Along with the huge number of people displaced in Kenya (300,000), the estimated figure of 400,000 people losing their jobs this month as an immediate knock on effect from the post election crisis is very worrying. Whilst in the developed world there is a support system for the unemployed (i.e. in UK there is the welfare system and job seekers allowance etc.) here there is absolutely nothing.
For many, going out to work simply translates into earning just enough to live, pay the rent, buy food, pay school fees. With no income you cannot eat and with more people out of work, we all fear an increase in crime as people are driven to desperate measures. Let’s hope that the tourists come back soon and that factories can get up and running again at full productivity and the roads are made safe again without delay. Let’s hope that to counter the economic downturn; the government create many more jobs in the wake of the crisis by using their newly announced fund for those affected by the violence to rebuild the areas that have been destroyed.
Kofi Annan is still hanging on here in Nairobi and predicts that a deal could be struck between government and the opposition party by the end of next week. Annan really does deserve a medal (or ten), for what he has done here. A Kenyan friend of mine said that she would personally like to take him on an amazing safari to show him the best that the country has to offer by way of a thank you. However, I’m sure he’s counting the days until he can get the first plane out of here.
As the days pass, it becomes increasingly clear that both the Government and ODM, the opposition, have been guilty of some pretty underhand behaviour and neither party can poke their heads above the parapet too far as no one above blame. I hope it’s now time to put all the horror behind them and move forward to create a better, fairer way to run Kenya for everybody.
The diary of a British expat living in Kenya. News, views, debate and a healthy dose of trivia.
Hi, again. I knew and deeply respected Hon. Were. Were had two wives--one Italian and one Kenyan. (I so don't get this two+ wife thingy... but that's another issue.) Were grew up in the slums of Embakasi. Because of his work ethic, Were caught the attention of a Catholic priest who sponsored his education, including sending Were to university in Italy. Were was also a gifted entrepreneur who believed in the value of work. He returned to Kenya to serve his people and called himself a political missionary. His vision for Kenya and his service to the youth and his community completely moved and inspired me. I am really sad and upset he was assassinated. I wanted you to know that he was not one of the MPs who misused his political privileges to keep his family safe while milking the system. Thanks again for your blog. i appreciate you for sharing your story.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for this comment. Sorry to have made assumptions. From what you say, it really goes without saying that things would have been much better here if there were more men like Were in Government in Kenya who put the interests of others first.
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteI am an American living in the US with my Kenyan husband. I have enjoyed reading your blog and getting a inside look at what is happening in the country.