Home | Profile | TrainingProgrammes | Testimonials | Pictorial News |Newsletters| NEYODA Forum | Contacts

 

 Back to Newtimes News

 

Newtimes Business Solutions:-Business consultants, Corporate Trainers, Writers

The Newtimes News Archives

 The Newtimes E-Newsletter continues with the thought provocative analysis of occurrences  around us since September 2006. Both current and past newsletters/E-Newsletter are   continually uploaded in the website. Our articles published in the local/regional print media are also promptly uploaded in the website.
 
Meanwhile, our bottom up corporate employee (re -) branding solutions through Staff  Motivation and Capacity Building Training as well as the Innovative Organizational Leadership  and  Performance Management Training Solutions continue to inspire the desired change. This is clearly evidenced by the testimonials by the various clients.  Added to this is our demand driven

 

1. NEWTIMES ENERGIZERS and
2. NEWTIMES SME Staff Training Solution

In the meantime,  the thought for the month will in the future continue as part of the Newtimes E- Newsletter. This page will be reserved for blogging purposes only. Kindly submit your  blogs through blog post/comments

 

Welcome!!!

 

More thoughts for the month are found  in every 3rd  Page of each Newtimes E-Newsletter published on a bi-monthly bases since May 2010. Please look out for the incisive and unique ideas.

 

Thought for the Month – May 2010

The Power of One Percent More Could Reduce Unethical Practices
A recent news item captioned one man on a lonely mission of promoting a culture that is devoid of bribes, in the police force. Administration Police Superintendent Gitahi Kanyaki has seemingly been on a journey of taming one of the greatest ethical dilemmas that is afflicting the security forces and the society in general. This middle aged gentleman has even initiated a facebook site aimed at reaching more of his colleagues as he preaches against soliciting and taking of bribes. He says that bribe takers are cursed by the givers. Kanyeki’s efforts have alongside earned him recognition and even state commendation.

Notably, the going for Kanyeki was of-course never a smooth ride especially in the beginning. He was jeered and ridiculed as he continually went against the grain. In the study of values and ethics, bribery is one of the most prominent dilemmas afflicting the society today. This bribery is practiced widely across nations. The only difference is the differing degrees amongst the different countries. Sadly, bribery is treated as normal business practice especially whenever embraced by the majority.

The danger is that as bribery spreads mediocrity sets in. On the other hand the cost of goods and services escalate sometimes leading to inflationary trends.  The end result is negative effects to the national economy. Apparently, some countries will avoid doing business with those where bribery is rampantly practiced. Imagine even the loss of face.

It is reassuring therefore to note that today, Kanyeki attracts listeners as he pursues his preaching against bribery and/or bribe taking. Incidentally, water as has been noted before, boils at 100 degrees Celsius. At 97, 98 and even 99 degrees, the water is still very hot but yet to reach the boiling point.  At 100 degrees water boils and changes form and specifically into steam.

That power of one degree more out of 100, is no doubt the one which eventually brings the desired change. Apparently, Kanyeki belongs to the lonely 10 percent of the population who continually bring much needed transformation. He needs to be encouraged and supported as he continues inspiring change especially amongst his colleagues. With resilience and determination, there will certainly be more like- minded citizens joining the anti-bribery train. In any case, rainstorms or floods are caused by many raindrops. As the raindrops recede, one by one, the storms and floods subside too.

By Mwangi Wanjumbi (Newtimes Newsletter Author)  
Click here for your highly treasured  Contacts

Thought for the Month – March 2010

Changing our Time Orientation

 One of the greatest differences between Africans and the Westerners is the concept of time.  Culture and African religion scholars are agreeable on the same. Past time orientation Indicates
 that people are guided by past experiences in order to forecast into the future. No wonder the confusion brought about by changing weather patterns, occasioned by global   warming. Future orientation on the other hand does not rely so much on the past but mostly extrapolates into the future in order to determine likely occurrences.

                           

 Perhaps our past orientation can be explained by some uniqueness about us Africans. During my early days in secondary school, I studied African Religious Education. I scanned through many books with a view to establishing religious cultures of different African people. I read facing Mt. Kenya which was authored by Jomo Kenyatta, long before becoming Kenya’s first  President. I was empowered by Professor John Mbithi’s writings as well. Much Later, I studied
challenging lessons on philosophy which is about search and dissemination of knowledge. One great realization is the closeness of Africans to their ancestors.

           

Many African communities adore and continually remember their dead relatives. In African religious education, the recently departed relatives are referred to as the “living dead.” Thename borrows from the fact that they are still in our memories. We keep remembering them and even making sacrifices in their honor.  The only grandmother (maternal) that I encountered as I grew up was quite amazing. Many times I could confront her during her lonely moments. I could seek to know what was bothering her. She could instantly refer me to her dreams in the company of a favorite long dead brother. She could compare him with her other dead and even living relatives. When referring to her relationship with this brother, she could
 talk about it as if they were only recently enjoying life together. Interestingly, even my mother’s memories of her own “popular” uncle were hazy.

 
Many years after the death of my grandmother, I still recall her attachment to the living dead as I understand it now.  I am further inclined to relate the African’s past time orientation with too much thought of our living dead. Thought of our interactions with those gone relatives distracts as from associating with the future. We end up living for the day as opposed to planning for long lives ahead of us. I may be wrong; but I am afraid I could be right. We need
 to embrace a paradigm shift through future forward planning. We need to think less of the past and more of the future. This approach will certainly cure many of the ills that we are continuallyexperiencing even as a nation. (This is an extract from an ongoing personal development book

 by this Author)

 By Mwangi Wanjumbi (Newtimes Newsletter Author)   

Thought For the Month – January 2010
Re- packaging our Kenyan-ness

I was recently invited to attend a live FM radio interview (as has been the case since April 2006), this time on the process of regional integration, in light of the newly re-launched East African Common Market. This market comprising of the 5 East African countries of Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda has a potential of serving a combined population of 130 Million East Africans, therefore a vast market for all. Having considered and elaborated on the benefits to business and how to venture into this wider market, I have now found myself grappling with another challenge. 

As Kenyans, we have been known to be fragmented on the basis of our ethnic origins. It is common knowledge that we think of ourselves first as members of our ethnic communities before appreciating our membership of this great nation. We have forgotten the values explicitly explained in our national anthem. Top of them all is brotherhood (and of-course sisterhood) which was meant to reinforce our unity as a Nation. We have also neglected the very explicit value of hard work and instead adopted a culture of getting rich quick whatever it takes. We have even abandoned the value of justice amongst ourselves, the results of which are now obvious.

Under these circumstances, the people brand from Kenya is likely to have relationship challenges with other East Africans. Perhaps there is new need to re-access our Kenyan-ness. We need to re-evaluate the values which were intended to identify us first as Kenyans, as is explicit in our National anthem. As individuals we need to re-evaluate ourselves in light of these values and embrace them as appropriate. It is only then that we will effectively interact and be respected by others for the Kenyans we will become rather than the Kenyans that we are currently.

Mwangi Wanjumbi (Newtimes Newsletter Editor)

Thought For the Month – November 2009
Inculcating Positive Values amidst Highly Entrenched Negative Cultures

“Whatever you do is insignificant but it is very important that you do it,” Mahatma Gandhi. Those are the words that keep ringing in mind whenever I am writing an article either for publication in the print press or this newsletter. Through writing, I am able to interact with many people some of whom I will certainly never have any physical contact with. I believe that I am able to influence or inspire change in my own small ways. I have in particular been committed to writing irrespective whether there are financial rewards or not. In that light, I am always delighted whenever somebody stops in the streets to let me know that s/he appreciates my articles especially when there is a particular reference. I feel the same if not better whenever I get even a single mail in appreciation of one article or the other.
In the meantime, I have since 2006 written severally on values as well as positive and negative cultures. I have advocated the fact we can only change the dangerously entrenched negative cultures through embracing positive personal values. I at one time explained about the “one degree or 1 % more” concept. I explained how water boils at 100 degrees Celsius for it to change form. At 97, 98 or 99 degrees, water is still very hot but can’t change form. You must be patient for it to reach the boiling point of 100 degrees upon which, it will transform to vapor or steam. The challenge is that you may never know when the water is hot enough to change form.
Similarly, the little things that we all do towards inspiring change cumulatively add value to the national situation over a span of time. In that regard, I take this early opportunity to congratulate all the players of Ungwana initiative for formulating a value moderating idea which could bring the needed change in this country. In fact, entrenched negative cultures can only be changed through inculcation of positive values.
Mwangi Wanjumbi (Newtimes Newsletter Editor)

Thought For the Month – September 2009

Everybody Who chooses Can Be a Leader
Many times, I am disappointed at the sight of people shying away from leadership positions. It is even worse when Kenyans associate leadership with only politicians some of whom are in the positions by default. Leadership shy Kenyans are oblivious of the fact that there is business leadership, church leadership, Social group leadership, organizational leadership and many more. No wonder there are many junior employees in offices that hold top leadership positions in Churches and elsewhere.

Luckily, all types of leadership follow one simple concept – The power of influence – period. The challenge is what power you possess which makes you stand out as a potential leader, capable of influencing others to do as you wish. It does not matter whether you force them or make them comply willingly. Needless to venture into the intricate details, you can start becoming a leader today. Are you charismatic? Do you have any expertise which people recognize and eventually attracts them to you? Keep thinking about the others. Work on becoming the best using whatever power of influence that you are endowed with. You will certainly end up somewhere.
Mwangi Wanjumbi (Newtimes Newsletter Editor)

Thought For the Month – June 2009

OUR Leaders Must Walk the Talk
The fact that one was voted to parliament and is therefore a representative of the people does not entitle the legislators, whether in cabinet or not to trample on the laws of the land. I am incensed by the attitude of our leaders towards the budget. Over the years, I have known the national budget to be a legislatively backed process meant to spell out ways of funding activities of the government that is in office. The income and expenditure are the two sides of the instrument whereby if one is interfered with, the whole process goes out of balance. If that happens, the process has to be re-done at some stage, to ensure that the balance is maintained.

In that regard, it is disturbing to witness Ministers who are in the same government defying their colleague in the Finance docket. They have blatantly refused to hand over fuel guzzlers that are overstretching the exchequer.  One actually wonders whether they are defying a national process or revolting against their colleague who in all fairness is doing national duty. It has in fact not been lost on us that the whole legislature united in defying the then finance Minister’s proposals to tax their emoluments through the budget of 2008/9.

How are the same fellows expecting ordinary Kenyans to respect the law if their ministers and legislators are the first culprits? It is no wonder then that impunity is continually getting entrenched in the country, even by school children.

The leadership character amongst our own leaders needs to be carefully re-branded and probably controlled through statutes. After that, we may probably also need to take all young people through a mandatory national youth service for national branding or is it a re-branding process - but do we have a positive national brand anyway, that we can be identified with?  

Key elements of the branding or re-branding sessions should include patience and persistence so that the youth can stop perceiving the world as if it is about to end. This perception has in my view sadly led to situations whereby life goals for the youth must be achieved just today. It is as if there is no tomorrow - Let nobody tempt me to analyze the impact.  Our youth actually need to among other things realize that Life is not a sprint but rather, a long distance race.

The education system meanwhile needs to formulate an effective strategy of inculcating national values to all Kenyans, right from the bottom. It is the only way that we can reclaim moral standards that will mould us into rounded and future oriented Citizens.

Mwangi Wanjumbi (Newtimes  Newsletter Editor)

Thought For the Month – May 2009

Success Strategy - Doing the Ordinary Extra-ordinarily

Almost everybody in Kenya knows of a school called Precious Blood Girls Secondary School, Riruta. This was reportedly the best performer in the 2008 KCSE examinations. I had never given much thought of the school until recently when I starteddropping my own daughter, to the school. I only knew of the school as a consistent top performer right from the 80’swhen it rose to prominence, and nothing more. But, I am visiting the school for the first time in January 2008. The first experience is missing the gate to the school. I drive right on not knowing that the school is right in the heart of Riruta, centre in the outskirts of Nairobi. Luckily somebody notices the miss and directs me backwards. The school compound is another ordinary experience. The buildings are surprisingly moderate.But, the girls are notably extra-ordinarily busy as they attend to their routine chores. Inside the School hall, I am taken aback by the school motto, “Doing the ordinary Extra-ordinarily,” which is permanently inscribed on the front wall I have since kept continually recalling those words and experiences, many months since my last entry into the hall. Precious Blood is unbelievably an ordinary school, with ordinary facilities, ordinary teachers and, ordinary students all of whom do what they are supposed to do extra-ordinarily well. It is not by chance that the school has been an academic leader all through. Meanwhile, is it not possible to do whatever you do extra-ordinarily well? If in business, you only need to work harder to satisfy your various stakeholders. If in employment, is it not possible to put extra-ordinary efforts to satisfy all the various stakeholders too? Yes, putting extra-ordinary efforts will lead you to becoming a leader in whatever you do. The results include more rewards, more customers, continued growth and development as well as inspiration.

 

Mwangi Wanjumbi (Newtimes  Newsletter Editor)

Thought For the Month – April 2009

A Re-awakening call to the Insurance Industry Chiefs as casual Business approach nears the end

Is YOUR FIRM READY FOR AN EQUITY BANK DRIVEN INSURANCE INDUSTRY?

The impact of joining the Insurance Industry by Equity Bank as an Insurance Broker, is now taking shape. Equity has for now stationed an Insurance Staffer in each of its 102 branches in Kenya. This is a smart move
by this bank which has the capacity to bring insurance services to earlier un-insuring Kenyans. Remember that Equity Bank brought banking services to the earlier un-bankable Kenyans.  In that regard, the Insurance Industry is certainly expanding. But who are the beneficiaries?

Available information indicates that Insurance broking is now big business for Equity Bank. However the multi-billion Insurance business now passing through this bank is only placed with 3 Insurance Companies. Without doubt, those companies are becoming the kingpins of the Insurance industry. What happens to the rest? They may not be immediately affected for now but the future may not be very bright after all. Certainly, there is need to change strategy. One of the key strategies is definitely maintaining the existing customers at whatever costs. And this applies to not only the insurance companies but also the broking firms.
This may only succeed if concerted efforts are embraced of developing the available “human resource.”

Where does a company start? There are 4 alternatives which include;-

1. Determine the Soft skills that are lacking in the various companies and then employing a structured strategy of developing those skills. A Training needs analysis carried out by professionals could serve as a first step in this situation.

   

2. Employ tested training strategy that is already working in the Insurance Industry. Familiarize with a case study of Corporate Insurance Company amongst others. Notably, Pacific Insurance Brokers E.A. is the latest benef of the same program.

 

3. Wait patiently to benefit from any goofs likely to be made by the three major players who are now

Equity principals – This may be a tall order in the short and medium term.

 

4. Do nothing about what is going on and leave everything to fate.  

    

The choices made will vary from company to company. A choice MUST however be made. 

The 3rd and 4th choices could be fatal in a now highly dynamic industry, whose direction

may not be easily predictable. The industry may after all be Equity Bank driven like has happened to the banking industry. The above tips may prove invaluable to all as the hour  of reckoning hits the Insurance Industry. Please remember that the giant Kenya National Assurance was the first major casualty of
the Insurance Industry.  Others suffering the same fate in recent times were Access Insurance Company
Stallion, Lakestar, United and lately Invesco Assurance. That was by the end of 2008. Standard Assurance has also closed doors in 2009 and is likely to follow the rest. Incidentally,
the first indicators of hard times for any insurance company are the solvency margins,information that is well in the domain of the Industry Executives. All efforts should be put in place to ensure that the remaining Insurance companies and broking firms continue successfully into the future.

Mwangi Wanjumbi is the Newtimes Newsletter Editor and Chief Trainer of Newtimes Business Solutions

Thought For the Month  Feb 2009

Personal Development Strategy - Ready for Career Change?

Just to distract attention from the crematorium that has become of our country, (remember Nakumatt and Molo fires), let me narrate some lessons from a recent meeting. I was involved in a 6 day long session of a strategic planning workshop for a professional body. The function was driven by one of our government departments ably represented by 5 staffers. The rest of us were 7 Training Consultants who specialize in business training and consulting as well as doubling up as officials of the body. Of interest is that only two of the business trainers/consultants have stuckwith management, training/consulting throughout. The rest have digressed from different backgrounds which include economics, accounting and IT. More interesting cases of digression were noted especially from two medical doctors. One is originally a Psychiatrist, whereas the other one was initially a Pharmacist.  

Taken aback by this latter digression, I sought to know a little more about the same. The pharmacist insinuated that he assessed the trends in the field especially in view of global growth of generic drug manufacturing and decided to change course. Survival and growth of giant pharmaceutical companies are continually threatened. This situation isnot likely to change for the better, he said. He went back to school for business studies which he is now ably applying 

The psychiatrist on the other hand realized that even organizational staff who are well, need to maintain that wellnessfor improvement of   desired performance. He went through some training on how to disseminate knowledge on management of the wellness. He eventually developed requisite wellness management programs which were promptly approved by the government. Today, he enthusiastically concentrates on training of maintenance of this wellness. It appears that it does not always pay to remain in a career which is no longer relevant to your needs and aspirations,just because you trained in it. Instead, there is need to continually upgrade your skills and career focus in order to remain fully economically active in life.

 By Mwangi Wanjumbi (Newtimes Newsletter Author).

 

Thought For the Month  DEC 08/JAN 09

TIPS ON THE HEALTH OF BARACK OBAMA

Almost two decades ago, I was in that awkward position of being addicted to the Smoke emitting stick like is seemingly the case with the President Elect. When stuck at home courtesy of nursing a fractured leg, my then 11/2 year old first born daughter was generously helping in delivering the sticks for the largely immobile Dad, from the bedroom. Unfortunately, she could break half the sticks into pieces as she tried to ape daddy (by way of biting them) during thedelivery process. This latter act was depressive. I could not imagine my children copying (from me) my bad habit of
more than 10 years.  When back on my feet, I gathered my inner strength and became convinced that I can ditch the habit like others had done. Yes indeed I can, I really convinced myself. But Bwana President Elect!  I had earlier tried using sweets but in vain. This time, I psyched my mind that I can get the much needed nicotine from Kenyan Tea anytime I felt like a puff. In the evening, I could then swap tea with a few pints of tusker Beer (now an increasingly popular drink in the US). My STRATEGY WORKED. My last puff was on 30^th April 1991. Nearing 20th January 2009, I intend to travel to Kogero village (no visa required) to look for Mama Sarah Obama to present her with a few pacts of Kenyan Tea. I will expect her to present them to you during her visit to witness your inauguration ceremony It is my wish to inspire you on how to live longer and healthier without interference of a habit that I am sure you love to hate. Besides, you should not be threatened with eviction from the famous house just because of a seemingly nagging habit.

Mwangi Wanjumbi (Newtimes Newsletter Editor)

 

Thought For the Month – OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2008

Without doubt, the national economy is receiving a beating from the effects of high crude oil prices. And even when they are reduced internationally, it will not be surprising if the oil marketing companies(read petroleum cartels) in Kenya continue maintaining same retail prices. Will Hon Kiraitu Murungi,
the Energy Minister get far in taming these companies? Having liberalized the economy in a huff inthe early 1990s, the government does not stand much chance of reclaiming lost ground. We are in economic terms operating in a free market, a situation that is completely at variance with our social dynamics. (In market economies in the developed world, the poor are notably protected through subsidies and other social programs). On the other hand many Kenyan businesses are mostlydriven by the profit motive in total disregard of the social dimensions. In that respect, businesses continually pass increased costs to the progressively emaciated consumers. The Government is an equal culprit on this. It continues enjoying VAT on higher prices even when social dynamics negate the same. Can the consumers ever recover from this situation? Yes they can indeed; they must stand up by forming strong consumer associations. Perhaps, this can tame the activities of unresponsive members of the Business Community as well as a seemingly tax hungry Government which rarely responds to Wanjiku’s (ordinary persons) wishes unless and until put under pressure.

Thought For the Month – Sept 2008

 

A Lost Opportunity

Real change in America had called for a Barrack Obama/Hillary Clinton Ticket.
The opportunity is now lost for good given the preferred choice of his running mate.
As a passionate change adherent, I in early 2007 had cast my doubts in a Hillary ClintonAmerican Presidency based on my understanding of the American culture. The views expressedhad nothing to do with the qualities or abilities of this admirable former first lady.
 

Culturally though, both Obama and Clinton had their strengths and weaknesses.
The strengths of each could have complimented towards strengthening the chances
of a seemingly unbeatable duo whereas the weaknesses could actually have been made irrelevant.I watched in disbelief as this chance of real change was seemingly ignored by the ever hopeful
Barack Obama. It is no wonder that John McCain selected Sarah Palin as his running mate, mostly to take advantage of what to some, seemed like  an expensive Obama miscalculation.The breaking of the twin jinx of African Americans or Women in power has now been left wide open. Whether women win through Sarah Palin or the African Americans win through Barack Obama is a seemingly real American dilemma. Luckily, the economy stupid as Bill Clinton used to say could decide the American presidential race after all come November 4^th 2008.


 

Thought For the Month – Aug 2008

To Cane or not to

As I grew up, I feared even the slightest mention of the cane. It became even worse especially whenever applied to me either by my parents or teachers. Today, I still respect this behavior management tool which I believe contributed to making me who I am today. To this end, I am guided by the theory of motivation (Douglas McGregor’s theory X and Y) which advocates both negative and positive behavior reinforcement. Positive reinforcement on one hand involves rewards for continued good behavior – imagine school presents.Negative reinforcement on the other hand involves rewards for wrongful behavior,
causing the same to be avoided or feared. Just like failure to follow the laws of the land in any country should attract penalties, the same should apply in schools. The cane becomes a handy tool for this purpose as long as it is applied diligently and by specified officers therefore avoiding misuse. Secondary school head teachers are free to help me in modifying the behavior of my own children. This is only as long as they do it responsibly. In any case why ape the west when we can hardly cope with their resources and technology. Imagine lie detecting technology
which facilitates catching up with law breakers. Here, we only swear by the bible as our measure of honesty. I wonder how many people stand up, live and walk the truth even under oath.

 

Thought For the Month – July 2008

Africa Leadership Problems

One would have thought that with the advent of New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD) initiated by Thambo Mbeki, Obasanjo formerly of Nigeria and others in 2001, African problems were at last being conquered. These are problems to do with poor leadership, extreme poverty and primitivism in general. The NEPAD approach   was to bring tangible results through entrenching interventions that would ensure that African countries embrace acceptable leadership and economic management standards, poverty eradication and women empowerment strategies amongst others.

These measures were to be benchmarked from the developed world. Implementation was to be monitored through African Peer Review Mechanisms (APRMS), a few of which were completed successfully including that of Kenya. But, the results of peer review of South Africa were rudely dismissed by Thambo Mbeki himself, for reasons better known to him.

That seemed to be the beginning of the end of NEPAD peer reviews. It is no wonder that we now have a leadership crises in Zimbabwe which seems to be a no go zone for African leaders. The earlier policy of non-interference with internal affairs of  other African States fearlessly observed by Organization of African unity ( OAU), the precursor of African Union (AU), has come back to haunt Africans. Where is Africa heading in this day and age in the 21st Century? 

 By Mwangi Wanjumbi (Newtimes Newsletter Author) 

 

Thought For the Month – June 2008

 

Xenophobia Phenomenon

What is the difference between the Xenophobia phenomenon now highly synonymous with South Africa and our own upheavals associated with the early months of 2008 coupled with the so called tribal clashes that occur every 5 years especially around electioneering periods? There is hardly any difference at all.
They are both driven by opportunism and inability of the respective governments to apply the rule of law. Any leadership worth the mantle must ensure respect of right to property and life for all. It is even more painful when the victims have acquired the now disputed property and wealth legally.How can a country attract foreign investments if it cannot protect already existing investments that are within its own borders?

 

Thought For the Month – June 2008
What is the difference between the Xenophobia phenomenon now highly synonymous with South Africa and our own upheavals associated with the early months of 2008 coupled with the so called tribal clashes that occur every 5 years especially around electioneering periods? There is handily no difference at all.
They are both driven by opportunism and inability of the respective governments to apply the rule of law. Any leadership worth the mantle must ensure respect of right to property and life for all. It is even more painful when the victims have acquired the now disputed property and wealth legally.
How can a country attract foreign investments if it cannot protect already existing investments that are within its own borders?
 By Mwangi Wanjumbi (Newtimes Newsletter Author)

 

Thought For the Month – May 2008

The recently called bonding session of our political leaders could not have come at a better time.Listening to the highly combative communication that comes from either side of the divide, you would wonder how a meeting meant to strategize on national issues would successfully be held under the prevailing situation. In fact you could be forgiven for being at a loss regarding how the newly installed 42 member “national governing” team will spearhead national activities. Will they actually embrace the principles of teamwork and therefore cohesively adhere to unity of purpose and direction? Only time will tell but meanwhile, let us hope and pray that the bonding will bridge the glaring differences of ideas and perceptions. This could possibly safeguard
against imminent fallout likely to occur before the elections of 2012.

By Mwangi Wanjumbi (Newtimes Newsletter Author)

Thought for April 2008
One thing that is mind bogging is how fellow thinking Kenyans get hoodwinked into fighting one another or get involved in violence with the excuse of supporting one politician or the other. We forget that we become sources of entertainment for these fellows as they watch us engage in primitivity from the comfort of their sitting rooms and hotels. And the more we engage in primitive acts, the more they add fuel for the entertainment to continue. Why can't we just ignore their moves and noises and concentrate on our own activities like they don't exist. If they can't agree on how to rule us, it is only fair that we tell them off instead of supporting them.
They should give us a chance to go back to the ballot box. They can be assured that we shall this time send them into oblivion for being unable to take charge.

By Mwangi Wanjumbi (Newtimes Newsletter Author)

 

Thought for March 2008
A state of calmness is once again being experienced in our country. Credit goes to Kofi Anan whose efforts made the protagonists of the different divides to realize that not much would have been gained out of the situation that prevailed earlier in the year. We now hope that this calmness will be a permanent feature in our lives. Perhaps containment of our ethnicity will go a long way regrinding continuity of peace in our country. One way of containing this monster is developing a national culture. This will involve considering the best attributes of each one of our 42 ethnic groups and forming them into a nationally observed culture. It may be in form of food, dress, dance, music, work ethic or any other desirable values. Perhaps this national culture will enable us to adopt unity of purpose and direction which was evidently lacking amongst us. Finally, could it be by coincidence that the Americans have taken heed of the thought for February? Maybe yes or maybe not.
But remember, this site is freely accessible to everybody including the presidential candidates themselves.

By Mwangi Wanjumbi (Newtimes Newsletter Author)
 

Thought for February 2008

Another month is quickly racing towards the end, as Kenyans hope and search for lasting peace. We have been confronted with many pieces of advice by people from all corners of the globe. They claim to be non-partisan and are only interested in seeing a once again peaceful and progress Kenya. Let us however be careful not to be used as guinea pigs for solutions which have not worked elsewhere. Remember the structural adjustments programs ( SAPs) of the 1980's which almost destroyed some African Countries. Remember also EtieneTshikendi and Mobutu of Zaire. One was prime minister while the other was president. When they disagreed, each tried to sack the other in turns. In came late Kabila (senior), who was then a rebel. Zaire has never been the same again since. Even the democracy brewed in the West and prescribed to Africans appears unworkable in its original form. Meanwhile, we can also attempt to solve other people’s problems as well. The Americans are a highly Masculine Society. In other words men call the shots giving women little chances. They are also a highly white dominated society. Where does that leave Obama and Hillary
Rodham Clinton. It appears that the Republicans could be waiting to make minced meat of either of them whoever wins. To avoid this, can they finally unite as a team so that they can neutralize the cultural weaknesses of each other? Probably this can work.

By Mwangi Wanjumbi (Newtimes Newsletter Author)

 

Thought for January 2008

The elections are now behind us. What has  glaringly come to light through the violence that followed these  elections is that we have two tribes in Kenya. I have always known them to be social classes but have now reviewed my outlook. The two comprise the rich and the poor. The rich can be a particularly dangerous tribe. They can influence occurence  of chaos, wanton destruction and above all loss of lives between the poor themselves. The richwill meanwhile be watching the primitive acts from the comfort of their hotels and sitting rooms. Until when will poor Kenyans realise that they are used as pawns by their rich politicians who
ignight fire and watch  them burning from a distance? Meanwhile, the international community especially the press is treated to what looks like savage drama reminiscent of pre-historic times. Luckily, it is not the whole country that experienced this shame. It is indeed a big shame to the perpetrators of such inhuman acts. In fact, they should be brought to book either locally or internationally for such acts.
 By Mwangi Wanjumbi (Newtimes Newsletter Author)

 

Back to Newtimes News