Tag Archives: vision 2030

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.

 

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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

 

 

NUCLEAR ELECTRICITY | Kenya’s Nuclear Energy Project

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In December 31, 1879, Thomas Edison remarked, “We will make electricity so cheap that only the rich can afford to burn candles”. Kenya’s development agenda Vision 2030 highlights the increase in demand for electricity. Although politically motivated, our ambition to quench the electricity thirst with nuclear power serves as a reminder that we are yet to live up to the dreams of Thomas Edison.

Japan’s nuclear power crisis has ignited a conversation on the country’s seriousness to develop our nuclear energy potential. In this time of rampant global economic growth especially among BRIC nations, there is an even greater need to find new sources of energy, especially green energy sources. Our economy is the 10th largest economy in Africa and will be second to South Africa in developing nuclear energy in the African continent. This development  will be a green solution that will address commercial and residential energy needs. As we explore green energy solutions, we need to remind ourselves the true cost; financial, life or otherwise incurred as we address our insatiable thirst for energy.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJfIbBDR3e8

Our Nuclear Electricity Development Project Executive Chairman Ochilo Ayacko was quoted saying “the incident in Japan only served as a lesson on the safety measures Kenya would adopt”. In the history of nuclear power production there have been several accidents many of which involve human loss and civilian exposure to radiation resulting in generational health defects. The safety of civilians and our environment must be placed above all else, however a good solution for Kenya must also accommodate the long-term storage of radio active waste, a bi-product of nuclear power production. As Kenyans we should ask ourselves, does our plan address our long-term energy needs, safety of our people, safety of our environment (both catastrophic meltdowns and nuclear waste storage), our sovereignty and a comprehensive cost breakdown of green and sustainable alternatives?

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