Tag Archives: kenya

WINDOWS 8 | Microsoft launches Windows 8

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On Tuesday, Microsoft launched its next-generation operating system, at its Build Conference in Anaheim, California. The new operating system, which is a complete rebuild of Microsoft’s flagship product, is designed to work with both tablets and PCs.

Each attendee at the conference received a Samsung tablet, preloaded with the developers’ preview version of Windows 8, with the intention of exciting the developers, and perhaps, persuading  them to write applications for the new OS. “The tablets are part of Microsoft’s attempt to get developers excited and on board with Windows 8 … It’s the first Windows version designed from the beginning to work on both tablets and PCs.” The Seattle Times reported. Rob Sanfilippo, a research vice president at the Kirkland-based Directions on Microsoft was reported saying, “He’s a fan of the new user interface (UI), dubbed “Metro,” which looks unlike any other Windows version.” “The Metro UI is based on tiles that, when tapped or clicked on, go directly to an application,” The Seattle Times. httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0Hr9-C8WhE  Looking back at its predecessor, Windows 7, the president of Microsoft’s Windows division announced that, “Windows 7 is now (finally) being used by more people than Windows XP.” Windows 7 has sold 450 million copies worldwide. Recent statistics also show that Windows 7 consumer usage is greater than Windows XP, and about 542 million people are signing into Windows Live services. In addition, Microsoft had launched Windows 7 in Swahili earlier in the year, a move that was intended to allow over 150 million Kiswahili speakers in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and parts of the Horn of Africa, Great Lakes, Malawi, Mozambique and the Indian Ocean region, access a broader range of its programs. This followed Windows 7 debut in Kenya on 28th October, 2009. The growth of Windows operating systems since the unpleasant Windows Vista, has undoubtedly, been delightful to Microsoft executives.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntSdfGzF60M
Whether Windows 8 will develop in the same trend, is an issue on the balance. Here is a url to the download page for the developer preview. It comes in three versions. Download the appropriate and get on with it! Tip the balance!

What’s Your Say?

References:

Microsoft aims to get developers excited about Windows 8 The Seattle Times September 13, 2011

Windows 7 Launched in Country allAfrica.com October 28, 2009

Microsoft Windows 7 launched in Swahili Telecentre.org February 17, 2011

Microsoft Launches Windows 8 Mashable Tech September 14, 2011

 

 

AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS QUALIFIER | Oliech gives the Stars a glimmer of hope

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Dennis Oliech scored a wonder goal 2 minutes into injury time to restore Kenya’s slim chances of qualifying for the Africa Cup of nations. The stars  went into the match knowing that only a win would ensure they remain in the race for the 2012 tournament.  The stars dominated early possession but the Western African side-Guinea Bissau, who beat them in the first leg by a solitary goal, defended well to deny the stars an early goal.

Coach Zedekiah Otieno made a double attacking substitution bringing in the exciting striker Stephen Waruru and AFC Leopards forward Mike Barasa. The substitution made an immediate impact as Barasa netted in the opener in the 55th minute to send the home fans into a frenzy. The stars continued to dominate the match and looked set for a slim victory until a defensive mistake allowed the visitors to restore parity within nine minutes of normal time left. The goal silenced the home fans, some leaving the stadium in disappointment.  Auxere striker, Dennis Oliech, however, had other ideas! He salvaged the home side by delivering a screamer following  poor clearance by the visitors from a corner kick, sending the home fans into wild cheers. httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGHZu0lbTiY

Despite the result, Kenya’s chances of qualification remain slim. The only chance they have of qualifying is hoping Uganda loses to Angola by a huge margin and hope Guinea beats Angola. Statistically,  it is  possible for the stars to progress. This means beating Uganda on their home-soil  by more than 6 goals,  to top the group on goal difference.

References
Kenya 2-1 Guinea Bissau: Denise Oliech’s last gasp screamer saves Harambee Stars Goal.com September 3, 2011

Kenya must thrash Guinea, Uganda then wait for ‘Lady luck’ Kenya Premier League August 30, 2011

KENYA FOOD SECURITY | A critical view

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Co-Author :  Victor Daniels

On February 22, 2010, a senior policy analyst with the Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA), was quoted saying, “we have a challenge in the management of our public affairs [and] the management of our food stocks. Sometimes we are exporting food yet we later need to import. There is failure to learn from best practices, to invest in knowledge and transform that knowledge into action.”

According to OneWorld UK, the UN “estimates that 3.5 million Kenyans will require food assistance, a figure that may rise before the end of 2011.” However, the assessments updated on July, 2011, “exclude the Somali refugees located in the Dadaab camps in eastern Kenya whose plight is managed as an international refugee crisis, as distinct from Kenya’s national food insecurity.” Scholars have blamed the looming food crisis in Kenya, not only on the failure of successive seasonal rains, but also on poor standards of governance, and mismanagement of the agriculture sector, coupled with lack of political goodwill. Providing credit facilities to farmers, setting up micro-irrigation schemes, and cash transfers to poor farmers, as well as effecting input subsidies are just but a few ways to begin the comprehensive process, to realize food security in Kenya.

Kenya Food Security

In light of the above, an economy should be based on a long-lasting, reliable system, not on slavery, and coercion. Our economy relies on greed, and a serious lack of thought about consequences. That is a very unstable sort of economy. A lucid socio-economic analysis of the mechanisms of exploitative processes in the Kenyan economy brings out Kenya’s predicament in the light of under-hand shady policy making, which is not exclusively Marxist, but still draws heavily on that school of thought. Even before the fall of the KANU regime, the prices of prime commodities such as tea, sugar, rice, and maize, have constantly been rising, which creates a conflict of interests considering we locally produce the same. Where does the buck stop? Can we still interpret this, as Kenya’s success story? Are the Kenyan food policies a success in terms of growth, or total output? The time has come to reappraise agricultural pricing policies in general, so that agriculture makes its optimum contribution to maximizing gross national production. For maize, the Kenyan staple grain, the producer’s selling price should be reviewed, and be set at the relevant export parity price. The consumer price should be down to a comfortable level, thus, the price should be set at the producer’s selling price, plus marketing costs- incurred in distributing the maize to consumers. It is true that costs are rising, but then, if a justified investment policy was directed for export, we would expect the abolition of domestic marketing, thus, providing comfortable floor and ceiling prices. Starvation in most Kenyan regions remains to haunt us due to the government’s sub-standard reckoning, without political goodwill for the Kenyan people. Well known Members of Parliament, politicians, senior civil servants, and business men affiliated to high echelons of power, have repeatedly been accused with controversial maize and sugar imports and exports, but still, calls to prosecute the alleged suspects, go unheeded. Impunity and indecisiveness, thrives at high levels of governance, and on the miseries of the citizenry, where justice refers to how deep your pockets are. Budgetary allocation for the Ministry of State for Development of Northern Kenya and Other Arid Lands is irrelevant, if the people meant to be protected by the same, are dying of acute food shortage, and malnutrition. The chronic famine situation in Kenya, signals a malfunction in the governance of the Kenyan democracy. Kenya truly needs, a decentralized system, of running State affairs. Focus should be on the people and their strengths, instead of importing western innovations, and ideologies. Since we should be the change we want to see, we should put an end to popularistic politics, and deal with real issues affecting Kenyans on the ground, in a comprehensive manner.

References:

Food Security in Kenya-briefing OneWorld UK, July, 2011

Experts voice food security concerns IRIN Africa, February 22, 2010

Outrage over rising food and fuel prices IRIN Africa, April 20, 2011

 

 

THE STATE OF DROUGHT IN KENYA | Turning Adversity into Opportunity

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A recent report by the government indicated that, livestock worth 64.2 billion in the ASAL areas, has been wiped out as the region experiences the worst drought in 60 years. “A quarter of the country’s zebu herd in ASAL areas of 14 million animals is lost and the worst is possibly yet to come” Daily Nation reported.

A brief on investment opportunities available in Kenya, accredited by the Ministry of State for Planning National Development and Vision 2030 stated that, “livestock production in the ASAL accounts for nearly 90% of the employment opportunities and nearly 95% of the family incomes. It also accounts for about 45% of the Agricultural GDP.”  Though natural calamities such as drought cannot be controlled, its effects can be anticipated, thus loss of people’s lives and property as a result of the same can adequately be subdued. Isn’t it wrong in the face of the fact that, 75% of Kenya’s livestock are in the ASAL areas, whereas they are served with less than 10% of livestock service staff? What sense is in losing 64bn on one hand, and soliciting for aid funds to a tune of 1bn on the other? If that is anything to go by, then we have surely settled for less than survival. It is envisioned in the Kenya’s Vision 2030, to increase farmers income, create employment, and reduce malnutrition and food insecurity. Investing in the livestock sector, especially in the North Eastern Province (NEP), may be a good place to begin. “The development of a fully fledged export industry for processed livestock products, would doubtless have the greatest impact on the economy, and welfare of the NEP and its people” ReSAKSS, 2008. The article titled, Investment Opportunities for Livestock in the North Eastern Province of Kenya: A Synthesis of Existing Knowledge, further points out that strengthening of the institutions that, “ensure political stability, public security and protection of investment and ownership would induce investors to contribute to the development of the NEP through investment in the livestock sector.”

Mandera Livestock Market

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It is not too late to begin, for all is not lost. It is true that one doesn’t appreciate the value of what they have, till it is lost. But the fool is the one who sits back and stands to lose, even more. Challenges are there, for the ones who are ready to take them. Turning the current drought adversity into an opportunity for growth, can begin with just a simple step as laying down commercially oriented road networks, into the NEP.

 

What’s Your Say?

References:

Drought wipes out herd worth Sh64bn Daily Nation August 7, 2011

Investment Opportunities Google Docs (as of) August 10, 2011

Investment Opportunities for Livestock in the North Eastern Province of Kenya: A Synthesis of Existing Knowledge ReSAKSS, 2008

 

 

2014 WORLD CUP DRAW | Harambee Stars vs. Seychelles

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When the draw for the 2014 world cup qualifiers was conducted on the 30th of July 2011, the Kenya national soccer team was among a group of 24 lowly ranked teams in the continent set to face it out before joining a group stages for a chance to taste glory in Brazil. The stars ranked 130th in the latest FIFA rankings are set to square it out with the tiny Indian ocean island of Seychelles’ known better for its tourism than for its football prowess. The stars should have an easy task advancing into the group stages if Seychelles’’ current placing in the rankings 197 is anything to go by. However in football anything is bound to happen and for this reason the stakeholders should ensure the team prepares enough in time for the 11th of November clash away before a return fixture in Nairobi four days later.

If the stars cross the Seychelles hurdle they will join Nigeria, Malawi and the winner of the tie between Namibia and Djibouti in group F to fight it out for first place. The winner of the group will join nine other group winners in five two legged ties with the winners representing Africa in the 2014 FIFA world cup. Nigeria and Malawi who are ranked higher than Kenya pose the biggest threat at that stage. In the recent past Nigeria has proven to be our perennial rival when it comes to world cup qualification each time the super eagles flying above our stars. The latest being the 3-2 defeat at the hands of the West Africans in Nairobi during the qualifications for the 2010 world cup. There are lots of positives that the current national team can build on from that encounter and possibly take us all the way to Rio bearing in mind the fact that we were leading only for our defensive frailties to let us down.

The stars have a good chance of making it through to face off with the big boys of African football for a chance to play in Brazil .However that will only happen if preparations start early.

References:
Super eagles in Harambee Stars’ way, Daily Nation, 2nd August2011
Kenya 2 Nigeria 3: match report, The Telegraph, 14th Nov 2009
Road to Brazil, standardmedia, 2nd August 2011

SOCIAL MEDIA | Why Kenyan firms should embrace social media

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If you are wondering what social media is, it basically refers to the use of web based and mobile technologies to turn communication into an interactive dialogue. Many firms in the market today need to embrace this trend in technology, mainly because it is cheaper and feedback is not delayed. Social media can take on many different forums, such as web blogs, internet forums, and micro blogs. Examples of social media are the likes of you tube, twitter, Facebook, and many others.

How will they benefit from this? Apart from relatively cheaper advertising, social media could use this to place promotions over social networking sites. For instance, a firm could have a fun page on Facebook and place available promotions. Also, because of the interactive nature of social networks, a firm can use this to their advantage to manage their reputation. By this they keep an eye on conversations going on and respond to them. Social media can also be used to collect feedback or suggestion to a firm on their products or services, or how the firm should operate in favor of its consumers. Social media is also decentralized, therefore, it lays a foundation for globalization and publicity of a firm.

These are just a few ways a firm can use social media. It is appropriate for marketing and publicity. Many companies have gone online in Kenya, therefore, the use of social media is just an icing on the cake. Also, consumers are now purchasing commodities online. Therefore, the companies are able to attract vast markets. Because of its utility, social media is accessible to anyone, and easy to use. It is also available to the public with little or no cost. To sum up, the greatest and most productive way a firm can use social media is by managing their reputation. Consumers can air complaints, offer suggestions and feedback freely without feeling intimidated.

References:
Social Media

7 Rules of Social Media and Creating Trust Around Your Brand

Social media and online PR.

ID CRISIS | Government lags in issuance of IDs

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On October, 2009, the Public Procurement Administration Board ruled that the tendering process for the new generation IDs was unfair, and ordered the ministry of Immigration to begin it anew.

Otieno Kajwang-Minister of State for Immigration and Registration of Persons

Last weekend on Saturday, Daily Nation reported that “more than 4 million Kenyans-the majority of them youths-could be prevented from voting next year if the political infighting over a Sh. 12 billion tender for the production of national identity cards is not resolved soon.” The tender for design, supply, installation and commissioning of the 3rd generation IDs, advertised on April 2007, “has attracted a lot of attention from powerful people in government. It has been derailed because some forces think that ODM wants to turn it into an Anglo Leasing and mint money for campaigns,” Otieno Kajwang-Minister of State for Immigration and Registration of Persons, said for the record. On 3rd March, 2011, allAfrica.com reported that, “although funds were allocated for the project, powerful people with vested interests have been fighting to influence who gets the contract.” On the flip side, “without an ID one cannot transact official business, get a job, travel outside the country, join college, access government offices, and entertainment spots or acquire other crucial documents like passports.” Daily Nation reported. Findings from a research carried out by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) addressing the crisis on issuance of national identity cards in Kenya stated that, “the Government only recognizes the importance of an ID card in so far as elections are concerned, but not for other crucial purposes… This means that political interests of those in Government tend to supercede the day-to-day interests of Kenyans.” Surprisingly, the government seems to have disregarded results of the 2009 census, exhibiting that “young people constitute a core voting bloc that will determine who becomes the country’s next president.” The KNCHR research drew a conclusion that “registration of persons and issuance of ID cards is core in determining the extent of enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms by Kenyans.”

For how long the Kenyan government will view the citizenry as mere statistical elements, is an issue begging for urgent corrective reasoning, lest much more young people will stand disenfranchised and dispossessed.

References:

ID crisis: 4 million face lockout in poll Daily Nation July 23rd 2011

Sort Out ID Cards Crisis allAfrica.com March 3rd 2011

Youth Seeking IDs to Wait Longer After Tender Quashed allAfrica.com October 15th 2009

An Identity Crisis? A Study on the Issuance of National Identity Cards in Kenya KNCHR 2007

 

ATHLETICS | Kenya’s athletics heroes

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On 22nd August 2010, Kenya’s 800M athlete, David Rudisha broke the men’s 800M world record at an IAAF world challenge event held in Berlin.

On Saturday last week, the world record holder won the 800M race at the National Bank of Kenya National Athletics Championships that saw him book a ticket to next month’s World Championships in Daegu, South Korea, besides nursing a left foot injury that has barred him from participating in several recent events. Last year BBC World Service put Rudisha on record saying, “I have been running fast and I now have the world record but I have not won any major championships yet. It is time to focus on that now and to win a medal at the 2011World Championships. And then I want to be the Olympic champion. That is my focus from now on.”

David Rudisha

Frankly, he’s walking the talk and being good at it! Watts Wacker et al (1999) The Visionary’s Handbook: Ten Paradoxes That Will Shape the Future of  Your Business, wrote, “no one is less ready for tomorrow than the person who holds the most rigid beliefs about what tomorrow will contain.” At jijuze, we celebrate our fallen hero Samuel Wanjiru-the first Kenyan to win the Olympic marathon, and applause our rising star, David Rudisha. Going by his word and form, he could just be the next Kenyan icon on the international stage, going into the London 2012 Olympic games.

Whats Your Say?

The Conversation begins…

References:

Rudisha qualifies for World Champs Super Sport July 16,2011

David Rudisha breaks 800m world record BBC Sport August 22, 2010