Wednesday, March 11, 2009

We can make change happen, be part of the change or be perennial bystanders

One thing we Kenyans suffer from is a virulent from of the free rider problem. Otherwise known as a liking for eating of the sweat of others. And yet, our involvement in making Kenya's a nation, its political system clean, our environment green, our economy grow at 10%+ per year need not be for altruistic reasons. Look at the dudes that supported Kibz from his DP days. Most have now ensured that their great grand children will be well-off. Some who had no time for English or Swahili (literally) still made Cabinet. A small part of me can't begrudge RAO for enjoying his 15-car motorcade. After all, he knows Kamiti better than most of us know our houses. Infact it can never be altruistic to want good for Kenya if you are a Kenyan.

You can make change happen by standing for MP or even President (PS: if you have to wives, makes sure one is not from Nyeri). You can make sure you interact directly with the various candidates and fine tune their thinking on matters affecting Kenya. You can work with and for them in similar manner to Sarah Elderkin and Jerry Okungu used to do at Standard. You don't have to wait until 2012 to do this...

You can be part of the change intellectually by being part of think tank on ideas to change the political, environment, economic and legal situation in Kenya. You can do Bankelele and promote your constituency's choice candidate. And of course if you have deep pockets, you can contribute funds. If you invest in the NSE, keep 5% aside and either support Kenyans who have ideas and ideals that you would like to see in our leadership. Or to finance your own candidacy.

Or you can be the perennial bystander forever whining about Kenya's problems, Kenyans, the weather et al...

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