CMA should crack the whip at NSE

Published on 12/02/2009


As the local stock market regulator, the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) needs to up its game.

Unsettling incidents in the market for the past two years have shaken the confidence of investors with its errors of commission and omission resulting in the loss of billions of shillings of investor funds.

Despite several stockbrokers facing liquidity problems it would appear that they were given a clean bill of health to continue trading.

So it isn’t surprising that the likes of Nyaga Stockbrokers and Francis Thuo and Partners collapsed and were placed under statutory management.

The CMA is squarely to blame for failing to exercise due diligence. It’s high time it cracked the whip and restored investor confidence in the stock market.

{James Kanyi, Nairobi}

Council kiosks too expensive

The Nairobi City Council has recently embarked on a demolition exercise targeting roadside kiosks in various estates.

Nairobi Mayor Geoffrey Majiwa cited insecurity as the reason behind the demolitions. While it may be true that a few kiosks harbour criminals, it still does not justify condemning everyone.

The mayor said the council has come up with a prototype kiosk to replace the existing makeshift ones. The estimated cost of such a kiosk is Sh140,000, a fortune for small- scale traders.

The council should allow traders to build affordable structures like the ones adopted by most traders in Ruaka.

They have built shops from old transport containers that are not only durable but also attractive.

{James Kanyi, Nairobi}

Published on 21/01/2009

Government should prepare for El Nino

According to the meteorological department forecasts, it’s just a matter of days before El Nino rains ravage.

The expected rains are sure to be a blessing to many farmers. However, the infrastructure will be the most adversely affected.

This has happened before during the first El Nino rains of 1997/98 and no doubt the same or worse will happen again.

Although the Government has been on the right track in trying to maintain the infrastructure in relatively good condition, the rains will certainly deal a blow to the multi-billion shilling road projects under way across the country.

The Government needs to come up with sustainable long-term mechanisms to deal with this event and others of similar or larger magnitude.

This is also the right time to deal with the persistent water and electricity problems that have long bedeviled us.

With a little planning, the vicious cycle of flooding in Budalang’i, Nyando and Kano plains could be sorted out.

{James Kanyi, Juba}

Averting drought situation in this country

Following the erratic climatic condition encountered Kenya in recent times, it’s now important to be prepared to handle such cases related to the drought and other climatic changes in our country. To break this vicious circle of drought we need to:
o Plant drought resistant crops such as cassavas, arrow root;
o Initiate more irrigation scheme and revive the already existing ones;
o Ensure that the Ministry of Special Programmes sustains fully benevolent funds all year round even when there is no imminent drought or other calamities. This will ensure that we no one is caught off guard should such disaster strikes;
o Adopt a culture of diverse food consumption and plant the genetically modified food;
o Plant more trees especially to the semi-arid arid areas and enforcing more punitive laws to curb deforestation;
o Protect water catchment areas and wetlands.
It is also important that those MPs who represent those areas that are frequently hit by drought to alert the government in time to avert the adverse condition. The media should also continue highlighting the disasters as they strike.
James Mwangi Kanyi
Juba,S Sudan

All should support census

IN THE NIGHT OF Aug 24 this year, a massive exercise of head-counting all Kenyans will be conducted. The highly published exercise has been met with stinging criticism from various quarters. It’s unfortunate that those who have been trying to blockade this exercise have no valid reason for their decision.
One of cardinal reason for the government to conduct the national census is to come up with a picture of social and living conditions of her people. It’s in the figure that the decision of distributing resources equitably is established.
Since the exercise is carried out after ten years, it’s very important that everyone stand out to be counted. Although the media have been estimating the Kenyan population to be in the range of 38million,a reliable figure can only be gotten through actual counting and statistical analysis.
James Mwangi Kanyi
Juba, S Sudan.

Bethwel Kiplagat should be allowed to carry out his mandate in TJRC

Ambassador Bethwel Kiplagat is a man of peace; this is in no doubt. His passion to broker peace in war-torn countries like Somalia among others is evident to all and sundry. Since his appointment to head the sensitive Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission by the President, he has been bombarded with criticism from various quarters for failing to react when historical injustices were being committed in the country.
It is unfair to criticize this man who has been patriotic to his country and continent at large. He should be allowed to carry out his mandate t o the very end without uncalled for meddling .He has got a challenging assignment that may change Kenya for good. I have no doubt that this man has got the merit and audacity to deliver.
South Africa and Rwanda are great beneficially of TJRC and Kenya might also benefit from this commission.
James M Kanyi
Juba,S Sudan

Investors need to support Uchumi.

Close to four years ago, Uchumi Supermarkets Ltd investors woke up to the rude shock: the company had been put under receivership in a controversial manner. Worse still, their shares had been suspended in the Nairobi Stock Exchange. The situation was gloomy to say the least.
The company was put under receivership three years ago and it is amazing how successful this arrangement has been. Under the stewardship f the receiver manager, Mr. Jonathan Ciano, the giant retail shop has been remarkably turned around.
It’s therefore important that the shareholders support all the plans to revive it. Investors are longing to invest in it when its shares are re-listed in the stock market.

James M Kanyi
Juba.Southern Sudan.

Of boys and their motor bikes in Juba

There is nothing much to talk about the capital city of Southern Sudan, Juba, in terms of development.However, the city has huge potential for exponential growth in future if the government encourages investors.
This is not the issue at least for now. The issue at hand has to do with the biking craze of the local boys. Stories are told of how the boys acquired their favorite machines – the motor bikes commonly known as Senke.
Some years back, somebody came up with an ingenious idea ago of rewarding them with motor bikes whenever they surrendered their guns. It was a ploy to break the jinx of child soldier.
Boys as young as 12 years cruise the dilapidated roads leading to Juba oblivious of the dangers posed by speeding vehicles. They don’t observe the slightest road signs nor do they abide with instructions. A couple of times, I have observed them pull dangerous stunts like standing on the seat while accelerating at top speed or lying prostrate on the bike while riding.Amazingly,none of them has protective gears like helmets or heavy jackets.
Everyday, an alarming number of them are involved in grisly road accidents yet they don’t seem to learn. The accidents are too many that some hospitals have specific wards for Senke victims. I hear that they are treated without anesthesia to teach them a lesson. I think it’s the high time some sanity is exercised by the local authority to reduce the accidents.

James Mwangi Kanyi.
Juba,S Sudan.

On marriage, you are totally wrong Tony M.

On your article titled “Why the male species fears marriage”, you were successful in driving one point home: how ignorant you are regarding the institution called marriage. I am a married man and I celebrated my thirtieth birthday last month .I can categorically admit that there is nothing fulfilling in life than marriage.
According to your argument, this sacred bonding is nothing but an encumbrance to those partners who engage in it for a number of reasons.
First, for a man, his liberty to use his hard earned cash is left at the mercies of his better half and thus he cannot claim to be the master he is destined to be.
Second, the man is burdened with the responsibilities of meeting the needs of the children begotten.
It is tragic that you can advocate for splashing your hard-earned income in unproductive activities such as drinking rather than starting a family. I can bet one thing – and this is for certain – you will regret why you took so long to start a family.
Before I got married, I was skeptic about marriage but the moment I tied the knot, my lifestyle was transformed unimaginably. Come on Tony, save that extra buck for your future family. Time is running out really fast.


James Mwangi Kanyi.

Juba,S Sudan.

Need to protect the investors.

In a tragic twist of fate, thousands of Kenyan investors were left poorer by more than Kshs.34billion when the veil of pyramid schemes fell before their very eyes. It’s unfortunate that the devious schemes dealt a more devastating blow to the already impoverished investors.
A similar fate occurred in America when a firm owned by Madoff, a rogue schemer, busted under the weight of credit crunch. It is the high time that the investors realize that an astronomical return on investment is not realistic neither is it sustainable anywhere in the world.
The government should come up with stringent legislations to wad off those individuals or companies hell bent to reap off the general public.


James Mwangi Kanyi
Juba,S Sudan,

PM Raila on the right track

There were mixed reactions when Prime Minister Raila Odinga was baptized by Reverend Dr David Owuor on Tuesday. The PM personally made the decision to undergo this important Christian ritual to affirm his of salvation a few days ago. The fact that he has undertaken that crucial decision is a sign that God is going to use this nation in a magnificent way.
The Bible (2 Samuel) tells that King David was the most successful leader of Israelites because of his lifetime dedication to God. There were times he would dance until his clothes would fall off. He was a man after God’s heart. He reigned with great victory simply because he was an obedient and prayerful. He defeated all the Israelites’ enemies besides accumulating great wealth for his nation.
David’s son King Solomon was equally successful. He ruled with wisdom that God gave him. Despite his massive achievement, he described life without God as “Vanity “(Ecclesiastes).It’s therefore commendable that the PM led the way by surrendering his life to Jesus. Other leaders need evaluate their lives and follow suit to pave way for an exponential blessing by God to this great nation (2Chroncles 7:14) – Kenya.

Grisly massacre could have been stopped.

The residents of Karatina woke up on Monday to the sad reality that their loved ones had been grisly been murdered by the suspected Mungiki gang during the night operation. It has been reported in the media that the dreaded band was on a revenge mission over the killing of its members in Kirinyaga by the self-appointed vigilante posse.
Weird enough, everything happened under the very eyes of the law enforcers. It was hugely expected that Mungiki would strike back after their suspected members were killed; yet the police never moved fast enough to curtail the imminent retaliation.
Once again the police failed to execute their mandate to protect lives. Their wait-and-see attitude is squarely to blame for loss of many lives. This could have been avoided at the very onset. Life is sacrosanct and it should be treated as so.

Politicians should shelf their ambitions.

To comply with Political Parties Act, various parties have held their grassroots, branch, regional and national elections. This is in a bid to beat the Act’s deadline at 31st December this year. As expected, Kenyan political giants have been nominated to hold key positions in their respective parties.
For the better part of this year, the same politicians have been positioning themselves to succeed President Mwai Kibaki in the year 2012.The elections have now propelled the battle to another level since the individuals have been short listed.
It’s appropriate that such politicians concentrate on development issues rather than scheme for presidency this early. Much as it might be strategic to do it earlier, the task at hand is far more important than their aspirations.

Why MPs are not likely to pay taxes.

The uproar by the public, lobby groups and the religious organization that MPs should pay taxes will surely fall on deaf ears for various reasons. Firstly; by now majority of the MPs have committed their salaries and allowances to personal needs such as mortgage repayments, educating their children abroad or locally among others.
Secondly, a vast number of them know for sure that they won’t make it to the parliament in the year 2012; hence the need to capitalize on this available opportunity.
Thirdly, a good number of them are overwhelmed by their constituents’ financial needs leaving them with little disposable income.
Lastly and not the least, there are those who are utterly selfish and would therefore resist any move to have them taxed.Why MPs are not likely to pay taxes.

IDPs issue should be the government first priority for the New Year.

It is sad situation that up to now there persons who are still incarcerated in camps as a result of post-election violence witnessed early this year while the rest of the nation indulge in season’s celebrations.
In various forums, politicians have vehemently raised concerns over the IDPs yet they have done little in terms of resources mobilization.Indeed, media houses are the ones to be accredited for highlighting the plight of those damned camps and in appealing for resources. For instance, Kameme FM has persistently been collecting and distributing supplies to those disadvantaged people.
The government should prioritize the issue of the IDPs in the New Year to ensure they engage in the productive activities they were doing prior to the displacement. This will be the best gift for them.

Open letter to Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Lands Minister James Orengo.

Dear Sirs,
As a matter of fact, you two Honorable gentlemen have been actively involved in the day to day politics of this country for more than two decades. During this period, you have fearlessly expressed yourself much to the satisfaction and admiration of Kenyans.
For this, you have paid dearly. Both of you have been clobbered, tear-gasssed, detained and even narrowly escaped death while persistently struggling to liberate this country.
It must have been a sigh of relief to you to eventually occupy crucial public offices after last year’s General Election. Essentially, your dreams came true especially to you Hon.Orengo when you were appointed as a minister.
Hon.Orengo, you were quoted a few days ago complaining that officials from your ministry were involved in issuance of title deeds to unsuspecting persons and other scams. It was quite paradoxical considering that you have unfettered discretion to deal with such wayward officials. You should exercise the same vigor you had while fighting for democracy.
When the coalition government was formed, Kenyans expected real changes after myriad of unfulfilled promises from yesteryears. Right Hon.Raila Odinga, you occupied a powerful seat following the power sharing arrangement with President Mwai Kibaki.
Though there is positive change in many areas, there are others you need to address. For instance, Kenyans are complaining about the high prices of food and fuels. They would appreciate if your leadership is felt in ensuring that they cope with the escalating cost of living.
Another thing is the Kenya Communications Bill (Amendment) Bill, 2008 that was passed by a few parliamentarians. The contentious bill was passed notwithstanding media and public uproar. Your Honors, you fought for the independent media during your unwavering struggle for freedom. You should advocate for its review before it is assented by the president

CHANGE IN EATING HABIT KEY IN EVERTING HUNGER

At last the government on Friday declared that food crisis a National Disaster though it was long overdue. Stakeholders in food sector had raised red flag over the looming crisis few months ago.
Riftvalley, the country’s food basket, was adversely affected after the post-violence crisis thus failed to meet target. Other productive areas were also affected as a result of inadequate rainfall among other factors.
The reality that the country is in the process of importing foodstuff as the last resort is sad. It is high time the nation changes its eating habit to avert hunger. For instance, majority of Kenyans consider maize as their staple food by default .This simply means that their lives are stake when that commodity is unavailable.
Some communities in Nigeria consume snails and other like creatures while countries such as China and Japan consider reptiles as special delicacies. In other words, there are so many food supplements to put hunger at bay; one just needs to look around.
James Mwangi Kanyi,
Nairobi.

CHANGE IN EATING HABIT KEY IN EVERTING HUNGER

At last the government on Friday declared that food crisis a National Disaster though it was long overdue. Stakeholders in food sector had raised red flag over the looming crisis few months ago.
Riftvalley, the country’s food basket, was adversely affected after the post-violence crisis thus failed to meet target. Other productive areas were also affected as a result of inadequate rainfall among other factors.
The reality that the country is in the process of importing foodstuff as the last resort is sad. It is high time the nation changes its eating habit to avert hunger. For instance, majority of Kenyans consider maize as their staple food by default .This simply means that their lives are stake when that commodity is unavailable.
Some communities in Nigeria consume snails and other like creatures while countries such as China and Japan consider reptiles as special delicacies. In other words, there are so many food supplements to put hunger at bay; one just needs to look around.
James Mwangi Kanyi,
Nairobi.

CBK need to be more vigilant.

As the Kenyan government hunt for former Triton chief Yagnesh Devani, Kenya Pipeline Corporation grapples with a looming bankruptcy suit. It’s reported how the country’s oil lost oil worthy billions of to the Triton as a result of conspiracy of staff members. It is amazing how such a key state corporation could be having such a weak internal control measure
Interestingly also is the fact that such a rogue individual (Yagnesh) managed to swindle the state and other financiers billions of shillings. Most likely by now he has wired that money to his secret accounts in other countries.
Time and again, Kenya has lost billions of shillings through various scams perpetrated by civil servants entrusted in running the government. Even after subsequent auditing and investigations, the stolen public funds are traced overseas.
Money transfer in Kenya is mainly carried out by commercial banks and forex bureax.Understandably, billions of money lost from this country passes through these two institutions.
Much as the Central Bank of Kenya in its guidelines outlines the prerequisite for telegraphic transfer and other money transfer services, it is apparent the same is abused by to some extent. It’s the high time the CBK enforces stringent measures to ensure the country doesn’t continue hemorrhaging financially.
James Mwangi Kanyi
Nairobi.

Explosives should be banned from supermarkets.

Conspicuously, the major catalyst of the inferno that razed Nakumatt Downtown on Wednesday is the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).Numerous explosions were heard reverberating the city minutes after the fire broke out.
It’s sad that tens of shoppers and the supermarket employees have lost their lives after the disaster. Minister Beth Mugo on Thursday ordered that LPG shouldn’t be sold in enclosed places like supermarkets.
This is long overdue. It is not strange to find so many other explosive in nature items being sold in such places. It’s the high time the government bans their sales in enclosed and crowded places.
James Mwangi Kanyi
Nairobi.

As a market regulator, CMA needs to up the game.

Over the last two years, the conduct of Capital Markets Authority has raised eyebrows to investors in the stock market. Its errors of commission and omission have resulted in systematic loss of billions of shillings.
Last year, Safaricom Ltd floated its share through Intial Public Offer (IPO).In an unprecedented move, investors over subscribed shares to the tune of about 200%. Once those shares started trading in the Nairobi Stock Exchange, they plummeted below their offer price. Worse still, a substantial of investors had borrowed from the bank to invest in what they thought was blue-chip investment.
Despite the market analysts voicing their pessimism, Cooperative Bank too offered their shares at Kshs.9.50.Although the shares were under subscribed (at 80%), the damage was still done to the already grappling stock market.
A few investment banks and stockbrokers faced liquidity problems early last yet they were given clean bill of health to trade. It wasn’t surprising that the likes of Nyaga Stockbrokers and Francis Thuo and Partners were placed under statutory management while Discount Securities Ltd nearly slipped to that.
In the above incidences and several others CMA and NSE were squarely to blame for failing to exercise prudence as stipulated in their guidelines. CMA as a regulator leaves a lot to be desired in regulatory matter. It’s the high time the crucial body its mandate to the letter so that investors can restore the confidence in the stock market.
James Mwangi Kanyi

How Kenyan women can be encouraged to be entrepreneurs to achieve financial independence.

Successful women all over the world have attained their dream through determination and hardwork – twice that of their men counterparts. Women who particularly hail from developing countries are expected to work even harder because of the runaway poverty in the countries.
As a developing nation, Kenya has produced women of international caliber in education and entrepreneurship. Professor Wangari Maathai has brought pride to this nation for her relentless fight against the environmental degradation. Through her Greenbelt Movement organization, million of trees have been distributed and planted throughout the country to curtail desertification in future.
Chief Executive of Kenya Women Finance Trust (KWFT), Dr.Jennifer Riria has been transforming the lives and livelihood of Kenyan women by providing them with affordable loans. Her company has boosted thousands of formal and informal business owned and operated by women. The icing on the cake it’s the fact that they are offered unsecured loans in some deserving instances.
Mrs. Terry Mungai, the owner of Ashleys Hair and Beauty Academy is a role model to the aspiring businesswomen. She has overcome many challenges to transform once nondescript salon into reputable one-stop beauty solutions in various towns in a span of 15 years. Her schools have produced many students who are employed in state-of- art salons while others are their own bosses around the country.
Apparently, Kenyan women aspiring to start business and those still struggling to breakthrough in entrepreneurship have all reasons to keep their desires burning. It’s every woman pleasure to be financially independent. While this can be achieved through employment, it is unfortunate that jobs are scarce in a reality.
For women to become entrepreneur in a field predominantly occupied by men, they need to plough back their earnings in their businesses no matter how small they are. This can be done by partnering with the banks by opening bank accounts and exercising financial discipline. This is a slow but sure way of expanding such businesses.
Equity Bank, Family Bank, K-rep Bank, KWFT and other financial institutions have a soft spot for women clients. It’s open secret that women are more committed in repaying their loans than men. Prof Yunus, founder of Grameen Bank and a Nobel Peace Prize winner is on record encouraging other banks to give priority to women borrowers.
Women entrepreneurs should not take the advantage of those facilities offered by these banks and expand their businesses. Youthful entrepreneurs are even advantaged in that they can access loans from Government’s funded scheme (Youth Enterprise Funds) at an attractive interest rate.
It is also important that these entrepreneurs enroll in regular workshops to be educated on vital principals of running businesses. During such forums, successful businesspersons should share their secrets to the new entrants to boost their confidence in their ventures. Businesses run by groups of women need to sponsor some members in other countries to familiarize themselves in international trade.
Women need to adopt a fighting spirit. A case in study is that of Managing Director of Keroche Industries, Mrs.Tabitha Karanja.She has fought numerous battles with her competitor and the Government. It is through her sheer determination that she has been able to stay in business for many years.
It’s worthy sometimes to take risk in life. A number of women have made it big in politics and businesses after quitting well paying jobs. This can happen to any woman with will power to succeed in uncertain environment. Business opportunities avail themselves in equal measures. The onus is on women to grab them in appropriate time to enjoy the financial independence they yearn for.Afterall, the government is in their full support.


James Mwangi Kanyi, Nairobi

Church and other religious groups still the voice of reason.

It is no secret that the Church played a partisan role in the bloody 2007 General Election.Indeed, a number of Church leaders abandoned the flock and joined the political bandwagon. That attracted criticism from various quarters that were of the view that it was supposed to have assumed leadership in divinity.
Last month, the Church (and other religious groups) brazenly condemned the government over various issues. It has continued with the same campaign this month.Evidently; it has assumed its rightful mandate of conveying the voice of Kenyans to the sitting government.
Politicians should not retaliate when the Church and other religious groups raise their voice. Instead they should put their act together and serve Kenyans the best way possible.
James Mwangi Kanyi
Nairobi.

Karua’s resignation well suited for her ambition

As a diehard reformist, the MP for Gichugu loathed what she termed as interference by the Executive on her reform agenda. It wasn’t surprising when she gave in to frustrations and quit from her cabinet post. Although her PNU members were discontented over her hasty move, she might enjoy a major breakthrough in her presidential bid.
Since the inception of the Grand Coalition Government, she has been vocal about her ambition to occupy State House. Now that she is not directly answerable to the Government, she will be able to conduct her campaigns without any encumbrance.
Secondly, she enjoys respect from many Kenyans over her unwavering fight against graft. This is surely her steppingstone in her quest for votes in future. She has never been implicated in any malpractice in her six years tenure.
Thirdly, Kenyans are enlightened more than ever on matters pertaining to their leaders. They have fallen victims to the male-dominated bad leadership and false promises. They are therefore eagerly waiting for women of substance to bring change that has been so elusive.Hon.Martha Karua happens to be such a woman and she is well suited to grab the mantle in the year 2012.
James Mwangi Kanyi.
Nairobi.

HOW WE MEN FEEL ABOUT WOMEN.

Why we like women
For every successful man, there is a woman behind says an adage. Time and again, history has proved this to be true. We men therefore appreciate women; whether they are our mothers, wives or sisters for their quest in propelling us to unimaginable levels.
The character trait we most admire in them is their patience. Quite often, when things seem to be going to the dogs, we lose our ground only for them to sweet talk us to keep trying. It is in so doing that satisfactory results emerge. It’s quite interesting how they are able to withstand verbal and physical abuses for a long time hoping that all that would cease one day.
They also exercise honesty and accountability in money matters. It’s no wonder banks and other lenders prefer advancing credit to them. Honestly speaking, we too prefer them handling our finances most of the times. Whether they earn peanuts, they have always been beating us hands down in administering money. It’s the high time we learn their well kept tricks.
Additionally, they sweat themselves everyday to unsure that everything is in order and therefore make us happy. Although we don’t appreciate their efforts openly because of our egoistic nature, our hearts beam with satisfaction every time they do that. For those of us who are married, we are puzzled how they manage to engage in so various chores after we are asleep yet they wake up before us – daily basis.
Lastly but not last, we appreciate their generosity and kindness. Whether in schools, jobs or homes, women have added value to our lives through their selfless deeds. Princess Diana and Mother Teresa devoted their lives in serving the poor and underprivileged in developing nations. Many other undocumented women of substances all over the world have followed suit.

Why we don’t like women.
As much as we appreciate a lot about them, there are traits that we totally dislike. Top on this list is unfaithfulness. Whether in marriages or in relationships, we men loathe women who are unfaithful. Words cannot explain how betrayed we feel after discovering that we have been taken for a ride. We find it hard to ever trust them and in most cases we opt for separation.
We also detest gossiping. It’s unfortunate that many women find solace in rumor mongering. Many families and relationships have fallen been wrecked by gossip more than anything else.Although, women are generally more than talkative than us, naturally we are able to sense gossip from a far and we aren’t entertained.
Hypocrisy is another characteristic that we hate. Most of us married can categorically say that our wives failed to disclose crucial information while we were still dating. We sadly discovered much later their double life but we had no choice but to stick around anyway.Unfortunately, we may live with them for their entire lives without ever discovering other skeletons in their closets yet others around us are aware about that.
We are completely put off by those women who are hell bent on nagging us. Even the Bible castigates them for this reason. They are known to “strike” when we least expect them to. To avoid confrontation, we prefer to keep it cool. They make our lives miserable that we opt to stay away from them as much as possible.
Finally, we must admit that we are discouraged by proud women. We might be willing to employ them; marry them or even promote them but they miss out because of this very attitude. All said and done, we love them despite their inadequacies. They bring us joy and make our lives meaningful.

James Mwangi Kanyi
Nairobi.

We should desist from ceding our land to foreigners.

This Easter Monday, Hon Bishop Margaret Wanjiru addressed a very important issue on her weekly program broadcasted by KTN.She was on record how Kenyans need to hold onto their land no matter the circumstances. She also castigated those individuals and government officials who have been disposing off land to foreigners in an ambiguous manner. It is in public domain that Kenya has systematically ceded her substantial land to foreigners yet nothing is being done about it.
It is a pity that part of the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport has been leased to Qataris for the so called development while a flagship five-star hotel was sold off to Libyans last year in a controversial deal.
It is no secret that Eastleigh has been sold to the Somalis and other foreigners while most of the horticultural and floricultural farms are in the hands of Europeans and Americans investors. At the moment, Migingo Island is at the verge of disappearing in the hands of Ugandan Government. It is alarming to say the least how Kenya is ceding her productive land yet millions are squatters in their own country.
Leasing our land to foreigners is tantamount to relinquishing our birthrights. We should resist the temptation to do so however lucrative the deal is as this will surely haunt us at a foreseeable future.

James Mwangi Kanyi
Nairobi.

Kenyans need to conserve the environment.

Thousand of acres in Mau, Mt.Kenya, and Aberdare and Karura forests have gone up in wildfire during this month. On Tuesday, the Minister for Forestry and Wildlife Noah Wekesa estimated that the country has lost over Kshs.65m this year in forest fires. While to an extent this could be true, ecologically the loss cannot be easily quantified.
The forested area in Kenya is estimated at 1.7%.This is alarming considering that UNEP recommends at least 10% forest cover to ensure an ecological balance. For a couple of decades, Kenyans have deforested and encroached on water sources and wetlands and have consequently dealt the environment a major blow.
As a matter of urgency, Kenyans need to reverse this destructive lifestyle that continues to put this nation and neighboring countries at grave danger of desertification. It is the high time they listen to the environmentalists more than the politicians.
The Government should embark on a massive afforestation campaign to safeguard future generations. All public holidays should be dedicated to this purpose to underline the importance of conservation. This shouldn’t be a great challenge to a population of about 38million.
It is also important that the government put in place strict legislations to punish those individuals who are hell-bent on destruction of environment in whatever manner.

James Mwangi Kanyi
Nairobi