Moran City

The EFF Welcomes The Cancellation Of Durban As Hosts Of The 2022 Commonwealth Games.

noreply@blogger.com (lt) — Wed, 15 Mar 2017 19:11:00 +0000

At the eve of the 2010 19th edition of the FIFA World Cup in South Africa, we all danced to Shakira's Ke Nako. It was Africa's time.More readily, South Africa's time to belong and dine with the big boys of world. Hope, song. Hope and more song. And then bust!

Many had seen Durban's bid for the commonwealth as an apt dress rehearsal for an African Olympics then all things African happened: missed deadlines, lack of political will; you name it. Then there were no commonwealth games. The legacy (or lack of) the FIFA 2010 World Cup in South Africa is to blame for the minimal media and online mention of yet another killing of Africa's sun. The EFF as always came out no holds barred..

360° VIEW: Related Reads

Tuesday, March 14, 2017|Mbuyiseni Quinton Ndlozi

The Economic Freedom Fighters welcomes the cancellation of Durban as hosts of the 2022 Commonwealth Games. We support this cancellation for the following reasons;

1) Commonwealth is an association of colonies of Britain and South Africa should break free from its colonial linkages and past.

The Commonwealth is an association of all political territories under the colonial conquest and control of Britain, and it should be anything that a post 1994 South Africa celebrates. South Africa does not owe its allegiance to the colonial Britain and should therefore cut all ties to colonial masters.

The EFF does not recognise Commonwealth as a legitimate body and will advocate for South Africa’s complete withdrawal from all Commonwealth platforms.

2) Hosting of events has no meaningful socio-economic impact on the lives of ordinary people, like it was the case with the 2010 Soccer World Cup.

The 2010 Soccer World Cup has illustrated that South Africa’s hosting of international events does not benefit ordinary South Africans, but benefits huge multinational corporations, colluding construction companies, and the elite.

3) The present ruling party will not be in power in 2022 so they must avoid taking decisions that they will not implement and might be cancelled by those who will be in power in 2022.

ISSUED BY THE ECONOMIC FREEDOM FIGHTERS

MBUYISENI QUINTIN NDLOZI (National Spokesperson)

Contact: +27 (76) 834 7308

Naledi Chirwa (Media Liaison) +27 (61) 482 6589

Website: http://www.effonline.org

Email: communications@effonline.org

Facebook: Mbuyiseni Quintin Ndlozi || Twitter: @EFFSouthAfrica and @MbuyiseniNdlozi

Excerpts From Dr Ouma Oluga's Address To Striking Kenyan Doctors

noreply@blogger.com (lt) — Wed, 08 Mar 2017 09:30:00 +0000

You have to ask yourself why 95 days of Kenyan doctors strike that precipitated the health crisis that has seen needless loss of life. But you don't question wisdom and leadership when you see it

360° VIEW: Related Reads

Kenya Health Crisis: This Simple Analysis By Cape Town Based Kenyan Trained Doctor, Will Make You Understand Why Doctors Have Risked It All Since December Of Last Year Fighting For Your Health

#CBAforKenyans Check Out These Bad Ass Quotes From Striking Kenyan Doctors Union Officials That are Guaranteed To Raise Your Pulse Rate: "They Tried To Bury Me, But They Didn't Know That I Was A Seed,"

KENYA HEALTH CRISIS: KMPDU Secreraty General Dr Ouma Oluga's First Speech Upon Release From Kamiti Maximum Prison On 15th February, 2017

This was simply a struggle to influence public policy relating to how WE the Kenyan doctors engage our employer, the Government, and how our Healthcare can be made to respond to each of our needs as citizens first and then as Doctors second.

We approached negotiations with utmost good faith and obedience. Responding to every call of meeting and staying late sometimes up to 3am even after you advised us to keep it only up to 5pm. Because we believed we could quickly come to an agreement and restore industrial harmony.

We did eventually talked and concluded the CBA. Yesterday, having consulted NAC, we decided that the financial offer be put in the CBA which then should be signed and registered.

And as fate would prove, the goalposts have shifted once again. The same CBA we revised for months should now wait another 30 days for signing and registration thereafter. The fact is no one wants you to have a CBA. Because a CBA is to a union what the constitution is to a country.

No one should never convince you that fighting for what is right is not worth it. No one deserves your anger beyond the need to protect your profession

Finally, it is important to note that while the payroll and the hospital belongs to the government, your skill is selfishly yours. Use it to serve humanity in the best way possible. But let not you think that it must be forced on you to use it. Your skill as a doctor is what you provide as Labour. How much is it worth? Some dignity perhaps. Some respect certainly!

We await to conclude the signing of Recognition Agreements, CBA and then after RTWF as was guided by the Court of Appeal under the Mediation of Religious Leaders. We hope this shall be done soon.

Read Full Text Of Kenyan Government Below-The-Waist Statement On Doctors Strike That Critics Say Has No Basis In Law, Fundamentally Erroneous, Tyrannical and A Vicious Attack On Professionalism & Unionism

noreply@blogger.com (lt) — Tue, 07 Mar 2017 21:41:00 +0000

On the 94th Day of the crippling Kenyan Health Crisis, the president finally spoke. Whilst Kenyans had hoped for serene leadership, the Presidency chose to side with the Council of Governors- who have been cited as being a hindrance to resolution of the -in issuing a tyrannical statement that is insensitive to the plight of Kenyans.

360° VIEW: Related Reads

Kenya Health Crisis: This Simple Analysis By Cape Town Based Kenyan Trained Doctor, Will Make You Understand Why Doctors Have Risked It All Since December Of Last Year Fighting For Your Health

#CBAforKenyans Check Out These Bad Ass Quotes From Striking Kenyan Doctors Union Officials That are Guaranteed To Raise Your Pulse Rate: "They Tried To Bury Me, But They Didn't Know That I Was A Seed,"

KENYA HEALTH CRISIS: KMPDU Secreraty General Dr Ouma Oluga's First Speech Upon Release From Kamiti Maximum Prison On 15th February, 2017

JOINT STATEMENT BY THE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT AND THE COUNTY GOVERNMENTS. READ BY THE COUNCIL OF GOVERNORS CHAIRMAN PETER MUNYA IN THE PRESENCE OF H.E PRESIDENT UHURU KENYATTA IN NAIVASHA ON TUESDAY, 7 MARCH 2017

Fellow Kenyans; since the commencement of an illegal strike by a large section of the membership of the Kenya Medical Doctors, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) serving within the Public Sector, the Government of Kenya has made strenuous efforts to amicably resolve the ongoing impasse.

This matter has been in discussion, for the last three months’, even as late as yesterday evening, where His Excellency the President and a number of governors together with religious leaders were in discussion till late into the night.

The dispute has been before the Courts; which declared the ongoing Strike as illegal and ordered the Doctors Union Members to return to work.

Those orders were flagrantly violated by the leadership and members of the Union; leading to the Employment and Labour Relations Court (ELRC) extending the room for compliance numerous times. Eventually, and in order to uphold the sanctity of the Rule of Law, the leaders of the Union were committed to Civil Jail for Contempt of Court.

Various players have also been engaged in the Mediation process; including the Kenya National Human Rights Commission, COTU, the Law Society of Kenya and Religious Leaders. However, due to the hard-line position of the Union, which position has not moved an iota since last year, all these efforts have failed.

Further to the generous offer of 50% increment and as a sign of goodwill, an additional Kes. 600 Million was offered to the doctors by backdating the Risk Allowance to commence from July, 2016. In this regard the Doctors Annual Wage Bill as a singular budgetary item would be in excess Kes 14.5 Billion.

This additional offer was on condition that the doctors call off the strike and report back to work, this morning. Consequently for failure to call off the strike, the Government has now rescinded this offer and there will be no further negotiations on remuneration (salaries and allowances).

However it is now time for the die to fall as they may; and for each individual doctor, pharmacists and dentists within the public service to negotiate with his/her particular employer, be it the national government in the case of those working in national facilities, or in the particular county government.
Following an extraordinary mini summit, the two tiers of government has resolved the following:

The Government’s Offer

Doctors who have and continue being on duty, will receive the Government’s Offer of new allowances with effect from 1stJanuary 2017.
Those Doctors who are on strike and who are willing to return to work are expected to resume duty at their respective Duty Stations with immediate effect.

Recall of Registrars & Intern Doctors

All postgraduate medical students (registrars) who are sponsored by the Government are to report to their respective Duty Stations with immediate effect.
Interns who are currently on internship are directed to report back to their respective internship centers with immediate effect, in order to complete their internship and facilitate registration by the Board.

Disciplinary Action

The National and County Governments and all other employers in the Public Health Sector to continue and conclude disciplinary process being undertaken as against absconding staff in order to facilitate filling of vacancies that may be left out as a result of the disciplinary action.

Police Protection; and Criminal and Civil Liability

The National Police shall provide adequate security for personnel who have not gone on strike; as well as those who decide to return to work.

We recognize the continued contribution and support of Faith Based and Private Health facilities.
Subject to the existing law, the government shall immediately review the registration and certification procedures for medical practitioners and the role of KMPDU in that process, with the view of reverting that function to the back to the Ministry of Health.

Every Doctor swears a solemn oath that they shall “Do No Harm.” Continuing with this illegal strike in the face of the enhanced Government Offer which is at the very edge of affordability and sustainability is to betray that solemn Oath. It is to DO VERY REAL AND CONTINUING HARM to the very same Kenyans whose sacrifice in terms of taxes paid for the Medical Training that the Doctors received.
ENDS

#DoctorsMediation Uhuru has been quiet since the doctors strike begun, I thought he was seeking higher wisdom, I was wrong.
— Agoi George (@agoi_george) March 7, 2017

Docs have been reminded that Kenya is a developing cntry.A country where politicians earn more than those in developed countries #DevCon2017
— Wamunyota (@wamunyotah1) March 7, 2017

After 90+ days of #DoctorsStrike, @ukenyatta @KenyaGovernors come up with disgraceful&clueless statement making already delicate issue worse
— kiztv7 (@kiztv7) March 7, 2017

https://t.co/SZbAK378IU
Council of governors should do their part @KenyaGovernors @MOH_Kenya @kmpdu #KMPDUCase #HealthCrisisKE
— Ayumba Albert (@ayumbaalb) March 7, 2017

Make an unacceptable offer. Withdraw it. Make threats. Repeat.
Call it negotiating with doctors.
— Betty Waitherero (@bettywaitherero) March 7, 2017

Kenya Health Crisis: This Simple Analysis By Cape Town Based Kenyan Trained Doctor, Will Make You Understand Why Doctors Have Risked It All Since December Of Last Year Fighting For Your Health

noreply@blogger.com (lt) — Wed, 01 Mar 2017 23:40:00 +0000

Professor Ngugi wa Thiongo, in a November 2016 interview with the Financial Times 'It was defiance': an interview with Ngugi wa Thiongo, protests: "I've always made a distinction between what we ought to do and what we have to do." Dr Erick Wekesa Bunyasi leaving for South Africa some 5yrs ago, falls in the 'have to do' category. On the contrary the Kenyan government ought to implement the CBA of 2013 which provides a negotiated road map towards Universal Healthcare in Kenya.

Kenyan public doctors’ strike: a brief comparison of the Kenyan and the South African public health systems

Are Kenyan doctor’s strike demands unreasonable? Why would extremely intelligent, highly skilled, hardworking individuals risk income and imprisonment if not for a worthy course?

In South Africa [SA] it is called ‘Black Tax’. Simply put, this refers to the financial demands placed on individuals, usually Africans from constrained family backgrounds, when they finally ‘make it’ or obtain gainful employment and have to support relatives e.g. fundraising for astronomical or catastrophic medical costs or remittances to support relatives.

After my medical training at the University of Nairobi and internship I was posted to an ill- equipped district hospital; with limited lab capability, insufficient and often late supply of drugs and consumables, and was on a meagre salary of Kshs. 55,000 [in 2008].

My work was reduced to referring patients for the most basic of tests and procedures that could be competently performed by a newly qualified doctor. These factors, among others, led me to resign from public service within a year of completion of internship, a fate that many young Kenyan doctors resort to, and joined the Kenya Medical Research Institute [KEMRI].

Fast forward, I look forward to completing my PhD in about 18 months. I have been in SA for 5 years to pursue a master’s degree and then a PhD degree. The PhD is mostly funded by the South African government’s National Research Foundation [NRF] and the Department of Science and Technology [DST].

Despite being away from Kenya for >5 years, my heart and mind never really left Kenya. I want my relatives and fellow citizens to have access to a functional, efficient and sufficiently staffed and resourced public health system. I would also love to bring my skills back home, albeit in a functional set up where systems work, and additionally enjoy favorable terms of service.

It is for this reason that I have not only closely followed and fervently supported the Kenyan doctors’ strike but also conducted a brief comparison of key aspects of the South African and the Kenyan public health systems relevant to KMPDU’s Collective Bargaining Agreement [CBA] of 23rd June 2013.

In summary, the doctor’s strike seeks to improve;

Working conditions, access to equipment and quality of services in public hospitals.
Training, professional development and research by doctors.
Improve handling of human resource for health
Remuneration/terms of service of medical doctors

Other items of relevance to the Kenyan public health system;

Universal Health Coverage[UHC].
Health Service Commission[HSC]. This was covered in the Musyimi task-force report.

What is in the doctors’ Collective Bargaining Agreement [CBA] for any Kenyan citizen [or ‘Wanjiku’]

There has never been a better reason for mass action by Kenyan citizens than an 85-day doctor’s strike that has been mishandled by the government. Besides denial of access to constitutionally mandated highest attainable level of health care, Kenyans have been denied access to quality public health care via long-standing, systematic under-investment in the public health sector that has resulted in a poorly resourced and dysfunctional public health system.

If, God forbid, you or any Kenyan were involved in an accident in Lamu while on holiday, the immediate point of resort will be the local public hospital; long before transfer to ‘5-star hospitals’ that your limited insurance cover entitles you access to. Therefore, my heart bleeds for my family and relatives back home with every passing day that the doctors’ strike remains unresolved.

Being a key constitutionally mandated service, failure to provide highest attainable level of healthcare for almost three months calls for resignation of concerned cabinet secretaries, principal secretaries and even the president. The following are reasons why the current doctors’ strike is of relevance to you as a Kenyan

You stand to benefit both directly [better quality, cheaper healthcare], and indirectly [e.g. via reduction in ‘black tax’, ‘harambees’ for health care in foreign countries for family, relatives and friends], from a better resourced public health system if the government agrees to provide more resources for health such as drugs, equipment and other medical commodities. The government currently spends a measly <5% of its national budget or <6% of its GDP on healthcare against a recommended ≥15% for the former. Agitation for better public healthcare should be a struggle and concern of all Kenyan citizens, not just doctors. Kenyans need to stand out and be heard in constitutionally permissible protests &/or picketing.

You, and fellow Kenyans, will pay less in public hospitals, than private hospitals, for quality services if the government allocates more resources to the health sector.

Increase in number of doctors in public service will increase access to these key professionals by you and all other Kenyans. This will reduce waiting time for health consultation and procedures. It pains me that the government procured equipment worth Kshs 40 billion that lie idle in some facilities due to lack of expertise to use them yet it’s not keen to commit to training such personnel. The CBA fronted by doctors will cost roughly 8-12 billion, and will serve as a stimulus package to jump-start an abominably and chronically underfunded public health system.

Further training of medical professionals and research will increase access to their expertise in public facilities at a pittance of charges in private hospitals. Further training of doctors, as happens in internship, is done on apprenticeship basis and is fully paid in progressive health and education systems, including SA.

Increase in remuneration of Kenyan doctors will encourage more doctors to stick in Kenyan public service,unlike those like me, and roughly 4000 others, who moved South or North for better career progression and terms of service. Kenya is one of top six African countries in ‘exporting’ doctors: an unfortunate eventuality given dire shortage of this expensive human resource in Kenya.

A brief comparison of the South African and the Kenyan healthcare systems

1. Training, professional development and research

Research is heavily funded by the South African government e.g. it was easier for me to obtain a PhD scholarship from the SA government than the Kenya government. My PhD studies are largely funded by the South African government’s DST through the NRF.

The NRF gives close to 5000 new scholarships every year for PhD and Master’s Programs through various calls (see http://www.nrf.ac.za/bursaries/calls). These are targeted to projects that are of strategic interest to SA. This funding is separate from loans to students administered via ‘NaSFAS’ [see http://www.nsfas.org.za], a body similar to HELB [see www.helb.co.ke] in Kenya.

Additionally,a dedicated body, The Medical Research Council [http://www.mrc.ac.za /researchdevelopment/opportunity.htm] provides enormous funding to address the top 10 causes of ill health. The latter provides both career development awards and scholarships largely to doctors.

In Kenya, KEMRI receives little funding from the Kenyan government. Most funding is investigator[PI]-obtained from Europe and US-based funders such as CDC, NIH, Wellcome Trust, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. For example, out of roughly 800 staff at KEMRI Kilifi in 2010 only a handful [<5%] were funded from funds obtained directly from the Kenyan government.

Healthcare, Security and Education are among the key services that need to be steered by any given government. As stated by Prof. Geoffrey Rose, and widely accepted in public health, the chief cause of ill health is social and political and so is the solution. Thus President Uhuru Kenyatta needs to provide direction and demonstrate leadership in this three-month-old health crisis.

Strong health systems are not built by courts of law but by focused, concerned and visionary political leadership.

Unlike many professions, advanced training of doctors occurs by apprenticeship and is fully funded in most progressive health systems given consultants-in-training provide a service in excess of 160 hours per month and are a backbone of healthcare provision in teaching hospitals.

In SA most consultants-in-training or residents receive Kshs 400,000 unlike in Kenya where most do not receive anything, including a stipend. The Kenyan medics’ CBA proposes research funds, and paid residency positions, which is a norm in progressive health and education systems.

2. Remuneration

Poor remuneration that forces Kenyan doctors to ‘moonlight’ or do locums aggravates output of an insufficient human resource for health. Such doctors have to work many hours, endure burn out and have little time to rest, have more profound social life and pursue other interests, research and continuous education which is key in the practice of medicine.

Kenyan medics’ CBA does not call for a 300% pay rise of gross salary as erroneously and widely reported in media. An increase of a salary from Kshs 127,910 to Kshs 325,730 cannot be a 300% increment by any economics, especially after adjusting for inflation. A medical officer intern in SA public service receives a monthly starting salary of an equivalent of Kshs 235,000-300,000, as compared to Kshs127,910-149,880 in Kenya currently and the union’s proposed Kshs 325,730-342,770 pm.

In SA, this increases to Kshs 350,000 to 400,000 on promotion to an entry-level medical doctor, against Kshs135,590-168,840 in Kenya currently and the union’s proposed Kshs. 369,770-389,570. Out of public service, medical doctors [general practitioners] enjoy a starting salary of between Kshs. 400,000-600,000 depending on employer e.g. the University of Cape Town just advertised such a position for Kshs 441533 per month [see https://www.uct.ac.za/usr/about/intro/vacancies/researchpass/2017/FHS_70110_RO_IDM_CI DRI.pdf].

Senior consultants and professors on joint University of Cape Town/SA Department of Health tenure earn roughly Kshs 800,000-1,200,000 pm, excluding other income from leadership roles or undocumented consultancy. Kenyan medics of equivalent training and experience earn between a third and a half as much. The union’s proposal is a salary of Kshs. 402,570-946,000pm.

Currently SA loses its doctors to UK, Canada, Australia and the USA. For example in Canada and UK a consultant doctor earns up to 3-5 times and 2-3 times as much as in SA, respectively. Thus, the demands by Kenyan doctors’ union compare well to the practice in SA, barring comparison of the two economies.

Given the lower doctor-to-patient ratio in Kenya and worse maldistribution of doctors across Kenya, Kenyan doctors no doubt work more hours, are underpaid, and are exposed to extraordinary risks in chronically and severely under-resourced environments. When dealing with a scarce critical resource, effort should be made to keep rather than to let go of the resource, some of which is trained at tax- payers expense.

Retention is required more so in public hospitals that serve 99% of the population, than private hospitals that serve 1% of the population. I therefore beg to disagree with CS Rotich on this. The Kenyan government has capacity to honor the CBA given this will require roughly Kshs 8-12 billion commitment in a country with an annual budget of Kshs. 2.6 trillion and given Kenya spends <5% of its national budget on healthcare [this is 11%for SA] against a recommended 15% as committed by Kenya, which is as a signatory to the 2001 Abuja declaration.

Parochial business interests particularly linked to the health private sector hospitals’ monumental profits and insurance given the longstanding neglect of Kenya’s public health sector and may be barring progress in current negotiations. For example, NHIF pays Kshs 33 billion to private hospitals serving 1% of Kenyans and only Kshs5 billion to government hospitals that serve 99% of Kenyans.

3. Universal Health coverage

UHC refers to a health care system that provides equitable, highest possible quality, sustainable health care that confers financial protection to all citizens and households in a country. Countries that have made significant strides towards UHC such as Thailand and Cuba are not the richest.

Achievement of greater strides towards UHC is possible in Kenya but this will require strengthening of the NHIF, the public health system and a carefully designed and aptly managed healthcare financing mechanism.

This will inevitably require efficiency in use of current resources dedicated to health, generation of fiscal space for health and, inevitably, progressive increase in healthcare financing. South Africa is yet to achieve UHC, but the legislation and debate is ongoing and at an advanced stage. Nonetheless, health facilities are better equipped.

This is hardly surprising given SA in 2012 spent 8.8% of its GDP on healthcare, against Kenya’s <6%. The Musyimi taskforce report proposes increased funding and better management of health workers. Increased funding will jump start a fledgling health system that has been chronically neglected and underfunded.

4. Human Resources [read medical doctors for this review]for Health

Kenya has roughly 3,956 medical doctors in public service and roughly 8,000 overall [against SA’s 38,236 medics]. Kenya and SA doctor/patient ratio is 1 doctor/6250 and 1 doctor/1300 individuals respectively. Kenya would require at least 34 years to meet the recommended doctor-to-patient ratio of 1-1.5 doctors/1000 individuals or a total of 44,350 doctors.

This assumes a continuation of the current annual training output of 600 medical doctors, that all graduating doctors are employed in Kenya, and that all of them are equitably distributed and none either emigrates/resigns to pursue non-clinical interests. Only 5 countries - Seychelles, Tunisia, Libya, Algeria and Mauritius- have the recommended doctor/patient ratio in Africa.

5. Health Service Commission [HSC] and National Laboratory Service [NLS]

Given the outcry of tribalism, nepotism and cronyism in management of doctors by some counties, a body equivalent to the Teachers Service Commission or the Judicial Service Commission will greatly improve management of human resource for health. Counties could continue providing drugs, commodities and health infrastructure but have the financial burden of paying health workers and their management conducted by a HSC.

If the HSC is funded by treasury, this will free fiscal space in counties to which could be dedicated to provision of drugs and other supplies. Governors should support doctors’ demands and compel treasury to provide additional funds for healthcare. This will, most importantly, enable counties to provide better quality health services. At a personal level, this will give governors a higher political rating/appeal that will enhance their re-election.

South Africa doesn’t have a central body that manages health workers. However, given the above misgivings, it will be profoundly useful to have professionalism seen in management of teachers or judges, emulated in health resource management via establishment of a HSC as recommended in the Musyimi Task Force report. A dedicated central body focused on lab services, like SA’s National Health Laboratory Service, could prove pivotal in improving laboratory services that are key in health practice.

About the author: Dr. Erick Wekesa Bunyasi is a Kenyan-trained Medical Doctor and now a PhD student at the University of Cape Town’s Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine. His PhD studies are largely funded by the South African Government.

Stop Deceiving Africa That You Are Radical : Malema's EFF Blasts ANC Derailment Of Land Expropriation Without Compensation Decolonization Agenda

noreply@blogger.com (lt) — Wed, 01 Mar 2017 19:59:00 +0000

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) led by Joseph Malema pushed on with it's land redistribution plan by unsuccessfully sponsoring a motion in the South African parliament for land expropriation without compensation.

EFF STATEMENT ON ANC'S 23 YEARS OF DECEPTION ON RADICAL ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION

Tuesday, February 28, 2017 | Mbuyiseni Quinton Ndlozi

The EFF is pleased to have exposed the deception and contradictory nature of the ANC once again today in Parliament. The ANC, again refused to implement an aspect that is essential to radical economic transformation; amend the constitution to allow the Expropriation of Land without Compensation. This is undeniably a vital route towards radical economic transformation.

This comes as no surprise as the ANC's survival is based on deceiving the people of Africa that they are radical when they are not. Their ongoing rhetoric only serves to maintain naivety of hopeful masses with no concrete plan to turn the aspirations of our people into a reality. It is of no use for Jacob Zuma to accede to Land Expropriation without Compensation on public platforms and for ANC Members of Parliament to vote against the same motion.

This exposes the ANC as both a hypocritical bunch whose public pronouncements have nothing to do with their parliamentary commitments. Today's rejection of the EFF's motion indicates that Zuma does not speak for the ANC collective, he does not command it, neither does it listen to him.

Only the EFF can complete true decolonization of South Africa. We are the only political party that is prepared to restore the humanity of black people by giving them land so that they too can call this country their own. We therefore call on the people of South Africa to reject the ANC in all elections because they are corrupt hypocrites who will do everything to protect white privilege at the expense of black people.

ISSUED BY THE ECONOMIC FREEDOM FIGHTERS

MBUYISENI QUINTIN NDLOZI (National Spokesperson)

Contact: +27 (76) 834 7308

Naledi Chirwa (Media Liaison) +27 (61) 482 6589

Website: http://www.effonline.org

Email: communications@effonline.org

Facebook: Mbuyiseni Quintin Ndlozi || Twitter: @EFFSouthAfrica and @MbuyiseniNdlozi

Unveiling Trump's America: Full Text Of Donald Trump Speech To Congress

noreply@blogger.com (lt) — Wed, 01 Mar 2017 17:52:00 +0000

Donald Trump the 45th President of The United States Of America addressed a joint session of congress for the first time. He outlined his vision of America and mission to MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN. Here is the full text of his speech...

PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP'S ADDRESS TO A JOINT SESSION OF CONGRESS

Remarks as prepared for delivery

TO THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES:

Mr. Speaker, Mr. Vice President, Members of Congress, the First Lady of the United States, and Citizens of America:

Tonight, as we mark the conclusion of our celebration of Black History Month, we are reminded of our Nation's path toward civil rights and the work that still remains. Recent threats targeting Jewish Community Centers and vandalism of Jewish cemeteries, as well as last week's shooting in Kansas City, remind us that while we may be a Nation divided on policies, we are a country that stands united in condemning hate and evil in all its forms.

Each American generation passes the torch of truth, liberty and justice --- in an unbroken chain all the way down to the present.

That torch is now in our hands. And we will use it to light up the world. I am here tonight to deliver a message of unity and strength, and it is a message deeply delivered from my heart.

A new chapter of American Greatness is now beginning.

A new national pride is sweeping across our Nation.

And a new surge of optimism is placing impossible dreams firmly within our grasp.

What we are witnessing today is the Renewal of the American Spirit.

Our allies will find that America is once again ready to lead.

All the nations of the world -- friend or foe -- will find that America is strong, America is proud, and America is free.

In 9 years, the United States will celebrate the 250th anniversary of our founding -- 250 years since the day we declared our Independence.

It will be one of the great milestones in the history of the world.

But what will America look like as we reach our 250th year? What kind of country will we leave for our children?

I will not allow the mistakes of recent decades past to define the course of our future.

For too long, we've watched our middle class shrink as we've exported our jobs and wealth to foreign countries.

We've financed and built one global project after another, but ignored the fates of our children in the inner cities of Chicago, Baltimore, Detroit -- and so many other places throughout our land.

We've defended the borders of other nations, while leaving our own borders wide open, for anyone to cross -- and for drugs to pour in at a now unprecedented rate.

And we've spent trillions of dollars overseas, while our infrastructure at home has so badly crumbled.

Then, in 2016, the earth shifted beneath our feet. The rebellion started as a quiet protest, spoken by families of all colors and creeds --- families who just wanted a fair shot for their children, and a fair hearing for their concerns.

But then the quiet voices became a loud chorus -- as thousands of citizens now spoke out together, from cities small and large, all across our country.

Finally, the chorus became an earthquake -- and the people turned out by the tens of millions, and they were all united by one very simple, but crucial demand, that America must put its own citizens first ... because only then, can we truly MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN.

Dying industries will come roaring back to life. Heroic veterans will get the care they so desperately need.

Our military will be given the resources its brave warriors so richly deserve.

Crumbling infrastructure will be replaced with new roads, bridges, tunnels, airports and railways gleaming across our beautiful land.

Our terrible drug epidemic will slow down and ultimately, stop.

And our neglected inner cities will see a rebirth of hope, safety, and opportunity.

Above all else, we will keep our promises to the American people.

It's been a little over a month since my inauguration, and I want to take this moment to update the Nation on the progress I've made in keeping those promises.

Since my election, Ford, Fiat-Chrysler, General Motors, Sprint, Softbank, Lockheed, Intel, Walmart, and many others, have announced that they will invest billions of dollars in the United States and will create tens of thousands of new American jobs.

The stock market has gained almost three trillion dollars in value since the election on November 8th, a record. We've saved taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars by bringing down the price of the fantastic new F-35 jet fighter, and will be saving billions more dollars on contracts all across our Government. We have placed a hiring freeze on non-military and non-essential Federal workers.

We have begun to drain the swamp of government corruption by imposing a 5 year ban on lobbying by executive branch officials --- and a lifetime ban on becoming lobbyists for a foreign government.

We have undertaken a historic effort to massively reduce job‑crushing regulations, creating a deregulation task force inside of every Government agency; imposing a new rule which mandates that for every 1 new regulation, 2 old regulations must be eliminated; and stopping a regulation that threatens the future and livelihoods of our great coal miners.

We have cleared the way for the construction of the Keystone and Dakota Access Pipelines -- thereby creating tens of thousands of jobs -- and I've issued a new directive that new American pipelines be made with American steel.

We have withdrawn the United States from the job-killing Trans-Pacific Partnership.

With the help of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, we have formed a Council with our neighbors in Canada to help ensure that women entrepreneurs have access to the networks, markets and capital they need to start a business and live out their financial dreams.

To protect our citizens, I have directed the Department of Justice to form a Task Force on Reducing Violent Crime.

I have further ordered the Departments of Homeland Security and Justice, along with the Department of State and the Director of National Intelligence, to coordinate an aggressive strategy to dismantle the criminal cartels that have spread across our Nation.

We will stop the drugs from pouring into our country and poisoning our youth -- and we will expand treatment for those who have become so badly addicted.

At the same time, my Administration has answered the pleas of the American people for immigration enforcement and border security. By finally enforcing our immigration laws, we will raise wages, help the unemployed, save billions of dollars, and make our communities safer for everyone. We want all Americans to succeed --- but that can't happen in an environment of lawless chaos. We must restore integrity and the rule of law to our borders.

For that reason, we will soon begin the construction of a great wall along our southern border. It will be started ahead of schedule and, when finished, it will be a very effective weapon against drugs and crime.

As we speak, we are removing gang members, drug dealers and criminals that threaten our communities and prey on our citizens. Bad ones are going out as I speak tonight and as I have promised.

To any in Congress who do not believe we should enforce our laws, I would ask you this question: what would you say to the American family that loses their jobs, their income, or a loved one, because America refused to uphold its laws and defend its borders?

Our obligation is to serve, protect, and defend the citizens of the United States. We are also taking strong measures to protect our Nation from Radical Islamic Terrorism.

According to data provided by the Department of Justice, the vast majority of individuals convicted for terrorism-related offenses since 9/11 came here from outside of our country. We have seen the attacks at home --- from Boston to San Bernardino to the Pentagon and yes, even the World Trade Center.

We have seen the attacks in France, in Belgium, in Germany and all over the world.

It is not compassionate, but reckless, to allow uncontrolled entry from places where proper vetting cannot occur. Those given the high honor of admission to the United States should support this country and love its people and its values.

We cannot allow a beachhead of terrorism to form inside America -- we cannot allow our Nation to become a sanctuary for extremists.

That is why my Administration has been working on improved vetting procedures, and we will shortly take new steps to keep our Nation safe -- and to keep out those who would do us harm.

As promised, I directed the Department of Defense to develop a plan to demolish and destroy ISIS -- a network of lawless savages that have slaughtered Muslims and Christians, and men, women, and children of all faiths and beliefs. We will work with our allies, including our friends and allies in the Muslim world, to extinguish this vile enemy from our planet.

I have also imposed new sanctions on entities and individuals who support Iran's ballistic missile program, and reaffirmed our unbreakable alliance with the State of Israel.

Finally, I have kept my promise to appoint a Justice to the United States Supreme Court -- from my list of 20 judges -- who will defend our Constitution. I am honored to have Maureen Scalia with us in the gallery tonight. Her late, great husband, Antonin Scalia, will forever be a symbol of American justice. To fill his seat, we have chosen Judge Neil Gorsuch, a man of incredible skill, and deep devotion to the law. He was confirmed unanimously to the Court of Appeals, and I am asking the Senate to swiftly approve his nomination.

Tonight, as I outline the next steps we must take as a country, we must honestly acknowledge the circumstances we inherited.

Ninety-four million Americans are out of the labor force.

Over 43 million people are now living in poverty, and over 43 million Americans are on food stamps.

More than 1 in 5 people in their prime working years are not working.

We have the worst financial recovery in 65 years.

In the last 8 years, the past Administration has put on more new debt than nearly all other Presidents combined.

We've lost more than one-fourth of our manufacturing jobs since NAFTA was approved, and we've lost 60,000 factories since China joined the World Trade Organization in 2001.

Our trade deficit in goods with the world last year was nearly $800 billion dollars.

And overseas, we have inherited a series of tragic foreign policy disasters.

Solving these, and so many other pressing problems, will require us to work past the differences of party. It will require us to tap into the American spirit that has overcome every challenge throughout our long and storied history.

But to accomplish our goals at home and abroad, we must restart the engine of the American economy -- making it easier for companies to do business in the United States, and much harder for companies to leave.

Right now, American companies are taxed at one of the highest rates anywhere in the world.

My economic team is developing historic tax reform that will reduce the tax rate on our companies so they can compete and thrive anywhere and with anyone. At the same time, we will provide massive tax relief for the middle class.

We must create a level playing field for American companies and workers.

Currently, when we ship products out of America, many other countries make us pay very high tariffs and taxes -- but when foreign companies ship their products into America, we charge them almost nothing.

I just met with officials and workers from a great American company, Harley-Davidson. In fact, they proudly displayed five of their magnificent motorcycles, made in the USA, on the front lawn of the White House.

At our meeting, I asked them, how are you doing, how is business? They said that it's good. I asked them further how they are doing with other countries, mainly international sales. They told me -- without even complaining because they have been mistreated for so long that they have become used to it -- that it is very hard to do business with other countries because they tax our goods at such a high rate. They said that in one case another country taxed their motorcycles at 100 percent.

They weren't even asking for change. But I am.

I believe strongly in free trade but it also has to be FAIR TRADE.

The first Republican President, Abraham Lincoln, warned that the "abandonment of the protective policy by the American Government [will] produce want and ruin among our people."

Lincoln was right -- and it is time we heeded his words. I am not going to let America and its great companies and workers, be taken advantage of anymore.

I am going to bring back millions of jobs. Protecting our workers also means reforming our system of legal immigration. The current, outdated system depresses wages for our poorest workers, and puts great pressure on taxpayers.

Nations around the world, like Canada, Australia and many others --- have a merit-based immigration system. It is a basic principle that those seeking to enter a country ought to be able to support themselves financially. Yet, in America, we do not enforce this rule, straining the very public resources that our poorest citizens rely upon. According to the National Academy of Sciences, our current immigration system costs America's taxpayers many billions of dollars a year.

Switching away from this current system of lower-skilled immigration, and instead adopting a merit-based system, will have many benefits: it will save countless dollars, raise workers' wages, and help struggling families --- including immigrant families --- enter the middle class.

I believe that real and positive immigration reform is possible, as long as we focus on the following goals: to improve jobs and wages for Americans, to strengthen our nation's security, and to restore respect for our laws.

If we are guided by the well-being of American citizens then I believe Republicans and Democrats can work together to achieve an outcome that has eluded our country for decades.

Another Republican President, Dwight D. Eisenhower, initiated the last truly great national infrastructure program --- the building of the interstate highway system. The time has come for a new program of national rebuilding.

America has spent approximately six trillion dollars in the Middle East, all this while our infrastructure at home is crumbling. With this six trillion dollars we could have rebuilt our country --- twice. And maybe even three times if we had people who had the ability to negotiate.

To launch our national rebuilding, I will be asking the Congress to approve legislation that produces a $1 trillion investment in the infrastructure of the United States -- financed through both public and private capital --- creating millions of new jobs.

This effort will be guided by two core principles: Buy American, and Hire American.

Tonight, I am also calling on this Congress to repeal and replace Obamacare with reforms that expand choice, increase access, lower costs, and at the same time, provide better Healthcare.

Mandating every American to buy government-approved health insurance was never the right solution for America. The way to make health insurance available to everyone is to lower the cost of health insurance, and that is what we will do.

Obamacare premiums nationwide have increased by double and triple digits. As an example, Arizona went up 116 percent last year alone. Governor Matt Bevin of Kentucky just said Obamacare is failing in his State -- it is unsustainable and collapsing.

One third of counties have only one insurer on the exchanges --- leaving many Americans with no choice at all.

Remember when you were told that you could keep your doctor, and keep your plan?

We now know that all of those promises have been broken.

Obamacare is collapsing --- and we must act decisively to protect all Americans. Action is not a choice --- it is a necessity.

So I am calling on all Democrats and Republicans in the Congress to work with us to save Americans from this imploding Obamacare disaster.

Here are the principles that should guide the Congress as we move to create a better healthcare system for all Americans:

First, we should ensure that Americans with pre-existing conditions have access to coverage, and that we have a stable transition for Americans currently enrolled in the healthcare exchanges.

Secondly, we should help Americans purchase their own coverage, through the use of tax credits and expanded Health Savings Accounts --- but it must be the plan they want, not the plan forced on them by the Government.

Thirdly, we should give our great State Governors the resources and flexibility they need with Medicaid to make sure no one is left out.

Fourthly, we should implement legal reforms that protect patients and doctors from unnecessary costs that drive up the price of insurance -- and work to bring down the artificially high price of drugs and bring them down immediately.

Finally, the time has come to give Americans the freedom to purchase health insurance across State lines --- creating a truly competitive national marketplace that will bring cost way down and provide far better care.

Everything that is broken in our country can be fixed. Every problem can be solved. And every hurting family can find healing, and hope.

Our citizens deserve this, and so much more --- so why not join forces to finally get it done? On this and so many other things, Democrats and Republicans should get together and unite for the good of our country, and for the good of the American people.

My administration wants to work with members in both parties to make childcare accessible and affordable, to help ensure new parents have paid family leave, to invest in women's health, and to promote clean air and clear water, and to rebuild our military and our infrastructure.

True love for our people requires us to find common ground, to advance the common good, and to cooperate on behalf of every American child who deserves a brighter future.

An incredible young woman is with us this evening who should serve as an inspiration to us all.

Today is Rare Disease day, and joining us in the gallery is a Rare Disease Survivor, Megan Crowley. Megan was diagnosed with Pompe Disease, a rare and serious illness, when she was 15 months old. She was not expected to live past 5.

On receiving this news, Megan's dad, John, fought with everything he had to save the life of his precious child. He founded a company to look for a cure, and helped develop the drug that saved Megan's life. Today she is 20 years old -- and a sophomore at Notre Dame.

Megan's story is about the unbounded power of a father's love for a daughter.

But our slow and burdensome approval process at the Food and Drug Administration keeps too many advances, like the one that saved Megan's life, from reaching those in need.

If we slash the restraints, not just at the FDA but across our Government, then we will be blessed with far more miracles like Megan.

In fact, our children will grow up in a Nation of miracles.

But to achieve this future, we must enrich the mind --- and the souls --- of every American child.

Education is the civil rights issue of our time.

I am calling upon Members of both parties to pass an education bill that funds school choice for disadvantaged youth, including millions of African-American and Latino children. These families should be free to choose the public, private, charter, magnet, religious or home school that is right for them.

Joining us tonight in the gallery is a remarkable woman, Denisha Merriweather. As a young girl, Denisha struggled in school and failed third grade twice. But then she was able to enroll in a private center for learning, with the help of a tax credit scholarship program. Today, she is the first in her family to graduate, not just from high school, but from college. Later this year she will get her masters degree in social work.

We want all children to be able to break the cycle of poverty just like Denisha.

But to break the cycle of poverty, we must also break the cycle of violence.

The murder rate in 2015 experienced its largest single-year increase in nearly half a century.

In Chicago, more than 4,000 people were shot last year alone --- and the murder rate so far this year has been even higher.

This is not acceptable in our society.

Every American child should be able to grow up in a safe community, to attend a great school, and to have access to a high-paying job.

But to create this future, we must work with --- not against --- the men and women of law enforcement.

We must build bridges of cooperation and trust --- not drive the wedge of disunity and division.

Police and sheriffs are members of our community. They are friends and neighbors, they are mothers and fathers, sons and daughters -- and they leave behind loved ones every day who worry whether or not they'll come home safe and sound.

We must support the incredible men and women of law enforcement.

And we must support the victims of crime.

I have ordered the Department of Homeland Security to create an office to serve American Victims. The office is called VOICE --- Victims Of Immigration Crime Engagement. We are providing a voice to those who have been ignored by our media, and silenced by special interests.

Joining us in the audience tonight are four very brave Americans whose government failed them.

Their names are Jamiel Shaw, Susan Oliver, Jenna Oliver, and Jessica Davis.

Jamiel's 17-year-old son was viciously murdered by an illegal immigrant gang member, who had just been released from prison. Jamiel Shaw Jr. was an incredible young man, with unlimited potential who was getting ready to go to college where he would have excelled as a great quarterback. But he never got the chance. His father, who is in the audience tonight, has become a good friend of mine.

Also with us are Susan Oliver and Jessica Davis. Their husbands --- Deputy Sheriff Danny Oliver and Detective Michael Davis --- were slain in the line of duty in California. They were pillars of their community. These brave men were viciously gunned down by an illegal immigrant with a criminal record and two prior deportations.

Sitting with Susan is her daughter, Jenna. Jenna: I want you to know that your father was a hero, and that tonight you have the love of an entire country supporting you and praying for you.

To Jamiel, Jenna, Susan and Jessica: I want you to know --- we will never stop fighting for justice. Your loved ones will never be forgotten, we will always honor their memory.

Finally, to keep America Safe we must provide the men and women of the United States military with the tools they need to prevent war and --- if they must --- to fight and to win.

I am sending the Congress a budget that rebuilds the military, eliminates the Defense sequester, and calls for one of the largest increases in national defense spending in American history.

My budget will also increase funding for our veterans.

Our veterans have delivered for this Nation --- and now we must deliver for them.

The challenges we face as a Nation are great. But our people are even greater.

And none are greater or braver than those who fight for America in uniform.

We are blessed to be joined tonight by Carryn Owens, the widow of a U.S. Navy Special Operator, Senior Chief William "Ryan" Owens. Ryan died as he lived: a warrior, and a hero --- battling against terrorism and securing our Nation.

I just spoke to General Mattis, who reconfirmed that, and I quote, "Ryan was a part of a highly successful raid that generated large amounts of vital intelligence that will lead to many more victories in the future against our enemies." Ryan's legacy is etched into eternity. For as the Bible teaches us, there is no greater act of love than to lay down one's life for one's friends. Ryan laid down his life for his friends, for his country, and for our freedom --- we will never forget him.

To those allies who wonder what kind of friend America will be, look no further than the heroes who wear our uniform.

Our foreign policy calls for a direct, robust and meaningful engagement with the world. It is American leadership based on vital security interests that we share with our allies across the globe.

We strongly support NATO, an alliance forged through the bonds of two World Wars that dethroned fascism, and a Cold War that defeated communism.

But our partners must meet their financial obligations.

And now, based on our very strong and frank discussions, they are beginning to do just that.

We expect our partners, whether in NATO, in the Middle East, or the Pacific --- to take a direct and meaningful role in both strategic and military operations, and pay their fair share of the cost.

We will respect historic institutions, but we will also respect the sovereign rights of nations.

Free nations are the best vehicle for expressing the will of the people --- and America respects the right of all nations to chart their own path. My job is not to represent the world. My job is to represent the United States of America. But we know that America is better off, when there is less conflict -- not more.

We must learn from the mistakes of the past --- we have seen the war and destruction that have raged across our world.

The only long-term solution for these humanitarian disasters is to create the conditions where displaced persons can safely return home and begin the long process of rebuilding.

America is willing to find new friends, and to forge new partnerships, where shared interests align. We want harmony and stability, not war and conflict.

We want peace, wherever peace can be found. America is friends today with former enemies. Some of our closest allies, decades ago, fought on the opposite side of these World Wars. This history should give us all faith in the possibilities for a better world.

Hopefully, the 250th year for America will see a world that is more peaceful, more just and more free.

On our 100th anniversary, in 1876, citizens from across our Nation came to Philadelphia to celebrate America's centennial. At that celebration, the country's builders and artists and inventors showed off their creations.

Alexander Graham Bell displayed his telephone for the first time.

Remington unveiled the first typewriter. An early attempt was made at electric light.

Thomas Edison showed an automatic telegraph and an electric pen.

Imagine the wonders our country could know in America's 250th year.

Think of the marvels we can achieve if we simply set free the dreams of our people.

Cures to illnesses that have always plagued us are not too much to hope.

American footprints on distant worlds are not too big a dream.

Millions lifted from welfare to work is not too much to expect.

And streets where mothers are safe from fear -- schools where children learn in peace -- and jobs where Americans prosper and grow -- are not too much to ask.

When we have all of this, we will have made America greater than ever before. For all Americans.

This is our vision. This is our mission.

But we can only get there together.

We are one people, with one destiny.

We all bleed the same blood.

We all salute the same flag.

And we are all made by the same God.

And when we fulfill this vision; when we celebrate our 250 years of glorious freedom, we will look back on tonight as when this new chapter of American Greatness began.

The time for small thinking is over. The time for trivial fights is behind us.

We just need the courage to share the dreams that fill our hearts.

The bravery to express the hopes that stir our souls.

And the confidence to turn those hopes and dreams to action.

From now on, America will be empowered by our aspirations, not burdened by our fears ---

inspired by the future, not bound by the failures of the past ---

and guided by our vision, not blinded by our doubts.

I am asking all citizens to embrace this Renewal of the American Spirit. I am asking all members of Congress to join me in dreaming big, and bold and daring things for our country. And I am asking everyone watching tonight to seize this moment and --

Believe in yourselves.

Believe in your future.

And believe, once more, in America.

Thank you, God bless you, and God Bless these United States.

THE WHITE HOUSE,

February 28, 2017.

Copyright 2017 by CNN NewSource. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

#CBAforKenyans Check Out These Bad Ass Quotes From Striking Kenyan Doctors Union Officials That are Guaranteed To Raise Your Pulse Rate: "They Tried To Bury Me, But They Didn't Know That I Was A Seed,"

noreply@blogger.com (lt) — Wed, 22 Feb 2017 21:44:00 +0000

Today marks day 80 of the nationwide Kenyan doctors strike. It marks the day when Kenyan parliament (rather late) made an attempt at alleviating the misery, indignity and irreplaceable loss that majorly poor Kenyans have suffered over close to three months. KMPDU officials alongside other stakeholders came before the parliamentary health committee to weigh in on a petition filled by the union a fortnight or so ago.

Rather disappointingly, the August house appeared to get lost in the semantics of the legality of the 2013 CBA. In doing so, they effectively absconded their primary duty of representation. A claim evidenced by the butchering of justice at the alter of sideshows in the dignified halls of the Kenyan parliament.

We saw a high ranking government official- Former PS Mark Bor serves in the KNH board- admit to major crimes just to subvert the course of justice. Justice for the doctors as providers of labor as free men; justice for Wanjiku as she suffers injustice like no other being denied healthcare and injustice to any the well meaning Kenyans( I want to believe there are there) serving in government who will to amicably resolve the impasse but are under the clutch of #HealthCartels who stand to lose with better equipped, better funded and motivated public health sector in Kenya.

While we ask "Where are you Mr. President," Kenyans continue to light candles tonight in prayer motivated by the words, actions and selfless sacrifice of KMPDU, (Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists and Dentist Union) officials. In these words we are motivated; we find solace; we see souls dedicated to justice. We see a path towards universal healthcare.

Dr Ouma Oluga, Sec. General KMPDU On Health Reforms

Dr Mwachonda Chibanzi, Deputy Sec. General KMPDU, Patriotic call to nation servant-hood

Dr Samuel Oroko, Chairman KMPDU Call to Rising To The Challenges and Providing Leadership

Dr Allan Ochanji, 2nd VC, KMPDU, channels the spirit of the likes of Ken Saro Wiwa

Dr Titus Ondoro, 1st VC, KMPDU, Leadership=A just cause you are willing to die for + Perseverance.

To the downtrodden, Dr Daisy Korir, KMPDU Treasurer has got your back. Justice is coming tomorrow.

Dr Evelynn Chege, Deputy Treasurer KMPDU, So good we had to make it the headline.

PHOTO: Maasai Moran My Hair Dresser

noreply@blogger.com (lt) — Tue, 21 Feb 2017 13:17:00 +0000

Maasai Moran plaits African braids as his Moran medicine man friend looks on. To twist the braids, the Moran rolls the hair on his thigh, a technique that needs practice to master.

Barely a few decades ago, this Maasai Moran would be on the hunt fending for his family. He probably would have killed a lion along the way. Enter the 21st Century and he has to fend for a living otherwise. While his fellow Moran is a traveling medicine man peddling a concoction said to cure and heal all, ingenious him draws from his roots to earn extra coin. Image story here

Moran City's 5 Things : Warren Buffet Ruthless Deal Making Behind Kraft Heinz Low Bid For Struggling Food Giant Unilever

noreply@blogger.com (lt) — Fri, 17 Feb 2017 22:24:00 +0000

Warren Buffet,the world's number one deal marker, credits his number one status as the world's richest man to identifying undervalued businesses, buying low, then flipping for profit if need be. In partnership with a Brazilian private equity firm, 3G Capital,Warren Buffet forges on with sculpting 21st century food business in his image

Analysts have labelled Warren Buffets driven Kraft Heinz bid for struggling household goods giant Unilever as a strange one. This merger should be an interesting one given that these are not Buffet's early days when we hardly understood his investment strategy. This one comes after we have all read Benjamin Graham's Intelligent Investor. The more reason that Moran City curates five things that you need to know about the Kraft Heinz bid for Unilever

1.It's Big

If the merger pulls through, the $143B deal will be the second largest ever in the food industry space. It will also create the world's second largest food and beverage in revenues with the merged Kraft Heinz- Unilever churning out $84.8 B last year second only to Nestle SA $91.2 Billion.

2. Warren Buffet Is Taking Over Food Industry

In the century last, Warren Buffet through his investment vehicle Berkshire Hathaway Inc. had Coca-Cola. In the 21st century, the world richest man wants its all. Together with Brazilian Private equity firm, 3G Capital, they crafted the $55 billion Kraft buyout of H.J. Heinz. Just like in this mega money deal, Warren Buffet is expected to finance the Kraft bid of Unilever with 3G Capital left to take care of the business post the deal.

3. The Ugly

3G capital have built themselves a nasty reputation in their buyout streak within the food and beverage industry. Observers credit the cost cutting and job losses that follow such deals in the industry to slowing growth as millennial adopt healthier lifestyles in the 21st century.

4. Unilever Unwilling Suitor

Media reports have described Kraft bid in all sorts of ways including unsolicited and hostile. The management cite the $50 per share bid + stock as an undervaluation even if it presents an 18% premium on current stock market prices. We await to see if it is just a hold out for a better deal or serious rebuff as under UK law, Kraft Heinz has a month to make a firm bid or walk away for six months.

5. Super Clash of Company Cultures

As New York Times reports :

They are radically different cultures,” said Mindy Lubber, chief executive of Ceres, which promotes responsible business practices. “Unilever is the most transparent and open company there is about sustainability being part of their mission. They see it being part of their business proposition.”

Kraft Heinz, by contrast, is among the companies least committed to sustainability, Ms. Lubber said. “Kraft Heinz doesn’t even release a sustainability report, which in the year 2017 is shocking for a multinational company.”

The future of the food and beverage industry in the 21st century rests on this deal coming through. As we await how it pans out, we can fortify lessons from Warren Buffets investment book:

Buy great business when low (market pessimism over packaged food and beverage industry).
Work with the right management who know the sector (3G Capital was behind Anheuser-Busch InBev's takeover of SABMiller and the combination of Kraft and Heinz)

What is of interest though is how these tried and tested Warren Buffet deal making commandments hold up in post UK Brexit given Unilver's UK roots and in Donald Trump's America , Kraft's US roots, given the US presidents anti-norm takes on things.

KENYA HEALTH CRISIS: KMPDU Secreraty General Dr Ouma Oluga's First Speech Upon Release From Kamiti Maximum Prison On 15th February, 2017

noreply@blogger.com (lt) — Thu, 16 Feb 2017 17:04:00 +0000

With the sun setting ushering another African night in dry windy February, a prison shaven unshaken, Dr Ouma Oluga, charismatic secretary general of the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentist Union (KMPDU), stepped out of Kamiti Maximum prison gates in a suit, stripped shirt, no tie & characteristically infallible mood to find the press waiting.

By the 73rd day of Kenyan doctors strike a lot had come to pass. There was a full blown propaganda war raging on in social media #LipaKamaTender #CBAismorethancash #CBAforKenyans. Lives had been lost. Kenyans had suffered indignity. The government obstinate. Industrial court Judge Hellen Wasilwa, in a judgement that drew wide spread condemnation for partisanship and ignoring the spirit of the law in favor of the letter of the law, had sentenced seven doctor's union officials #CBA7 to thirty days in prison after a diversionary contempt of court case filled by the council of governors.

CBA7 welcomed back by doctors at uhuru park upon release from various prisons

Of that sentence KMPDU officials, Dr. Ouma Oluga, Dr. Samuel Oroko Obegi, Dr. Allan Ochanji
Dr. Titus Ondoro, Dr. Daisy Korir, Dr. Evelynn Chege, Dr. Mwachonda Chibanzi; had served 2/30 days thanks to an appeal at the court of appeal that saw both sets of opposing lawyers agree to unconditionally drop the case in favor of a return to negotiations.

Masaai Morans, warriors, are known for their courage. To be a leader among the brave, you have to slay a lion with nothing but a wooden club and a spear. Here, we celebrate them as they come. As they slay poverty, ignorance, disease. As they lift their voices where it's easier to be silent. As they risk it all: blood, sweat, tears and life for others not their kin.

Moran City, celebrates 21st Century Morans. Dr Ouma Oluga and the #CBA7 are of this rare extraction. Here is a speech reported to be by KMPDU secretary general, Dr. Ouma Oluga upon his release from Kamiti prison.

" I don't know if the court has gained dignity. It's been quite an experience. This hasn't changed OUR resolve and push for what the doctors want. In fact for OUR coming here alone, that should grant liberation to Kenyans and what the doctors wanted. This is the CBA for all Kenyans. Thank you the media for highlighting our coming here and keeping Kenyans updated. Grateful to the prisoners who've been my colleagues for the past few days. Not everyone here's supposed to be here- there are people here who've not broken any laws but are here and it's sad.

To the Justice system: do not put yourself where you can be undermined by being used to cause suffering. There's no law that's superior to human life. Human life here means the lives of all Kenyan citizens, especially those that depend on the public healthcare systems.

I have no wealthy background. The conditions here is the life that am used to. The prisoners here are suffering a pain that no one deserves. Not anyone. The first night I slept in the hospital attending to fellow prisoners here. Yesterday I did my first ward round in the hospital here. If I'd remained here I believe I'd have continued to assist in doing the same, because that's what am trained to do, with conviction.

In prison I was taken care of in a way much better by fellow prisoners than the way the government has ever taken care of me. If you thinking coming here will break the heart and resolve of Dr. Ouma Oluga. As I've been here I've been thinking about leadership in this country and what we need to do to move forward. There's been foolishness in this country and I hope we can overcome this to get a solution.

I missed everyone! "

The One Thing You Will Painfully Learn When Your Wife Is Pregnant For the First Time

noreply@blogger.com (lt) — Thu, 09 Feb 2017 22:06:00 +0000

Pregnancy is a beautiful thing. For women who have made the choice to bring forth life, their testimony is universally one of profound joy. Pregnancy does not only bring life, but completes life as these gallant women attest. So for us husbands, it is an honor to accompany your mate/wife in this journey.

My “We are pregnant Honey!” moment came via a whattsapp text in the middle of the night. 11:30pm. I was away on business, she was at home holding forte. The message bore no words, just a picture. Two lines; never before bore such symbolism.

I was going to be a father. We talked on the phone. I can’t remember the conversation with my wife that night. Later, I took two beers and quite soundly, I slept.

I expected the morning to be different. Nothing happened. I waited nights and days for ‘something’. Again nothing! Some circa 280days of waiting later, I held her in my arms. She was a tiny beautiful thing which at the time, I struggled to find any semblance with myself. She wailed and I stared. I didn’t know what to do with her but just hold her.

The nurse offered that the mother being with the baby would be the thing to do. That the wailing would turn on a switch in my wife’s brain and the milk would flow. Then the baby would get fed and everyone would be happy. Rinse and repeat.

Now, can you believe that? All the time I was waiting for ‘something’ the two were busy wiring up switches in each other’s brains and lying down the piping to let the milk flow! There I was with this silly look on my face, in every way a messy ball of nervousness, joy, and that waiting for ‘something’ feeling, looking at them immersed in this joyful ‘reunion’. Standing a few feet away, I could see feel the deep joy in my wife’s face.

Nobody prepares you for this kind of stuff. Hollywood lets you focus on the trivial such as dealing with cravings. The best you will get from friends is that bro hug congratulating you. Your folks will be busy choosing names. All these shenanigans whilst it all slips by you. You will notice your wife slow down and you will naively dismiss it as all those pregnancy changes weighing in on her.

The painful truth though leaves you forever playing catch up. Through the morning sickness, swelling of feet, hyper-acidity, breathlessness and beautiful skin; the two-mother and child- came to know each other. The relationship between my wife and daughter was cemented by those two lines on the home pregnancy kit. They had known each other way before. The pregnancy was just but a period to get over the small talk awkwardness.

I could have done better with the waiting for ‘something’. Maybe I should have spent more time feeling her kick through the pregnant belly rather than pushing the hustle worried about the hospital bills

Cracking The 21st century: How To Own The Future With Asilomar AI Principles

noreply@blogger.com (lt) — Wed, 08 Feb 2017 22:34:00 +0000

The 21st Century heralds the 4th Industrial revolution. A revolution happening at exponential pace turbocharged by AI.The world's top AI researchers met in Asilomar, California to deliberate on AI guiding principles. Here is how to own the future

Researchers

The European Union publication , 2020, which calls for investment in legal, social and ethics (LSE) research so as to generate knowledge that can match the goals of science and society’s needs. Asilomar AI principles echo this prescription for ethical research and innovation by fronting the coupling of investment in AI research with funding for research in computer science, economics, law and social studies.

With dwindling funding for research in the 21^st century, worryingly marked for the less ‘hot topics’ such as LSE research; coupled with intense competition for research funds, the Asilomar AI principles are welcome as they intensify calls for the mobilization of money for research from big AI players such as Google, Apple and Tesla. Asilomar AI principles go further to frame which research questions the money should address:

How can we make future AI systems highly robust, so that they do what we want without malfunctioning or getting hacked?
How can we grow our prosperity through automation while maintaining people’s resources and purpose?
How can we update our legal systems to be more fair and efficient, to keep pace with AI, and to manage the risks associated with AI?
What set of values should AI be aligned with, and what legal and ethical status should it have?

Consumer Protection Groups

In October of 2016, authoritative publication Politico reported on outgoing US President Obama’s plans on leaving political office:

“Awareness is important at the outset,” Obama said. But leaders from the civil rights era, including Martin Luther King Jr. and Rep. John Lewis, “would begin the protest but then very rapidly engage in powers that be to say, ‘We will stop protesting when you use this specific thing.”

Whilst the former US president was outlining the philosophy that will guide his mentoring of the next generation of 21^st Century change agents, we would fail if we didn’t iterate Obama’s approach to navigating social upheaval, of the magnitude AI promises to beget.

Whilst AI researchers have exhibited greater enthusiasm for the Asilomar AI principles the other cog in the wheel, society, appears to be further back. The danger here of course is the widening of the schism between science and society. So how can consumer rights organizations lead the charge towards a 21^st century future with Artificial Intelligence? The Asilomar AI principles call for AI technologies to:

Shared Benefit: AI technologies should benefit and empower as many people as possible.
Shared Prosperity: The economic prosperity created by AI should be shared broadly, to benefit all of humanity.
Non-subversion: The power conferred by control of highly advanced AI systems should respect and improve, rather than subvert, the social and civic processes on which the health of society depends.

21st Century Global Citizens

The human tendency with such unheralded phenomenon such as AI tends to swing between the extremes. There those early adopters in the mold of described by Malcom Gladwell in the bestseller Tipping Point. Then there are those who are obstinate in opposing technological advances for a myriad of reasons.

Some are driven by unsubstantiated fears such as those with unhealthy belief in the Hollywood depictions of an Armageddon nee by machine takeover. Others are held back by their cultural beliefs; while some are rightfully concerned by real ethical dilemmas presented by an artificial intelligence future in the 21^st century.

Whatever the reasons behind skepticism towards AI, the Asilomar AI principles predicate what is at the core of these concerns: human autonomy. Whether as an individual you fit into Tipping Point archetypes of a maven, connector or salesperson; the time is nigh to own the AI future by being involved & getting heard. To this end, the Asilomar AI principles advocate for:

Personal Privacy: People should have the right to access, manage and control the data they generate, given AI systems’ power to analyze and utilize that data.
Liberty and Privacy: The application of AI to personal data must not unreasonably curtail people’s real or perceived liberty.

Governments

Of the many commentaries on Nazi Germany and the atrocities conducted in the name of health research is the unpopular view that the doctors who were charged during the Nuremburg trials were just but scapegoats for the actions of a government. This hushed perspective holds that the scientists were themselves victims of mass brainwashing, intimidation and blackmail.

The outcome of the Nuremburg trials such as the Belmont Report and the Final rule have been clear in where ultimate responsibility lies in the conduct of research by fronting researcher integrity as the core ideal in science-society dynamic. Whilst this is largely settled for human subject research, science in general still grapples with happenings in the political world.

This love-hate relationship couldn’t be better exhibited as in the open letter from scientists to then president-electTrump on climate change where more than 800 Earth scientists and energy experts urge the president to take six crucial steps. AI presents a new battle ground to stake the goals of science against popular will wielded by governments.

To make peace between science and politics, AI and The Hill; we once again turn to Obama who was quoted at length by Los Angeles Times columnist Micheal Hiltzik as schooling silicon valley CEOs on whygovernment is not like business

“Government will never run the way Silicon Valley runs because, by definition, democracy is messy,” Obama said. “This is a big, diverse country with a lot of interests and a lot of disparate points of view. And part of government’s job, by the way, is dealing with problems that nobody else wants to deal with.

“Sometimes I talk to CEOs, they come in and they start telling me about leadership, and here’s how we do things. And I say, well, if all I was doing was making a widget or producing an app, and I didn’t have to worry about whether poor people could afford the widget, or I didn’t have to worry about whether the app had some unintended consequences … then I think those suggestions are terrific.

“Sometimes we get, I think, in the scientific community, the tech community, the entrepreneurial community, the sense of we just have to blow up the system, or create this parallel society and culture because government is inherently wrecked.”

To realize an AI future this 21^st century, government should be left to do what it does best. Better still, it should do what it is expected to do, which in Obama’s words is to do deal with problems that nobody else wants to deal with. The Asilomar AI principles spell this out as:

Common Good: Super-intelligence should only be developed in the service of widely shared ethical ideals, and for the benefit of all humanity rather than one state or organization.

AI Arms Race: An arms race in lethal autonomous weapons should be avoided.

Science-Policy Link: There should be constructive and healthy exchange between AI researchers and policy-makers.

Google's Founder Sergey Brin's Take On The Future: Why Are We So Afraid Of Artificial Intelligence In The 21st Century

noreply@blogger.com (lt) — Tue, 07 Feb 2017 21:47:00 +0000

I always consider myself ancient whenever I attempt wrapping my head around Artificial Intelligence. Recently though, I became less critical of my Artificial Intelligence know how when a revered tech figure, Google co-founder Sergey Brin, admitted to AI sneaking up on him. At Davos 2017, Serge, one of tech's most eminent members conceded to have taken Artificial Intelligence for a flash in the pan.

"I didn't pay attention to it at all, to be perfectly honest........having been trained as a computer scientist in the 90s, everybody knew that AI didn’t work. People tried it, they tried neural nets and none of it worked...............The revolution in deep nets has been very profound, it definitely surprised me, even though I was sitting right there.”

While it's unsettling to mortals like yours truly to process such a pronouncement from the few we can count on to be on permanent beast mode in tech matters, Sergey did not let it end there. Not only did the google co-founder label himself a Luddite, he also revealed an unnerving future in an AI 21st Century:

"What can these things do? We don’t really know the limits....It has incredible possibilities. I think it’s impossible to forecast accurately.”

Let's frame it this way: If Sergey Brin's thoughts on Artificial Intelligence were some premixed cake mixture, your imagination a bowl and your rationality a whisk; the end game of all that coming together wouldn't be a beautiful form but a scramble of frisson and trepidation.

Why this fear? Why does the thought of artificial intelligent forms invite grave concern?

Ever since stone age man discovered the flint hand axe, the relationship between man and machine has been a curious coexistence of on one hand the utility, alleviation of human suffering and human advancement that comes with machines; and on the other the morbid fear of the dawn of an Armageddon where machines will take over the world and violate man’s autonomy.

In the 21^st century, with Artificial Intelligence, this queasy marriage morphs into a firm reality that through machine learning, machines have now learned to think. As a consequence of machine learning, machines have become as/more intelligent than man. Exactly how that happened is lost in the details. All we know is that it happened too fast and it has caught us flat footed.

The Artificial Intelligence Problem

We define the AI problem as the Sergey Brin's problem. In doing so, we lean on Google's co-founder Davos2017 pronouncements on AI i.e. We stand on the shores (looking in) on a phenomenon in human advancement that holds power unbounded as vast as the sea. A frontier that we barely can appreciate in a sick, hungry, unjust world. Sequentially, the path that led to this abyss of human advancement crystallizes into something of this kind:

We therefore qualify our definition of the AI problem as the Sergey Brin problem this way: AI is the ethical question of the 21st Century. It is a 'problem' that arose from mans' pursuit of happiness. Here, we define happiness a' la mode de, Aristotle as the that supreme good meaning it is achieving the goal that is an end-in-itself. Happiness is the supreme good and for man who's essence is that unlike animals man is rational (reasons), happiness is to live a life that enables us to use and develop our reason.

Why the trepdition? Why label Artificial Intelligence a 'Problem' yet we also state that it results from man's pursuit of happiness?

The Limits Of Human Reason

Whenever we are faced with a new phenomenon, we rely on our brains to provide answers. Though this seems a natural thing to do, behavioral science informs that this is not always the wise thing to do.
Sounds confusing? An oxymoron maybe? To settle this, let's start with the blame first.

Blame it on Metropolis: a 1927 movie whose plot centered on the mandatory love story juxtaposed on a futuristic city in 2026 where industrial oligarchs in skyscrapers lord over this city (Metropolis). The power of these men runs on the blood of a precariat who dwell in underground dungeons engaged in never ending tortuous mechanized activity.

To place Metropolis in the 21^st century context, we call on Mike Savage’s book: Social Class in the 21^st Century and to the precariat , we also enroll the established middle class, technical middle class, new affluent workers, traditional working class and emergent service workers' to the suffering masses as evidenced by the rise of populism and such movements like #LipaKamaTender and #OccupyWallStreet.

While Metropolis is acclaimed for its own artistic merits, today it is an important film as it pioneered Sci-Fi/ artificial intelligence films. But for all its acclaim, it is our view that Metropolis,even if at its time was an artistic illustration of the tension between science and society; it unfavorably set the tone for what has morphed into a decades long rift.

From the synopsis of its plot given here, the Armageddon narrative is affirmed and reinforced. For most of us, our concepts of Artificial Intelligence are framed by the artistic liberties of Hollywood: Terminator released in 1984 but set in 2029, I Robot set in 2035 e.t.c You have probably watched a dozens movies with similar plot direction. While you might dismiss them as just a movie without any bearing on your life, but knowing what we know now about the 21st century, these things matter. More than you think. Here is why

The Role Of Behavioral Science: Understanding The Blind Spots Created By Cognitive Biases

You see, behavioral studies inform us that the mind often tricks us. It tricks us when there is too much information to process. It tricks us when it can't find enough meaning in stuff. It tricks us when the pressure to act fast is on. Our brains also trick us because they process memory in disparate ways: For instance, at times we store memories based on how they were experienced. Not what they are. Other times while creating memories, we discard specifics to form generalities. Kind of favoring a deductive approach over inductive approach. Conversely, in some instances, we reduce events and lists to their key elements.

The product of such a repertoire of brain 'tricks' is a myriad of cognitive biases that span the alphabet (Click On Image To Enlarge)

Courtesy:Headhandheart blog. From Ambiguity effect: the tendency to avoid options for which missing information makes the probability seem "unknown". To Personification: tendency to characterize animals, objects, and abstract concepts as possessing human-like traits, emotions, and intentions. All the way to a host of other biases such as Semmelweis reflex which is the tendency to characterize animals, objects, and abstract concepts as possessing human-like traits, emotions, and intentions.

Just by mentioning those cognitive biases, we appreciate the mental work that goes on in making sense of AI (remember the cake mixture analogy). However, as excited as we may be to practice reflexive thinking by auditing our thoughts as guided by knowledge of the different cognitive biases,it doesn't end there. Consider this:

Linda is 31 years old, single, outspoken and very intelligent. She majored in philosophy. As a student, she was deeply concerned with issues of discrimination and social justice, and also participated in antinuclear demonstrations"

Which is more probable:

Linda is a bank teller or
Linda is a bank teller and is active in the feminist movement.

The Linda Problem

What was your answer? Well in studies conducted in the 70's by professor Kahneman and Tversky, most subjects chose option 2 as the most probable falling prey to what has been characterized by as the conjunction fallacy (Linda Problem). This is the belief that the co-occurrence of two events is more likely than the occurrence of one of the events: whilst bank tellers can be feminist, not all bank tellers are feminist.

What was revealing in the Linda problem experiments was that people with higher IQ tended to make fall prey to the conjunction fallacy more than those of lower intelligence. This served to illustrate that intelligence doesn't equate rationality. Rationality is a function of reflexive thinking- the ability to step back from ones thinking, audit and correct its fallacies. More recent studies have demonstrated that rationality can be learned meaning that with Artificial Intelligence, the morality of machine actions becomes a question of concern.

What was even more striking in the Linda problem experiment was the realization that we are largely irrational creatures with our actions stemming from our brains faulty tendencies. Considering all these, it become apparent why artificial intelligence so scared a figure of Serge Brin's person. Not only have machines become intelligent, its is increasingly becoming evident that we can hardly beat them in a straight contest as not only can machines learn to be rational, but we are already are at thinking anyway.

To think that such a momentous happening did creep up on us that has prompted observers to claim the 21st century is the age of the fourth industrial revolution which will be characterized by artificial intelligence causing system-wide changes. What this means is machines will be able to do work that man does more efficiently and effectively.

Think driver-less cars/trucks and the transport system. Think distributed ledger technology: blockchain, bitcoin, smart contracts in the financial/ legal system. Think unemployment and disruptions in the demand and supply side of business. Think the 21st century. Now think about Serge Brin's pronouncement on Artificial Intelligence and let it simmer.

Related Read Cracking The 21st Century: How To Own The Future With Asilomar AI Principles

Kenyans On Twitter React To Amina's Lost Bid For AU Chair

noreply@blogger.com (lt) — Mon, 30 Jan 2017 18:23:00 +0000

It had been an open secret that Kenyan's weren't too impressed by a spirited, well funded, high profile campaign for Kenya's foreign affairs cabinet secretary, Amina Mohammad, to chair the Africa Union Comission.

In the midst of ravaging drought, public workers industrial arrest- notably public doctors strike that is now almost 60 days old and who face jail for contempt of court ; Kenyans felt that the government was out of touch with the plight of the everyday Kenyan.

They took to twitter not to congratulate Chad's Moussa Faki Mahamati, the new African Union Commission chair, but register their opinions. Sarcastically so!

Wake Up! Doctor's Last Call To Middle and Upper Class Kenyans

noreply@blogger.com (lt) — Sat, 28 Jan 2017 08:21:00 +0000

This week, the 50th day lapsed with Kenyan doctors on strike. This week seven Kenyan doctors #CB7 #CBASeven faced jail for standing for universal healthcare. This week, an article went viral.

The articles' author, Dr Eunice Songa, mother, mentor, anesthesiology resident at Kenya's largest referral hospital, KNH, passed on 27th of January 2017. Hours after she had joined Kenyan doctors in another trip to the courts pleading their case to the justice system not to subvert justice.

Alongside other Morans celebrated here: Nelson Mandela, Christopher Owiro aka 'Karl Max'; we salute you daktari. Fare thee well comrade! Here is the article....

A CALL TO ACTION: Wake up Middle and Upper Class Kenyans!

Let me take a few minutes of your time.

Kenya is a beautiful place, isn’t it? Opportunities abound for those willing to work hard; the land where you can be born in a small village, work hard and enjoy your lifetime in lush suburbs of Nairobi.

But we get caught up in that rat race don’t we? The never ending pursuit to get a bigger, flatter TV, a smarter phone, a more expensive car and holidays to those exotic destinations we see on our friends’ timeline. While we make sure our children are in elite private school “A”, that our houses are on the right side of the CBD, while we are sipping our 500 shilling mojitos with colleagues at the hottest after work watering holes in the city, our beloved Kenya, our land of opportunity is crumbling right around us.

We the lucky few in this country, who don’t earn anywhere near a dollar a day, who have running water in our 3 bedroom apartments, who can line up for terrific Tuesdays and fill our bellies with pizza, we have become consumed by distractions. We are distracted by the authenticity of Kim K’s derriere, by the attention seeking empty “debes” on Nairobi Dairies, with odds and bets of Sportpesa, with the ever juicy udaku on Kilimani Mums and with hash-tagging our picture perfect lives on Instagram. But while we have been obsessed with these diversions, we have allowed our country to be governed, dare I say dictated by a select few. The people we have entrusted with power have decided to treat our beloved Republic as their own personal playground.

Do you Middle and Upper class Kenya really know your leaders? Sure we know who our president is, Vice President, Governor, Senator….those are easy; they are on TV every other day. But do you know what their ideologies are as men and women or Kenyans or even as leaders? Do you know what issues they stand for and what they fight for? Do you know who your MCA is? Do you know what an MCA does? Do you know what the job description of your Women’s representative is, or what the Governor in your county is supposed to do? Have you thought about the devolution we voted for, that was supposed to create county governments to decentralize power and give that power to the people? But instead has only given a good section of our leaders more opportunities to take what they have not earned.

Let us look at the leaders we freely elected. My mind tries to remember a time in my adult life, where corruption has been this blatant, this audacious, this frequent and on such a massive scale. Millions, billions, yes that’s Billion with a “B” disappeared seemingly into thin air, in what we fondly like to call scandals. People that’s your money, that’s my money! P.A.Y.E, V.A.T, Road Levies, your hard earned salary, money from that chocolate bar you hurriedly pick up at the supermarket, money from that new Toyota you just imported from Japan, money from the cold beers your enjoy at your local nyama joint. We pay tax and you the middle class and the upper class pays the largest part of it. You actually pay so much tax that the KRA collected a record 1.001 Trillion…yes that’s Trillion with a T, in the financial year 2014/2015. Yes…a trillion shillings. Yet somehow our potholes get bigger with every rainy season, our biggest national referral hospital has patients with broken limbs sleeping under the bed, our public primary schools are still waiting for laptops that were promised and millions of Kenyans, even in urban areas have no access to clean running water.

But hey we know these problems right? They are plastered across the dailies: “Doctors strike again!” “ 2.5 Bn shillings scandal in Ministry of “take your pick”” “KCSE exams leaked!” “Security at all time low in Kenya!”

What do you really feel when you read those headlines? I won’t lie, I am guilty of it as well. You mumble that this country is going to the dogs, you skim the article to keep informed and have something to say during polite conversation and continue flipping through the newspaper. So when billions of shillings disappear, money that we break our backs to earn, why aren’t we up in arms about it? Why aren’t outraged, enraged by these scandals? Why isn’t there a fire burning inside of you when you realize the people you put in charge of the well being of your beloved Kenya do not measure up and are in fact draining us of the little we have.

Why is that countries like, Denmark, Canada and Sweden are ranked the least corrupt in the world, while Kenya always seems to make to the top 20 or top 50 most corrupt, in good company of failed states and dictatorships?

If 2.5 billion dollars went missing in Canada, there would strong public outcry with demonstrations demanding answers and those responsible would be swiftly brought to justice. Are the Canadians or the Danes better than Kenyans in anyway? Are they more honest or are they more moral than we are? That’s definitely not the case. They simply hold their leaders to a much higher standard. Because if you decide to take a job as a public servant, your moral character must be incorruptible.

But in Kenya we brush off corruption as another day in Kenyan politics. Or worse still we blame the 40% of Kenyans living on less than a dollar a day. It’s them…the poor who are many, right? They are the ones who vote for these corrupt individuals based on tribal lines or because they were bribed. It’s them, the uneducated masses who elect these rotten leaders.

Why don’t we try and put ourselves in their shoes for just an instant shall we? Less than a dollar a day, that’s less than 100 bob a day; just try and imagine that. Your KFC 3 piece meal is what they earn in a week to feed a family of 4. Mama Mboga and the Roast Maize guy will go hungry on most days. They share a one bedroom mabati house in Kibera with their spouse and kids. It’s a house that has no running water or indoor plumbing. Mama Mboga stands for hours in a queue to fill her mtungis with water from the pump in the middle of the plot. When her kids are sick, she stands in line for hours at Mbagathi or Kenyatta National Hospital if she has the matatu fare to get there. Her kids go to the public school squeezing 2 or 3 to a desk in tattered uniforms trying to understand what Teacher Grace is saying above a din of 50 other students chatting and giggling. The Roast Maize guy works 7 days a week, rain or shine, Christmas, Idd, Mashujaa Day he works to take home that one dollar every day.

So do you think this guy and the millions like him will turn down the 500 or 1000 shillings thrown around during the election season to persuade voters? Or hang on every lie that the corrupt official from his hometown spews at the rallies in his area? In fact that 1000 shillings will feed his family for a month and he will even be able to buy more maize to roast. He lives day by day and the future is a luxury for him and his family. How can you and I blame him for picking corrupt leaders, when all he can think about is how to feed his children? How can we call him backwards and part of the uneducated masses that elect rotten apples when he starves so that his children can go to the hospital?

So what about the guy who is a little better off; the one who earns 100 dollars a month like your house-help, the supermarket attendant or even the Kenyan police? They may not be literally starving, but they are living hand to mouth every single month. They give birth in KNH and share the blood stained single bed with two other women because maternity care was made free by the government but the hospital didn’t get more beds. They can’t afford secondary school for their teenagers. They may not be able to make rent this month because Cucu’s arthritis was flaring up again and so they had to send money back home. Then we ask how it is that the policeman asks for a bribe or the public school teacher gives illegal tuition.

Then there’s you and me; we sip our French vanilla lattes on the Art Caffé terrace and cheer our favourite Premier League time while enjoying cold beers at our local neighbourhood joint. Our children in perfectly pressed uniforms get on the school bus. And we complain about the 1 hour wait at Gertrude’s or Aga Khan because little Kevo has a stuffy nose for the 3rd time this year. We enjoy our weekends at Garden city, T-mall, Sarit Centre and Westgate filling our bellies and our Nakumatt baskets.

So what excuse do WE have to give? We voted too! What’s our excuse for tolerating ineptitude, corruption and outright malevolence in the name of leadership? Our stomachs are full, when we are sick we see a doctor in an hour, our children learn music, ballet and karate in their free time, we spend Easter at the coast and we have people working in our homes at our beck and call…. What’s our excuse?

Why are we the middle and upper class so apathetic when it comes to politics and governance? The point is not to feel guilty about having a good life. I don’t feel bad about it, so why should you? You wake up at the crack of dawn, fight through Nairobi traffic, deal with bills and bosses, deadlines and proposals, loans and losses. Why shouldn’t you enjoy the trappings of success? Those fun idle distractions are necessary but they shouldn’t blind you to what goes on in the real world. That enjoyment and celebration should not make you complacent to issues affecting your country. Many of us say: so what am I supposed to do about it? How can I change what is happening? I don’t have any power!

The first step out of complacency is to give a crap. Put down your caramel mocha latte macchiato, turn off the latest episode of Empire or the Real Basketball Housewives of Hoesville or Game of Thrones, stop scrolling down those funny cat memes on Instagram and actually give a damn. If you don’t care that patients in the biggest referral hospital in East and Central Africa has 26 ICU beds for a population 40 million, then what change can you really bring about? If you don’t care that there are parts of our country where people are literally starving to death or the doctors are still on strike after 2 months or that there are schools without desks or chairs then how can you change anything?

The second step is to be informed. You cannot attack a problem that you don’t know about or understand. Who can name all the Kardashians but can’t your name the MCA of your area? Who follows Huddah and Vera on social media but couldn’t pull the Prinicipal Secretary of Health or the Environment out of a line up? Don’t be ashamed, that’s a good number of us. Do you know what an MP does? Do you know the difference between the Parliament and the Senate? Do you know the candidates vying for Governor of your county? What’s their track record? What are their successes? What are their failures? Do they have scandals attached to their names? Google is your new friend. We should stop voting for leaders because they are our tribesman, or because they come from a certain region in the country. Start small with your ward, your constituency and find out who are the leaders of the area and the problems affecting where you live. Find out where the candidates in your area stand on the issues that affect you. And then read up on national problems, from those perpetual scandals where a technocrat wanders off with 5 billion shillings and doesn’t see the inside of a court room to the drought, famine, HIV prevalence, land grabbing, insecurity, gender inequality and illiteracy affecting millions of Kenyans.

The third step is to figure out what you are passionate about. What’s going to be your cause? What is your fight about? This I feel is where I’ve reached in the “get my head out of my rear end” program for Middle and Upper Class Kenyans.

I want to inspire and motivate those who are cosily wrapped in the blanket of comfort of “it’s not my fight” of “what can I do?” and tell them to get up! You have a post-secondary education, you have a job and you have internet access…start there! If you want to know why condoms are free in public institutions but disadvantaged girls in your constituency or anywhere in Kenya for that matter don’t go to school because they have no sanitary pads then put your Women’s Rep to task via social media and ask why how her and her 46 elected counterparts in almost five years were not able to offer a program of free sanitary pads or the equivalent for girls and women in their counties.

“Kenyans on Twitter/KOT” is a well-known phenomenon; remember CNN’s “Hotbed of Terror”, we even got an apology for that. So “hash tag” the hell out of your cause, until the MCA, the Senator, and the Women’s Rep has no choice but address your issue.

#AskYourGovernor: Why are Nairobi doctors on strike because they haven’t been paid for 6 months?

#AskMCA Ann: Why is the huge, dangerous pothole at the roundabout near X Shopping Centre not been fixed yet, when Y amount was set aside this year by the county to fix roads.

#AskMrPresident: Why haven’t the culprits who stole 2 billion of our hard earned tax money, not been identified and prosecuted?

Now imagine 10,000 hash tags a day, to a 100,000 hash tags a day, our causes, our issues and our problems remain at the forefront, in the conscious minds of everyone. Serious problems won’t become yesterday’s news because each problem has a champion or a group of champions making sure that we all remember that somewhere in our country people are suffering.

This is important because we who can, we who have a lot, can help those who have nothing. We can no longer blame the ones who are broken and down trodden. We can no longer blame the ones who live each day as it comes. We must use our hard earned privilege to fight for them and fight for us. If we had a government that put its people first, there wouldn’t be a need for “their Mbagathi” and “my Nairobi Hospital” or “their matatu” and “my Uber”.

Life isn’t easy, even with our corporate jobs, our side hustles, the nice apartment, trips to Dubai; life is hard. But if you won’t tolerate stealing in your home or where you work, why do we sit back and allow our leaders to take what you break your back to earn and allow them to go scot free? And worse still, spend it and use it to run for even higher political office so they can come back for seconds!

We, the middle and upper class pay most of the tax but why don’t we demand quality service? In advanced countries the poor, the middle class and the rich use public transportation and use publicly funded hospitals. Instead of KNH or Mbagathi, we go to Coptic or Metropolitan or MP Shah. Instead of demanding for quality education in our public schools, our kids go to private ones. Instead of raising hell why our water quality is poor, we spend thousands on bottled water. We should demand better use of our taxes.

The last step is to go and do something. You don’t have to be the next Boniface Mwangi dogding tear gas canisters. You just go and make a well-educated, well researched vote. You convince your spouse, your neighbour, your co-worker to go out and make an educated decision. Find an expert in your cause, or a champion who has fought for that cause longer than you have. Ask them what can I do to help, what can I do to leave my mark? We can inspire a generation of “do-ers”. And perhaps from that generation can come leaders who know their people inside and out. Leaders who are compassionate, well informed with realistic ideas for long lasting solutions to our problems.

So it’s true that hash tags, “KOT” and Facebook posts alone won’t solve our problems in a day; but it’s a start. We may not have the courage to march to parliament, or fight riot police and physically protest for a better country, but we can still fight. We can stop being accomplices in the systemic pillaging and destruction of our beloved country. If our leaders fail to perform, we will highlight their shortcomings and be their judge, jury and executioner on Election Day. We are after all the privileged masses; because never has Kenya been more educated, more tech savvy and with more potential than right now. Don’t waste it.

Stand up and be counted in a new revolution. A new Mau Mau movement, not to fight a foreign master who enslaved us, but to fight the inequality, the injustice and oppression that a few Kenyans enforce on us in the name of totalitarian leadership. The new Mau Mau revolution will take our country back from the men and women who fear neither retribution nor repercussions to their actions.

And finally to our dear leaders, who too are part of the Middle, Upper and their self-made “Upper Upper” class. Consider this your notice. We are tired of impunity, nepotism, the ransacking of our resources, and your indifference to your fellow citizens’ suffering. We say “No more!” We want leaders who put our interests and well-being first and their pockets second. We want leaders who take pride in their positions and use their power to inspire and create rather than trample on and destroy. You are after all civil servants; you work for us. Our taxes pay your salary. And just like any job, you are accountable to your employers. If you want our vote, give us facts and figures and show us your track record. Do not woo us with the usual tribal rhetoric and empty promises of a better tomorrow. Just because I am from your tribe, even your village, does not automatically mean you deserve my vote. Give us informative political debates where you discuss the issues that affect our country instead of the mudslinging and cock strutting that invades our TV screens on the nightly news. We will not fall for the sweet nothings you preach to us during election season, which you conveniently forget when you get elected.

For the old guard…your time is up. Evolve and mature into the leaders the Kenyan people deserve. If you don’t, it will be at your own peril, because the new Mau Mau revolution is coming and we have our eyes firmly set on the enemy.

#Maumaurevolution#wakeup #Kenyaelections2017#chooseyourleader #fightforyourcause#saveKenya

This article was first published on thenewmaumaurevolution

Fourth Industrial Revolution: The Force Behind 21st Century Human Subject Research

noreply@blogger.com (lt) — Thu, 26 Jan 2017 23:05:00 +0000

Having echoed the spirit of the final rule in this post, here we seek to encapsulate the emerging realities of life in the 21^st century that make human subject research dramatically different enough to warrant a review of the guiding record that is the common rule. To make this unpacking a success, a contextual feel is important. This is because researchers have come a long way from the 20^th century approach of a dichotomy between science and society into the fourth industrial revolution that science and society are in dialogue.

Society has come a long way too. Not too long ago humanity was preparing for an apocalypse event at the turn of the century. Now Elon Musk tells us that man in the 21^st century will be a two planet species having colonized Mars.

Granted, things change. Heraclitus, a Greek philosopher, is credited with the saying “change is the only constant in life.” However, the phenomenon of change in the 21^st century lies in its speed, scope and disruptive effects on systems. Never before has this happened. Neither was it envisioned. Klaus Schwab, founder and executive chairman of the world economic forum, describes the times

“When compared with previous industrial revolutions, the Fourth is evolving at an exponential rather than a linear pace. Moreover, it is disrupting almost every industry in every country. And the breadth and depth of these changes herald the transformation of entire systems of production, management, and governance.”

While the short lived third industrial revolution, The Digital Age, presented man with agility thanks to the novel technologies of mobile (electronics) and internet, the fourth industrial age also packs in lessons from the 2^nd industrial revolution (power) and the 1^st (mechanization). The fourth industrial revolution then multiplies all this accumulated thanks to the ubiquity of mobile technology, democratization of information, crazy processing power and ability to store power.

1.Technology:

Imaging technologies such as 3D bioprinting which involves complexities such as choice of living cells and biomaterials utilized requires new ground collaborative efforts from engineering, physics and medicine among others. The emergence of mobile technologies like encrypted end-to-end messaging services which have found use in human subject research as data handling platforms together with expanded mobile phone functionality such as the use of mobile phones as voice recording devices,

have to be considered in light of attendant cyber security risks (DDoS) due to inherent internet & internet of things connectivity.

However, all is not rosy with information technology industry experts report a decline in accelerated growth in computing power as described by Moore’s Law. This 20^th century norm in the world of computer processors was named after Intel cofounder Gordon Moore who observed in 1965 that transistors were shrinking so fast that every year twice as many could fit onto a chip, and in 1975 adjusted the pace to a doubling every two years has slowed down.

This has lead to an arms race in search of new way to pack computing power for 21^st century needs of mobility, connectivity and large volume data analysis. This presents a risk to research programs reliant on supercomputers such as human subject dependent, multicenter clinical trials.

2. People:

Model thinking, design thinking, analytics, informatics…..are the new cool. Rewarding careers are being built thanks to the fourth industrial revolution on concepts that were hitherto alien prior to the 21^st century as professionals develop techniques to integrate different types of data so they can be combined, mined, analyzed, and shared. In navigating the four ‘valleys of death’ translational research is ever more important, all the while presenting new ethical dilemmas such as data ownership and consenting the use of de-identified data from human subjects.

Then there is the not so cool…....the threat of loss of privacy with constant connectivity. The ‘work’ of Snowden and Manning give enough reason to be weary. Besides, it said that the terms & conditions statement of your typical website when printed on A4 paper, Times New Roman font and normal font size would form a stack several tens of feet high. My word! When there is smoke, there is fire.

Then there is the creepy…..Klaus Schwab in: The Fourth Industrial Revolution: what it means, how to respond laments the possible loss of humanness in the deterioration of human physical connections at the altar of constant mobile connectivity that kills compassion and cooperation. He adds:

“Similarly, the revolutions occurring in biotechnology and AI, which are redefining what it means to be human by pushing back the current thresholds of life span, health, cognition, and capabilities, will compel us to redefine our moral and ethical boundaries.”

3. Research:

With the fourth industrial revolution, sophisticated computer software programs, the Internet, and mobile technology have created new areas of research activity, particularly within the social and behavioral sciences such as the ethics of artificial intelligence.

4. Genetics:

Early in the 21^st century, completion of Human Genome Project laid the foundation for Obama’s precision medicine and promoted an environment of data sharing and innovation in analytic and technology. The power of novel technologies like CRISPR remain Greenfields thanks to the ongoing century defining patent suit and existence of voluntary moratoriums on its use. In a letter to the president, the president’s scientific advisory council warned in CRISPR potential use as a biological weapon. On the other end, Britain blazes the trail in reproductive technologies notably by recently ‘allowing’ three parent babies.

5. Big Data:

Theranos mojo arose from its promise to effortlessly accurately sift through tons of data with minimal fuss for the patient. For that, investors bet $900 million and the market valued Theranos at $9 billion. The aftermath of its fall 11 years on read like a soap opera script riddled with lies, lust and presumptuousness. I have always maintained that if Theranos had been it, then that would have been the 21^st century feat right alongside discovery of fire, the wheel, electricity and the Guttenberg press.

Lessons: the fiasco of Theranos teaches us that it is not enough for an organization’s value preposition to be clear. The potential value of acquiring ability to productively mine large sets of data such as those generated by genome sequencing presents astronomical value way beyond Theranos peak valuation.

However, the research is of value only if we are ethical by minding issues of data integrity as it is transmitted across networks to physical locations far removed from the human subjects and also design delivery systems for health technology to human subjects who bore the greatest burden of the research.

6. Evidence Based Medicine:

In the quest to solve 21^st century healthcare by reducing healthcare costs and providing value to the patient through a combination of safety+ efficacy+ awesome experience, practitioners have called upon research. Clinical research differs from traditional health research that occurs within the controlled

confines of a research protocol. In shifting the setting of research from the pious environment of say a clinical trial, to clinical care settings portends new ethical dilemmas.

For instance, clinical research often involves the combination of research data and clinical data. Now to obtain consent for collecting research data differs from collection of clinical data as the threshold or extent of informed consent differs with the later requiring less rigor. Moreover, with conduct of research in clinical settings there is the added risk of therapeutic misconception as the recipients of the experimental intervention are likely to heavily discount risk. This may lead to poor health seeking behavior especially where subpar or adverse effects of the experimental intervention arise.

7. Bio-banking:

Though cultural considerations have made bio-banks a distant reality in low and middle income countries, in other settings, biospecimen repositories and large databases have made it easier to do research on existing biospecimens and data. The risks here are the ethical concerns of injustice arising from the possibility of widening the 90/10 gap in health research given than 21^st century treatments that are products of this kind of research are likely to be highly specific for certain genetic makeup (precision medicine). This may inadvertently turn out to be discriminatory by leaving out many who might benefited from the medical technology.

8. IT in health:

Technology leaders in the fourth industrial revolution, Microsoft and, Apple have poured mega money in wearable devices for health and sophisticated software programs to run healthcare enterprises. The goal here is to allow easy flow of patient data across care givers; allow for timely remote intervention of caregivers on daily health decisions of their patients; collect and analyze real-time health information of clients with the aim of providing patient centric health promoting advice and act as clinical aids to caregivers in facilitating care informed by latest research.

The challenge facing information technology in health has been the lack of inter-operability of different electronic health record platforms that arose from the silo mentality driven 21^st century arms race for that killer software.

9. Democratization & Devolution of research:

In the same manner that emergent technologies like distributed ledger technologies (block chain) create new platforms for people to engage, transact and coordinate away from government and devoid of the middleman; the architecture of human subject research design, conduct and governance is at threat from the same influences.

As is the norm with the fourth industrial revolution, within this distributed framework, issues that need policy and regulatory address are beyond the slow top-down approach that currently characterizes public administration to demand a more agile approach. Moreover, with democratization of opinion shaping in the 21^st century, the risk of stifling bureaucracy is real when attempts are made to desist from marginalization of the now louder minority positions. At the same time, as envisioned in the shift to reflexive innovative research that is stakeholder driven, human subjects now continually demand an active role in research.

Additional Reporting: technologyreview.com, weforum.org, wired.com,federalregister.

Final Rule Seeks To Respond To Realities of 21st Century Human Subject Research

noreply@blogger.com (lt) — Thu, 26 Jan 2017 14:04:00 +0000

At the core of discomforts that arise from the conduct of research involving humans subjects, be it social, behavioral, collaborative or health research, is the delicate balance of the altruistic demands of science on these individuals who assume risk and the need to preserve their human dignity.

Taking the lead in crafting a solution to this central problem of ethical conduct of research have been the Americans, in an apparent extension of their defacto role as world police in the aftermath of World War Two evils. Notably, for human subject research, the horror show that was the Nuremberg trials that showcased violation of human dignity in Nazi camps in the name of health research demanded action.

In the 21^st century, American leadership in research ethics has been in response to the generous contribution of the American taxpayer to human advancement as through various federal agencies the United States of America bank rolls the majority of human subject research globally.

Following the money in human subject research, among the many paths, often reveals a case of whoever pays the piper choosing the tune. However, the peddlers of virtue-ethicists-repeatedly contend that the big brother role that federal agencies play in regulation of human subject research is simply a consequence of 21st century interpretation of the 1980’s principles of The New Public Management that demand responsibility and responsiveness in managing public goods.

Nonetheless, for better or worse, the verdict remains that human subject researchers all over the world have to contend with directions from the Department of Human Health Services. In a round table discussion hosted by Francine Lacqua aired on Bloomberg "The Crisis Of The Middle Class" Italian finance minister paints a picture of the 21st century where the life defining phenomenon that is globalization assumes a form where national policies of nation states will shape global policy. The regulation of human subject research, for better or worse, is already alive to this reality.

For Better or worse:

Adoption of the justice, beneficence, autonomy principles of The Belmont Report of 1974 provided the base for consensus building in protecting human subjects in research. The development of the common rule in 1991 “was to promote uniformity, understanding, and compliance with human subject protections as well as to create a uniform body of regulations across federal departments and agencies.”

It is upon this foundation that humanity has achieved great feats such as the human genome project; reversal of trends in HIV/Aids-the worst pandemic in modern times known to mankind; gene editing technology; artificial intelligence and emergence of behavioral economics. But it hasn’t always been enough. As is always the case, society has lagged behind trailblazing science and so has the common rule with researchers citing stifling bureaucracies, ambiguity and lack of responsiveness to modern realities resulting to denial of society the benefits of science.

Though only in its second decade, the 21^st century is the age of globalization. At the turn of the century, the rave was on collaboration within and beyond borders and disciplines. Today with Brexit and the Trump presidency, the debate is on how to better do globalization thanks to the emergence of the phenomenon of “those left behind by globalization.”

For the global research and development industry, doing globalization better demands mindfulness of ubiquitous technology advances. For the major ‘consumer’ of human subjects, health research, birth of multinational super brands thanks to M&A activities in big pharma adds to the conundrum. Particularly with the common rule stuck in 2005 following a decade of lack of review of its tenets.

In order to respond to these realities of human subject research in the 21^st century, the revised common rule,final rule,assumes a worldview anchored on reflexive approach that desires research participants be active partners rather than passive subjects. With a broad brush, what this means for human subject research echos the European Union’s Horizon 2020 which calls for responsible research and innovation by:

engaging society more broadly in its research and innovation activities,
increasing access to scientific results,
ensuring gender equality, in both the research process and research content,
taking into account the ethical dimension, and
promoting formal and informal science education.

Inside China's Quest To Dominate 21st Century World Football

noreply@blogger.com (lt) — Fri, 20 Jan 2017 16:46:00 +0000

The is year 2004, restructuring of the Chinese domestic game sees the birth of the Chinese Super league (CSL). Over in England, the premier league still reels in shock of Arsene Wenger’s Invincibles whose invincibility hangs on akin to smog any given Hong Kong morning.

Olympic Beijing Stadium

Twelve years on, zero titles since that extraordinary triumph, at the traditional pregame presser three nights before Burnely’s visit to The Emirates this Sunday; Arsene Wenger in his usual role as football’s remaining sophist sums up China’s uphill task in its quest to be football powerhouse come 2050:

“You do not create a top league overnight, it demands years of hard work and culture,” the manager said. “Professional football in England was created 150 years ago but we still struggle! I believe it’s a slow process of creating a football culture. Football is quite strange because you are educated as a little boy, you hear about football from your parents and you give that to the next generation. That takes time to be a part of the population.”

As Wenger spoke, China’s other 21^st century world conquest play: One Belt, One Road initiative materialized. London just became the 15^th city in Europe to receive a ‘care package’ via a train that departed from Yiwu West Railway Station in Zhejiang province, some two weeks prior across Kazakhstan, Russia, Belarus, Poland, Germany, Belgium and France over circa 8000miles.

China means business. Not just the items ferried in that train: clothes, electronic goods and household items; but the business of football. Ask Chinese premier and he will let you know of his wishes:

Qualify for another World Cup
Host a World Cup
Win a World Cup

Alongside that add:

50 million soccer players (including 30 million school children) by 2020
At least 20,000 football training centers and 70,000 pitches in place by 202
One football pitch for every 10,000 people by 2030

Big business.

For instance, with the expanded 48 team World Cup, achieving Xi jipings wish three could come as soon as the 2030 World cup. There are whispers that Japan, possibly geopolitical rhetoric, is preparing a joint bid alongside China and South Korea.

The Chinese could as well go solo given that hosting 48 teams is a logistical nightmare. With the One Belt, One road initiative, European football fans can already picture that epic road trip across continents to indulge in the world’s favorite pastime. Couple that with a Chinese economy keen to up domestic consumption (read: merchandising, franchising, Tv viewership) so as to drive its next phase of 21^st century growth, the ka-ching! does get louder.

To be precise, 800 billion dollars loud! To get there, the Chinese called upon the English to craft a grand master plan: China’s Football Mid-Long Term Development Plan 2016-2050 (April 2016), jointly published by the National Development and Reform Commission, the Chinese Football Association, the General Administration of Sport and the Ministry of Education.

The plan reads up like a constitution: just enough detail to agreeable. In many ways, it does feel like one too given the narrative that the push to make Chinese football a powerhouse this 21^st century, is a Xi Jiping vanity thing

“It will take time, and even then we do not know if China will still do it in 10 years. Sometimes it’s a political decision which can change. I personally am very happy and I expect India to come to the game. I hope it will happen.” – Arsene Wenger

Moreover, if anything, life in the 21^st century is not a beat. As James Porteous writes in south china morning post, in spite of the plan and other drivers without like expansion of the World Cup, pessism over Chinese football success persists thanks to years of under achievement. It is even feared that a comical end looms. Sampling Weibo comments, James presents a picture of a people adamant that even at 1.3 billion strong; they simply don’t know football enough to flourish.

“In China, it’s new. I know that well because when I went to Japan it was 1995, and the professional league was created in 1993 so it was the third year of professional football in Japan. You expect reflexes from people who are not there, who are not used to the culture of professional football.- Arsene Wenger

It when things are thick, insurmountable; that China thrives. It these moments that call for a few good men. Such is the caution sounded over by a spokesman at the General Administration of Sport of China spokesman on CSL clubs spending on foreign players at the back of the arrival of Argentine forward Carlos Tevez to Shanghai Shenhua from Boca Juniors for a reported transfer fee of U.S $49.5 million, and Brazilian midfielder Oscar from Chelsea to Shanghai SIPG for U.S $74 million.

“Burning money,” he called it. The Chinese official went on further to outline steps to set a cap on transfers and salaries, and control “irrational investment”, echoing sentiments captured in the body’s official website describing the level of spending as “a grave phenomenon” in a recent question and answer session.

It should dissuade the skeptics of this Chinese journey to 21^st century football domination to find Chinese officials already in tune with the language of football. In apparent reference to recently instituted UEFA measures against financial doping, he added that the goal should be to build “100-year clubs” and stated that any seriously insolvent clubs will be removed from the professional league.

Arsene Wenger would loud such sentiments at the chagrin of being mocked as attempting to muddy his own failures by calling out of irresponsible money flooding the game as Asian and American billionaires continue to spend their pocket change from yatch acquisition in the snapping up European clubs.

Though still in its nascent stage, the Chinese Super League has suffered the brunt with a score of football clubs insolvent way before the party starts. With Chinese Super League clubs breaking the Asian transfer fee record four times last year, the danger of a bubble is real. More so, with the CSL where a majority of clubs are privately held by companies (real-estate developers, insurance companies, internet companies and electronics retailers) who as any MBA would offer, will readily ‘restructure’ if the honey stops flowing

Additional reporting: scmp.com, arsenal.com, events.trade.gov.uk, english.cctv.com

Davos 2017: Theresa May's Speech Fails To Capture Imaginations

noreply@blogger.com (Ohsirg) — Thu, 19 Jan 2017 12:11:00 +0000

British prime minister Theresa May said all the right things: big business, free markets, globalization, European Union, partnerships etc The room at Davos2017 was packed for the day's and probably the world economic forum, key event. At the end, the reactions were diverse. Even as she did her best to sound honest and open, the negative tones of Brexit still perfume the atmosphere. Here are some reactions from social media:

Market's verdict of May' #wef17 speech not very friendly: Pound has lost some ground as her speech was way below expectations. pic.twitter.com/QDDlz8AGmh
— Holger Zschaepitz (@Schuldensuehner) January 19, 2017

The outright unkind

Theresa May's speech in Davos was a sermon urging leaders and biz community to work for common good. But little detail otherwise #wef17
— Kim Hjelmgaard (@khjelmgaard) January 19, 2017

Theresa May on rising inequality

We need to do more to respond to the concerns of those who feel left behind - Theresa May #wef17 pic.twitter.com/wBquDsvXJo
— Richard Fletcher (@fletcherr) January 19, 2017

British PM warning to big business

If we are to maintain public consent for a global economy, we need higher standards of corporate governance, says @theresa_may at #wef17
— World Economic Forum (@Davos) January 19, 2017

Satire

Here is the full text of @theresa_may's #Brexit speech ... #wef17 pic.twitter.com/eHTKgGO0Cn
— Sony Kapoor (@SonyKapoor) January 17, 2017

Quotable quotes from Theresa May's Davos 2017 speech detailing Brexit plans

"A little over six months ago, the British people voted for change.
They voted to shape a brighter future for our country.
They voted to leave the European Union and embrace the world."

"The result of the referendum was not a decision to turn inward and retreat from the world.
Because Britain's history and culture is profoundly internationalist."

Egyptian goalkeeper El Hadary with a 21st century first at the 2017 Total Africa Cup of Nations

noreply@blogger.com (Ohsirg) — Tue, 17 Jan 2017 20:40:00 +0000

Surely, it must be the football gods!

👏 History! At the age of 44 years + 2 days, 🇪🇬Egypt's Essam El-Hadary becomes the oldest player in CAF Africa Cup of Nations history pic.twitter.com/hfuuD0HTAI
— FIFA.com (@FIFAcom) January 17, 2017

Egypt No. 1 in the 2017 edition of Total Africa Cup of nations, El Shanawy, makes the save of the tournament: A majestic leap to his left denies Mali the goal that if it were to have been converted, would have upset an exciting, tactically delicately poised match. In doing so, he is also to deny himself his audition before the African continent.

Just like abou Trika and Essam El-Hadary before him, El Shanawy being a losing finalist with Egyptian giant Zamalek in 2017 the CAF champions league, we were all just settling into this Egyptian football legend thing: of a dress rehearsal with the CAF champions league before setting the continent alight with perfomance after perfomance in the African cup of nations for what seems to be eons.

As fans of African football, we pride in that. We love it when homegrown talent exhibits such levels of excellence. It is a validation of the Africa rising narrative. It reassures us that our dreams are valid. That we can, live and die in Africa . More, it lets us dream that African football greats like Essam El-Hadary aren't one offs. That it can happen all over again before our very eyes!

It would have been so were it not for the injury to El Shanawy following that delectable save. Essam El-Hadary, winner of four African titles, Africa's answer to Gianlugi Buffon, warming the Egyptian bench would have been just but a symbol of sentimentality (Because how often to goalkeepers get injured anyway? ). But the gods were not done.

So aged forty four years and two days, circa twenty five minutes into the game, Essam El-Hadary became Africa's oldest international. Africa's oldest ever man it feature in it's premier football tournament.

Social media reacts to this rare, history one off feat.

STAT ATTACK: Africa-great Essam @ElHadary is preparing to take part in what will be his 7th #AFCON.

1998
2000
2002
2006
2008
2010
2017 pic.twitter.com/HO0Vvj0zgh
— KingFut.com (@King_Fut) January 17, 2017

44 years and 2 days - Egypt goalkeeper @ElHadary becomes the oldest player ever at the #AFCON #MLIEGY #AFCON2017 pic.twitter.com/3XFUdrTZUR
— Football 24/7 (@foetball247) January 17, 2017

Congratulations El-Hadary! A true professional. To many more Essam! You inspire us. You uplift us! A 21st century first.

21st Century is the Age of the Minority: A Look at Uganda, Borat and Ellen DeGeneres

noreply@blogger.com (Ohsirg) — Tue, 17 Jan 2017 11:29:00 +0000

In the 2006 satirical comedy Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Gloriuos Nation of Kazakhstan a film by Larry Charles, the main character Borat, played by Sacha Baron Cohen, is forced to hitch-hike after a disagreement with the producer of his documentary (plot revolves around Borat’s learning trip to America where he is to utilize his skills as a TV presenter to create a documentary that would educate the people of Kazakhstan).

In one scene, Borat is walking along the highway to California in pursuit of his Tv crush ,Baywatch’s Pamela Anderson, along the way, Borat gets a ride from a group of sorority boys on their own trip across the America. In the ensuing drunken conversation, one of the sorority boys (a white well to do

male) laments how in America, minorities have more rights than us.

In the aftermath of Uganda’s anti-gay law, alongside other condemnations, sanctions targeting Uganda’s aid flows were installed. As if to slight Uganda’s actions, barely a week after President Museveni’s accent of the bill into law, an icon of the LGBT community, Ellen DeGeneres hosted the most visible event, possibly only outside the Super Bowl XLVIII and the ongoing Oscar Pistorius trial, this 14^th year of the 21^st century.

Interesting to note, I think, is the raging debate on sexual orientation that the sanctions on Uganda following the anti-same sex law has brought to fore in Africa. Aside from the usual nature vs nurture chiasm, there is concern that vulnerable groups- people living with HIV/AIDS, socially disadvantaged women, men and children-are likely to bear the brunt of these acts of omission and commission that in the antagonists eyes, are intended to do good by protecting human rights in Uganda.

Going by reactions across the continent which appear to lean to support Uganda’s action, this concern should be extended to the rest Africa. This unfolding situation illuminates what for our purposes we refer to as, the Borat question.

Consider this: The post World War 2 New World order sought to entrench and protect for prosperity, a cause best summed in the recently celebrated Zero Discrimination Day, which as stated on the official UNAIDS website is“….a call to people everywhere to promote and celebrate everyone’s right to live a full life with dignity—no matter what they look like, where they come from or whom they love.”

When stripped to its bare essentials, these ongoing efforts towards the blanket achievement of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,the central tenet of the post WWII new world order, at the very basic level entails protecting the rights of the most vulnerable group in any society. The assumption here is that if and when the weakest are safe, the rights of the rest are guaranteed.

However, rights and the law are not obdurate notions; they are the poor-cousins of pious morals. Often, it gets murky during family reunions. Invariably, the reunions get more than just dirty, and when it does as in this LGBT debate, who to draw the lines delineating where the shades of grey turn white or black, then remains the question.

Whoever holds this moral authority becomes the quagmire of the 21^st century especially so since Jullian Assange and Snowden happened tarnishing the cloth of the victors of the war turned global moral lights. In the hegemony of the post World War 2 era, for large parts, it was a simple affair of either or of the two imposing their interests camouflaged as moral global policing. In the new age of an increasingly multi-polar world, well…

21st Century 'Cold War': Lupita's Salvo

noreply@blogger.com (Ohsirg) — Tue, 17 Jan 2017 11:24:00 +0000

Sochi came and its wake we have the unfolding Ukraine crisis. The heated conversation around humanity’s ever most expensive games revealed that modern games that were once hailed as a civil way for nations to placate a bad case of blue balls via dignified acts of aggression, are actually a not so sporty affair. Putin didn't hide it in proclaiming that Sochi was Russia’s show of its virility, a

showpiece event to let the world know that phoenix had arisen from the ashes and dust of the fall of the Berlin wall.

As if to rubber stamp this, barely a fortnight after Sochi, the west was grappling with Russia in Crimea. We don’t expect a full carte blanche flex-your-muscle-show here; but just like Syria, you never know, so hey Russia and her playmates, we are living in the 21^st century! Please act like it.

This most likely will be a long drawn diplomatic ‘situation’ with posturing and all sorts of such diplomatic jingoism flying around (Foreign Policy magazine has content for the year at least #JustSaying).

Moreover in this new age, the image and interest business for nations increasingly depends on what happens “off the field”. In this regard, Lupita Nyong’o hit a home run for America. At the biggest showpiece event for America’s greatest export: Hollywood (its equivalent is what Christian mission work was for The Great Britain in the conquest of its colonies) an African princess articulates The United States ultimate sales pitch so brilliantly. For a nation built by immigrants, never has been the American Dream been so beautifully captured:

Thank you to the Academy for this incredible recognition. It doesn’t escape me for one moment that so much joy in my life is thanks to so much pain in someone else’s. And so I want to salute the spirit of Patsey for her guidance. And for Solomon, thank you for telling her story and your own.Steve McQueen, you charge everything you fashion with a breath of your own spirit. Thank you so much for putting me in this position, it’s been the joy of my life. [Tears, applause.] I’m certain that the dead are standing about you and watching and they are grateful and so am I.Chiwetel, thank you for your fearlessness and how deeply you went into Solomon, telling Solomon’s story. Michael Fassbender, thank you so much. You were my rock. Alfre and Sarah, it was a thrill to work with you. Joe Walker, the invisible performer in the editing room, thank you. Sean Bobbitt, Kalaadevi, Adruitha, Patty Norris, thank you, thank you, thank you — I could not be here without your work.I want to thank my family, for your training [laughs] and the Yale School of Drama as well, for your training. My friends the Wilsons, this one’s for you. My brother Junior sitting by my side, thank you so much, you’re my best friend and then my other best friend, my chosen family.When I look down at this golden statue, may it remind me and every little child that no matter where you’re from, your dreams are valid. Thank you.

Little wonder then, that America is in love with Lupita Nyong’o.

How significant is this in the grand scheme of things? Charity begins at home and so we head to Kenya in an attempt to answer this. To be honest, a section of Kenyans were unmoved by the early proclamations of Glory! Glory!

They dismissed local media talk as just another case of Kenyan’s infamous sense of entitlement that’s so often is not backed by walking the talk. Besides, the skeptical Kenyans had learnt a lot from the Obama experience. Just as they were about to press the next button, Nyong’o got herself a couple of selfies , then a bunch of awards most Kenyans had never heard of, soon paparazzi were tripping over themselves just to get a shot of Lupita; and now an Oscar!

On the morning following the 86^th Academy Awards night, every damsel in Nairobi pulled a Lupita Nyong’o: donning a blue flowing dress, though not Prada, irrespective if it fit the occasion or the weather! I am reliably informed that Nairobi HR mangers, for their sanity’s sake, let it go since it was the unofficial Lupita Nyong’o day.

On the Prada thing, these Kenyans! Give them a week and Pradah/Praada/Plada/Praba made in Taiwan et.al will be selling for an arm and a leg in them boutiques, on the street and in the ceramic-tilled shopping malls. I am sure there is already a matatu wearing her graffiti and a “local”; Smokey neighborhood tavern named: “Lupita Nyongo Bar & Restaurant.” Wait. We aren’t done yet, there is a tribute song done in her native Benga style

Granted, her home country is in jubilation as should be. I wonder though how the air is like in Mexico. Nonetheless, a cursory look at the web reveals that besides Kenya (where 60% of the population is aged 35 and below) Lupita’s words strung the hearts and stirred the minds of millennial world wide in effect diluting the make-up work of Sochi on Russia in the eternal race for their minds and souls.

Life in The 21st Century: A Celebration of Wanton Self-indulgence

noreply@blogger.com (Ohsirg) — Tue, 17 Jan 2017 11:20:00 +0000

Social commentators have labeled the 21^st century as the age of the pop culture. A culture characterized by the ubiquity of immediacy, whose untold story is the sacrifice of the collective at the altar of the self-first mentality.

Little wonder it is then that noble humans, gone and present, who through sacrifice of the self fronted human progress occupy the back pews in the modern cathedrals of fame, a ‘la social media platforms, ceding the pulpit and the preaching to the gods. You might wonder, gods? We are talking of the likes of Justin Beiber.

So when the epitome of this ‘me’ worship, the obnoxious selfie, stole the 86^th Academy Awards headlines ahead of Lupita Nyongo’s inspiring speech or ’12 years a slave’ director Steve McQueen’s wisdom, I was reminded of the Swahili proverb: Skio la kufa haliskii dawa; whose English equivalent is: “Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it .”

If only Bradley's arm was longer. Best photo ever. #oscars pic.twitter.com/C9U5NOtGap
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) March 3, 2014

It is safe to say that this Ellen DeGeneres photo tweet of a selfie with the 12 Years a slave crew is the world’s most famous photograph having been retweeted over 2 million times occasioning a twitter breakdown at the time.

Nonetheless, it is said that a picture is worth a thousand words which brings to focus the power of 21^st century tool: the mobile phone (and others forms of portable computing power) and its sister, the internet, which just celebrated its 25^th birthday. In effortless fashion, in barely no time, the story of the 86^th Academy Awards had been told by that Ellen DeGeneres tweet. There is all probability, having gone viral, that it is the most consumed version of the tale of the 2014 Oscars.

Academy Awards Lessons For The 21st Century

noreply@blogger.com (Ohsirg) — Sun, 16 Mar 2014 02:19:00 +0000

The center piece event of the entertainment industry calendar year just went down. The champagne is still popping, Lupita Nyong’o still is trending- as she has been for the better part of the year and Twitter has recovered from that Ellen DeGeneres blow.

From us folks at Moran City, it is an unreserved congratulations to all the deserved winners from the 86^th Academy awards. Can you imagine it? By some out-of-this-world happening, it seems like all the movie

critics are in agreement that whoever won on the night, irrevocably deserved to! Is this ground for the conspiracy theorists to exploit? Possibly, but for now they probably are occupied by the disappearance of Malaysia Airline flight 370

Nonetheless, there’s some shine about this 2014 Oscars that whatever the haters say, can’t be gleamed off. So what exactly is this glitter? Put it another way: what is to remember about the 86^th Academy

Awards?

Well, everything. But to borrow one of Arsene Wenger, favorite phrases: “we live in a world”; we live in a world where remembering is a collective problem. A world where anything more than 160 characters or a few bytes of video is often too much a bother.

This piece is 2,217 words. Given the above, we will nonetheless try to hold your attention to the second.

Let’s start by assuring you that you are not alone in this amnesic world. They say there is safety in numbers; right? Right!

This rise in the prevalence of the rare case of pandemic ADHD complicated by chronic, global-antero-retrograde amnesia (just invented a new disease for DSM VI) is not a 21^st century problem, but rather a challenge that scores in this time of human existence appear determined to correct.

Consider this: Too many bad things, despicable, shameful things are the building blocks of the very bedrock upon which humanity stands today. Social commentators say part of the problem has been the proliferation of media, mostly peddling garbage, vying for our attention.

In this murk it escapes our attention that Syria has been at war for three years now, that generations of humanity from womb to tomb know no better than despair, all in a world better equipped with modern challenges.

Fear not 21^st century citizen as once every 50 years, comes along Polly (who unlike the movie pulls a convincing show) charming the world, making piss of all the vigorously peddled non-issues and bringing to the limelight issues real enough to effect global change. In this mold, the 86^th Academy Award gave us the excellent work that the Oscar 2014 Best Picture Winner ’12 years a slave’ is.

As we speak, Caribbean Nations-countries that were created purposely for the facilitation of salve trade-are building consensus on adopting a plan seeking slavery reparations from European slave masters- the likes of Britain, France and the Netherlands.

This money is intended to advance these countries technologically in an attempt to leverage the socio-economic losses suffered by generations upon generations, at the gain of the slave masters, as occasioned by that the industrial revolution and subsequent economic revolutions that have been fueled by slavery.

As the ongoing CNN Freedom project attempts to illuminate, in the 21^st century, slavery remains real. A commentator on a recent Inside Story episode on Aljazeera, put it best: “slavery was not abolished, it was regulated.”

Critics of the slavery reparation plan lend credence to this skepticism by pointing out that a century after slavery was said to have been abolished, not one of the perpetrators has offered to the victims an official apology. Mind you, an apology that costs nothing!

12 Years a Slave director Steve McQueen’s-the first black director to be feted by the Academy Awards- Oscar acceptance speech sums it up best

Everyone deserves not just to survive, but to live. This is the most important legacy of Solomon Northup. I dedicate this award to all the people who have endured slavery, and the 21 million people who still suffer slavery today.

In this commentary, we look at occurrences that our team of editors considers to be those ‘it’ times, events and happenings around the 86^th Academy awards that define, explain, characterize and attempt to embody life in the 21^st century.

12 Years A Slave: A Kenyan Perspective.

noreply@blogger.com (Ohsirg) — Mon, 03 Feb 2014 14:20:00 +0000

Children were torn from their mothers arms,

Husband watched as the wife of their youth was raped,

Flesh was ripped from their backs with whips meant for horses,

Souls were crashed, hearts made to despair…

But it is not the tatoos of whips, or the cry of the mother,
or the agony of the husband that made my eyes wet when I watched 12 year of slave,
Seeing hope burning out like a lamp running out of oil, yet the dawn still miles away,
Seeing the heart struggle to beat fighting to pump energy and life into bodies so worn out from pain and tire,
Looking into their eyes and watching the basic instinct of survival fading away
two centuries later I ask myself…

Yes, they stopped selling the black man or so we believe, but has the black man stopped himself from being bought?

EDITOR'S NOTE: I posses a peculiar habit to watching moves. It has every sense of voyeurism if you like, rabid adventure about it. I tend to be indifferent to the blockbuster hype. This means that all the YouTube trailers, the television ad spots screaming "IN CINEMAS NOW!" or the latest box office rankings all which are constituent of the collage of the information flashing lights of the 21st Century, elicit zilch in me. Zero.

A confession here: the recent most movie I have watched is Olympus Has Fallen.Opening the closet further,aside from sports, news and business channels, my favorite channel on satellite television happens to be TCM. You get a sense. Don't you? Moreover, it comes a time when a man must change his ways or his ways bend him.Times such as when you favorite football team, favorite blogger drops a line as such:
— Le Grove (@LeGrove) January 25, 2014

Or when one of the most grounded people you know, drops a random Facebook update status- quoted in the introductory prose at the start of this post- and to yourself you think: " Wow! What a movie review that is. I'v got to watch 12 years a slave."

At times like these, when such a generous push from well trodden paths comes along, I am forced to undertake my pre-movie watching ritual aka The priming before the feast i.e Watch the YouTube movie trailer, Google up the cast, director, movie caster, screen writer and even the media companies that made the Movie. Basically, get a back stage pass.

From Lupita Nyong'o to River Road Entertainment, my search led me to a world of superlatives. Satirical at times, paradoxical at most, thoughtful always, but all the same superlatives introducing 12 years a slave with all the pomp I could fathom. I was impressed which is a rarity happening in my cinema going life, given my self elucidated stubborn inclinations above. However, as I write this rather late in the day, one thing is for sure; I have been caught in the hype.

But you must understand that the hype is not all hot air. The substance in the talk kind of reminded me of an African burial ceremony, that save for the casket, the ceremony might be as well be a wedding (such is the feast). To contextualize, think Nelson Mandela's memorial ceremony. Think hard. Think again, then think of the ensuing scandal of the fake interpreter and the now emerging allegations of fund misuse. I digress; but for free I tell you, "This is Africa."

Of Africa and Her Feted Children

Africa and her feted children, some story it is. Lets consider this particular tale of how unrelenting accolades made of Lupita Nyong'o the newest star off Holywood's production-line of go- to- celebrities- for- selfies, but also how the media frenzy surrounding 12 years a slave allowed for the subliminal messages of prior, equally well done, thought provoking productions such as 500 Years Later, to burrow into the consciousness of mainstream psyche. I tell you, such unintended spin-offs are the countenance of the beauty of life in the 21st century.

It then gets all interesting when coincidences such as the trivial realization that the name of the creators of 12 years a slave, River Road Entertainment, could as well be an indication of those times more seldom than that sacred happening, when the stars over Hollywood align, allowing for the screen writer to meet the perfect partner in form of an in-sync movie director; who in turn, blood and sweat brings out the best in the actor picked by the eye, nose, tentacles and guts of the casting director.

An actor whose persona is radiantly sublime in the costume director's pieces and whose halo illuminates yet melts into the canvas painted by the cinematographer. Little wonder then, that Lupita Nyong'o, in all her Mary- mother-esque grace, thanked all these forgotten people on receipt of her award at the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) for female actor in a supporting role playing Patsey in 12 years a slave. Hollywood gossip has it that the Kenyan born, Yale trained is the elect Oscar award elect recipient.

Now, scratch all that. I talk of trivial coincidental moments that signal more than the above described eureka moment in Hollywood (that is customarily denoted by the phrase:" It's a movie! ") Consider this: Somewhere about the mid 10's of this century, Kenya's nascent film industry was awaken from it's deep slumber by the colonization of Kenyan living rooms by Nollywood and other West African Pidgin English riddled productions.

Kenyans being a proud people reacted to type as nations do whenever there is an a front to culture by an 'alien' way of life. First they huddled in their living rooms whispering among themselves, pointing and dishing out the 'eye treatment'. Given that these Afrosinema flicks were cheaper productions that offered a viewership pulling alternative to recycled Hollywood flicks and Mexican soap operas, to the profit chasing multitude of to the free to air television stations, the simple 'eye' didn't chase the Nigerians and Ghanaians away.

Nonetheless, not to be easily put down, in a change of tact, the Kenyans were soon laughing, laughing and pointing fingers and giving the eye at the hysterical English of West Africans (most having selectively forgotten the strain that their own mother tongue placed on their articulation of the Queens language).

However, the Naija movies were still there, getting massive airplay as more free to air stations joined the bandwagon, and the screening times shifted from 11 pm and 2 am to 11 am , 2 pm and later on as early as 9 am.

Not ones to miss out on popular culture, the diabolical fm stations were soon in it. There was even a spattering of Nigerian? comical co-hosts of the sex ridden morning drive shows. And then they stopped laughing. Why? Because they were busy following the show on Tv and listening to P-square and Dbanj on their car radios. The artistic scene in Kenya, and I believe most of East Africa, was shaken to the core. The conformists chose to cooperate, churning out collaborations with nondescript Nigerian artists.

A few West African acts found their way into entertainment spots with headlining concert debuts. Visiting Nigerian/ west African brothers had their way, literally, with Nairobi women. The most prominent of these tales being that of the public spat between a Nigerian pseudo-businessman and Kenyan gold digger (for lack of a better description). By the time a superstar Kenyan gospel music star got hitched to an elderly evangelist broda, Kenya's domestic revolution was long complete.
I have labelled it the domestic revolution as during the laughing and pointing phase, a common refrain was that Nollywood films were for the fodder of the 'house slave' types of post-colonial, emerging middle class Kenya. The mboches: the semi-educated, paid below minimum wage housemaids. Now even the Kenyan government had read the script and had established feeble attempts at supporting the nascent Kenyan film industry. At some point, filming equipment imports were zero rated, special government bank rolled film grants were made available, free to air stations were to comply to legislation that mandated a larger quota of prime time spots be reserved for local productions etc

Hell, even semantics came into play with calls for dropping the 'derogatory' term 'local' for homegrown. The most curious neologism though was in the fashion of Hollywood, Bollywood and Nollywood, the insistence of christening the Kenyan scene Riverwood. An uninspiring choice informed by the spattering of backstreet (re)productions that range from Jay-Z Magna Carta to 12 Years a Slave, to the government banned The Wolf of Wall Street to Toyo(d)ta. spare parts to Havard- all the way to Indian Universities- certificates of graduation; that are believed to be available at the right price in the streets that border River road in downtown Nairobi, yonder to the Nairobi river.

However, the same cannot be said of the co-producing company of 12 years a slave, River Road Entertainment who seem to have a knack for society stirring productions. Notable among their screen rolls in the Oscar winner BrokeBack Mountain .If Lupita Nyong'o isn't up for an Oscar, then the director Steve Mcqueen is. Consider this : On the official facebook page for 500 Years Later, I once chanced upon an interesting quote that informs my convictions:

" A professional director will direct any film given with ease. They will do a film about slavery--if paid, with the same ease at which they would do a film about the glory of conquest. So a film does not always mirror the politics of the filmmaker. Our films, however, are our politics."

If the above quote explains the genius of Steve Mcqeen, Lupita Nyongo's case is more curious. The daughter of a prominent Kenyan politician, her depiction of the role when interrogated, ought be a matter of conjecture. No need to elucidate the nature of African politics here, but it does bring to question the common maxim that great actors and actresses are empowered to their exploits by drawing on their life experiences to depict, if at all powerfully, their characters.

A controversial note is the mention that a peer shared with me while we engaged on talk along these lines. An unapologetic Africanist, he is of the conviction that all African politicians, present and past, inclusive of the great Mandela, have a bearing of 'house slaves' about them. Harsh? Well, as the concluding line of the treatise that prologues this editor's note quips: " Yes, they stopped selling the black man or so we believe, but has the black man stopped himself from being bought? "

Indeed, something to ponder on....

ABOUT THE POET, Kagwira Riungu

A scientist by nurture,a born nature lover. Actively involved in caring for the environment .An avid tree planter. By trade, a molder of young minds. A sister, friend, doting aunt, a believer in the common good.