By Dino Kanyotu
We spend a lot of time pushing things under the carpet, atleast questions that need answering is forensic scanning of pathological issues that brought about this
This is not rocket science, if divided into short term and long term intervention and driven by the needs of the people which is people driven to underscore the basic tenets of economic livelihood of Kenyans drawn along the divide with our rich heritage looked at positively. Our differences should be used for unification, to bring about cohesion to push forward diversity and integration.
We should and it is our joint responsibility to single out the ills from the entire divide objectively in midwifing a new beginning. In addition facilitate change through widening our view looking at the bigger picture Kenya not our tribal constituencies and affiliations. Should we drive others because they belong to the wrong tribe? Pertinent questions are whether we have been blind all this years not to notice that our neighbours are from wrong tribes. If that is true , what wrongs have they committed and did living harmoniously contribute to breaking down of the society fabric? Our school lives, majority are included in this interacted with diverse groups of people notwithstanding their tribes. Schooling and education as defined by Decartes and Plato saw education as a tool to make us a social being therefore integrate and fit in the society. There is a difference between being educated and learned. The word school, Plato says that when one has a belief, one thinks things, but different things from those that one thinks when one has knowledge. What one thinks when one has knowledge is "what is. " That is to say, the things which one thinks when one has belief fall under the heading "what is not." In his argument that "all judgements are true" and in the relevant argument "from knowing and not-knowing". In short judging a falsehood is the same as touching a unicorn; for judging what is false means judging what is not, which is not judging at all
Closer to us our own Ngugi Wathiong'o wrote a book Decolonising the mind which is an exposite of political and ideological slant. He writes of two mutually opposed forces in Africa today: an imperialist tradition on one hand, and a resistance tradition on the other. Imperialism for him continues after the colonial period: it is the rule of consolidated finance capital. Ngugi's worldview here is still profoundly Marxist, and one has to question how useful this simple division imperialism versus resistance is at the beginning of the 21st century. (Curiously he chooses to see the class struggle as universal, never considering that it too might be an imperialist fiction imposed on Africa despite not fitting African tradition, culture, or history.) And this is what we see in Kenya today with the current impasse, the rich and the poor, the home guards and the oppressed using us for their selfish gain. He focussed on art with a purpose: be it pedagogic or political or helping preserve traditions or forge identities, all the literature he considers serves a purpose. The simple beauty of art isn't at issue for him -- in part, no doubt, because he does not want to admit that politically incorrect art (of any stripe or colour -- even art with say a blatantly imperialist message) might still have some value.
Students of history will attest to the lessons from bring down the Berlin war and to reasons for unifications as opposed to balkanising them to some warlord led states. Hey Kenyans, It is my plea that we woke up from this stupor, we are in 21st century where the world is a village that should not be seen along ethnic lines. In retrospect supporting your man will not change the lives of poor Kenyans the village unless you are connected. Let us start with ourselves and redeem our hearts and thought process to decolonise our imprisoned minds. In our small world we should see that all these start with us for a better Kenya , not a divided one full of vitriol. We got to begin now. After all our incomes, jobs will not change with the differences, but may change if discussions across the table are inclusive
See yourselves as champions of change ,the exposure you have had should be used to our people’s advantage to re educate them of their responsibilities to act responsibly and send message to the status quo that we have Kenya that is bigger than their dreams .We have all sorts of experts peddling cheap rhetoric since all this began, but when you read through there are no solutions offered, they are either based on support or rumours. We have the responsibility to pull the problems apart , view them with forensic heart and ask ourselves what brought about this?
Further down, do you know how much our people are suffering? Businesses lost are massive, what we need is preaching harmony and healing. The current political dispensation require you and I to act with some decorum and responsibility to emancipate people who are imprisoned in their tribal cocoon. Being Kikuyu, Luo hate will not give me better job, improve my status only aggravate it. As is happening elsewhere the burden is heavy on those with income to support our kinsmen and relatives.
We are at crossroads that we need to explore strategies that would stir, stimulate economic growth and independence for our people. This is only possible in peaceful atmosphere, no one is spared of this , hence providing an enabling environment for business, skills development and economic growth through our concerted effort. Ask not what the society can do for you but what you can do for it
My approach is simple though hope would be clear and concise in a coherent way, I tried posting this somewhere though in a different context but was branded an Odinga sympathiser
A. Issues to be addressed in the reconstruction planning for Kenya should include:
B. Orientation in Conflict Resolution and Consensus Building
The development partners will certainly face deep seated emotions and mutual distrust and animosities amongst the local groups and organisations in the post conflict reconstruction. It will therefore be imperative to hold joint stake holder planning with neutral facilitators which should include taster programmes in provision of training in conflict resolution and consensus building for the belligerent parties, particularly among leaders and the planning groups. This will be appropriate for in-country representatives of the principal donors and non-governmental organizations involved in implementing the reconstruction program. Special programs for fostering reconciliation should also be planned for political and administrative leadership at both national and local levels.
At the onset the training programme should be facilitated by outside/neutral experts or acceptable individuals by the group, to be taken over eventually as continuous activity by local learning providers and local groups.
C. Demobilization of militias
Demobilisation strategy should involve disarming process of the Mungikis, local groups which involves integration into the society whilst scoping social enterprise scheme involving training, business start up and skills sharpening. At top of the agenda should be the involvement of private sector, public sector in rolling out micro finance schemes, training work shadowing and mentorship. Accelerate the process in an integrative manner that involves the general population and in an equitable way, targeting a wider populace at the same time.
Activities that would be beneficial could be done through special programs in which the ex-conflictive zones participate in land transfers, vocational technical training, agricultural credit, micro-enterprise credit, and assistance to the war-wounded. Close emphasis should be made on inter party consultation and for an integrated planning process to go beyond the regrouping of militias Their leaders should be allowed should be accorded opportunity of travelling to travel to post conflict or areas where reconstruction is taking place.
On the other hand delays in demobilization as long as political reconciliation has been done, though rapid demobilisation may also have knock on effect to minimise the resumption of fight; media should also be encouraged to respond to conflicts positively and not to peddle rumours
In all likelihood, all post-conflict situations will leave large numbers of people in need of repatriation and devastated areas badly in need of rehabilitated infrastructure to facilitate commerce, a revival of industry, and access to health and education facilities. Perhaps it would be feasible to work closely with NGO and CBOs to manage of the immediate humanitarian assistance and rural infrastructure activities. They might work under the general supervision of, and be paid by, nongovernmental humanitarian organizations or donor-funded contractors.
D. Special Health Needs.
The immediate post-conflict health needs will involve expanding or establishing health care facilities in the war zones and ensuring health coverage for all and sundry. The success of this effort will depend in part on the availability of on-going programs that can be expanded on short notice.
Secondly, special health problem for civilians will include post-conflict traumatic stress disorders (psychosis and acute and severe depression).There will be need to address immediate technical assistance to survey the magnitude of the problem; identify existing and needed institutional capabilities (including facilities near the victims); and design a strategy for the activities needed to cope with the situation. There may be special needs for women and children in families in which where the militias will be reintegrated.
E. Structure and Timing of Assistance to the Agricultural Sector
Kenya’s mains stay is Agriculture, displaced persons should be assisted and encouraged return to farming in the former conflict areas. Infuse programs to provide agricultural credit and technical assistance to those wishing to return to or go into agriculture. In addition, because many of the potential farmers may require technical assistance, they should be supported provided with grant schemes in the venture.
On the other hand land transfer, should be given proper attention and land allocation board presided over by the local communities and the ministry should be a priority. Land transfers are not easy to administer under the best of circumstances. They are especially difficult to carry out in conflict zones, where buildings and farms may have been destroyed and where owners of the land may be difficult to locate. Special efforts will be needed to streamline procedures and facilitate the participation of those without land. Furthermore, the beneficiaries will need shelter and a safe water supply immediately. Probably few will have ever owned farms or be skilled farmers. They will need technical assistance on how to grow crops and/or raise livestock and on farm management. They will need credit for inputs.
The timing of the technical assistance and credit must relate to the growing season or it may be lost. The amount of credit must be sufficient to augment all income-generating activities of the farm and raise food for the family, not just enough to plant one specific cash crop. The terms of the credit should be designed to improve the credit worthiness of the recipients, not just permit them to survive. Special arrangements, including possibly revised legislation, may be needed to ensure that women farmers can have access to land, credit and technical assistance.
Inadequate attention to the foregoing can result, on one hand, in inadequate numbers being given land at demobilization and, on the other hand, those who have settled not being able to make a reasonable living. Either result can have seriously adverse political results and possibly threaten the peace process.
F. Implementation Mechanisms and Procedures
Once the a peace accord is assigned by the aggrieved parties , both ODM and PNU to build cordial working relationship The implementing agency should be seen as a counter –insurgency agency and the effort should be seen to have been fairly executed.
It is desirable to work with local NGOs affiliated to local communities in reconstruction programme since they are familiar the population/organisations, additionally they would be bale to deal with both financial controls /requirements and the areas.
G. Local Political and Administrative Structures
The provision of health services and revamping of the local economy may be important in Kenya but the local involvement is deciding on priorities for rural infrastructure projects is equally important.
In some post conflict situations, it may be that there are no locally elected personnel—only appointees. Whether local officials are appointed or elected, it will be important for the success of the reconciliation process for the "outsiders" to be able to participate freely and meaningfully in local decision-making as soon as possible. This could be done by establishing development planning committees and project implementation monitoring committees with proportionate representation from local groups and organizations. Development partners should use their influence to ensure that any local groups that will relate to donor-funded activities should include appropriate representation from women or women's groups.
H. Local Infrastructure
To stimulate meaningful economic growth, it would be helpful to people together—as well as providing funding for badly needed local infrastructure. Once programs are in place to replace major infrastructure (roads, railroads, electric power, and urban water supplies) and local infrastructure, it will be important to initiate a planning activity to bridge the national and the local. The District Development Committees, or inter-regional plans should be based on development poles or magnet areas, should be prepared.
The planning for regional or provincial infrastructure should look not only at the needs and how to meet them. The planning should also look at the financial and technical manpower requirements for maintenance of the infrastructure once constructed and propose institutional mechanisms for ensuring that the needed maintenance would be carried out efficiently and effectively.
The construction of safe water supply facilities and appropriate sanitary facilities is potentially one of the most important activities in a local infrastructure program. It is essential, however, that the activity be seen as a health activity, not just infrastructure. Such projects in rural areas will not have the desired health impact, nor be sustainable, unless there is organized community participation and meaningful (to the community) health promotion activity preceding, during, and after the construction period The local participation should be inclusive and democratic with women having slots in driving it..
I. Monitoring Human Rights
Human rights monitoring offices (national and international) should be established in partnership with local security teams with workshops, seminars, etc. to provide the training and orientation proposed above in value for human and consensus building and organize other activities to promote reconciliation at all levels. One such activity might be the holding of a conference on the human rights situation in the country (or a region) and the steps that would be needed to deal with the threat and foster a more homogeneous society.
In conclusion, I would highlight the need to push forward an inclusive agenda that is participatory and transparent set on:
We spend a lot of time pushing things under the carpet, atleast questions that need answering is forensic scanning of pathological issues that brought about this
- hope for all, with our voices in the voters card
- land
- equity/economic emancipation where people are accorded a chance at equal footing
- elections triggered an issue that was long suspended or hidden people had to come out send the message
This is not rocket science, if divided into short term and long term intervention and driven by the needs of the people which is people driven to underscore the basic tenets of economic livelihood of Kenyans drawn along the divide with our rich heritage looked at positively. Our differences should be used for unification, to bring about cohesion to push forward diversity and integration.
We should and it is our joint responsibility to single out the ills from the entire divide objectively in midwifing a new beginning. In addition facilitate change through widening our view looking at the bigger picture Kenya not our tribal constituencies and affiliations. Should we drive others because they belong to the wrong tribe? Pertinent questions are whether we have been blind all this years not to notice that our neighbours are from wrong tribes. If that is true , what wrongs have they committed and did living harmoniously contribute to breaking down of the society fabric? Our school lives, majority are included in this interacted with diverse groups of people notwithstanding their tribes. Schooling and education as defined by Decartes and Plato saw education as a tool to make us a social being therefore integrate and fit in the society. There is a difference between being educated and learned. The word school, Plato says that when one has a belief, one thinks things, but different things from those that one thinks when one has knowledge. What one thinks when one has knowledge is "what is. " That is to say, the things which one thinks when one has belief fall under the heading "what is not." In his argument that "all judgements are true" and in the relevant argument "from knowing and not-knowing". In short judging a falsehood is the same as touching a unicorn; for judging what is false means judging what is not, which is not judging at all
Closer to us our own Ngugi Wathiong'o wrote a book Decolonising the mind which is an exposite of political and ideological slant. He writes of two mutually opposed forces in Africa today: an imperialist tradition on one hand, and a resistance tradition on the other. Imperialism for him continues after the colonial period: it is the rule of consolidated finance capital. Ngugi's worldview here is still profoundly Marxist, and one has to question how useful this simple division imperialism versus resistance is at the beginning of the 21st century. (Curiously he chooses to see the class struggle as universal, never considering that it too might be an imperialist fiction imposed on Africa despite not fitting African tradition, culture, or history.) And this is what we see in Kenya today with the current impasse, the rich and the poor, the home guards and the oppressed using us for their selfish gain. He focussed on art with a purpose: be it pedagogic or political or helping preserve traditions or forge identities, all the literature he considers serves a purpose. The simple beauty of art isn't at issue for him -- in part, no doubt, because he does not want to admit that politically incorrect art (of any stripe or colour -- even art with say a blatantly imperialist message) might still have some value.
Students of history will attest to the lessons from bring down the Berlin war and to reasons for unifications as opposed to balkanising them to some warlord led states. Hey Kenyans, It is my plea that we woke up from this stupor, we are in 21st century where the world is a village that should not be seen along ethnic lines. In retrospect supporting your man will not change the lives of poor Kenyans the village unless you are connected. Let us start with ourselves and redeem our hearts and thought process to decolonise our imprisoned minds. In our small world we should see that all these start with us for a better Kenya , not a divided one full of vitriol. We got to begin now. After all our incomes, jobs will not change with the differences, but may change if discussions across the table are inclusive
See yourselves as champions of change ,the exposure you have had should be used to our people’s advantage to re educate them of their responsibilities to act responsibly and send message to the status quo that we have Kenya that is bigger than their dreams .We have all sorts of experts peddling cheap rhetoric since all this began, but when you read through there are no solutions offered, they are either based on support or rumours. We have the responsibility to pull the problems apart , view them with forensic heart and ask ourselves what brought about this?
Further down, do you know how much our people are suffering? Businesses lost are massive, what we need is preaching harmony and healing. The current political dispensation require you and I to act with some decorum and responsibility to emancipate people who are imprisoned in their tribal cocoon. Being Kikuyu, Luo hate will not give me better job, improve my status only aggravate it. As is happening elsewhere the burden is heavy on those with income to support our kinsmen and relatives.
We are at crossroads that we need to explore strategies that would stir, stimulate economic growth and independence for our people. This is only possible in peaceful atmosphere, no one is spared of this , hence providing an enabling environment for business, skills development and economic growth through our concerted effort. Ask not what the society can do for you but what you can do for it
My approach is simple though hope would be clear and concise in a coherent way, I tried posting this somewhere though in a different context but was branded an Odinga sympathiser
A. Issues to be addressed in the reconstruction planning for Kenya should include:
- Overall reconstruction effort underpinning an overall strategy monitor and assist a planning effort carried out at provincial level—or inter-provincial level around economic development that cascade across the boundaries
- Explore development plans that have synergies with political spectrum to ensure maximum exploitation of potential of politics in development
- Create an implementation plan that is autonomous but overarching special development authority with technical assistance; through a coordinating contractor or grantee; by beefing up an existing provincial or regional organization; or possibly by trying more than one technique in different areas.
- Involve local stakeholder in various implementation plans i.e CBOs, Faith groups, Opinion holders, Administrators and local community reps
- Revamp the local CDF to jumpstart and stir local economies through a reconstruction plan with an open agenda which is inclusive
B. Orientation in Conflict Resolution and Consensus Building
The development partners will certainly face deep seated emotions and mutual distrust and animosities amongst the local groups and organisations in the post conflict reconstruction. It will therefore be imperative to hold joint stake holder planning with neutral facilitators which should include taster programmes in provision of training in conflict resolution and consensus building for the belligerent parties, particularly among leaders and the planning groups. This will be appropriate for in-country representatives of the principal donors and non-governmental organizations involved in implementing the reconstruction program. Special programs for fostering reconciliation should also be planned for political and administrative leadership at both national and local levels.
At the onset the training programme should be facilitated by outside/neutral experts or acceptable individuals by the group, to be taken over eventually as continuous activity by local learning providers and local groups.
C. Demobilization of militias
Demobilisation strategy should involve disarming process of the Mungikis, local groups which involves integration into the society whilst scoping social enterprise scheme involving training, business start up and skills sharpening. At top of the agenda should be the involvement of private sector, public sector in rolling out micro finance schemes, training work shadowing and mentorship. Accelerate the process in an integrative manner that involves the general population and in an equitable way, targeting a wider populace at the same time.
Activities that would be beneficial could be done through special programs in which the ex-conflictive zones participate in land transfers, vocational technical training, agricultural credit, micro-enterprise credit, and assistance to the war-wounded. Close emphasis should be made on inter party consultation and for an integrated planning process to go beyond the regrouping of militias Their leaders should be allowed should be accorded opportunity of travelling to travel to post conflict or areas where reconstruction is taking place.
On the other hand delays in demobilization as long as political reconciliation has been done, though rapid demobilisation may also have knock on effect to minimise the resumption of fight; media should also be encouraged to respond to conflicts positively and not to peddle rumours
In all likelihood, all post-conflict situations will leave large numbers of people in need of repatriation and devastated areas badly in need of rehabilitated infrastructure to facilitate commerce, a revival of industry, and access to health and education facilities. Perhaps it would be feasible to work closely with NGO and CBOs to manage of the immediate humanitarian assistance and rural infrastructure activities. They might work under the general supervision of, and be paid by, nongovernmental humanitarian organizations or donor-funded contractors.
D. Special Health Needs.
The immediate post-conflict health needs will involve expanding or establishing health care facilities in the war zones and ensuring health coverage for all and sundry. The success of this effort will depend in part on the availability of on-going programs that can be expanded on short notice.
Secondly, special health problem for civilians will include post-conflict traumatic stress disorders (psychosis and acute and severe depression).There will be need to address immediate technical assistance to survey the magnitude of the problem; identify existing and needed institutional capabilities (including facilities near the victims); and design a strategy for the activities needed to cope with the situation. There may be special needs for women and children in families in which where the militias will be reintegrated.
E. Structure and Timing of Assistance to the Agricultural Sector
Kenya’s mains stay is Agriculture, displaced persons should be assisted and encouraged return to farming in the former conflict areas. Infuse programs to provide agricultural credit and technical assistance to those wishing to return to or go into agriculture. In addition, because many of the potential farmers may require technical assistance, they should be supported provided with grant schemes in the venture.
On the other hand land transfer, should be given proper attention and land allocation board presided over by the local communities and the ministry should be a priority. Land transfers are not easy to administer under the best of circumstances. They are especially difficult to carry out in conflict zones, where buildings and farms may have been destroyed and where owners of the land may be difficult to locate. Special efforts will be needed to streamline procedures and facilitate the participation of those without land. Furthermore, the beneficiaries will need shelter and a safe water supply immediately. Probably few will have ever owned farms or be skilled farmers. They will need technical assistance on how to grow crops and/or raise livestock and on farm management. They will need credit for inputs.
The timing of the technical assistance and credit must relate to the growing season or it may be lost. The amount of credit must be sufficient to augment all income-generating activities of the farm and raise food for the family, not just enough to plant one specific cash crop. The terms of the credit should be designed to improve the credit worthiness of the recipients, not just permit them to survive. Special arrangements, including possibly revised legislation, may be needed to ensure that women farmers can have access to land, credit and technical assistance.
Inadequate attention to the foregoing can result, on one hand, in inadequate numbers being given land at demobilization and, on the other hand, those who have settled not being able to make a reasonable living. Either result can have seriously adverse political results and possibly threaten the peace process.
F. Implementation Mechanisms and Procedures
Once the a peace accord is assigned by the aggrieved parties , both ODM and PNU to build cordial working relationship The implementing agency should be seen as a counter –insurgency agency and the effort should be seen to have been fairly executed.
It is desirable to work with local NGOs affiliated to local communities in reconstruction programme since they are familiar the population/organisations, additionally they would be bale to deal with both financial controls /requirements and the areas.
G. Local Political and Administrative Structures
The provision of health services and revamping of the local economy may be important in Kenya but the local involvement is deciding on priorities for rural infrastructure projects is equally important.
In some post conflict situations, it may be that there are no locally elected personnel—only appointees. Whether local officials are appointed or elected, it will be important for the success of the reconciliation process for the "outsiders" to be able to participate freely and meaningfully in local decision-making as soon as possible. This could be done by establishing development planning committees and project implementation monitoring committees with proportionate representation from local groups and organizations. Development partners should use their influence to ensure that any local groups that will relate to donor-funded activities should include appropriate representation from women or women's groups.
H. Local Infrastructure
To stimulate meaningful economic growth, it would be helpful to people together—as well as providing funding for badly needed local infrastructure. Once programs are in place to replace major infrastructure (roads, railroads, electric power, and urban water supplies) and local infrastructure, it will be important to initiate a planning activity to bridge the national and the local. The District Development Committees, or inter-regional plans should be based on development poles or magnet areas, should be prepared.
The planning for regional or provincial infrastructure should look not only at the needs and how to meet them. The planning should also look at the financial and technical manpower requirements for maintenance of the infrastructure once constructed and propose institutional mechanisms for ensuring that the needed maintenance would be carried out efficiently and effectively.
The construction of safe water supply facilities and appropriate sanitary facilities is potentially one of the most important activities in a local infrastructure program. It is essential, however, that the activity be seen as a health activity, not just infrastructure. Such projects in rural areas will not have the desired health impact, nor be sustainable, unless there is organized community participation and meaningful (to the community) health promotion activity preceding, during, and after the construction period The local participation should be inclusive and democratic with women having slots in driving it..
I. Monitoring Human Rights
Human rights monitoring offices (national and international) should be established in partnership with local security teams with workshops, seminars, etc. to provide the training and orientation proposed above in value for human and consensus building and organize other activities to promote reconciliation at all levels. One such activity might be the holding of a conference on the human rights situation in the country (or a region) and the steps that would be needed to deal with the threat and foster a more homogeneous society.
In conclusion, I would highlight the need to push forward an inclusive agenda that is participatory and transparent set on:
- The planning process for demobilization and rebuilding
- Orientation in conflict resolution and consensus building
- The actual demobilization of militias, and
- The monitoring of human rights violations.
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