When she receives a box in the mail containing soil, she plants an old seed in it and the seed starts to germinate instantly. Asha appeals to the Council to grant her permission to investigate the possibility of life on the outside but the Council denies her exit visa. Asha breaks out of the inside community to go into the dead and derelict outside to plant the growing seedling and possibly find life on the outside.

Kudzani Moswela, hiding her assets

The lead character Asha is played by the beautiful actress Kudzani Moswela.

Kudzani Moswela

The film's writer and director Wanuri Kahiu, who has an interesting blog, sees her high-tech filmmaking as a continuation of an ancient, tribal storytelling tradition. Her movie From a Whisper received a total of twelve nominations and earned five awards at the 5th African Movie Academy Awards in 2009.

The movie raises interesting questions, such as "Who owns water?"

Here's the stunning trailer:

Obama's remarks at the MDG Summit

noreply@blogger.com (Rafiki) — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 21:18:00 +0000

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
______________________________________________________________________________
September 22, 2010
Remarks of President Barack Obama – As Prepared for Delivery
Millennium Development Goals Summit
United Nations Headquarters
New York, New York

Wordle of Obama's MDG speech

Obama at the MDG Summit at UN Headquarters

Good afternoon. Mr. Secretary General, fellow delegates, ladies and gentlemen.

In the Charter of this United Nations, our countries pledged to work for “the promotion of the economic and social advancement of all peoples.” In the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we recognized the inherent dignity and rights of every individual, including the right to a decent standard of living. And a decade ago, at the dawn of a new millennium, we set concrete goals to free our fellow men, women and children from the injustice of extreme poverty.

These are the standards we set. Today, we must ask—are we living up to our mutual responsibilities?

I suspect that some in wealthier countries may ask—with our economies struggling, so many people out of work, and so many families barely getting by, why a summit on development? The answer is simple. In our global economy, progress in even the poorest countries can advance the prosperity and security of people far beyond their borders, including my fellow Americans.

When a child dies from a preventable disease, it shocks our conscience. When a girl is deprived of an education or her mother is denied equal rights, it undermines the prosperity of their nation. When a young entrepreneur can’t start a new business, it stymies the creation of new jobs and markets—in his country and in ours. When millions of fathers cannot provide for their families, it feeds the despair that can fuel instability and violent extremism. When a disease goes unchecked, it can endanger the health of millions around the world.

So let’s put to rest the old myth that development is mere charity that does not serve our interests. And let’s reject the cynicism that says certain countries are condemned to perpetual poverty. For the past half century has witnessed more gains in human development than at any time in history. A disease that had ravaged the generations, smallpox, was eradicated. Health care has reached the far corners of the world, saving the lives of millions. From Latin America to Africa to Asia, developing nations have transformed into leaders in the global economy.

Nor can anyone deny the progress that has been made toward achieving certain Millennium Development Goals. The doors of education have been opened to tens of millions of children, boys and girls. New cases of HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis are down; access to clean drinking water is up. Around the world, hundreds of millions of people have been lifted from extreme poverty.

Yet we must also face the fact that progress towards other goals has not come nearly fast enough. Not for the hundreds of thousands of women who lose their lives every year simply giving birth. Not for the millions of children who die from the agony of malnutrition. Not for the nearly one billion people who endure the misery of chronic hunger.

This is the reality we must face—that if the international community just keeps doing the same things the same way, we will miss many development goals. That is the truth. With ten years down and just five years before our development targets come do, we must do better.

Now, I know that helping communities and countries realize a better future isn’t easy. I’ve seen it in my own life. I saw it in my mother, as she worked to lift up the rural poor, from Indonesia to Pakistan. And I saw it on the streets of Chicago, were I worked as a community organizer trying to build up underdeveloped neighborhoods. It’s hard. But I know progress is possible.

As President, I have made it clear that the United States will do our part. My national security strategy recognizes development as not only a moral imperative, but a strategic and economic imperative. Secretary of State Clinton is leading a review to strengthen and better coordinate our diplomacy and development efforts. We’ve reengaged with multilateral development institutions. And we’re rebuilding the United States Agency for International Development as the world’s premier development agency. In short, we’re making sure that the United States will be a global leader in international development in the 21st century.

We also recognize that the old ways will not suffice. That is why in Ghana last year I called for a new approach to development that unleashes transformational change and allows more people to take control of their own destiny. After all, no country wants to be dependent on another. No proud leader in this room wants to ask for aid. And no family wants to be beholden to the assistance of others.

To pursue this vision, my administration conducted a comprehensive review of America’s development programs. We listened to leaders in government, NGOs and
civil society, the private sector and philanthropy, Congress and our many international partners.

Today, I am announcing our new U.S. Global Development Policy—the first of its kind by an American administration. It’s rooted in America’s enduring commitment to the dignity and potential of every human being. And it outlines our new approach and the new thinking that will guide our overall development efforts, including the plan that I promised last year and that my administration has delivered to pursue the Millennium Development Goals.

Put simply, the United States is changing the way we do business.

First, we’re changing how we define development. For too long, we’ve measured our efforts by the dollars we spent and the food and medicines we delivered. But aid alone is not development. Development is helping nations to actually develop—moving from poverty to prosperity. And we need more than just aid to unleash that change. We need to harness all the tools at our disposal—from our diplomacy to our trade and investment policies.

Second, we’re changing how we view the ultimate goal of development. Our focus on assistance has saved lives in the short term, but it hasn’t always improved those societies over the long term. Consider the millions of people who have relied on food assistance for decades. That’s not development, that’s dependence, and it’s a cycle we need to break. Instead of just managing poverty, we have to offer nations and peoples a path out of poverty.

Let me be clear, the United States of America has been, and will remain, the global leader in providing assistance. We will not abandon those who depend on us for life-saving help. We keep our promises, and honor our commitments.

In fact, my administration has increased assistance to the least developed countries. We’re working with partners to finally eradicate polio. Building on the good efforts of my predecessor, we continue to increase funds to fight HIV/AIDS to record levels—and that includes strengthening our commitment to the Global Fund for AIDS, TB and Malaria. And we will lead in times of crisis, as we have done since the earthquake in Haiti and the floods in Pakistan.

But the purpose of development—and what’s needed most right now—is creating the conditions where assistance is no longer needed. So we will seek partners who want to build their own capacity to provide for their people. We will seek development that is sustainable.

Building in part on the lessons of the Millennium Challenge Corporation, which has helped countries like El Salvador build rural roads and raise the incomes of its people, we will invest in the capacity of countries that are proving their commitment to development.

Remembering the lesson of the Green Revolution, we’re expanding scientific collaboration with other countries and investing in game-changing science and technologies to help spark historic leaps in development.

For example, instead of just treating HIV/AIDS, we’ve invested in pioneering research to finally develop a way to help millions of women actually prevent themselves from being infected in the first place.

Instead of simply handing out food, our food security initiative is helping countries like Guatemala, Rwanda and Bangladesh develop their agriculture, improve crop yields and help farmers get their products to market.

Instead of simply delivering medicine, our Global Health Initiative is helping countries like Mali and Nepal build stronger health systems and deliver better care. And with financial and technical assistance, we’ll help developing countries embrace the clean energy technologies they need to adapt to climate change and pursue low-carbon growth.

In other words, we’re making it clear that we will partner with countries that are willing to take the lead. Because the days when your development was dictated in foreign capitals must come to an end.

This brings me to the third pillar of our new approach. To unleash transformational change, we’re putting a new emphasis on the most powerful force the world has ever known for eradicating poverty and creating opportunity. It’s the force that turned South Korea from a recipient of aid to a donor of aid. It’s the force that has raised living standards from Brazil to India. And it’s the force that has allowed emerging African countries like Ethiopia, Malawi and Mozambique to defy the odds and make real progress toward achieving the Millennium Development Goals, even as some of their neighbors—like Cote d’Ivoire—have lagged behind.

The force I’m speaking of is broad-based economic growth. Now, every nation will pursue its own path to prosperity. But decades of experience tell us that there are certain ingredients upon which sustainable growth and lasting development depends.

We know that countries are more likely to prosper when they encourage entrepreneurship; when they invest in their infrastructure; and when they expand trade and welcome investment. So we will partner with countries like Sierra Leone to create business environments that attract investment, not scare it away. We’ll work to break down barriers to regional trade and urge nations to open their markets to developing countries. And we’ll keep pushing for a Doha round that is ambitious and balanced—one that works not just for major emerging economies, but for all economies.

We know that countries are more likely to prosper when governments are accountable to their people. So we are leading a global effort to combat corruption—which in many places is the single greatest barrier to prosperity, and which is a profound violation of human rights. That’s why we now require oil, gas and mining companies that raise capital in the United States to disclose all payments they make to foreign governments. And it’s why I urged the G-20 to put corruption on its agenda and make it harder for corrupt officials to steal from their people and stifle their development.

The United States will focus our development efforts on countries like Tanzania that promote good governance and democracy; the rule of law and equal administration of justice; transparent institutions, with strong civil societies; and respect for human rights. Because over the long run, democracy and economic growth go hand in hand.

We will reach out to countries making the transition from authoritarianism to democracy, and from war to peace. The people of Liberia show that even after years of war, great progress can be achieved. And as others show the courage to put war behind them—including, we hope, in Sudan—the United States will stand with those who seek to build and sustain peace.

And we know that countries are more likely to prosper when they tap the talents of all their people. That’s why we’re investing in the health, education and rights of women, and working to empower the next generation of women entrepreneurs and leaders. Because when mothers and daughters have access to opportunity, economies grow and governance improves. And it’s why we’re partnering with young people, who in many developing countries are more than half the population. We’re expanding educational exchanges, like the one that brought my father to America from Kenya, and we’re helping young entrepreneurs succeed in a global economy.

As the final pillar of our new approach, we’ll insist on more responsibility—from ourselves and others. We’ll insist on mutual accountability.

For our part, we’ll work with Congress to better match our investments with the priorities of our partner countries. Guided by the evidence, we’ll invest in programs that work and end those that don’t. Because we need to be big-hearted and hard-headed.

To my fellow donor nations—let’s honor our respective commitments. Let’s resolve to put an end to hollow promises that are not kept. Let’s commit to the same transparency that we expect of others. And let’s move beyond the old, narrow debate over how much money we’re spending and let’s instead focus on results—whether we’re actually making improvements in people’s lives.

To developing countries, this must be your moment of responsibility as well. We want you to prosper and succeed—it’s in your interest, and it’s in our interest. We want to help you realize your aspirations. But there is no substitute for your leadership. Only you and your people can make the tough choices that will unleash the dynamism of your country. Only you can make the sustainable investments that improve the health and well-being of your people. Only you can deliver your nations to a more just and prosperous future.

Finally, let me say this. No one nation can do everything everywhere and still do it well. To meet our goals, we must be more selective and focus our efforts where we have the best partners and where we can have the greatest impact. And just as this work cannot be done by any one government, it cannot be the work of governments alone. Indeed, foundations, the private sector and NGOs are making historic commitments that have redefined what’s possible.

This gives us the opportunity to forge a new division of labor for development in the 21st century. It’s a division of labor where—instead of so much duplication and inefficiency—governments, multilaterals and NGOs all work together. We each do the piece we do best, as we are doing in support of Ghana’s food security plan, which will help more farmers get more goods to market and earn more money to support their families.

That’s the progress that’s possible. Together, we can collaborate in ways unimaginable just a few years ago. Together, we can realize the future that none of us can achieve alone. Together, we can deliver historic leaps in development. We can do this. But only if we move forward with the seriousness and sense of common purpose that this moment demands.

Development that offers a path out of poverty for that child who deserves better. Development that builds the capacity of countries to deliver the health care and education that their people need. Development that unleashes broader prosperity and builds the next generation of entrepreneurs and emerging economies. Development rooted in shared responsibility, mutual accountability and, most of all, concrete results that pull communities and countries from poverty to prosperity.

These are the elements of America’s new approach. This is the work we can do together. And this can be our plan—not simply for meeting our Millennium Development Goals, but for exceeding them, and then sustaining them for generations to come.

Thank you very much.

Kenya: the most advanced tech environment in the world

noreply@blogger.com (Rafiki) — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 20:37:00 +0000

Sarah Lacy

Mocality is Africa's largest business directory in the making. Mocality has been streamlined for both web and mobile and can be viewed on almost all phones. Over 60,000 businesses have been listed already and plenty of traffic is now heading their way. Mocality is now available in Nairobi and is coming soon to other local cities.

As a business owner, you get free SMS, a contact list, a free mobile website and a free mobile business card.

But the good news is that you can actually become a Mocality agent and earn money! Their current payment structure is as follows:
a. For adding a business: Ksh 5/- (read: top-up card)
b. When your business gets verified: Ksh 25/- (read: soda)
c. When you verify another business: Ksh 30/- (read: matatu fare)
d. When you add a photo of the business to a listing or verification: Ksh 50/- (read: tea and mandazi)

Sarah Lacy - who is currently obsessed with Kenya and by extension in love with Rafiki Kenya - and Paul Carr recently interviewed Mocality's CEO Stefan Magdalinski for TechCrunchTV about the Kenyan and African tech scene. Among other things Stef says "Kenya is in a lot of ways the most advanced mobile phone and tech environment I have come across in the world". Do you agree? Is Kenya the place to be in terms of tech and mobile? Here's the interview:

And in other good news: Sarah is planning a trip to Kenya! I would be happy to be her guide of course.

Kenya Census: There are 20 camels in Nairobi

noreply@blogger.com (Rafiki) — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 17:34:00 +0000

Camels having sex. One hump or two humps?

The results of Kenya's 2009 census were finally released this week. There were 38,610,097 people in Kenya, according to the official 2009 population census figures. We are now more than 39 million and counting, since two Kenyan children are born every minute.

Interestingly, the census also revealed there are 20 camels in Nairobi. What are these camels doing in Nairobi? My best guess is that there may be a few at Mamba Village or at Splash Waterworld; as well as some 'roaming' ones which can be hired for birthday and other parties.

Camels can be used for multiple purposes

There are about 3 million camels in Kenya, which shows the importance of the animal to Kenyans. In Nairobi's Eistleigh estate, business is brisk in camel meat and milk. Vital Camel Milk in Nanyuki is the world's first dairy plant which processes camel milk and value added products as health food. Regular camel milk consumption contributes to an optimum diabetes management. Camel milk has positive effects in controlling high blood pressure and helps in the management of arteriosclerosis and osteoporosis. Camel milk contains potent anti-bacterial and anti-viral factors. Recovery from infectious desease (e.g. tuberculosis) is significantly faster in patients consuming camel milk regularly.

Camels are also being used as solar-powered mobile health clinics, mobile libraries and mobile schools. In those parts of Kenya worst affected by persistent droughts, the next generation of pastoralists is growing up with a greater understanding of the camel's role. Efforts to introduce school children to camel-keeping are going well. With camels on the curriculum, and kept within the school grounds, pupils learn camel care and how best to hygienically collect, process and market the milk. And yes, nowadays you can even go on a camel safari.

A textbook cameltoe

And have you ever heard about the term cameltoe?

Cameltoe is a slang term that refers to the outline of a human female's labia majora seen through tight clothes.

Rihanna's cameltoe

The causes of cameltoe are not always obvious. Cameltoe commonly occurs as a result of wearing tight fitting clothes, such as jeans, shorts, hotpants, or swim wear. Due to a combination of anatomical factors, the snugness of the fabric in the region surrounding the cleft of venus may result in the area of the crotch taking on the appearance of the forefoot of a camel or other even-toed ungulate. However, some fashion analysts have also identified clothing design as a cause, rather than its size. Cameltoe may thus be exacerbated by jeans or other garments with a tight central seam that serves to divide the labia majora.

And last but not least, here's the presentation of the census results, including all the figures on camels:
Kenyan Population and Housing Census

Martha Karua is Margaret Thatcher in a black skin

noreply@blogger.com (Rafiki) — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 12:57:00 +0000

Aly Khan Satchu hosted Martha Karua this morning at Mind Speak at Westgate. Unfortunately, due to my terrible hangover after last night's TGIF escapades, I had to miss it (whose idea is it by the way to always put the best events at 9.30 AM?). But fortunately, there was the Twitter hashtag #Mindspeak, which has now enabled me to catch up with the proceedings.

One of the most remarkable things is that Martha Karua confirmed the person she admires most is Margaret Thatcher. I generally don't support conservative ideas, but I like Thatcher's foreword to the 1979 Conservative manifesto where she wrote of "a feeling of helplessness, that a once great nation has somehow fallen behind." Sounds familiar for Kenya, doesn't it?

Let's see what some of my favorite tweeps had to say about the Mindspeak event with Martha Karua:

@swmaina: Martha Karua is simply Margaret Thatcher in a black skin... #MindSpeak

@alykhansatchu: #Mindspeak I am here to tell you I am running for the Top Seat and I am going to get it. #Kenya @Martha_W_Karua

@alykhansatchu: #Mindspeak @Martha_W_Karua Everybody says they want Change but they then want to bend the Change

If Martha Karua became President of Kenya, Kenyan editor Kwendo Opanga would want her to be a Margaret Thatcher indeed - with a compassionate and affectionate, fond and kind side to her public persona.

Margaret Thatcher was a household name worldwide. Kenyan humorist Wahome Mutahi, popularly known as Whispers, promptly nicknamed his wife Thatcher. Many men followed suit.

Margaret Thatcher remains identified with her remarks to the reporter Douglas Keay, for Woman's Own magazine, 23 September 1987:

"I think we have gone through a period when too many children and people have been given to understand "I have a problem, it is the Government's job to cope with it!" or "I have a problem, I will go and get a grant to cope with it!" "I am homeless, the Government must house me!" and so they are casting their problems on society and who is society? There is no such thing! There are individual men and women and there are families and no government can do anything except through people and people look to themselves first. It is our duty to look after ourselves and then also to help look after our neighbour and life is a reciprocal business and people have got the entitlements too much in mind without the obligations..."

These words resonate very well with me. I think Kenya 2.0 is a country which we are going to build ourselves, where we are going to take action and responsibility, where we are all going to work ever harder than we are today, and this without too much over-reliance on our Government, on donors or investors. The Government's role then is just to create a friendly, secure and enabling environment for all of us to participate in developing and strengthening our Kenya 2.0. What do you think, could Martha Karua guide us in this?

So, how big is the love between Martha Karua and Margaret Thatcher? Well, there are a few ways to find out. One of them is My Love Calculator, which gives a score on love compatibility based on first name and date of birth.

Martha Karua and Margaret Thatcher score 48%. Margaret Thatcher is relatively light-headed compared to Martha Karua who is so well organized and takes life, work and relationships very seriously. Martha Karua is usually quiet and reserved. Margaret Thatcher on the other hand likes to socialize and is compassionate to others' problems. For these differences Margaret Thatcher might see Martha Karua as a little shallow and Martha Karua might consider Margaret Thatcher as weak. Martha Karua's critical nature is also bound to irritate Margaret Thatcher. The main problem in this match is that Martha Karua thinks from the head, whilst Margaret Thatcher thinks from the heart. The match can work only if the two are really willing to apply some effort.

Another free love calculator uses a numerological based algorithm to calculate the love factor between two names. The numerological based algorithm on what the Love Calculator is based has been developed using a number of well established numerological systems to calculate love and compatability. The overall score which is calculated as a love factor between two names is expressed by the Love Calculator in a percentage format with 100% being the most highly compatible match. The Love Calculator result which is calculated takes into account the score based on a number of factors such as love, compatability and personality. Amazingly, the results are similar to the previous one, just a notch higher:

So in one case, Martha Karua and Margaret Thatcher almost reached the 50% mark; and in the other case, they actually passed it. What do you think? Can this relationship work?

TGIF: Thank God It's Friday!

noreply@blogger.com (Rafiki) — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 15:00:00 +0000

Friday night fever

It's Friday, and I am going out tonight!

The Prodigy's "Smack My Bitch Up" was a very controversial music video when it was first released. Why? The video features a first-person point of view of someone going clubbing, indulging in large amounts of drugs and alcohol, getting into fist fights with men, abusing women and picking up a lap dancer and having sex with her as well. At the end of the video the camera pans over to... Well, I won't tell anything more, just watch it for yourself, but I can't see anything wrong with this video. The video gets me in the right mood for a night out of bar-hopping between Skylux Lounge, Club Gallileo, Black Diamond (yes Naomi!), Havana, Bacchus, Gypsies, Lido's, F3 Pango, Madhouse, Modern Green, Chillers, Apple Bees and of course Rafikiz.

The National Organization for Women (NOW) criticized the song and its music video. NOW stated that the lyrics are a "...dangerous and offensive message advocating violence against women." NOW also believed that the lyrics are in reference to administering heroin (smack) to another person. Well, I don't think so. The song was also featured in Charlie's Angels, and it's a good song for working out. What's your opinion?