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• November 07, 2009
• 3:49

  Branding in Sports : Lessons from Usain Bolt

   » ‎ SportsKenya
  (Photos courtesy of NMG & Reuters)
  
  He came, he saw, he conquered. Just like he's done on the 100 & 200m tracks, this athletics wonder-kid was at it again when he landed last week. He was even accorded audience with the powers-that-be, at one point even jokingly patting the Head-of State as they addressed the Press.
  What do we learn from this?
  1. Put a class act on the field :- Even before thinking of any antics (like Bolt gestures to cameras as he tries to calm his nerves) let your performances speak for themselves. Not just ordinary, EXCEPTIONAL !
  2. Consistency :- In sports as in many things in life, consistency is a very important thing. This helps you remain relevant among the clutter of events you maybe participating in.
  3. Committed :- Do not engage your fans if you are not committed to your sport. Fans will always see through any nonchalance and mediocrity means suicide not just among your fans but the purses too ( you can ask Mike Tyson).
  4. Commit to a Cause :- As much as possible, commit to a cause beyond your sporting exploits. This helps you focus energies in the chosen cause and also helps stay grounded instead of engaging in harmful exploits and stuff that may cost you.
  5. Flamboyance :- Though it may sound like a bad idea, be flamboyant in a nice way. We all know there are athletes, sports heroes who excel in their sport. But the GREATEST always EXCEL in their SHOWMANSHIP. Jordan, Ali and McEnroe are just some of those I can mention here.
  6. Invincibility :- This is closely related to consistency. If you achieve the unachievable, please do not let us see your weaknesses. The minute we start seeing you tottering like a has-been gone is your hero status. Maradona in the 1994 World Cup is a good example here( maybe even NBA's Allen Iverson)
  
  7. Smart Sponsorship(s):- As much as possible, DO NOT choose irrelevant products or brands to endorse.If they do not align with your goals and are not taking the extra mile to be what it takes, you go down with their premise. Be smart while choosing this.

• 2:49

  INVEST LIKE THE RICHEST

   » ‎ Kenyantykoon's Blog
  We all know who Warren Buffett is-also called the Oracle of Omaha. In the financial world he is looked up to and emulated by all the investors who want large numbers of Zeros in their bank accounts. Anyways, a few days ago, i was reading through yahoo and i found an article that was reviewing a [...]

• 0:06

  Freedom for the thought that we hate

   » ‎ Kenya Imagine

  Individuals and groups have a right to their opinions and beliefs. There is absolutely no compulsion for anyone to participate in or even approve of any of these acts. If you don’t like it, don’t do it. But that doesn’t give you the right to impose on someone else.

  Gathara's libertarian streak is showing.

• November 06, 2009
• 15:30

  Could this be a solution to Nairobi’s overheated property market?

   » ‎ Diary of a gay Kenyan
  I’ve been researching on suitable housing alternatives considering that very soon George and I plan to be living on a farm far away from the city. In recent years the price of property within the prime suburbs has escalated beyond all but the most resilient budgets. We initially considered shipping containers converted into living spaces but somewhere very deep in our minds lurks an image of being trapped inside one during an inferno and getting baked ‘oven’ style. Hardly our take on a spit roast.
  
  So we moved on to study tents as a temporary fix but I’m not sure just how practical these structures would hold up in El-Nino type conditions. Just as I was giving up, voila we spotted this video of a tiny and functional house. We both think it’s beautiful, with all mod-cons and relatively inexpensive, now we are on the hunt for a builder.
  
  Take a look at this plan. I think most loving couples would be cosy in one of these. On a 30 x 60 ft parcel there might even be room for a garden! Outside jacuzzi and barbecue? You bet!
  
  I confess that Jay Shafer the designer of these masterpieces is easy on the eye too.
  
  

  
  

• 13:38

  Alex Ferguson targets Stamford Bridge Improvements...

   » ‎ The Abantu View
  Sir Alex Ferguson wants to see a return to the days when he enjoyed trips to Stamford Bridge and United prospered with an excellent record. The last 10 fixtures against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge bear a stark contrast with the 10 that came before them. In the last 10, United have won only once, drawn four and lost five. Before it, the stats read: won five, drew three, lost two. Those figures are

• 10:12

  Uganda is “under attack”

   » ‎ Kenya Imagine

  Tags:  women  

  Uganda is under attack and, as always, it’s the mothers of the nation who are to blame. 

  An anti-homosexuality bill has been tabled before the Parliament of Uganda. Many have risen to denounce and oppose it, both within the country and from across the globe.  Many others have risen to support it. Some in the Church have argued in favor of the capital punishment in the Bill, others have argued for life imprisonment. The ones arguing for life imprisonment are actually considered to be in opposition to the Bill. After all, in Uganda “homosexuality is already an offence under the Penal Code of Uganda as is same-sex marriage, which is prohibited by the Constitution.”

  Dan Moshenberg shows why Uganda is NOT under attack.

  

• 10:05

  I miss Emma :(

   » ‎ Media Madness
  Those are the words of Jeremy’s Ndirangu, Kenya’s rep in the BBA House this year. Jeremy who was evicted on Sunday, says he can’t stop catching up with the ‘crew’ on telly. I must congratulate Jeremy for flying the flag high for Kenya this time.   Today he was doing a meet and greet and said he [...]
• 7:13

  SPOTTED!!!

   » ‎ Media Madness
  Carole Mandi, Pinky and Caroline Mutoko at the Art Caffe, Westgate. Maaan these three are beauty re-defined Fabulous!!
• 7:07

  SEPARATED at birth!!

   » ‎ Media Madness
  The Man who is making vey influential people in Kenya fart DUST! Ocampo Michael Joseph – the man leading the most profitable company in the region!

• 6:23

  THE CONSPIRACY OF THE RICH; A BLOGGER’S PERSONAL REVIEW

   » ‎ Kenyantykoon's Blog
  For those who don’t know, Robert Kiyosaki (of Rich Dad Poor Dad) has written and published another book that is called the conspiracy of the rich. It is available for sale at amazon.com and it is on the New York Times best seller list. Before it was published, I had the chance to read it [...]

• 3:52

  Working on an album ALREADY

   » ‎ Media Madness
  Former TPF3 contestant Patricia has started recording her debut album. In a tweet yesterday she said ‘Working on my album with Maestro Hellon and Genius Rimbui!!! Suhweeeeeet!!!’ we wish her the very best!!  

• 3:44

  Google Adsense Now Paying in Kenyan Shillings

   » ‎ A Nairobian's Perspective !
  
  Kenyan bloggers and website owners are now pleased to note that they can receive their Google Adsense earnings in Kenyan Shillings. This was not the case previously and many website owners had dificulty banking the foreign currency(Dollar or Euros) cheques with their local banks, Further ,payment would be delayed for upto 21 working days from the date of receipt with Banks charging commisions on the cheques.
  
  So are you a web publisher, sign up to Google Adsense and customize your earnings to Kenyan Shillings or any other local currency that would be most appropriate to your situation.Yes it is very much possible to earn money online if you have good content and commitment(the two C's) .
  

  
  

  

• 1:07

  Magazines

   » ‎ Media Madness
  On Drum this month they feature Yvonne Wamalwa!!! I must say she looks gorgeous on zee cover Move! the new mag in town features Ian Dialo…now my sister think he’s hot but I keep telling her any man (including me) can look hot with the right amount of lighting…speaking of which…have you seen my portfolio maan! [...]
• 0:44

  Word is…

   » ‎ Media Madness
  Word is that the Radio Africa management is running around like a headless kuku ’cause it’s money purse is being strained by it’s new ventures I.e the two hurridely put together TV stations, X Fm and the rice and beans station. In case you didn’t know, Radio Africa wasn’t planning to launch the TV stations and the R&B [...]

• November 05, 2009
• 22:32

  Part II – For The Ladies

   » ‎ kaasa
  Hey!  I hope you are fine, fine, fine My folks left yesterday and now it’s back to the old routine. I miss them already but I didn’t cry or anything like that at the airport…   I was in a rush and they were like “let’s get on this plane, bye, see you Bubi”. They arrived [...]

• 14:33

  Kenya Rugby : 15s Season finally comes to an end - Highs and Lows

   » ‎ Rugby in Kenya
  Kenya Rugby : 15s Season finally comes to an end - Highs and Lows

• 10:54

  Just finished

   » ‎ MREMBO
  I just finished reading The Memory Keeper’s Daughter  by Kim Edwards.  I picked it up at our local library in the new town we have moved to. I was starved for some English books, cause i have not read anything new in like 3 weeks and I was going through withdrawal symptoms. The English section [...]
• 10:37

  Woes on the Job

   » ‎ MREMBO
  For the past two weeks I have been posted at another hospital washing beds and  making beds. I HATE MY JOB. With that out of the way let me proceed. It’s 06:22 in the morning. I am showered dressed and ready to leave the house. I have had the car since my commute is a little [...]

• 10:00

  Poem : Simple Reading

   » ‎ Kenyanpoet
  Can you read a simple mind
  simplify it with the simplicity of any sample matter
  by simply reading in between it?
  
  I can
  To me,
  its simple reading.
  
  Can you read a book
  quantify it with the quality of any quoted master
  by simply reading in between its covers?
  
  I can
  to me
  its simple reading.
  
  ----------------------------------------------------
  Njeri Wangari
  NjeriWangari(at)kenyanpoet(dot)com
  Nov. 2009
  All rights reserved©
  
  
  Watch out for Ukurasa - Simple Reading
  Coming to a computer near you.

• 9:31

  CBK Profits II

   » ‎ bankelele

  Tags:  Kenya taxation  

  CBK Profits II

• 8:10

  SPOTTED!

   » ‎ Media Madness
  K twedi four’s Caleb Karuga strutting his stuff on Wabera street.

• 7:53

  ICC Prosecutor Louis Moreno Ocampo's Visit to Kenya

   » ‎ A Nairobian's Perspective !
  The International Criminal Courts Chief Prosecutor Louis Moreno Ocampo has arrived n Kenya apparently to address the prosecution of the perpetrators of Kenya's 2007/2008 post election violence that left more than a thousand Kenyans dead.
  
  (Photo Courtesy of AP)
  Mr. Moreno Ocampo arrived at the Jomo Kenyatta International airport at 7:30 A.M and thereafter proceeded for a meeting with the two principals of the coalition Government His Excellency the President Hon.Mwai Kibaki and the Right Honorable Prime Minister Raila Odinga. Mr Louis Moreno Ocampo will be in the Country on a 3 day visit.His visit and agenda thereto may put to rest various rumours as to what Ocampo may or will do in the course of his tour.
  
  
  This blog will keep you updated......

  
  

  

• 5:23

  That voice…

   » ‎ Media Madness
  Dan Harper…he’s Easy Fm’s station voice as well as Uganda’s K Fm…I love the voice

• 4:29

  WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT GOVERNMENT BONDS

   » ‎ Kenyantykoon's Blog
  Just like corporate bonds are IOUs by the companies issuing the bonds, government bonds are IOUs to the general public to borrow money that will be returned at a predetermined time at face value with interest payment periodically up to maturity. Governments issue these bonds when they have more money needs than can be satisfied by [...]

• 4:29

  Safaricom financial results…. still minting

   » ‎ RIBA CAPITAL

  Key highlights of the  period ended 30th Sept 2009.

  - The active subscribers increased from 11.96M to 14.51M by 21.4% and around 77.5% market share.
  - M-PESA now has 7.99M registered users almost doubling from 4.14M last year.
  - Revenues hit Kes:40.7Bn from Kes:34.5Bn last year
  - Data services which include SMS and M-PESA almost doubled to Kes:7.20Bn
  - Profit After Tax hit Kes:6.63Bn from Kes:6.22Bn last year.
  - Capital expenditure was down however to Kes:8.53Bn from Kes:10.04Bn last year.
  - Bringing total capital investment since inception of Safcom to Kes:128.3Bn.

  Concerns:
  Increased competition from the other three mobile players and more data players, a challenging regulatory regime, persistently high inflation (reducing disposable income and increasing operating expenses), increasing power/energy costs, declining voice ARPUs and higher costs of funding as key challenges.

  Opportunities:
  Expect significant growth from data services and plans to continue spending aggressively on its network in order to maintain its market position and offer new voice and data (incl. MPESA) products.

  Download here the complete release from Safaricom.

  

• 1:42

  The Institution of Marriage: Thou shalt not admit gays

   » ‎ Our Man in America
  Now, I’m no expert in matters regarding this issue, but do know how to spot a civil rights violation. Before I continue, let me make one thing clear: Some of my best friends are homophobic.

• 1:20

  Hehe

   » ‎ Media Madness
  My pal tells me she read that Adyambo Odera, Buzz Editor is going to grace our TV screen soon. Adyambo’s rise to the top at NMG was the subject of a blog by nation staffers a few years ago. I wonder how they’ll feel now! But I must warn you, Adyambo hars an accent…a SERRIOUS fake [...]

• November 04, 2009
• 21:45

  Very Quick – For The Ladies

   » ‎ kaasa
  Someone I know just had a stroke and she’s only 31. I am going to see her in hospital tomorrow. Turns out it was one of the ‘possible side effects’ from her implanted contraceptive. Please women, be careful with that stuff. So many of the contraceptives out there can actually kill you. Sometimes it may seem [...]

• 18:06

  An African Tech List on Twitter

   » ‎ White African

  Tags:  Africa  

  A lot of people are on Twitter these days. So many, it seems that you can be overwhelmed by the number of people and it’s hard to find the right people to follow. To help with that, I’ve created a my own Twitter list that follows African Tech twitterers.

  My plan is to keep this list pared down to only those who put out a good number of tweets regarding technology in Africa. I’ll be the biased curator, and hopefully it’ll be useful to others. This means that people will get dropped, and others added, from time-to-time. Don’t be offended if you’re not on it, it’s not personal, it’s just that I have to keep it small to be useful to others. Ping me if you think I should add someone.

  You can get my curated African Tech Twitter list at [twitter.com] .

  Here’s a widget with the list in it. You can get your own here, just enter “whiteafrican” and choose the “African Tech” list.
  
  new TWTR.Widget({ version: 2, type: 'list', rpp: 30, interval: 6000, title: 'The Best of ', subject: 'African Tech on Twitter', width: 250, height: 300, theme: { shell: { background: '#96c4ff', color: '#ffffff' }, tweets: { background: '#ffffff', color: '#444444', links: '#358efa' } }, features: { scrollbar: true, loop: false, live: true, hashtags: true, timestamp: true, avatars: true, behavior: 'all' } }).render().setList('whiteafrican', 'african-tech').start();

  Other great Twitter lists:

  Afritwit’s list of African twitterers (maxed out)
  Alisdair’s development list
  Sciculturalist’s Techies list
  A list of Twitter employees
  Tim O’Reilly’s Tech News list

  Lastly, Listourious has a huge index of Twitter lists for you to peruse.

  (You can always find me on Twitter at @WhiteAfrican)

  

• 15:10

  Heterophobia?

   » ‎ Diary of a gay Kenyan
  I overheard a conversation recently between two gay men: ‘Some of these straight Kenyan men are secretly grateful to learn that there are many gays in their midst. The reduced compe(tition) means they now stand a better chance of ever getting laid before they die.’
  
  I was horrified to hear this wet and rather warm mind fart.
  
  Nauseous.

  
  

• 11:10

  Wako to Enter Nolle Prosecui on US Visa Ban

   » ‎ You Missed This
  
  Smiling Wako must be wishing that impunity could be exported and made universal. But hell NO.
  
  Well, the smile has vanished to be replaced by a long face. Amos needs to CLONE himself to have a chance of testifying against the US. He would better ask one Chris Murungaru on the futility of such bravado.
  
  Living national lies must be damn expensive in the long run. Now Amos Wako can shamelessly claim to be the point man who ushered in multipartysm during the fall of the Berlin wall. That amounts to hawking fake credentials, and smart Amos knows it. Whoever said lawyers are legal scoundrels wouldn't have been more apt.
  
  Extrapolate that lie to the hitherto 6% national growth in the face of more Kenyans joining the poverty bracket and you define our national fabric of deception. NA BADO.Kumekucha

  
  

  

• 6:59

  Africa’s Melting Pot!

   » ‎ Still Proud to be Kenyan.
  I would have started by writing that “there is no greater believer in the reach and power of social media than myself”, if it were true. But I am in there with millions of others who feel as strongly, desire as passionately, and who are participating even more fervently than myself. The beauty of Social [...]

• 1:54

  Friends With Benefits/Hooking Up Defined

   » ‎ A Nairobian's Perspective !
  If you are a parent leaving in this day and age with teenagers in the house or pre- teens, there are certain terms that you cannot avoid knowing the definitions, lest you are viewed redundant and your child ends up in a mess and yu are left wondering where were you?
  Must know words for present day parents include:
  
  Friends With Benefit(FWB):
  
  1.The site Urban Dictionary has a variety of definitions as to the present use of the term friends with benefit, among them include:
  

  1. A relationship where a man and a woman enjoy having sex with one another, but do not see each other as potential relationship material. Friends with benefits usually never works successfully with ex-boyfriends/girlfriends or anyone else you might have feelings for. The benefits are not exclusive, buyer beware!(most voted upon use)
  2.  Friends with benefits can do things couples can do except without being labeled as a BOYFRIEND and a GIRLFRIEND, when you ask if they want to be friends with benefits with you, you both have to agree on what those BENEFITS are, and it doesn't have to contain sex. If you both agree on sex, then it's also considered as friends with benefits. 

  Example:Guy: Want to be friends with benefits?Girl: Sure, but what are the benefits?Guy: Hugging, kissing, holding hands.Girl: No sex?Guy: NopeGirl: Okay sure then.
  
  2. ABOUT.COM defines it this way:
  
  
  

  An agreement between two people who are both friends and physically attracted to one another to have a sexual relationship. Neither party is considered committed to the other, and both can start dating someone else at any time with prior warning. A friends with benefits arrangement is not considered dating, a relationship or even casual dating by most people who use the term. 
  
  

  
  How popular is this new phenomena: Psychology Today Blog discusses  a survey done by researchers at Wayne State University in Detroit and Michigan State in East Lansing.The report which involved interviewing 125 undergraduates (65 women, 60 men) found out that Sixty percent  of those interviewed i.e.40 men &35 women said they'd been involved in an FWB relationship, and about one-third were in one when surveyed.
  
  Suffice to say with the digital divide having been narrowed by the internet and local Tv and Radio stations featuring talk on Friends With Benefits , i wouldn't be surprised if teenagers and young adults in local schools ,colleges and universities in Kenya engaging in the vice; In fact the trend has been described as "a cultural signature of today's college and post college experience"
  
  However certain Dangers accompany the trend ,including:
  
  1. Inherent danger of Sexually Transmitted Disesaes(STD)associated with casual sex ,Unwanted Pregnancies, Abortion...etc.
  2.Fatal Attractions /Murder etc
  3.Emotional Instability, Guilty Consciences
  4.The Vice encourages ,dishonesty,selfishness and me first attitudes.
  
  Without doubt the above list is not exhaustive the Physical, Psychological ,Spiritual and moral dangers associated with this practice far outweigh any temporary pleasures that such un inhibited sexual relationship may bring.It is therefore important that parents take the lead in safeguarding their youths from engaging in practices that will hinder the development of the youth into successful and respectable members of society.
  
  (For more information see this NewYork Times Article:Friends With Benefits ,and Stress Too )

  
  

  

• 1:40

  Kenya Open – New Deal

   » ‎ SportsKenya

  Starting next year, Kenya's golfing premiere event will see a new sponsor following cancellation of Kenya Breweries flagship brand Tusker withdrawal (see previous article below). Kenya Golf Union's chairman said this after signing a deal with Icon Sports Marketing who has been given exclusive rights to find sponsors for next year's event. Icon Sports Marketing is a brainchild of Grace Kiraguri (she of Bamburi Cement and also actively involved in Rugby Safari Sevens) and Sam Mwai previously with Sports Stadia Management Board is part of the team. They have an enormous task of ensuring booty of KShs. 35 million to successfully host the event at the Muthaiga Golf Club. Incidentally Sam Mwai was once a staffer at the Golf Club so they should be in good company and this should not be a hard sell for them
  

  Puzzling as it, unconfirmed reports have it that EABL has withdrawn from all sponsorships. Suicidal if you ask me!

  

• November 03, 2009
• 21:52

  Trusted Intermediaries

   » ‎ White African

  Tags:  Africa  

  If you’ve run into me in the last couple months you’ll likely have heard me talking a lot about the need, power and abilities of trusted intermediaries. What is a trusted intermediary? It’s someone who sits between two parties, entities or ideas that don’t naturally trust each other and provides a bridge.

  

  Do you trust this bridge? Why?

  In some ways, this train of thought stems from the posts on bridgers and xenophiles started by Ethan Zuckerman and riffed on by myself. It’s only as my continued work in the African tech space has evolved that I have come to understand the true value of this concept. Seeing my position makes me realize how valuable it is to be trusted and in the center of a group of unknowns (ideas, funding, people or projects). It’s in the unknown areas of our lives that we search for trust, for people or conduits that impart a measure of confidence to our next decision. For the nod that tells us we’re heading out on the right path.

  We lean on trusted intermediaries all the time, in both mundane decisions and important interactions. When you’re looking for a mechanic, you’ll trust your neighbor’s opinion over the phone book. If you need a new bike helmet, you’ll trust online reviews before you buy one with no reviews. Likewise, when you’re going to make a large investment in the African tech space, you’ll search out trusted intermediaries first.

  A case study: Ushahidi

  When someone is looking to invest in an African tech startup, using seed funding or grants (and it is the same for non-profits or for-profits) they are nervous. There’s a lot of other good ideas out there in other parts of the world, the low hanging fruit, that they feel more comfortable in putting money into. Why Africa? Why you?

  Ushahidi started off quickly, and we were able to raise funds for continued operations much faster than many other similar non-profit tech organizations. While we’d all like to think it’s due to the brilliant tool we’ve built, we have to be honest and recognize that the individuals behind it are what gave the funders confidence to move forward. Ory, David, Juliana and I had been on the public stage for a while; we were known quantities.

  We were trusted intermediaries before Ushahidi was even thought of. Which begs the question: would our team have been able to raise funds for almost any idea just as easily? Probably not, as the Ushahidi idea, timing and application are special. However, the point is still made, money flows when the people are trusted.

  Trusted intermediaries elsewhere

  Jon Gosier is a trusted intermediary. His Appfrica Labs incubator and innovation center in Kampala provides a person and entity that funders, projects and individuals are drawn too. His blog keeps him front and center in people’s minds.

  Glenna Gordon is a trusted intermediary. She’s a photographer who has been romping around Central, East and West Africa for a couple of years. If you need a pro shooter in a hard spot like Liberia, you’ll find her blogging away at Scarlett Lion.

  Eric Osiakwan in Ghana is a trusted intermediary. His leadership at the African ISP Association and the track record he’s had on projects makes him an easy person to go to in West Africa, and his Internet Research firm makes a perfect conduit for interacting with him.

  Of course, these three are just a sample, there are many more like them cross the continent in different fields.

  What is consistent about trusted intermediaries is that they have found a way to create a bridge between two things, and are trusted by both sides of that bridge. It’s why personal relationships, consistency, reliability and trust are more important now than ever before.

  

• 17:16

  Juicy dossier keeps Our Man in America employed

   » ‎ Our Man in America
  (OMG! That explains the “Wellness LLC” charge I often see on the corporate credit card! OMFG! That explains something Boss once let slip out of Boss’ tongue in a whisper to me when they played Asian music at Ying's and Yang's baby shower.

• 17:01

  Why I Am So Grateful For The Post Elections Violence

   » ‎ You Missed This
  Things have never been worse in Kenya. That is something most Kenyans agree with whatever side of the political divide they come from. What has actually happened is that Mwai Kibaki has made the terrible Moi years look like the golden age for this long suffering nation called Kenya.
  
  But despite everything, I will, like that great English writer called Charles Dickens, say that although this is the worst of times, it is also the best of times. In fact I would even go further and say that I am delighted that the post election violence happened. Oh yes I am painfully aware that people died (official figures are still at 600—which would be laughable if we were not talking about deaths. Actually that was about the figure that the police managed at Kisumu within the first 48 hours when the violence broke out. But that is a story for another day). I am also keenly aware of the horrible scars that were left on the minds and bodies of the survivors, indeed I have re-published some of the most gruesome parts of the Waki report in this blog.
  
  So why am I glad that all that horror happened?
  
  Simply because it set in motion a chain of events that can only have one conclusion and one conclusion alone. And that is the end of impunity in Kenya and the birth of a brand new nation that we can all be proud of. In other words our dear fellow Kenyans did not die in vain (bless their soul and memory).
  
  If you take the time to read the posts in this blog before the 2007 elections, you will realize one very interesting and yet shocking thing. There were strong arguments here telling me off for bringing up a non-existent crisis in Kenya. Commentators here sometimes very convincingly told us that there was no impunity in Kenya and that the record economic growth during Mwai Kibaki’s first term was a mere Kionjo of great things still to come. Reading some of those old posts today it is easy to get pretty angry.
  
  BUT after the chaos of 2007 and early 2008, Kenyans are much wiser. I noticed a fascinating trend where Kenyans in the Diaspora are much more informed about what is happening back at home. Gone are the days when gullible Diasporans left everything to their relatives back home including managing their properties. I met this guy managing property for numerous Kenyans in the diaspora and he told me some very interesting things. My point is that this new wave of alertness is not limited to politics.
  
  We are also much less tribalistic in our political thinking (ignore the false impression created in this blog by a small group of notorious commentators). What really makes me happy now is that gone are the days when folks needed a post from me to see through politicians and their real motives. Let me illustrate exactly what I am talking about here. The other day Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka made a few remarks about his plans for 2012. Considering the deadly poison that this man is capable of spewing out of his mouth (even as he continuously licks his lips in glee) what he said was extremely mild. But what reaction did he get? All hell broke loose. Kenyans were mighty angry. Even some folks who had supported him during those fateful 2007 elections were very upset. So why were the good folks of Kenya so annoyed at those few seemingly harmless remarks made by the learned friend from Mwingi? It was simply because it was crystal clear to everybody that Mr Musyoka in his bid for the presidency has his eyes fixed firmly on the office and has totally ignored the task ahead. The man must be getting orgasms just thinking of himself in a presidential motorcade with those numerous motorcycle outriders and being called Mutukufu rais (your Excellency). It will not matter that the people lining up the road by then will be very frustrated hopeless and poverty stricken Kenyans. Actually there is already plenty of that in his own constituency and the man still looks at his so-called handsome self in the mirror every day.
  
  But Mr Musyoka is not alone in his approach to politics. He is in fact a typical Kenyan politician in a typical Kenyan government (grand coalitition government means nothing). A government where urgently doing a national census is much more important than re-settling IDPs. And more specifically in that “urgent” census taking the latest counts of tribes (in readiness for the grand scheme in the elections of 2012 to ensure that Mwai Kibaki stays safe and out of prison).
  
  So my dear friends that is why despite all the despair all around Kenya, I am happy. Yes, it is still business as usual but I can see that there is a dead end ahead for all the old politics and politicians of the land. And that is what I want to focus my eyes and mind on even as chaos prevail all round.Kumekucha

  
  

  

• 15:24

  Vice Chairman's XI win Mustafa Shield

   » ‎ Kenya Cricket
  Great to see Mombasa Jafferys so active - the Mustafa shield (20-20) has just been played between a Chairman's XI and a Vice Chairman's XI with the latter coming out on top by 25 Runs.
  
  Batting first the Vice Chairman's XI lost opener Mohammed Fazal early Caught behind by Mazhar Kassamali off the bowling of Husein Alinda (2/23), but rallied with a strong partnership between Rizwan Karim (49) and Ashger Molu (28). Though both fell to Fazle Kassamali (1/18) and Mohammed Walji (1/12), it was enough to build a platform for Kumayl Virjee (19) and Ahmed Virjee (21*) who took their side to a total of 150 at the end of their 20 overs.
  
  In reply the Chairman's XI came up against some stiff bowling and as a result lost wickets with too great a regularity. Sibtain Kassamali (2/21), Gulam abbas Kassam (2/26), Asgher Molu (2/5) and Hasnain Alidina (1/19) all picked up wickets as the chase ended on 125/9 after the 20 overs. Only Alisgher Abdalla (25), Husein Alidina (14) and Fazle Kassamali (25) got into double figures for the Chairman's XI.
  
  There is a second tournament currently underway including three teams who play each other once before the top two face off in the final to decide the The Late Abdalla Mohamed Jaffer Trophy Mini Tournament. Matches were scheduled for 1st,8th, 15th and 22nd Novemnber. We will update results as they become available.Become a fan of Kenya Cricket.com on facebook: [www.facebook.com]

• 14:08

  BOC Gases and Carbacid back at the NSE..

   » ‎ RIBA CAPITAL

  After the lapsed bid for Carbacid, both Carbacid and BOC Gases resume trading on NSE  on Wednesday with much anticipation from shareholders.

  BOC’s shares were last traded on 2nd Dec 2005 at a price of Kes:160 and those of Carbacid at 137 .

  Below for more details and here are the financial results from BOC gases.

  

• 9:28

  Nairobi Christmas Tourism Expo

   » ‎ bankelele

  Tags:  Kenya domestic tourist  

  Nairobi Christmas Tourism Expo

• 8:55

  *YAWN*

   » ‎ Media Madness
  Another Ugandan on our airwaves….it’s will take him like 2 years to try and ‘get with’ the Kenyan audience and by that time the rest will be HUKOOOOO!!! I love Gae and especially with Studio 53 but for him to host CITM with Rae and Maqbul I feel they will drain his energy. Those who have [...]

• 7:37

  Title, Promotion or the Chop

   » ‎ Kenya Cricket
  With one game to go in the NPCA 50 Over League we take a look at which sides are in the running for titles, promotion and relegation.
  
  Only two sides can now win the Super Division after Stray Lions A had their match vs Kanbis B called off due to the wet Peponi pitch. Stray Lions could however upset the apple cart with a big win over Swamibapa A who they play in their final match. Swamibapa are a mere 7 points away from the title, so a full compliment of bonus points would still be enough to break a long drought. Their challengers, Kanbis take on SCLYL 'A' in a match they are almost certain to win with close to maximum points. Should Swamibapa slip up, Kanbis could yet sneak home for their 6th straight title.
  
  At the relegation end of the division, a close battle looms between Sir Ali A (58 points) and Simba Union (53 points). Given that Simba Union failed to show at home against Telca, neutrals will be hoping Sir Ali take enough from their final game (Telca) to stay up. There should be no place in the top flight for sides that cannot raise a team or be bothered to show.
  
  Promotion from Division 1 is a 2 two horse race between Nairobi Nookers A (220 points) and Swamibapa B (211 points). Both play opposition that they should defeat in their final matches with Nookers away to Ruaraka A and Swamis hosted by Jafferys who secured their position in the league with last week’s win over Ruaraka. Sensible money would be on Nookers to do enough to move up to the Super Division in 2010.
  
  Relegation from Division 1 is already a formality for Nairobi Gymkhana, not long ago one of the powerhouses of Kenyan cricket. Their relegation underlines a problem for the administration as they own the best ground in Kenya – one that should be used for Super Division games. Their failure to turn up for last week’s match however speaks volumes and perhaps it is no bad thing that there are a new breed of clubs rising to the surface.
  
  One such club is Stray Lions and their B team are already assured of promotion from Division II even if they were not to play this coming weekend. Such has been their dominance of the division, at times aided by appearances by their A team players, that they hold a 31 point advantage over second placed Golden XI.
  
  At the bottom of Div II, Qutbis will be looking for a miracle to avoid the drop as they need both a full 20 points and Simba Union B to score none and concede a penalty point. It is a remote chance and odds are that come 2010 they will be back in the dungeon.
  
  Coming up from Division III will be Parklands – once a team to feature in the Super Division with their A team. Hopefully this season is a sign of resurgence as they mixed a blend of experience and youth to stroll to the division title. With enough support, their 2010 campaign could see enough talent and depth for them to once again feature 2 teams in the competition.
  
  NPCA wooden spooners will be the debutants Women’s team, but they should be able to hold their heads up high as players have produced individual performances of note and the team the memorable win over Oshwal XI. Their inclusion in the league should be seen as a success and should be added to with a second Ladies side, after all with over 30 players competing for places, it hardly seems likely they would be unable to field a side. Perhaps Cricket Kenya could fund an U19 side to aid development, or make an even bolder move and split them into East and West sides. It could be the beginnings of a fantastic rivalry and the birth of a whole new league.
  
  With 31 teams in the current competition and 16 grounds used, expansion of the competition beyond 1 more team would however be reliant on more grounds being found to accommodate the new sides. This must be something that both Cricket Kenya and the NPCA look to achieve as without growth comes stagnation. How about the promised support from the Sports Ministry…Become a fan of Kenya Cricket.com on facebook: [www.facebook.com]

• 6:17

  Kibaki Strikes Bolt

   » ‎ tHiNkEr'S rOoM

  Tags:  Reflections  

  

  © M for tHiNkEr'S rOoM, 2009. | Permalink | 4 comments | Add to del.icio.us
  Post tags:
  

  

• 4:49

  Moving the blog

   » ‎ REBECCA WANJIKU'S BLOG
  www.wanjiku.co.ke

• 4:21

  SENIOR & SUBORDINATED CORPORATE DEBT EXPLAINED

   » ‎ Kenyantykoon's Blog
  Yesterday’s post was about corporate debt of which there are two types secured & unsecured debt and senior & subordinated debt. We will look at the latter in this post Senior debt is a secured debt in that it is the primary debt that is paid off in the unfortunate event of an issuer’s bankruptcy. Most [...]
• 4:04

  AN OVERVIEW OF SECURED & UNSECURED CORPORATE BONDS

   » ‎ Kenyantykoon's Blog
  Yesterday, I did a post on corporate bonds and Wikipedia stated that there were two types of these bonds; -secured and unsecured bonds -senior and subordinated bonds I will run through secured and unsecured bonds and the next post will deal with senior and subordinated bonds Secured corporate debts are bonds that are backed up by the issuer’s (company [...]

• 3:06

  Speed Networking...is it like speed dating?

   » ‎ Startups in Kenya

  Tags:  conference  

  Am a great advocate of networking to get new business. Its the best way especially for small and medium sized businesses to meet the people they need to meet to get business in an inexpensive way. The question is however, how do you choose what networking event to attend. Some of them are downright useless and with my goldfish concentration span most tend to be very boring.
  
  The other day though, I went for a speed networking event organised by AFRI Business Development. The first time i heard about it I was a bit skeptic. We all know about speed dating so speed networking sounded a bit off key in relation to business. Questions going through my mind included..."is it like speed dating where you are able to get a date"?...Ok I know that's a bit simplistic thinking but really it was hard for me to conjure up what speed networking would be all about before I attended.
  
  So i went, not with a business objective in mind but if i am to be honest, out of curiosity. I have to say i was pleasantly surprised. Unlike the conferences I had attended in the past with the intention of networking, this event was fun. More than that usually when i go for events to "network", I usually find myself sticking around people i already know. With speed networking I was able to make new contacts over a very short period and even get business out of some of the contacts. I can still call some of them and tell them, "hey you remember we met at the speed networking event". I was really amazed how a simple concept (almost playful concept) can have such a big impact.
  
  I definitely plan to attend the next one on Monday 16th November. I hope this time around I will get to meet even more people. One thing am sure of though is that this time around I will go prepared with my "elevator speech".
  
  If you want more information on the Speed Networking event being held on 16th contacts Julia at j.adhiambo@afribusinessdevelopment.com

• 2:28

  Kamande and his prostitute daughter....hahaha

   » ‎ The Abantu View
  ....what?? "Where have you been all this time, you ingrate! Why didn't you write us, not even a line to let us know how you were doing? Why didn't you call? You little tramp! Don't you know what you put your Mom through??!!" The daughter, crying: "Sniff, sniff... Dad... I became a prostitute..." "WHAT?????? Out of here, you shameless harlot, sinner, you're a disgrace to this family - I

• 0:35

  Mostly Equity: Laptop Ni Lazima

   » ‎ bankelele

  Tags:  Safaricom  

  Mostly Equity: Laptop Ni Lazima

• 0:22

  A BIG comeback in the works…

   » ‎ Media Madness
  Watch out world! Dee and Kay are making a comeback to a TV screen near you!! Dee and Kay were the original bad boys of radio in Kenya…they were fresh on Y fm back in the day. Can’t wait !!