PROPOSAL FOR A NEW SOCIETY IN THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF KENYA Mr.

President, Below is presented a new framework, for developing a new society in Kenya. It is simply an idea, which hopefully you will agree with. It is I believe, at the very least, entertaining to consider. It is not a proposal to recreate Kenya, but one on how to reorder Kenyan society. This basically means, we are not attempting to redesign parliament and the ministries, we are simply attempting to put order back into Kenyan society. When one walks the streets of Nairobi, one can see the disorder/chaos around one. The proposal below, simply attempts to put things in order, so Nairobi can look more cosmopolitan, like New York City does. The ordering proposed here, is based on the Religious, Social, Political and Economic spheres of Kenyan life. Due to a lack of proper order, one notices that there is a lot of interference between entities and people in Kenya. An example being, going to an office, and been asked to visit another for the help required. Yet again, this is a simple reordering, that is large scale in scope, and if accepted, can be used to fill in the details.

Economic Order:
One notices that most of the disorder one sees in Nairobi, is due to economic activity. There is basically business taking place, just about everywhere, in

Nairobi. From the offices, to the coffee shops. Part of this disorder, can be blamed on the Government, rather than the people. Kenya and Africa, are the only places in the world, where if one seeks to start a Business, one has to start from scratch. One has to look for just about everything for themselves. This involves people travelling as far as Dubai and India, to look for machinery and other such products. Most of the disorder seen in Nairobi, is due to people meeting with regards to such purchases, and even the transport and allocation of such purchases. In reality, Kenyan business people waste a lot of energy and time, seeking the basic necessities needed to start a business. This is not true, in other parts of the world. In America, the purchases needed to start a business, are easily found and bought. Very easily. In Europe, the Governments provide facilities, for business people to operate from. Very similar to what you have with Business parks, and the IT industry. The Kenyan Business person, has to suffer a lot, just to get the necessities required to start the business. For many, who are young and novices, the effort is too much to bear, and they easily give up. Some going as far as China, to look for what they need, and not finding it. Banks are readily giving people loans to start businesses; but the ability just to start, is greatly hampered, by the effort required to find the necessities. It would do the Government best, to readily offer Facilities with purchases, from which abiding Business people, can easily operate from. I say this, because this issue of Economic disorder, is what

makes the opposition, led by Raila Odinga, attractive to voters. Yet again, I would also like to propose, that the Government focus on the following industries, with regards to the Informal economy. The idea, is taken from Hong Kong, a country that has similar industries. It is proposed that the Government, engage in the Aesthetics and Design Industries. By Aesthetics, we refer to the modeling of just about anything, to make it pleasant to viewing by others. This can even involve shaping a spoon, to look beautiful or attractive. This industry already exists in Kenya, in the form of the Curios industry. Some may laugh at it, but it is a very profitable industry for those who engage in it, and is partly responsible for making Kenya famous. We are therefore simply saying, that investment in more Aesthetic and Design based industries, would be one of the best approaches, to Kenyas profitability problem, with respect to the informal economy. Business does tend to dry up at times, in the informal economy, due to the types of businesses engaged in. We believe that Aesthetic and Design based industries, will ensure that those in the informal economy, always remain profitable. They are still buying Ciondos in large numbers, to this very day. Another reason, that it is proposed that Kenyans engage in the Aesthetic and Design industries, is due to the very nature of the Kenyan people. Kenyans are by nature engaging and amiable. In todays Kenyan economy, one finds industries, engaged in the kind of work, that goes against the average Kenyans nature.

One for instance finds Businesses, engaged in producing chemicals, which requires people to be serious in behaviour. The end result, is that most Kenyans working in such companies, tend to be very tired, at the end of the day. They are basically not too happy, and this leads many to start side businesses, in the hope of retiring early. Another consequence is the high turnover rate, of such Businesses. People quit all the time, and would prefer to live sustainably, rather than make lots of money and not be pleased with their lives. The Aesthetics and Design industries, are very much, in alignment with the Kenyan personality. Kenyans are people who enjoy talking with each other, while they work. Unhappy Kenyans, due to their work, is simply another advantage, for the opposition. Here is presented a small profile, of the kind of Aesthetic and Design industries, that would be best suited for Kenya, locally and internationally. Software Engineering: This involves the design of Software, and not the programming of it. Kenyans would make very good Software Engineers, and do not make for good programmers. This is a very huge industry, much larger than the programming industry. The best segment of Software design, for Kenyans to engage in at the moment, would be in Business Systems. Kenyans would make for very good designers, of how a Business should work, based on software. Ugandans, make for good programmers. This is an important area, because Business Systems, have to change with working conditions and the markets themselves. In Africa,

conditions and markets change pretty rapidly, and businesses have to reorganize themselves all the time. Software, is mainly needed due to competition, and reactions due to changing conditions. Business Software, is actually best suited, for the African business, and not businesses elsewhere, where markets change, but conditions (culture/behaviour of the people) doesnt really. Kenyans, are very good at adapting to changes. This means, that there are endless opportunities, in this area, due to changing conditions and markets, and its easy to enter, due to the availability of open source software. Product Design: This is another very profitable business area, with a huge international potential. It basically involves designing all kinds of products. From TVs to Cars. It is a very lucrative industry, with huge potential, due to the amount of money that Businesses engaged in product creation, are willing to pay for good designs. Kenyans are renowned for their soapstone carvings and other such carvings, which are an example of product design. Exhibition Design: One may laugh at this segment of Design, but it is also very lucrative around the world. It of course would involve for instance, designing an exhibition itself. Another example, would be a window display in a shop, so as to attract customers. Yet another example, would be to plan weddings, luncheons, parties etc. for both Kenyans and the international market. There are very many people out there, who would like to get married in Kenya for instance. Learning how to design parties, will simply enhance Kenyas tourism industry.

These are just a few of the industries in Design, that Kenyans can engage in immediately, due to having the required training. The job of the Government, would be to protect Kenyan designs, by helping Kenyans register them, on a local and world level. Here below, is a sample list, taken from Wikipedia, on the potential of the Design industry. Design disciplines Commerce Communication Physical s Business Architectural design Book design design New product Color design Architectural development Communicati engineering Packaging on design Automotive design Content design Product design Cellular design Exhibition manufacturin Service design g design Graphic Ceramic and design glass design Applications Information Design design engineer Experience Instructional Environmenta design design l design Game design Motion Fashion Interaction graphic design design[13] design Floral design Software News design Furniture design Production design Software design Garden

development Sound Software design engineering Theatrical System design design Typeface User design experience Typography design Visual User communicati interface on design Scientific and Web accessibility mathematical Web design

Combinatori al design[14] Design of experiments

design Geometric design Industrial design Interior design/redesi gn Landscape architecture Mechanical engineering Sustainable design Urban design

Yet still, there is the Aesthetics industry, which has more potential for Kenyans, with respect to competition. We have seen for instance, how Kenyans are able to make Matatus, aesthetically pleasing to others. This industry, is basically about adding value. Taking something already developed by another, and making it more appealing or pleasant. It could involve a matatu, as already mentioned; or rewriting a book or song, to fit a certain audience. It is an industry, that has never truly been exploited by others out there, but has a huge potential. The job of the Government, would be to help acquire copyrights and other such legal protections, to enable Kenyans to sell their works on

an international level. It is not too difficult, to acquire copyrights. Kenyans are very good at critiquing other peoples works, and are always ready to offer advice, on how to improve them.

Religious Order:
One of the biggest problems facing Kenya today, has to do with its youth. Especially those in their twenties. Most feel as if nobody cares for them, especially with regards to guidance. They do not receive any guidance from the two bodies, that are said to offer it; these being their parents and the Church. It appears for many, that their parents are out to sabotage them, and the Church, simply does not care any more. What is proposed here, is a new religious order, to help deal with the psychological problems that Kenyans face, due to a lack of guidance. It is proposed that an Elderhood of a kind, be created, to deal with these problems. This is proposed for one main reason really, that young adults, are complaining of being shut out from the political segment of society. The belief that Government is made up of the elders, and the adult group, feel as if they have no role in Kenya. The truth is, a lot of the work in Government, would be best done by the adults, and not the elders. For the Elders, is here proposed, an order, that would make them feel still very relevant, in Kenyan society. The Religious order proposed for the Elders, would be as follows: Psychological development:

Many elders, love to complain, that the Kenyan youth, are no longer Kenyan. This complaint often means, that the Kenyan youth, behave irresponsibly. This is because they lack any kind of guidance, with the exception of punishment. Many elders, even those who have not been too responsible, can see the problems facing Kenyan youths, and know how to fix them. In Kenya, when one has problems, they are basically supposed to deal with them all alone. It is hoped, that the elders, can become involved in advisory matters to the Youth, with regards to proper psychological development, through the following avenues. Public speeches: It is very well known, that Kenyans are very fond of attending public speeches, given by older ministers. These speeches can be long at times, and most Kenyans attend them, due to their belief, that they actually learn something from them. We see why not, that elders, can be used to lecture the youth, on their psychological problems, via public speeches. In areas where the people have money, they should be charged to enter these speeches. Publications: Kenya, has a booming publications industry. This would be a very good avenue, for the elders, to express their views on Kenyan society, rather than having Kenyans read silly stories every Sunday, by teenage writers. It is believed that books published by Kenyan elders on their views, would be highly successful.

Teaching: There is no other place, that would be best for Kenyan elders, than in the universities. Having gone through the university system, one can see the obvious difference between being lectured by an adult, compared to being lectured by an elder, in just about any subject. The universities, are filled with young professors, who simply inform their students, rather than teach them. Teaching requires experience. However, issues of psychological development, do not only pertain to the individual, but also to the group. It is believed that Kenyan Elders, could also very much best serve in the following sectors of society: Banks, Insurance companies, Universities, Embassies and other such Ancillary Service industries. Kenyan Elders, would make for much better Bank managers and controllers, than adults due to experience. Advice on how to start a business from an elder via the Banks, is more forthcoming, than that from adults. Adults do not have the wisdom, for such jobs. It would be best, if the Elders, took over the above mentioned industries, since they are intimately associated with the psychological and personality development, of a human being. This area, also very much deals with the troubled East African Federation. While an economic union has been proposed, our neighbours, appear not to be wholly interested. It is proposed here, that a Federation, based on psychological development, be created. This is said because, Ugandans and Tanzanians, tend to suffer from the very same psychological problems, as Kenyans do. It is proposed that all three countries, have the same

Banks, Universities, Embassies and even Insurance companies. The end result, would be the creation of a uniform social identity/personality, that would enable all three members of the Federation, to mix well socially. This is especially true with regards to the Universities, where a lot of psychological development, takes place. We would also like to ask the Government at this time, to look into the situation with their embassies. We believe more can be done with respect to two areas, that of security and aid. With regards to security Mr. President, it is known that some Kenyan personnel in the embassies, are involved in selling Kenyan passports, to non-Kenyans. This is why Nairobi today, is filled with people, who dont look Kenyan. In Europe, they sell them to Caribbean immigrants and Black Europeans. When it comes to aid, it is known that Ugandans and especially Tanzanians abroad, tend to have very big problems, with respects to immigration issues. If a Tanzanian loses their passport, or has to renew it, they have to go through very many problems, due to the lack of Tanzanian embassies abroad. We would like to propose that the Kenyan Embassies, be made responsible, for helping Tanzanians renew or replace their passports. If I was to go further Mr. President, I would recommend that Tanzanians be employed within Kenyan embassies, due to the fact that they are good workers, and honest. Dealing with Kenyan embassy personnel, is a very big headache for most. Stability and Unity:

Kenya, just like any other country in the world, is capable of falling apart, due to a lack of cohesion, amongst its populace. Today, this problem shows itself, in the form of Tribalism. We believe that Tribalism, is mainly misunderstood, and a problem mostly faced by the youth. We believe that Kenya, is more united than most people believe it to be. This is said because, the one thing that unites all Kenyans together, whether they be Swahili or Kisii, is the family unit. One will notice, that all family units in Kenya, irrespective of the tribe, function in the exact same way. Tribalism, appears to be very social in nature, and associated with the youth. It appears to be based on, some wanting to marry into a certain ethnicity, and being refused access, at its basis. It is mainly a problem faced by the youth, due to poor psychological development and the resultant development of self-hate. What is proposed here, is that Cultural centers be set up, to help strengthen the Kenyan family. These Centers, would consist of researchers, who are plentiful in Kenya, responsible for researching into others cultures, and borrowing ideas that could help strengthen the Kenyan family. It is proposed that all recreational activities in Kenya, be based around the family, and these Cultural centers. One remembers ones youth, when we would visit a restaurant-manyatta, and eat nyama choma, while watching Vitimbi. Such events, tended to strengthen families, and even bring many together. As an example, Kenyans, would highly benefit from watching Yoruba theatre, which tends to be highly educational and interesting. Even groups like Mungiki, have ideas on how to improve the family unit, with respect to relations. It is proposed that

Kenyan elders, be made head of these Cultural Centers, and be the final arbitrators, on which ideas, should be accepted into the Kenyan family culture. Infrastructure/Systems: Kenya, just like many other African countries, has problems with infrastructure, due to its terrain. When one goes to the rural areas, one notices how difficult it is, to develop infrastructure there, due to the terrain, which tends to be mostly hilly. It is proposed that instead of concentrating on infrastructure alone, that the efforts be applied to developing Systems. By this we mean, that instead of laying water pipes, into peoples homes all over the country, that the delivery of water, via lorries, be reinstated, and an infrastructure developed around these Systems. So in the case of water issues, it is proposed that a house owner, builds the house with water taps and a huge tank in the backyard, to accommodate water shipments. This is way cheaper, than building a whole infrastructure to deliver water to many houses, in a neighbourhood. Kenya and Africa in general, will more greatly benefit from Systems, rather than Infrastructure. It is also proposed that Kenyan Elders, be responsible for Businesses, associated with Systems. This area alone, will generate lots of employment, for very many people. Not only that, but it will create an environment of endless activity, that is loved by Kenyans and Africans. Such an environment, is better than the chaos, most see, in Nairobi today.

Political Order:

Most people who have been to a Kenyan Government office, know about the delays one has to deal with at times, and other such inconveniences generated, such as being asked to visit another part of town, to deal with their issue. It is believed this is so, for two main reasons: the first having to do with limited human resources, and the other with interferences to the working order. The Kenyan Government, has access to limited human resources, due to the low paying nature of lower Government jobs. Nobody really wants to do them because of this, and not the work itself. Due to this, one finds that many employees of the Kenyan Government, tend to interfere with the working order, by engaging in personal pursuits, while at work. They do this, to attempt to make more money, to exist on and also with regards to retirement. It is proposed that the Government, create proper retirement packages for its employees. Most of the Government employees, are not too interested in making lots of money, but seek only, to live a comfortable life and do their job. The issue, that most might have, with regards to this proposal, would have to do with funding. To resolve this, it is proposed that the Kenyan Government, unites with large scale Industries like Tourism, Healthcare, Mining, Agriculture etc., so that they become one and the same. This model of Governance, has been used very successfully, in places like Hawaii in America. The Government, can then become totally self-sufficient, by taking over these industries, and have enough money to probably invest in other countries. Even further, it is recommended, that the Government, engage in the

Aid field. One should differentiate between help, assistance and aid. America, is a country that engages in assistance. The Aid business, is mostly concentrated in Ireland, and is mostly mismanaged. It is easy for the Government, to enter this field, as Aid, is all about showing people what to do. A very good example of a private owned Aid business in Kenya, is K-Rep bank. If the Government, could create other such entities under Government control, they could easily expand into other countries, without generating fears of takeovers. This business of Aid, is a very huge field, and a country like Ireland, is totally dependent on it. It is also very profitable, and could easily be done by Kenyans. Finally, it is also proposed, that those in the Kenyan militaries, should be asked to help with dealing, with the low human resources problem. Most stay in the Barracks doing nothing much, and would probably enjoy doing this kind of work. This would enable the Government to save lots of money, in terms of expenditure. There is nothing wrong with using Military resources, to help run the Government. This area of Politics, should be taken up, by Adults in society, but have a leadership, made up of Elder members, of the Kenyan Business world.

Social Order:
It is now known, that there are many outsiders to Kenya, who wish to make Kenya their home. Most arrive with big hopes of fitting in, but realize that there is a very rigid structure to Kenyan society, that does not accommodate them well. There are many Kenyans abroad, such as myself, who would like to

return to Kenya again, but are deterred by one main reason. Living in Kenya, is not convenient. This is what separated Nairobi, from Western cities. In a Western city, if one wishes to watch a movie, eat a pizza, go to the mall, pay their bills etc., it is all very easy to do. All very convenient. In Nairobi and other parts of Kenya, it is not. Many Kenyans who return to Kenya, leave again, because of this. The lack of convenience. It is recommended that Businesses associated with convenience, and others like them, e.g. Entertainment, Wholesale and Retail, be taken over by outsiders to Kenya. This is because these types of Businesses require experience to run, and most Kenyans dont have it. There was a time many Kenyans, complained of Indians taking over Retail in Nairobi, but in reality one finds, Indians are much better at running these kind of businesses than Kenyans. Entertainment, is also another big problem in Kenya, and is the cause of many of the social problems one sees, with respect to Tribalism. In many Kenyan Entertainment spots, what one sees, is a lot of violence, amongst the youth, that is tribal in nature. One can say in partiality, that Kenyans do not know how to entertain themselves. The end result of such endeavours to entertain themselves, are always arguments and fights. It is proposed here that, outsiders from as far as America, France, Hong Kong and even the Congo, take over the concept of Entertainment in Kenya. Entertainment, should not be confused with recreational activity, which is family based. Recreational activity in Kenya, is African in nature. Entertainment in Kenya, is strongly influenced by outside cultures, alongside Kenyan Tribalism. Let the Americans or Congolese, not only

open Entertainment spots in Kenya, but also bring their Entertainment culture. Examples being dress codes, food or drinks etc. This will give Kenyans, a broader view of the world, from a local perspective, as many Kenyan youths desire to leave Kenya, to mainly experience the Entertainment culture, that other countries have to offer. The end result is often wasted time, and destroyed lives. Let outsiders take over all the above mentioned businesses, especially with regards to Wholesale, which is highly protected in Kenya, as they are much better at them, than Kenyans. The role of the Government should be a minimal participation in all this, alongside looking into price fixing, harassment and quality. All this, will make Nairobi, an international city, whereby outsiders can come, and feel very much at home. There are almost zero other international cities, out there. Most other so called international cities like London, simply have many immigrants, struggling to survive. International cities are about varied experiences, while cosmopolitan cities are about sophistication.