EmpowerKenya

Invisible Hand and Government Intervention

2011-10-03T18:41:00.000-07:00

Can we depend wholly on Adam Smith’s invisible hand? In his famous book: The Wealth of Nations, Adam Smith states: “It is not from the benevolence of the butcher, the brewer, or the baker, that we expect our dinner, but from their regard to their own interest. We address ourselves, not their humanity but to their self-love, and never talk to them of our own necessities but of their advantages. Nobody but a beggar chooses to depend chiefly upon the benevolence of his fellow citizens.” Adam Smith, The Wealth of Nations

What will self-love lead to?

Will it lead sellers to deceive their customers or will it lead sellers to do the right thing that benefits both the seller and the buyer?

Many economists have argued that if we leave it to the invisible hand, sellers will deceive their customers to deceive buyers. They will take advantage of their customers’ innocence and ignorance to overcharge then and pass off on them shoddy products. They will cajole customers to buy goods they do not want.

Clearly we have seen this happening here in Kenya. If you go to Luthuli, Kirinyaga rd in search of building material of vehicle parts; you will most likely find retailers who will take advantage of your innocence by overcharging you or sell you inferior products.

So the question is: should be leave it to the invisible hand to control the conduct of both the consumer and the producer?

If left alone, the market activities may affect people other than those directly involved. It may affect the air we breathe, the water we drink, the safety of the food we eat.

Some economist have insisted that: the market must be supplemented by other arrangements in order to protect the consumer from himself and from avaricious sellers, and to protect all of us from the spillover neighbourhood effects of market transactions.

The only problem with outside interference is: it tends to overreach its mandate and sometimes becomes worse than the disease itself.

Kenya

2011-09-26T06:22:00.000-07:00

Plagued by corruption

Dog eat dog in caption

Country of building and tearing down

Men and women in alcohol they drown

Political leaders switching parties like business suits

Less concerned of constituents’ interest than personal pursuits

More political parties than provinces in the country

Yet they hear not of the public outcry

Starvation, mistreatment and depravation

Lots of talk but no transformation

Economy on the rise and well

The pockets of the rich swell

And the have-nots on the same trend they dwell

What happened to the middle class?

What is this opaque glass?

That obstructs the mass

To greater reach we can all enjoy

If politics, greed and jealousy does not destroy

And hard-work, community, and vision we employ

Mi Amor

2011-09-22T05:34:00.000-07:00

Impeccable and wonderfully made

Irresistible beauty without façade

Unbridled charm so luring

Tender soft touch so curing

Such great emotions you whisk

Giving my all I can only risk

For you I will wait

2011-09-21T07:42:00.000-07:00

For you I will wait

Through your persona you mesmerize

Yet how little do I realize

Innumerable passion you have to offer

Hidden deep within your coffer

Many have tried to enter

Yet no admittance can they muster

How can I gain entrance?

To what seems to be an enclave

Is there a key, a password?

I suppose am not the one

Better yet, the time is not now

The future maybe fruitful

But the mystique lingers for now

With hope I shall be patient

Patient for that which I desire

That which you hold with such secrecy.

I wrote this poem in 2006; just thought I should share it since I have hit a writer bloc for now.

Is hope selfish?

2011-09-09T06:51:00.000-07:00

"I said to my soul, be still, and wait without hope, For hope would be hope for the wrong thing." T. S. Eliot
When I read this quote it invoked lots of questions about what I have always thought about hope. Society teaches us to hope
According to Wikipedia, “Hope is the emotional state which promotes the belief in a positive outcome related to events and circumstances in one's life.[1] It is the "feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best"

Human beings are known to do things that are in their best interest. So our definition of “positive outcome” is relative. Our “wants” are self centered, indicating that they might not be the “right thing”, but the most satisfying thing.

Where do we draw the line between the right thing and the wrong thing? Whose point of view are we looking at right or wrong from?

If you wanted a particular outcome to an event, yet this particular outcome would harm others would you continue to hope for that outcome?
How do you look at hope?
Have you ever thought that which you hope for can be wrong?
If you acknowledged that which you hope for is wrong would you continue to hope for it (if you expect some gratification from it)?

Do I want to have kids?

2011-09-05T07:06:00.000-07:00

This is a question that has been popping into my conversations lately. I guess it has to do with age, my affiliations, living with my nephews for almost a year and importance of such an issue at this time of my life.
I am not married, nor am I in a relationship but that does not mean I can not think of such things.
I have always feared that I am not ready to be a father but then again no one is ever prepared to deal with a little being who is 100% dependent on you.
It takes alot to be a parent and I think our generation has belittled the whole experience by engaging in careless sex and then taking the moral high ground against abortion (understand am not advocating abortion here, am simply stating that it is bewildering that some reckless behavior are a taboo while short term gratification that brings about the pregnancy and chances of contracting STD's is not seen as risky)

I am at the point that I feel prepared to be a father if the opportunity presented itself. I feel that I can provide the love, foundation and support that a child needs.
Here is some passage that I read that strengthened my desire to be a father...to play a role on in future generation:

“Children, who are not the end but only the possible and not the obligatory consequence of the union of a man and woman, are not automatically a prolongation of what their parents have been. And if all of us are at the same time jealous of the young (who just by existing, remind us adults of our death) and if we are always inclined to invest our own desire for immortality in them so that when we are no longer on the scene something of us will remain, this must not obscure the fact that every child represents the emergence of someone wholly other. An apparition of the future, the child relegates the generation before it to the past and rolls back the curtain of the future on a world that is new but neither engendered by history nor foreign to it, linked to the passage of time by an originative dialectic of continuity and rupture. The child is not primarily a reproduction of a parental model but a new venture, a unique and irreplaceable being who breaks through the known to open a way to the improbable. This is why the death of a child is a scandal that sends the parents back into the past, back to the known, the usual. For them the future dies, time closes up, life loses meaning.”

For what is in a Name?

2011-08-29T15:19:00.000-07:00

At a gathering the other day, the issue of naming kids came up.
I don't have any kids nor had I given naming kids much thought.

There are three different groups when it comes to naming kids.
The first sticks strictly to ethnic/tribal names (no anglo name)
The second group combines ethnic/tribal names with anglo saxon names (via baptism)
The third group abandons their ethnic/tribal names and adapts purely anglosaxon names.
Each group has its reason for the way they name their kids, but should parent keep societal prejudices/biases into consideration when considering a child's name?

Our name serves as the label to our identity, pointing to culture, religious affiliation, sex, social position, ethnic background, tribal affiliation and even age.

Names can have a great impact on the social, financial and even residential impact on a person. Studies have been done that indicate African-American sounding jobseekers (same CV) received 50% less calls than Anglo sounding names. The same case applies for foreign sounding names. (http://www.nber.org/digest/sep03/w9873.html)
Even finding housing is an issue: "From 1,100 e-mail inquiries to Los Angeles-area landlords asking about vacant apartments advertised online, the traditional white sounding name elicited 89% of positive replies. A foreign sounding name brought in 66% of replies while the African-American name took in 56%. A landlord’s positive reply consisted of a follow up appointment to show off the property for lease or an indication that the place was available." (http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2006-05/osu-ncl052306.php)

There is a chapter on exactly this in Freakonomics, a fun best seller about real-life economics.

"What's in a name? That which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet."
Shakespeare clearly did not live in our discriminatory world and if he did, he chose not to notice the discrimination.

There are many Jewish, Asian, Latinos and even Kenyans who have Anglocized their names. They dont do this cause an Anglo name sounds better; they do it because at best people are ignorant or xenophobic and at worst racist.
I am in no way advocating Anglocization of all names, am simply stating that we live in a discriminatory country where someone can determine whether you get a job, house or into a school simply by looking at your name.

What is your opinion on the matter...should a parent ignore culture and give the child an Anglosaxon or should a parent stick to his/her guns and give the child an "ethnic/tribal" name knowing very well that the potential for discrimination increases?

Character and Conscience

2011-08-21T20:20:00.000-07:00

I have to live with myself and so,
I want to be fit for myself to know.
I want to be able as the days go by,
Always to look myself straight in the eye.
I don’t want to stand with the setting sun,
And hate myself for the things I’ve done.
I can never hide myself from me,
I see what others may never see.
I know what others may never know,
I can never fool myself and so…
Whatever happens I want to be,
Self-respecting & conscience free!

Author Unknown

A new world order?

2011-08-13T06:33:00.001-07:00

I have been observing a change in tradition happening around me for a while.
Many of my friends are quickly getting married (they have hit or are approaching 30). Marriage comes with alot of responsibilities and disclosures.

Observing my friends' careers, I can quickly guess the income range they are earning. The major observation among my friends that I have noted is women are earning more than their husbands. They have entered into job sectors that are more marketable and stable than their husbands.

Here in Atlanta, many females have entered the healthcare sector (doctors, nurse practitioners, public health professionals etc) These professions are in high demand and they tend to pay better in comparison to the professions that many husbands have chosen.

A paradigm shift has taken place.
Men have accepted that it is not demeaning to earn less than their wives
Women have taken the role of being the breadwinner
Financial responsibility has become a team effort while-else it used to be the man's responsibility.

A woman's earnings used to be her's to keep for emergencies or use wherever she sees it fit, but not any more. More and more families are relying on the wife's income. Husbands are taking on a greater role around the house as well. There is definitely a generational change.

This brings me to the questions: Are men not doing enough to prepare themselves for a career or are the women doing more than they used to?
Are you comfortable with your mate making more money than you are?
Does that fact make you feel insecure at times?

Communication

2011-08-05T21:12:00.001-07:00

As things progress in our relationship
Words play a big role
Like the sails in a ship
So do the words as a whole
A big dent they can leave
If not appropriately conveyed
I urge you to pick and sieve
So no words or message is misconstrued
May we focus on the positives
Highlight each other’s qualities
Belittle the occasional negatives
And pray to God, A closer bond he ties

Childhood Dreams (the lack of)

2011-08-04T15:55:00.000-07:00

What do you want to be when you grow up?
I really hope someone asked you this question.
For me, I don't recall anyone asking me that question. I do not recall dreaming about being a police officer, president, banker, professional athlete etc.
Looking back, I did not have any aspirations

The other day I was listening to the last lecture by Randy Pausch. He was a professor at Carnegie Mellon University. He was reflecting on his life and his childhood dreams and then went into details how he accomplished each and every one.
Watching his inspirational lecture provided mixed emotions. I admired his ambition and pursuit of his dreams and at the same time it made me really sad that I did not have childhood dreams.
Exposure is very important.
Exposure to careers, jobs, activities etc at a young age allows a child to imagine, dream, and start working towards a goal.

My five year old nephew told me he wants to be a paleontologist. I did not need to look up what paleontologist do cause my nephew was ready with the information. He has a fascination with dinosaurs so unearthing new fossils would be a great job to him. Hearing talk so passionately about dinosaurs, exploration etc makes me realize that I missed out on a big part of life.
I sit back and think: I wonder what childhood dream I would have had....would that have affected who I am right now?

I am not a parent but I have hanged out with my nephews long enough to realize that parents have a great responsibility. Providing food and love is not enough. Children are looking up to you to stimulate their imagination; to give them the right foundation; to expose them to possibilities; to make them think what they would like to do in the future.
Passion starts from an early age...ensure your children have a passion about something and then assist them to make it happen.

What were your childhood dreams?
Have you accomplished any of them?

17 golden rules for Business Success by Meyer Rothschild

2011-08-02T06:34:00.000-07:00

1. Carefully examine every detail of the business.
2. Be prompt.
3. Take time to consider and then decide quickly.
4. Dare to go forward.
5. Bear your trouble patiently.
6. Maintain your integrity as a sacred thing.
7. Never tell business lies.
8. Make no useless acquaintances.
9. Never try to appear something more than you are.
10. Pay your debts promptly.
11. Learn how to risk your money at the right time.
12. Shun strong liquor.
13. Employ your time well.
14. Do not reckon on chance.
15. Be polite to everyone.
16. Never be discouraged.
17. Work hard and you will succeed.

The Rothschild have played a great role in global economy since the 19th Century, so I figured a little advise from one of them doesnt hurt. Advise is very general and it can be applied to any business interaction.

Expression of Sorrow

2011-07-17T17:01:00.000-07:00

Going by the norm in society, I do not express sorrow or show empathy.
This got me concerned over the past week when something sorrowful took place in my family. The conventional way of expressing sorrow is to visit the person/victim, express how sorry you are, ask him/her if he/she is alright and state that you are there for them. If you can not be there physically you can do the same over the phone.
In my case I look at it from my point of view---How would I like people to treat me? The fact is if 20-50 people went through this routine with me it would annoy me and I might snap at someone who asks me how I am doing while they can clearly see that am in pain.
Don't get me wrong, I express sorrow, but not in the conventional way. I do not think people visiting my house, adding stress of providing refreshments etc to them and asking me rhetorical questions is necessarily the best way to express remorse.
I am the type of person who will send a text message...stating am sorry for his/her loss and if there is anything that I can do, that individual should not hesitate to ask.
I think many people hang around those who have lost a loved one with good intentions, and ask rhetorical questions cause they do not know what else to do...that's exactly where I see the problem. If you care about the person, offer your condolences and offer to be there physically or assist in another form and then move on...hanging around doesnt really help the grieving (my opinion)
Maybe my inability to express sorrow in the conventional manner needs to be addressed, but I wouldnt want to be on the other extreme.
How do you express remorse towards others and how would you like others to do unto you?

Face

2011-06-14T05:18:00.001-07:00

I will attempt to explore the idea of "face".
According to Wikipedia Face is a sense of worth that comes from knowing one's status and reflects concern with the congruency between one's performance or appearance and one's real worth. (Huang 1987:71)
All of us have a public face and a private face. There are things that we would never (intentionally) allow to become part of our public face though they are very much part of us.
I decided to explore this topic cause I have discovered that I barely know some of my friends, family members,and many of them do not really know me. There is a huge difference between one's appearance and one's real worth. Many people maintain a public persona and a private persona.
Public figure shocking private life revelation is made into big news by the media, but do these revelations really shock us? Dont we all have somethings that would prefer to keep away from our family, our friends and the public?
Is there anyone out there whose appearance and real worth match 100%? I really doubt it.
Saving face usually leads us to do some peculiar things such as keep secrets, tell lies, look over our shoulder all the time and attempt to live a lifestyle that is not really ours. Majority of people want to appear to have more things than they actually do, to be more learned than they actually are, to have more friends than they actually do, to earn more than they actually do, to be better lovers than they actually are, etc etc. Somewhere along the way, the two personas become more and more distant.
In some cultures, individuals would rather commit suicide than lose face. Face is associated with 'prestige; dignity; honor; respect; status'. If face is lost, family members might even kill you to save face of/for the family. That leads me to ask: what makes our appearance to the public so important that we are willing to give or take people's lives to maintain it? Are other people's perception of us that important?

What is it that makes us want to save face?
Wouldnt it be easier to appear as we are worth?

Belonging to the State

2011-06-09T08:47:00.000-07:00

I was webblogging and found this blog: http://gukira.wordpress.com/
The blogger has some deep pieces but my favorite and most thought provoking is on how we have allowed the state to infiltrate our privacy in the name is security.
In his piece http://gukira.wordpress.com/2011/04/16/airport-porn/
the blogger humourously, but truthfully notes how we leave our fingerprints, nude shots and photos at the airport and how some people in the future will marvel at our porn.
This got me thinking; we have allowed our identity, our bodies and our privacy to be exposed without any resistance at all. Any time the state decides to increase security measures, we go along with them without protest or hesitation.

Is there a limit that will cause us to say enough is enough or are we willing to do everything and anything asked in the name of security?
Do you feel safer while travelling just because everyone is made to strip?

Are we entitled to privacy or do we allow the state to own our identity, our movement etc?

Of Marriage

2011-05-19T17:28:00.000-07:00

I have a lengthy discussion with one of my friends concerning the type of woman to marry.
He was basically getting on my case due to the fact that I prefer to marry a Kikuyu lady.
Given that I have spent more than half of my life away from Kenya and away from Kikuyu people he didnt feel that I could justify my preference.
I have dated ladies from diverse cultures and actually have been more exposed to ladies of other cultures than I have been exposed to Kikuyu ladies., so I can defintely see why my friend doesnt seem to understand my preference.
At first I really did not understand why I prefer Kikuyu ladies.
I tried to reason that its the culture, the language, the communication etc; but all those reasons were done away with by my friend.
That got me really thinking; do I understand why I prefer what I prefer?
Then it hit me
I prefer to marry I Kikuyu lady because I would like to marry someone who is like my mother.
Let's face it, before your wife comes along, the only lady who knows you, nurtures you, loves you unconditionally is your mother.
So when you are looking for someone to settle down with, your mother's qualities seem to overshadow all others.
Its psychological; we make these choices without even realizing them.

Now dont get me wrong, you can find motherly qualities in ladies from other cultures, but given the choice of someone from your culture with the same qualities as another lady from another culture, you will most definitely choose the lady from your culture.
It is comforting to have someone who understands you fully---your culture, language, behaviour and most importantly has your best interest at heart just like your mother would.
So its not a racial thing at all; am just looking for someone to take Wairimu's place (that's my mother).
Now that doesnt mean that if someone from another culture came into my life and captured my heart I wouldnt take it to the next level.
Any thoughts?

A shot in the arm

2011-05-12T06:21:00.000-07:00

On Monday I went to take a particular test; this test is supposed to be tricky and many people do not do well do to pressure.
I am glad to say that I got a 91 out of 99. This simply means that I am qualified for the top notch job available within this sector.
This comes at a time when I have been succumb to some self pity, so this was a great morale booster.
There is no manual or prescribed manner in which our lives are supposed to turn. There are many doors that have closed and there are new ones opening.
This turn of events is/was unexpected, but being alive and staying afloat requires dynamism. I am def up for the challenge and I cant wait to embark on this new journey as soon as all things are squared away.

Missed Mother's Day

2011-05-09T07:35:00.000-07:00

I didnt call my mother yesterday to wish her a happy mother's day.
I could have but I couldnt get myself to.
My mother is a great lady; everloving, everpeaceful, caring, and all the other great qualities that a mother should have. That makes it very hard for me to talk to her at this point of my life. I am not where I should be (my definition and her's as well), as far as life progression. I have taken quite a few steps back and stagnated. Though I do not have to do well (society's definition) in order for my mother to love me, I personally feel ashamed talking or seeing her---knowing that she sees great potential in me and yet am not living up to those expectations.
She has made many sacrifices for me; she has been there to encourage me and help me grow up and I know she will always love me.
There is abit of self-pity in this post, but that is how I feel right now and so I state it.
I love my mom very much and I do not need to call her on the "one" day that is set apart for mothers to show her my love and appreciation, however there is a guilty feeling for not calling her.
It is my hope that my lifestyle will improve to the point where I can see pride in my mother's eyes, as for now I continue to strive knowing that she loves me no matter what, yet I must make right for all the sacrifices that she has taken for me.

I love you Mom and Happy Mother's Day

The road less travelled

2011-05-03T07:58:00.000-07:00

In a few months, I will be hitting the big "30"
This is a big milestone for me.
I have been evaluating my life, decisions and actions that I have taken in my almost 30yrs in this world.
I am proud of many, and regretful of some.
Since there is no manual on how to live; and there is no prewritten definition of my life, I have to accept all that has happened to me.
As I grow older, I feel as if I am getting wiser.
Decisions and actions that I would have taken a few years ago no longer take priority in my life.
I am about to make another decision which will probably change my life (hopefully for the better), it is a decision that I will have to live with (everyday) for at least two years.
It is a decision that many would not make at this age but I feel it is appropriate for me.
There are some missing links in my life and I feel that this decision will guarantee some of them and at least initiate the process for others.
As Frost's poem says: "Yet knowing how way leads on to way, I doubted if I should ever come back." This decision is a life-changer and I am sure I will never come back to the point that I am in. And by God's grace I hope that this decision will make all the difference.
Here is Frost's poem The Road Not Taken

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference

Milton Friedman

2011-04-23T23:44:00.000-07:00

I am a big fan of Milton Friedman. I find his writings in economics to be pure genius! Kenya could definitely borrow a leaf or two from this man.
Today I was reading about our compositions---whether we are a product of chance or a product of choice.
Here is what Friedman has to say about it:

Product of chance and choice

“The amount of each kind of resource each of us owns is partly the result of chance, partly of choice by ourselves or others. Chance determines our genes and through them affects our physical and mental capacities. Chances determines the kind of family and cultural environment into which we are born and as a result our opportunities to develop our physical and mental capacity. Chance determines also other resources we may inherit from our parents or other benefactors. Chance may destroy or enhance the resources we start with. But choice also plays an important role. Our decisions about how to use our resources, whether to work hard or take it easy, to enter one occupation or another, to engage in one venture or another, to save or spend – these may determine whether we dissipate our resources or improve and add to them. Similar decisions by our parents, by other benefactors, by millions of people who may have no direct connection with us will affect our inheritance.” Friedman

Gambling with the country’s future

2011-03-30T08:42:00.000-07:00

Grambling with the country’s future
There's something about gambling that makes everyone feel a little like the uber suave Makmende.

They make gambling seem glamorous. One would have thought a new constitution opened the doors to a new Kenya; a country where the rule of law supersedes greedy and self-centered agendas. The Post election saga, IDP’s, Ministerial scandals, back stabbing coalition, bloated government, increasing deficit, upcoming elections, high unemployment, and slow pace of decision making are just an introduction that are affecting our nation.

It is disturbing to see the country's leaders playing roulette with the country's economic, peace and social wellbeing through self-centered rhetoric, increased spending and neglect of the legislative and executive roles.

It is even more disturbing when the country’s leaders undermine the organizations that keep the wheels of a nation turning. Allowing politics to halt economic development is the same as advocating stagnation of the nation.

Fiscal planning seems to be a vocabulary to the people who Kenyans have appointed to manage the nation. 2011-12 budget is about to be proposed and I can guarantee you there will be increased spending in the wrong places, increased borrowing and no clear strategy on how to reduce the deficit. There are tons of programs that are not necessary which will be funded; many important programs that will go without funding and most importantly, there is absolutely no oversight to ensure that funds are spent in the proper manner.

Travelling Cheap

2011-03-26T06:01:00.000-07:00

The one thing that hinders many people from travelling to foreign countries is accommodation and at least one individual that can welcome them, give them travel tips, show them around etc.
Well thats what one website does, and does it brilliantly!!
"CouchSurfing is a worldwide network for making connections between travelers and the local communities they visit."
There are individuals from every country in the world, ready and willing to host you for a day to a week.
Many of these individuals are not only willing to give you a couch to crash in, they are also willing to show you around their city.
I can think of many time when I could have used such services; I surely know where to look next time.
Check out the website:
http://www.couchsurfing.org

So next time you wanna venture out, venture with confidence!!
You can also join the organization and become a host.

Cellphone tower in your hand

2011-03-21T06:26:00.001-07:00

I usually do not blog about technology but reading about Alcatel-Lucent's latest gadget made me want to share it.

It called LightRadio.
Its a cube that can fit in your hand however its strength is phenomenon!
This little cube serves the same purpose as those huge eye sores called cell phone towers.
Voice & data usage is expected to increase all over the world. The cost of improving communication infrastructure is high and prohibitive.
With this gadget, voice & data can be improved tremendously without the high cost of cumbersome infrastructure.

The cube is so smart that it can "be pointed in one direction as people are coming to work in the morning and another direction as they're leaving work at the end of the day."
It is also compatible with 2G, 3G and 4G.
It is 30% more efficient than the current cell towers.
It does not consume diesel or consist alot of metal that might be vandalized.
Its small enough to be attached to a lamp post, bus station, building etc without anyone knowing its there.

This is a great solution for communication companies everywhere (big cities such as NY as well as Moyale).
Amazing that all the celltower components can be compressed to fit into a cube.
Yah for technology!

For more on this story visit: http://money.cnn.com/2011/03/21/technology/light_radio/index.htm

Financial Literacy not Financial Access

2011-03-03T06:48:00.000-08:00

I sent this article to the standard and since they didnt print it, I thought I might just as well post it here.
Its in reference to remarks made by Mr Uhuru Kenyatta during the launch of a steering committee on establishing Nairobi International Financial Centre (NIFC) in Nairobi on Tuesday.

Financial Literacy not Financial Access
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Uhuru Kenyatta singling out increased access to financial services and competitive interest rates as key to enhancing the country's economic competitiveness should be challenged. While diversity and increased access to financial services is welcome, I propose that financial literacy will play a greater role towards enhancing the country’s economic competitiveness.

The assumption that increased access to financial services as opposed to information about them is key to enhancing the country's economic competitiveness.must be challenged. Information and the availability of information about financial services (variety of product, features, accessibility, eligibility, benefits, risks etc) will enhance Kenya’s economic competitiveness even more. Financial services are widely available in and out of Kenya, accessibility is limited by people’s knowhow not by the lack of financial services. Empowering Kenyans to make enlightened financial decisions and then seek out financial services that cater to their financial goals. What’s the use of hundreds or thousands of financial services if the target market is not financially literate?

Financial literacy will reduce the potential calamities such as loan defaults, foreclosures, bankruptcy, and living beyond one’s means. Such calamities would end up slowing the growth of financial services.

A study carried out by Microfinance Opportunities shows that “Low financial literacy in the developed world puts people at a disadvantage in making decisions about savings, retirement, debt management and investments, and consumers who are financially literate are more likely to behave in financially responsible ways.” The same case applies in Kenya; we have Banks, Stockbrokers, Investment Banks, Saccos, Insurance, Pension Managers, Saccos, Microfinance etc. These financial service providers are accessible to majority of Kenyans, yet only a small percentage uses them. The bottleneck is not in accessibility; it is in the lack of financial literacy.

Kenyans are generally enthusiastic about investments; this is evidenced by the influx to invest in stocks, bond, real estate and on the negative side – pyramid schemes. The enthusiasm is not complemented with knowledge. That makes many Kenyans vulnerable to fraud, and unexpected losses.

Mr. Uhuru should advocate from financial literacy. He is in a position to initiate a financial literacy program with the support of Treasury, Central Bank, RBA, CMA, KBA and IRA.

As for the suggestion that financial services access is the solution to enhancing economic competitiveness, I have a simple question: would you rather have a financially literate country with the same financial services or financially illiterate country with plenty of financial services?

Experiences

2011-02-26T05:22:00.000-08:00

Experiences

A quarter century of vision, taste
Feelings, hearing and smelling
Oh the experiences!
Some good, some bad
Do I dare remember them all?
What have I learned from these senses
Oh sweet memories that are lost
Will they be rekindled?
By a sight, taste, feeling
Hearing or smelling
Of that particular something out there?

Poem about Water

2011-02-23T05:44:00.000-08:00

Simply called "Water"

Clear as crystal
Absolutely no state
Soothing, smooth, and satisfying
No calories yet nourishing
Water, what a wonder!
Healthy, yet I can’t tell why
Life giving
Thirst quenching
Gratifying
Flesh cold water
Give me some more, will you?

Unforgettable

2011-02-22T06:29:00.000-08:00

Its been long since I posted something.
No excuse....plain laziness!

Here is a poem that I wrote for someone special.
Its called Unforgettable

I heard our song the other day
What a way to start my Monday
Unforgettable, that’s what you are
Come to think of it, its only you
With whom I have a song
Twas pleasant to be reminded of you
Though our love faded away
Though we don’t talk anymore
Our song still lingers
Sweet, smooth, soothing thoughts resurrect
I know no future exists b/n us
But thoughts of you are unforgettable
Especially when our song plays
Unforgettable is what you are.

Here is Nat King Cole Singing
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1GVKbhYrcGM

No excuse for those who want to learn

2010-10-19T18:05:00.000-07:00

Learning can be difficult and expensive.
In many cases adults and kids alike find particular subjects boring, or hard to understand . That is usually because there is no foundation to understand these subjects. I personally have a distate for sciences....my dislike for science started in high school where I found myself lagging behind other students and not relating to what the teacher was teaching. So I grew to resent the subjects.

I have a four year old nephew who has totally amazed me due to his competence. He can read; play technical games, puzzles, surf the net etc. I give all credit to his parents who set the foundation early. He is now learning spanish at a very fast rate.

Foundation in learning is very important. Simple things like teaching a child how to link certain words; provide him/her with simple memory tactics; give him or her items to relate to what he/she is learning is very important.

In this day n age, parents have absolutely no excuse for not setting the right foundation, except for laziness! There are tons of material online and hard copies that a parent can use to lay that firm foundation. A parent does not have to be very educated to teach his/her child. As I hang out with my nephew I am learning new concepts of conveying technical material to him. And the more I do that, the more he enjoys and the more I find pleasure in teaching him. I took spanish for three years in high school; its been over 10yrs, but am enjoying remembering the language as I teach him.

Online schools are many. MIT has been offering free online courses for over a decade. http://ocw.mit.edu/courses/

Another very captivating school is Khan Academy. Sal Khan has loaded over 1400 videos on various subjects online for everyone to enjoy. I used his videos to teach my nephew, I could help but regret that I didnt know of some of the addition, subtraction, division techniques that Sal does so effortlessly.
Sal Khan has taken the time to explain various subjects in the most simplistic manner. And the beauty of the online videos is you can pause, replay, ask a question in the discussion board etc.
It makes learning fun.

check out the website for yourself: http://www.khanacademy.org

Virtual schools are here to stay and you can learn at a reasonable budget which consist of: your time, your dedication and obviously a reliable internet connection.

Kenya Funeral Assurance in the US

2010-10-14T19:30:00.000-07:00

Let's face it, many Kenyans abroad do not have medical insurance leave alone plans for their final arrangements. Harambees are popular in churches and community gatherings in the US. These Harambees are arranged to raise fund to send a Kenyan who died in the US without prior arrangements.
Well there is no excuse anymore.
A fellow called Henry in Missouri is now offering Kenya Funeral Assurance.
For USD 119 a year you are guaranteed a transport and funeral in Kenya.
This is an innovative idea and a needed service.

The website is: http://www.kenyafuneralassurance.com/

The company also offers discounted family plan.
I think it would be nice if Kenyans spread the word about the services, so that last minute harambees can be avoided.
It is also comforting to know that you will not burden others when that time comes for you.

Groupon comes to Kenya!

2010-10-13T13:16:00.000-07:00

Groupon is a deal-of-the day website that is popular in the US and Canada.
The concept behind it is to empower consumers and retailers within a community.
For example: your local cafe may be willing to give 30% discount on all their drinks if 100 people purchase their product within a given day. At the same time, consumers may be willing to frequent the local cafe if prices were more pocket-friendly.
Groupon is the solution to this problem.
Groupon uses the web to advertise the group coupon offer. Once the minimum number of commitment are met, the coupon goes into effect.
A friend of mine Eston Kimani has brought the idea to Kenya. It is an ingenious idea of empowerment. I have used the service in Atlanta, GA and to be honest am always looking for new offers!
If you are interested check out: http://www.sokopal.com/

So far, Eston has been able to get Cafe des Arts next to the US Embassy to sign up. I hope more offers will be coming up soon.

I wish Eston the best in this new venture and I hope Kenyans will start using the service. I also hope that business will see the benefit of groupon and join sokopal.

End of a Chapter and.....

2010-09-27T05:36:00.000-07:00

After spending three and a half years in kenya, I have decided to go back to the US. It has been a worthwhile experience. I can now say that I know Kenya, and i will stop romanticizing the country and see it for what it is.
My decision to go back to the US is mainly financial. I hope to go, work very hard for a given period and come back with a sober image of Kenya.
My trip is on Thursday and Friday, so the next post will be from Obamaland.
I hope my relocation will generate more worthwhile posts.

Najivunia kuwa Mkenya!

US Embassy Frustrations

2010-09-09T04:53:00.000-07:00

I have been lucky not to enter the US Embassy though I have travelled there many time.
Many of my family members and friends have told me of their frustrations and these frustrations got me thinking!
If you are a young person who just cleared highschool and you have the ambition to go study in the US, you will most likely spend countless hours preparing and lots of money before you finally go to the US Embassy for an visa interview.
Some of the things that you would do is:
1. Research and shortlist a few universities
2. Take the SAT or ACT
3. Take the toefl
4. Apply to the shortlisted schools---each school will charge an application fee (not less the 50USD)
5. Wait patiently for test results, wait patiently for school acceptance or rejection etc.

Once a school accepts you and offers you an i-20, you can log on to the US Embassy website to schedule an appointment.
A visa interview cost money (money that majority of Kenyans struggle to afford)

I have been told that the Interview is short, to the point and in a few minutes you can know whether all your efforts were in vain or you have been cleared to go the US.

My problem with the process is when people get rejected.
The US Embassy does not bother to tell anyone why he/she failed the interview.
If they disclosed such information, the individual can go and rectify that issue and come back.

It is a known fact that once you have been rejected once, chance are you will never be granted a visa. Isnt it dishonest and cruel to send someone away without a reason after all that hard work?

I believe the Kenyan Government should lobby for its citizens; petition the US Embassy to at least give a reason for rejecting an individual.

Visa interviews are a cashcow for the Embassy!
Visa Fees: at least Kshs. 11,200 per person per visit
Les say they interview 20 people per day...that would mean that they are collecting Kshs. 224,000 everyday. To make matters worse, they have a big notice on the website: Appointments once booked cannot be changed or cancelled.
That means if an emergency occurs on the day of, or there is huge traffic and you are a few minutes late, you have lost Kshs. 11,200.

As I mentioned, I am glad that I have never gone to the US Embassy but I think they are mistreating Kenyans and other foreigners with their stringed policies.

IIEC and Voter Registration

2010-09-07T00:26:00.000-07:00

Voter Registration started March 22, 2010 and lasted 45 days.
This was to ensure that the voter register for the referendum was in place.
Referendum has now come and gone, and we have a new constitution.
I live in Juja Constituency where a by election is planned to take place Sept 20th.
Since voter registration is closed, how does one go about voting for his/her MP of choice if you had not registered during the referendum?
I am asking this because I have some friends who have come back from abroad since the voter registration process closed and they want to vote; IIEC has told them that they are not registering new voters at the moment. Isnt that being denied their civil rights?
Besides the guys who were abroad, there are young people who have become eligible to vote since the voter registration exercise...what about their rights?

IIEC should clarify their stand on new voters registration process.

Post Secret

2010-08-03T01:56:00.000-07:00

I just ran into a new website that is somewhat disturbing and empowering. The website is called: postsecret.com

Basically people can send random notes to this site to vent or to share information that they would not necessarily be brave enough to tell to someone close.
Some of the posts are very romantic, some downright disturbing, but I guess all in all it gives people an opportunity to express themselves without fear of being judged.
This got me thinking: I wonder what I would write about? Is there something that I am scared to say to others? Is there some strange, evil, romantic, ultra ordinary thing that I am scared of sharing with others?
What would you post about? Do you have any reserved issues or concerns that you can only share with people who do not know you? Think about it?

I especially liked the post that I have attached.

Invest Only Of What You can Afford to Lose

2010-08-02T02:45:00.000-07:00

I read this blog from: http://affleap.com/invest-only-of-what-you-can-afford-to-lose/
and thought it might be worth sharing.

The reason why people invest is that they wanted to improve their lifestyle, with the hope of achieving financial security.

As an investor you need to acquaint yourself that in investing of any scheme, it takes a lot of patience, a careful planning and the courage of how much money you can afford to lose if in case your investment would not turn out to be successful.

The reason, why this is very important because if you have this kind of approach, quitting is surely is not your option if in case you have failed in your first investment.

Nevertheless, such failure is not the end of the world to you, but it would be a brainstorming lesson of why you fail. There must be something wrong along the way that you have done that needs to be rectified.

Anyone can make a few investment mistakes but the biggest mistake that one can do to himself or herself if ever he or she wanted to become a successful investor is not to invest at all or to put off investment on a later time.

Why not adopt the mindset of those proactive successful people, that they cannot afford to wait for tomorrow of what they can do for today. Besides tomorrow is another day and surely that ‘later time’ would never come.

It’s a wrong concept or perception then, to even consider that in investment, you need a big capital to start with. It’s a normal procedure to start small to muster and get familiarize the a to z of your investment. Make your money work for you – even if all you can spare is $20 a week to invest!

Putting off investment until later time and waiting for the opportunity that you are in the financial position to do so is another wrong notion. Why not start small but then think big. It’s a healthy sign of your optimism to succeed. To maintain that positive approach of your investment, herewith, are some pointers of what you can do to improve your cash flow before embarking of any investment :

*** Get your current financial situation in order first, and then you can start investing.

*** Get your credit cleaned up if there’s any, pay off high interest loans and credit cards, and put at least three months of living expenses in savings. Once this is done, you are ready to start letting your money work for you.

*** Don’t invest into a get rich quick scheme. That is the riskiest type of investment that you can make. Don’t be hyped with lucrative returns, it’s part of their strategy in enticing would be investors.

Instead, invest for the long term, and have the patience to weather the storms and allow your money to grow. Only invest for the short term when you know you will need the money in a short amount of time, and then stick with safe investments, such as certificates of deposit.

Diversify your investment, you don’t have to put all of your eggs in one basket. Spread it all around in various types of investments not only for best returns but for safety and security as well.

If you are in the stock investment, you need to monitor meticulously the trends of your invested stocks on a daily basis and don’t move your money around too quickly. Let it ride for a while. Don’t panic if the stock drops a few dollars. If the stock is a stable stock, it will then go up after it goes down a bit.

The similitude of investment is just like nurturing a plant , it needs a lot of patience and a commitment to watch it grow. You are committed to yourself that it grows well, healthy and stable, so that someday you can reap the fruits of your labor and sacrifices in return

Utilizing the tools and talents that we have

2010-07-02T01:50:00.000-07:00

Hope you get a message of encouragement from this! I know I did!!!!

"There is a scripture in the bible where God asks Moses, “What is that in your hand?” And then there is another scripture that says your gift will make room for you. And what that is saying is, God is not trying to get information. He knows what’s in your hand already, but he wants you to know it. So, what I’m asking you today is, “What’s in your hand? What gifts do you have that you are sitting on?” Use them and they will take you to your destiny. "

-Words from Tyler Perry!

(I borrowed this from my friend's blog: http://www.made2glam.com/word/)

THE FALLACY OF THE TAX SYSTEM

2010-04-30T00:45:00.000-07:00

A simple classification of spending shows why leaving our money in government’s hands leads to undesirable results. When you spend, you may spend your own money or someone else’s; and you may spend for the benefit of yourself or someone else. Combining these two pairs of alternatives gives four possible summarized in the following simple table.

On Whom Spent
Whose Money You Someone Else
Yours I II
Someone Else’s III IV

Category I in the table refers to your spending your own money on yourself. You shop in a supermarket, for example. You clearly have a strong incentive both to economize and to get as much value as you can for each dollar you do spend.
Category II refers to your spending your own money on someone else. You shop for Christmas or birthday presents. You have the same incentive to economize as in Category I but not the same incentive to get full value for your money, at least as judged by the tastes of the recipient. You will, of course, want to get something the recipient will like – provided that it also makes the right impression and does not take too much time and effort. (if, indeed, your main objective were to enable the recipient to get as much value as possible per shilling, you would give him cash, converting Category II spending to Category I spending by him.)
Category III refers to your spending someone else’s money on yourself – lunching on an expense account, for instance. You have no strong incentive to keep down the cost of the lunch, but you do have a strong incentive to get your money’s worth.
Category IV refers to your spending someone else’s money on still another person. You are paying someone else’s lunch out of an expense account. You have little incentive either to economize or try to get your guest the lunch that he will value most highly. However, if you are having lunch with him, so that the lunch is a mixture of Category III and Category IV, you do have a strong incentive to satisfy your own tastes at the sacrifice of his, if necessary.

All welfare programs fall into either Category III or Category IV.
Legislators vote to spend someone else’s money. The voters who elect the legislators are in one sense voting to spend their own money on themselves, but not in the direct sense of Category I spending. The connection between the taxes any individual pays and the spending he votes for is exceedingly loose. (Ironic how our legislators do not pay any taxes yet they are the same people who decide how tax money should be spent)

The bureaucrats spend someone else’s money on someone else. Only human kindness, not the much stronger and more dependable spur of self-interest, assures that they will spend the money in the way most beneficial to the recipients. Hence the wastefulness and ineffectiveness of the spending.
Leaving our fate in government’s hand is a big mistake! Greedy legislators (who do not pay taxes) shouldn’t be allowed to control funds taken away from hardworking Kenyans.
As the chart above indicates, the best determinant of how to spend your money is yourself. You know the difficulty of earning the money, so you will most likely spend it wisely; in a way that maximizes return (whatever maximization of return may mean to you).

THE FALLACY OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM

2010-04-19T06:02:00.000-07:00

Consider this statement: “The basic idea of social security is a simple one: During working years employees, their employers, and self employed people pay social security contributions which are pooled into special trust funds. When earnings stop or reduced because the worker retires or becomes disabled, monthly cash benefits are paid to replace part of the earnings the family has lost.”
If this statement is true, the present value of the old-age pensions already promised to persons covered by social security is in the billions if not trillions of shillings. That is the size that would be required to justify the statement above.

The impression is given that a worker’s “benefits” are financed by his “contributions.” The fact is that taxes collected from persons at work are used to pay benefits to persons who had retired or to their dependents and survivors. No trust fund in any meaningful sense is being accumulated.
Workers paying taxes today can derive no assurance from trust funds that they will receive benefits when they retire. Any assurance derives solely from the willingness of future taxpayers to impose taxes on themselves to pay for benefits that present taxpayers are promising themselves. This one-sided “compact between the generations,” foisted on generations that cannot give their consent, is a very different thing from a “trust fund.” It is a Ponzi Scheme!

Social security is in no sense an insurance program in which individual payments purchase equivalent actuarial benefits. Social Security is a combination of a particular tax and a particular program of transfer payment – the same way ponzi schemes work.

To make matters worse, if you are over the retirement age and decide to work; you will still have to contribute to social security (benefits that you will obviously not receive!)

So this compulsory tax for all employed people should be called National Ponzi Scheme not National Social Security Fund.

Kenya Human Resource Practices

2010-04-14T00:57:00.000-07:00

In a country where human resource is not appreciated and valued as in other countries, one wonders where Kenya’s job market is heading.

The story of the talents in the Bible where a businessman entrusts his wealth to the care of his servants while he is away. When he returns, he evaluates each servant’s responsibility and rewards them accordingly. The owner says, “Well done, good faithful servant. You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness.”

In this passage, the businessman gives Affirmation: Good job! Well Done. Next he gives a promotion: I will put you in charge of many things. And finally he honors through celebration: come share your master’s happiness.
Does this happen in Kenya’s job environment?

In many cases, businessmen take advantage of their employees. Salaries also provide an avenue for employers to exploit their employees. Imagine working 80hrs a week under the same salary that you would get paid for working 40hrs? This is what some employers are doing…Instead of hiring more employees, they are forcing their employees to work longer hours with the same salary.

When was the last time you received affirmation from your boss? Does he/she even acknowledge that you exist? Is affirmation important to you?

Promotion comes after affirmation. It is a recognition that you have carried out your responsibilities well and you can handle more. A promotion means that you are entrusted with more.

After hard work, it is important to receive affirmation, receive a promotion and receive honor. Honor maybe financial (more money for the work that you do), maybe a party in your honor, it might be a plaque recognizing your contribution, training to prepare you for greater responsibilities, etc.

I wish Kenyan employers could borrow a leaf from the Bible and acknowledge their employers.
Human resource is the driving force of any organization. Neglect this area of any organization and you are seeking doom! Frustrated employees can bring a successful enterprise to its knees.

The role of free market system

2010-04-11T05:14:00.000-07:00

In economics, a free market system where individuals pursuing their self-interest will somehow find a way to cooperate with one another and create a perfect system.

A free market system also works in all other aspects of our lives. “A society’s value, its culture, its social conventions – all these development in the same way, through voluntary exchange, spontaneous cooperation, the evolution of a complex structure through trial and error, acceptance and rejection.” The structures produced by voluntary exchange, whether they be language or scientific discoveries or musical styles or economic systems, develop a life of their own. Just look at Sheng, our local music (ngege, Kapungala etc), they have developed a life of their own for they allow the participants to contribute freely – and the others to use that contribution or reject it.

“Voluntary exchange is a subtle process whose general principles of operation can fairly readily be grasped but whose detailed results can seldom be foreseen” Milton Friedman

Just look at the evolution of technology – technological advances made last year are the basis of today’s development and today’s development will contribute to future developments. This is the beauty of a free market system.

Can you imagine if society allowed the government to determine all that is acceptable and what is not acceptable? Would all our peculiar habit, entertainment, business practices etc exist?

Is Religion For The Poor?

2010-04-05T01:49:00.000-07:00

The fact is most of the people who are nonbelievers or sceptics about religion are educated people with means. They have taken the time to learn and understand sciences which can contradict the text (The Bible). They also have established “an independence” or “self-reliance” which makes deity unnecessary.
Marginalized people on the other hand rely on hope to keep them going; and they find that hope in “the word”. They may have reservations, but they dare not question religion incase this is their ticket out of being marginalized.

Napoleon Bonaparte once said religion is a necessity in a society. It gives the marginalized hope for a better future; so they accept their current situation and accept the oppressor and caste system for they have been promised a brighter future/afterlife. This acceptance ensures that the marginalized will not revolt against the wealthy few. Without religion, the status quo would not hold.
Religion also suits people in their desperate moments such as sickness, accidents or other events where earthly means cannot be of assistance. Such situations are life-turning even for the educated and well-of.

Religion has therefore become a part-time practice for many in the middle and upper-income and education levels. It is solution for “when all else fails”.

Whats your take on the issue?

Kenya Speed Dating

2010-03-19T07:08:00.000-07:00

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=lf#!/group.php?gid=408082851202

Kenya's latest and most innovative means to meet other singles and mingle.

This is my latest project.
I know it will be ground-breaking.

There are many single Kenyans who do not know:
1. where to look for other single people
2. who among the crowd is single
3. who among the single is available and searching
4. how to approach a potential
5. which venues are best to mingle with other singles.

I also know many professionals are very busy and do not have time to "play the field"
They also do not want to go on long, boring dates that will lead nowhere.

Kenya Speed Dating is the solution to all these problems.

We provide an opportunity for single & available professionals to meet other single & professional singles.
Imagine going on 15 dates in one day?

We bring together 15male and 15females together and allow them to have five (5) minute date with each other. We believe five minutes is enough to determine if you would like to know more about the person or not.
By the time you have gone on your 15 dates, you should have shortlisted a few people of interest and you can rank them.
You give us your "top three" picks and if the people you noted are also interested in you...we will provide the contact info.

What is the benefit of Kenya Speed Dating?
1. An opportunity to meet 15 "self Declared" single and available professionals.
2. Quick and painless - only five minutes with each person
3. You ask the questions based on your interests
4. If you dont luck out this week you can always try the next week
5. You can use the opportunity to network if not for dating
6. Its a great way to spend friday evening before going home or clubbing
7. You are under no obligation to give contacts or see anyone you do not want to
8. Its inexpensive: 15 dates for 1k

Oblivion

2010-03-18T03:00:00.000-07:00

Oh how little we know
Yet it does not matter
Should what we do not know matter?
State of oblivion is no oblivion
For those who know not of

Economic Freedom and Taxation

2010-03-16T03:18:00.000-07:00

An essential part of economic freedom is freedom to choose how to use our income: how much to spend on ourselves and on what items; how much to save and in what form; how much to give away and to whom. Currently, more than 40 percent of out income is disposed of on our behalf by government. That means you work for the government 146 days out of the 365 days in a year; 3.20hrs a day out of the 8hrs that you are at work daily.
The sad thing is: the government gets its share before you get your share.
Isn’t it sad that you do not have control of 40% of your income? You do not have a say about where & what the government will your money for.

To make matters worse, you do not have total freedom on how, where and what you can spend the rest of 60% of your income. Your after-tax income is taxed further when you make a purchase (16% on most items, higher for some items).
As consumers, we are not even free to choose how to spend the part of our income that is left after taxes. We are not free to buy weapons, drugs etc. Our doctor is not free to prescribe many drugs for us that he may regard as the most effective for our ailments, even though the drugs may be widely available abroad. We are not free to buy an old automobile (more than 8yrs old).

Another essential part of economic freedom is freedom to use the resources we possess in accordance with our own values – freedom to enter any occupation, engage in any business enterprise, buy from and sell to anyone else, so long as we do so on a strictly voluntary basis and do not resort to force in order to coerce others.

Currently corporate income tax in Kenya is 40%. The government is entitled to 40 cents for every Shilling of profit. That simply means that the government owns 40% of every corporation in Kenya.

Do we have economic freedom?
Have we allowed the government to own us?
Are the services provided by the government comparable to the amount of taxes that we are forced to pay the government?

The Role of Incentives

2010-03-11T08:30:00.000-08:00

If what a person gets does not depend on the price he receives for the services of his resources, what incentive does he have to seek out information on prices or to act on the basis of that information?

If your income will be the same whether you work hard or not, why should you work hard? Why should you make the effort to search out a buyer who values most highly what you have to sell if you will not get any benefit from doing so? If there is no reward for accumulating capital, why should anyone postpone to a later date what he could enjoy now? Why save? If there is no reward for maintaining capital, why should people not dissipate any capital which they have either accumulated or inherited?

Is Kenya heading towards a command economy where prices are prevented from affecting the distribution of income? Where the government determines allocation of scarce resources as opposed to supply and demand?
Are we heading to a society ruled by Marx dictum: “to each according to his needs, from each according to his ability.” Can our government run a pure command economy where income is completely separated from prices?

Government Intervention in Free Enterprise

2010-03-10T02:46:00.000-08:00

Kenyan government has made some financial decisions that make me question what end they are trying to achieve.

It should be common sense to do away with non-performing, non-competitive enterprises and support those that are competitive. It should also be common sense to buy from the cheapest source and sell to the dearest. Yet this is not the case. We have unreasonable restrictions on what we may buy and sell, from whom we may buy and to whom we may sell and on what terms.

“What is prudence in the conduct of every private family, can scarce be folly in that of a great kingdom. If a foreign country can supply us with a commodity cheaper than we ourselves can make it, better buy it of them with some part of the produce of our own industry, employed in a way in which we have some advantage….In every country, it always is and must be the interest of the great body of the people to buy whatever they want of those who sell it cheapest. The proposition is so very manifest, that it seems ridiculous to take any pain to prove it; nor could it ever have been called in question, had not the interested sophistry of merchants and manufacturers confounded the common sense of mankind. Their interest is, in this respect, directly opposite to that of great body of people.” Adam Smith –Wealth of Nations. Adam Smith’s words are true now as they were then.

Any productive/progressive nation understands its Strength, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. The nation encourages its citizens to concentrate their efforts on those activities that the nation has a clear competitive advantage or where there are opportunities. Since a nation can not be great in all enterprises; it is vital to be productive in an enterprise that will provide means to purchase those things that the nation needs and can acquire them from others at a low cost than attempting to produce them in-house.

Government decision to reopen Pan Paper does not make economic sense. Why:

· Paper from other countries will continue to be cheaper;

· We do not need further deforestation; and

· National resources could have been put to better use.

Why should the government spend billions of shillings to re-open a company that can not compete with other foreign enterprises?

I sometimes question government ban of particular items such as sugar ban. If Brazil is able to manufacture sugar, ship it all the way here and still sell it cheaper than local sugar companies; I fail to understand why the government should protect enterprises that are not competitive. “Suppose Brazil subsidizes their sugar. Who is hurt and who benefits? To pay for the subsidies the Brazil government must tax its citizens. They are the ones who pay for the subsidies and the Kenyan customer benefits.”

Currently we have oversupply of milk; I would rather see the government subsidize milk prices for export than spend the same amount to reopen Pan Paper.

To Place My Eyes Upon

2010-03-08T03:56:00.000-08:00

Is it consciousness?
Comparing oneself to others
A self consciousness of some sort
I notice the small pimple on you nose
That one strand of gray hair
Such effort to hide it, but age does shout
The funny way that one leg
Seems to move faster than the other

It’s not boredom or is it?
I think it’s human nature
To pick out the flaws, the peculiarity
In another human being
Why I do it, I don’t know
Your flaws, your peculiarity are not whats important
But something to focus on
When am with you

Come to think about it
What a bore it would be
Not to have that one thing which others notice
Where would I place my eyes?
It is not for better or worse
But something to keep my eyes preoccupied

Inaction

2010-03-04T07:11:00.000-08:00

In 2006, I was writing a poem a day...while looking for some documents, I found the book that I wrote the poems...I will be sharing some of those poems here once in a while. They were written at a trying time in my life..when I was trying to figure my way forward.

This one is called inaction>

What fright is this
That I cannot fight?
Is rejection so gruesome
Far worse than lonesome?
They say ‘better to have loved than
Not to have loved at all’
Yet fright makes me stall
Never to make advances
So onward I press with my dances
Of loneliness, fear, and inaction
Yet around the corner is love n satisfaction

Surviving the Test of Time

2010-03-01T23:02:00.000-08:00

In 1941 Bultmann launched his Manifesto, The New Testament and Mythology, in which he explained that the New testament world of spirits and miracles had become decidedly foreign to the modern scientists and technologists who were in control of themselves and of the world.
If this was true then, it is even truer now.

The dotcom generation, the age of gadgets and wiki where you can find an answer to all life mysteries does not seek the truth in the Bible. Does this mean that religion is slowly dying? Will the next generation know anything about the Old Testament and the New Testament? If they do know anything of the word, will the word be of any significance?

Can religion stand the test of time “as it is” or will it adapt to the changes in society?

If this generation does not read the Bible will it end up following wrong disciples?

Ricoeur said: “What we have here is a circle: to understand the text, I must believe what the text imparts; but what the text imparts to me is given nowhere else save in the text: that is why it is necessary to understand the text.”

So this begs the question: how many of us actually read the word for ourselves? With all the false prophets out there why do we allow them to interpret the text for us while we can do it for ourselves?

In Kenya we have seen Pastor Deya, Brother Paul Patni, Hellon etc who have obviously misled people; but I those who were misled allowed themselves to be misled.
We have been given the ability to think for ourselves and read and reason for ourselves; so why allow someone else define your relationship with your Maker?

So can religion is we know it, or as it was known by our parents survive the test of time or will it be kidnapped by self-serving, false prophets? Does religion serve a crucial role in our lives for us to defend it?

Customer Service (or the lack of) in Kenya.

2010-02-25T01:05:00.000-08:00

Have you ever gone to a restaurant or an office in a jolly mood only to be met by a gloomy front desk attendant or waiter?

I spent three years working in a restaurants in the US (Cleaning tables, dish washing, food preparation, serving food and as a bartender). Customer Service work in stressing; you encounter all type of customers and you also have to deal with your own moods and that of your boss. Nevertheless, I think customer service in Kenya needs lots of improvement.

When I used to do bartending training I used to tell the trainee something simple: Customers do not go to restaurants and bars to eat and drink only. If they simply wanted to eat and drink they could purchase food and drinks, take them home and consume them for less money. They go to these venues for the customer service and socializing. Without good treatment, there is no reason for this customer to ever come back to that particular venue.

One of my friends attempted to make the argument that these customer service attendants adapt a negative attitude because they are poorly paid. I call that rubbish!

No one force these people to take those jobs! Someone else may say that they do not have a choice but to take that low-paying job, but I beg to differ. People always have a choice. Since its not forced labor, I personally expect these people to do the jobs and do them well.

Here is an excerpt from James Allan’s book As a Man Thinketh: “Here is a man who is wretchedly poor. He is extremely anxious that his surroundings and home comforts should improve, yet all the time he shirks his work, and considers he is justified in trying to deceive his employer (and mistreat customers) on the ground of the insufficiency of his wages. Such a man does not understand the simplest rudiments of those principles which are the basis of true prosperity, and is not only totally unfitted to rise out of his wretchedness, but is actually attracting to himself a still deeper wretchedness by dwelling in, and acting out, indolent, deceptive, and unmanly thoughts.”

I totally agree with James Allan on this issue. If you have taken on a responsibility do it to the best of your ability while you are preparing for better and more rewarding responsibilities.
I know customers can be rude sometimes and bosses can be mean but that is not a reason to reciprocate or pass on that negative energy to other people. Customer service jobs require patience, light-heartedness, and an overall positive attitude.
I would urge those who are not cut out to be in customer service sector to quit and stop ruining experience for people who do not warrant such negative treatment.

I have also witnessed discrimination from our own people here in Kenya! These waiters rationalize that Wazungus will give them a tip so they would rather serve them and ignore you. As much as I agree that a Mzungu is more likely to give you a tip than a Kenyan this discrimination is very troubling! If we start discriminating against our own how can we expect outsiders to treat us with respect? These attendants are also shortsighted since these “tip-giving” Wazungus will not be here for long as opposed to a local who can become a regular customer and a friend.

These are some of the issues that make me want to start my own restaurant where customer service will be exceptional (no compromise!); training and constant evaluation will be the norm not the exception.

Any counter arguments out there?
Have you had an experience that totally ruined your day or evening?

Using Immoral means to accomplish moral ends

2010-02-23T02:29:00.000-08:00

Is using immoral means to accomplish moral ends justifiable?

Prostitution to feed your kids or pay for school;
Stealing to put food on the table for your family;
Lying in an interview in order to get employed; etc.

Is it wrong? Is there a time when it can be justifiable?

The questions above may lead to even broader questions such as: who defines what is immoral and what is moral? Should we let society judge our actions or should we be driven by our own convictions?
Machiavelli once stated that “the end justifies the means”; should we follow such a doctrine or should we be concerned about the means?
Do you think that the means are more important than the end or do you think that the end is more important than the means?
If you accomplish the intended moral ends; can you live with the knowledge that you reached your “respectable moral ends” through immoral means?

Does it make a difference when your immoral actions affect others? Is it more justifiable when no one gets hurt?

Of the Oppressor and the Oppressed.

2010-02-21T20:26:00.000-08:00

It has been usual for men to think and to say, "Many men are slaves because one is an oppressor; let us hate the oppressor!" But there is amongst an increasing few a tendency to reverse this judgment and to say, "One man is an oppressor because many are slaves; let us despise the slaves." James Allan

The truth is that oppressor and slaves are cooperators in ignorance, and, while seeming to afflict each other, are in reality, afflicting themselves. A perfect knowledge perceives the action of law in the weakness of the oppressed and the misapplied power of the oppressor.

In an earlier article I wrote about customer service in Kenya. I noted how many customer service attendants blame their condition (low wages, bad working environment etc) on their bosses and therefore use that excuse to extend their malice to undeserving clients. I went on to highlight that these customer service attendants are not forced to take these jobs, so I do not find their excuse acceptable. For if they hate their working conditions so much, they can simply walk away.

I also mentioned that it is good to accept and appreciate our current situations as we work towards a better tomorrow. If we can not carry out our “mediocre” current responsibilities well, how can we expect to carry out higher level “more demanding” responsibilities? “Your circumstances may be uncongenial, but they shall not remain so if you only perceive an ideal and strive to reach it.”

As for the oppressor, his/her attitude towards the subordinates will only lead to: mistrust, suspicion, always cracking the whip since no subordinate will go out of the way for you, short-term success instead of stability.

I tend to agree with James Allan that the oppressed and the oppressor attract each other. Free people look for areas to maximize returns “a win –win situation” not a win-lose or lose-win situation. He/she will (if he is the boss) try to make employees like they own the company; like the company cannot function without them and their ongoing efforts. If it’s the employee, he/she will make every effort to make the company a success for he/she knows that if the company is successful he/she will get financial rewards and tenure (stability). He/she understand the larger picture and knows that the little activities that he/she does will lead to either achievement or failure of the larger picture.

So if the “could be” oppressor and oppressed understand their positions in the larger picture and how playing their role well and unselfishly will lead to success, they wouldn’t allow an “oppressor and oppressed” environment to exist.

Stand up against society ills or lay low?

2010-02-15T12:39:00.000-08:00

Stand up against society ills or lay low?

When you see someone wronged do you stand to defend him or her or do you simply walk away since the wrong was not done to you?

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stated that “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere” he continues to say “we will have to repent in this generation not merely for the hateful words and actions of the bad people but for the appalling silence of the good people.”

This got me thinking of my own complacency. I confess that I have seen injustice on many occasions and walked away because I was not the recipient. I think our society has become so self-centered that we do not step of our cocoons to look at the bigger picture. I can relate to Dr. King’s statement especially when it comes to social ills in our country (police brutality, bribes and other means of corruption, tribalism, theft etc.)

Am sure you have witnessed injustice; what is your reason for not acting? Are your reasons justifiable? Would you like someone else to walk away while the same type of injustice is being committed to you?

Some may say that acting might put you in harm’s way; but so will inaction!

Others will say that law enforcement will defend those being wronged, but we all know our law enforcement and their complacencies.

Others might say that they are preoccupied with the life; well so will other people when you are the recipient of injustice.

What is your opinion on this matter? Have Kenyans accepted injustice? Are we too complacent to act; is it fear; is it class; economic status etc?

Piracy and Persistence

2010-02-12T06:24:00.000-08:00

I was reading CNN about the Taiwanese fishing vessel that was released by Somali Pirates after 10 months of capture. (http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/africa/02/11/somalia.ship.release/index.html)
The Taiwanese vessel had a crew of 28. These guys were provided with food and drink for all that period.
Upon release they were sent away with enough food, water and fuel for the whole journey home.
This made me think...Can't all captured vessels adapt a no-negotiating policy with the pirates?
Is there a reason why a country or company is willing to pay millions of dollars?

For a list of all captured vessels off the coast of Somali use this link (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_ships_attacked_by_Somali_pirates)

"According to the Kenyan foreign minister, Somali Falla have received over US$150 million in ransom during the 12 months prior to November 2008."

Some may argue that the safety of the crew is what these companies are paying for
Others may say that the cargo carried is worth more
Others may say that the vessel is worth the ransom since it generates lots of revenue.

But what if all countries and all companies decided that they will not negotiate with these sea terrorists?
Do you think the piracy would reduce or the pirates would become more brutal towards the captured crew members?

have you say....

Is Google Buzz out to compete with Face Book?

2010-02-11T03:42:00.000-08:00

If any of you use google mail or gmail you have seen the new feature called "Buzz"

From the initial read about the new features, I automatically thought of linked-in and facebook.

One cannot but notice that many people have abandoned their yahoomail, hotmail etc for googlemail. That means that "Buzz" will automatically have a huge following cause it combines email and social website features into one.
For those who are tired of many websites (twitter, facebook, blog, email, chat etc) may find the google features as "one-stop-shop" solution to all your online communication needs.

Google has: google images, google books, picasa, chat, chrome, email, blog, maps, google phone, calendar, unlimited storage and now buzz.
What other features do you really need? I think Google has won me over!!

What are your thoughts?
Have you tried google buzz and what is your initial reaction?
Are the capabilities enough to make you move from Facebook?

Real Leaders Go First

2010-02-04T22:57:00.000-08:00

I was reading through Micheal Hyatt's blog:
http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/02/real-leaders-go-first.html
about real leaders.
His message is: "Real leaders go first. They never ask others to do what they have not done or are unwilling to do themselves. They lead by example. Like the Apostle Paul, they are willing to say, “Follow me, as I follow Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1)."

He questioned his readers:
What about you? Are you leading by example. Where do you need to step up and go first?

I have been privileged with a few leadership positions in my life and looking back, I think I led by example but did not do enough to involve others.
I have the tendency to be self-reliant which is not a good quality of a leader. A good leader knows how to take the lead and also delegate responsibilities.

Are you a leader?

If so, what type of a leader are you?

Self analysis: If you had the option would you like to work under or be led by a leader of your qualities?

Kenya's New Constitution

2010-02-03T22:19:00.001-08:00

Kenya’s New Constitution

The dictionary defines a constitution as a “system of fundamental laws and principles of a government, state, society, corporation, etc.”

As I read the draft constitution and listens to opposing views on the system of governance that Kenyans wanted to live under; I couldn’t but ask myself how the “constitution review committee” arrived at the final draft.

Did these individuals ask themselves: why did Kenyans unite to fight against colonialism? How many convictions that we fought for have we actualized since independence? What principles drive Kenyans (42 tribes) to stay as one nation? Are ideas such as justice for all, domestic tranquility, freedom of speech, freedom of religion, due process of law, the right to vote and the notion that a people can be united under a strong central government but still be protected from government abuses by certain checks and balances.

Do we as a people have common values…common driving principles?
Does a Pokot man have the same rights and due process as a Luo man?

If we as individuals do not have personal constitutions, what makes us think that we can have a common constitution? There is a saying that says “if you do not know where you are going, you do not need a map”. Do we Kenyans know where we are going or where we want to go? If not then some artistically written works will not take us anywhere.

This also begs a few more questions: How many Kenyans have read the existing constitution? What is wrong with the existing constitution? Is a new constitution the solution to all Kenyan problems?

Priorities and Popularity

2010-02-02T20:40:00.000-08:00

As I listened to the news over the weekend and Monday; I could not help but ask myself if our leaders (specifically our Prime Minister) is more interested in being popular or dealing with issues that are of more importance to the Nation.

Our Prime Minister is a football fan (which is a good thing).
But when he has to hold a press conference to inform the nation how he tried to intervene on behalf of McDonald Mariga to play in the English Premier it concerns me.

McDonald Mariga is a good football player. He is earning big bucks whether he is playing for Palma, Man City or Inter Milan.

There are Kenyans who can barely afford one meal a day. How come the Prime Minister is not intervening for these people?

It really disgusts me when our leaders are more concerned about their popularity than issues that should be priorities for our nation.

"I spent a minimum of three hours on phone talking to Gordon Brown's office, the Africa Office, office of Culture and Sports, the Home office, the FA president Lord Treisman and to Mariga himself."

3hrs? Is this guy serious? Has he spent 3hrs trying to solve the internal football federation infighting?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/africa/8493889.stm

**Now here is a disclaimer before I get accused of being tribal or partisan. I would comment about our president but doesnt seem to be passionate or outspoken about anything.**

Way Forward after the boot

2010-01-31T23:35:00.000-08:00

Today is Monday; the beginning of the month.
You probably had a pretty good weekend.
Now imagine that you walked into the office and your boss called you in for a meeting.
From the look of things; this meeting can not possibly be good.
After a few reasons or attempt to justify his/her decision you are told that your services are no longer required by the company.
What would be your initial reaction?
Ok, what would be your next step after ranting or trying to justify your role?
Are you well equipped to move on with your career?
How marketable are you?
Have you positioned yourself well enough to be in demand in your respective sector?

Kenya Real Estate - Location, Location, Location

2010-01-28T21:37:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I had my article published in the Daily Nation - Money Magazine.
I have to admit I am really happy that I have started to write again.
Check out my article:

http://www.nation.co.ke/magazines/money/-/435440/850376/-/r30lmb/-/index.html

By HOSEAH NJUGUNAPosted Wednesday, January 27 2010 at 11:22
The stock market depression in 2009 sent many potential investors seeking alternative investment vehicles. Bonds and Treasury bills received plenty of attention, but so did real estate.

While the increased interest in real estate is a positive thing; many investors did not and are still not thinking through their real estate investment decisions.

Real Estate properties are differentiated from most other financial or real assets by their uniqueness.

No two office buildings are alike, no two pieces of undeveloped land are alike, no two hotels are exactly alike and no two shopping cents are alike.

Each property is different because it is in a different physical location. This makes location one of the most important attributes of any piece of commercial real estate.

Location

The first thing to understand about location is that it is not an absolute. There is no such thing as a generically “good” location or a generically “bad” location. The desirability of a particular site is relevant only in terms of its intended purpose.

A property that is good for a residential dwelling is not necessarily good for an apartment, an office building, a factory, and the like.

Assessing the value of a property always requires the strategic perspective: What is the purpose intended for this property?

Only in that context are the actual physical attributes of that site relevant.

Physical attributes of a site would include the current use of the property, its location with respect to traffic patterns, relevant zoning laws, the contour of the land, the attributes and uses of adjacent or neighbouring parcels of land (an otherwise desirable piece of land for a single-family residence might be made undesirable if the adjacent property were a garbage damping site or a noisy factory), the effective marketing area or impact zone of the property and trends in adjacent neighbour and local land use.

Another factor to consider in the valuation of commercial real estate is the impact of subjective perception.

Certainly, a piece of property has an objective reality. However, that objective reality may not be as important as the subjective lens through which that property is viewed.

An objective reality might describe 50 acres of rugged land surrounding a dismal swamp located 20 miles from the nearest urban area.

Preserve
A subjective perspective might be to consider land as a nature preserve, featuring select executive home sites surrounding ecologically important wetlands that provide protection for a living environmental laboratory.

The objective reality might be a rundown building adjacent to a metropolitan central business district whose desirability is threatened by a declining neighbourhood.

The subjective perspective might be that the (refurbished) building could become a badly needed community centre (called Sarakasi) for area theatre and art fanatics that is distinguished by its accessibility and its significant architectural and historic significance.

An investment in such a property could be thought of as a beacon of successful urban renewal that could revitalise the neighbourhood.

Disregard this important consideration in your investment and it can be costly. If you have driven on Thika road from Nairobi to Thika, I am sure you have seen a very attractive building on the right-hand side in Ruiru.

The building is suitable for a five-star hotel, but it is in the wrong place. It is all in the perspective.

A lot of highly successful commercial real estate development occurs because someone is able to think “outside the box”, while keeping location, location, location in mind.

So the next time you want to acquire a plot or property, make sure you consider the location and end use of the property or plot.

The writer is an Independent Financial Consultant: empowerkenya@gmail.com

African Leaders and Thirst for power

2010-01-27T07:26:00.000-08:00

As Museveni celebrates 24yrs in power,(been president since 1986)

Nigerian President sick - and still insisting on staying on as president

José Eduardo dos Santos President of Angola 1979 to present

General Gnassingbé Eyadéma was the President of Togo from 1967 until his death in 2005

Robert Gabriel Mugabe, president of Zimbabwe (1980–1987 Prime Minister) 1987 – present President

Daniel T. arap Moi, president of Kenya (1978–2002)

Muammar Al-Qaddafi, de facto Libyan Head of State (1969–)

Omar Bongo was President of Gabon for 42 years from 1967 until his death in office in 2009

Congo - Denis Sassou Nguesso President of the Republic of the Congo since 1997; he was previously President from 1979 to 1992.

Cameroon - President Paul Biya
Biya took over in 1982 from President Ahmadou Ahidjo and won re-election for another seven-year term in October 2004.

Egypt - Hosni Mubarak Became president in 1981
Mubarak was sworn in as president in September 2005 for a fifth six-year term

Guinea - President Lansana President of Guinea from 3 April 1984 until his death on 22 December 2008

Tunisia - President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali has served as the President of Tunisia since 7 November 1987

Begs the question: what is it with African leaders and their tight grip on power?

Why hold on to power to the point that you can barely function or think rationally?

Why cant someone serve two terms and retire with a guaranteed pension and perks for life?

Delta Corp taking Kenya by the Storm

2010-01-26T02:19:00.000-08:00

Delta Corp is an Indian Company that is engaged in real estate (in India as well as East Africa), gaming and entertainment, aviation, and hospitality. This group of companies has acquired prime property in Nairobi. According to their website "Delta Corp East Africa Ltd. (DCEAL), has already acquired approximately 803,720 sq ft of land with a development potential of close to 2 million sq-ft."

Delta Corp Ltd is a publicly traded company on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), NSE: DELTACORP.

If you have visited Upper Hill (next to Equity Center/Indonesian Embassy) you have seen a huge property development coming up; this property is called Delta Center. Delta Centre will provide lettable area of 180,557 square feet and 350 parking bays. As you enter Westlands you will notice two huge new towers coming up (accross from barcode club/ westland roundabout) This property is called Delta Corner. Delta Corner will provide lettable area of 234,081 square feet and 630 parking bays.

These are a few of the intended developments. Other upcoming developments include: Point, Hotel, River side, Plain, 4th Ngong, House.
Check out their website (http://www.deltacorp.in/real.html) to see a map of the land that they have acquired.

I am excited about the new professionally-done developments. I am envious of these guys!!
It would be nice if Kenyan investors were involved in these developments but all in all these developments will benefit Kenyans in the long-run.

This is also an indication that foreigners have seen potential in our real estate sector and some individual lament about the property bubble.

Executive Compensation

2010-01-25T23:44:00.001-08:00

There was a time that I wanted to be a lawyer and I was very interested in negotiating compensation for executives. I know some people may say that these people are overpaid (for the work that they do), and rightly so, but if these companies are willing to cough up the money why not be on the receiving end?

Below is a list of the highest compensated executives in the US.

Highest Compensated Executives (2008)
Executives With the Highest Total Compensation in 2008
Rank Person Name Total Compensation
1 Hamilton E. James $260.48M
2 Aubrey K. McClendon $100.07M
3 Bob R. Simpson $65.47M
4 Eugene M Isenberg $59.83M
5 Larry Ellison $48.42M
6 Mario J. Gabelli $45.93M
7 John H. Hammergren $39.94M
8 J. Larry Nichols $38.51M
9 Peter C Georgiopoulos $37.23M
10 Michael A. Puglisi $35.56M

These figures are obviously astronomical in Kenyan terms. Hamilton James was compensated Kshs. 2bn. Can you imagine that?

What are your thoughts?

I am back

2010-01-25T06:52:00.000-08:00

After disappearing for sometime, I have decided that writing plays an important role in my life.
I have edited the objective/description of this blog because I want to discuss a wider range of issues here.
2010 has started well and I am very optimistic about it.
I have made some changes to my lifestyle and I feel good about the changes. I would not call them new years resolutions; I would say they have come about as a result of growth and deeper understanding of self.

My blog concentrated on career-related issues. I am happy to announce that there is a resurgence in hiring (I should qualify that statement by stating that not all sectors are hiring), but the prospects of getting a job are far much better than they were in 2009.

Looking forward to the comeback and sticking with it.

One Month Hiatus

2009-04-12T23:20:00.000-07:00

A full month away!!
My apologies for those of you who may have looked at this site for updates only to find none.
I took one month away to start a new business.
My new company is called Pesa24 Traders.
I have incorporated many business ideas into it so I can not define it in one word or put it in one sector or the other.
The business incorporates:
Microlending
Cyber Cafe
Buying and Selling of Electronics, appliances, and other tech gadgets
Business advisory services
PIN registration among other services.

I am happy to say that I am nearing break-even point already.
I will be restructuring my blog in order to accommodate more topics, so stay tuned.

Creating employment for yourself

2009-03-11T09:54:00.000-07:00

I admire people who thin outside the box; and quite frankly many more people need to do that during these hard times. Here are few examples of businesses that are not business as usual:
1. Making tiles and other house-holds from waste products (specifically all the plastic bags)
2. Making and selling fresh juice (the fruits are in season and its a great time to start)
---sidenote: frozen juice in supermarkets is a great way to take it a step further--make juice while the fruits are in season and freeze the juice; package it nicely and approach the supermarkets.
3. small bed n breakfast resorts in remote and attractive places.
4. consulting business (if you are good at what you do, but cant find an employer, then employ yourself!!)
5. Unique art (you will surprised what you can make from trash if you put your mind into it--and people will pay good money for your work)
6. Find something popular and distinguish yourself ( I saw ecocabs in town--they are hybrid taxi that use less energy (toyota prius etc)

those are just a few examples that I have seen here in Nairobi, I am sure you can come up with something marketable if you take the time and think outside the box.

One other thing: do not listen to pessimism from your friends, do some market research and go for it!!!

New Style of Interview and how you should prepare

2009-03-05T11:33:00.000-08:00

I was called in for an interview about a month ago; it was a surprise because I stopped submitting my CV and decided to concentrate on my start-up.
Well I went for the interview and did not think much of the process since I was not hedging my future on the particular position.
Well on Monday they called me (to my surprise) and asked me to attend a session for psychometric and aptitude test.
I went for the testing today and it was very easy but that is because I was well prepared for it. While working as a fund manager, I used to recruit many financial advisors and part of the interview process was psychometric and aptitude testing. My objective in providing these tests to the potential employees was to see how they reason and if their persona fits well with the position.

Many people do not know what to expect during such testing. Below is a link to a few tests that you can download (for free). These are good examples of what to expect during such testing.
It is important for you to understand yourself and how you would react in given situations, it is also important for you to keep your brain sharp with crossword puzzles, reading, scrabble, jigsaw puzzles, simple arithmetic etc. These are some of the things that psychometric and aptitude test measure.
http://www.psychometric-success.com/

all the best; I would like your feedback on such testing if you have ever administered or gone through one.

Jobless but not Idle

2009-03-03T20:39:00.000-08:00

The recession is here with us whether we like to acknowledge it or not.
Many companies are downsizing and the possibilities of getting employment are becoming harder and harder.
So the question is: what do you do with your time while you are unemployed?
Do you become a couch-potato and start getting resented by your family because you are always idle or what?
There are certain actions that you can take which will keep your morale positive and also pass time in a more productive manner.
I suggest you account for your time (make a list of things-to-do)
I know you are probably thinking: but am not working what is there to do?
Here are a few things that you can do:
1. Read (trade-related books, novels, motivational books, success stories and bibliographies)
2. Get a hobby (mountain biking, gardening, blogging, writing etc)
3. Network (get to know people and what they are doing)
4. Start a small business (this might be the birth of a large enterprise!!!)
5. Stay positive (understand that a job or money is not happiness or the answer to a great life----it is how you react to your current situation that makes you a better person)
6. Find that one source of peace and go to that place (physically or mentally)
7. Volunteer your time to the less fortunate (stop the negative thinking!---you are not less fortunate --you simply are not employed---you have your powerful brain, great education, physically able, maybe ability to relate to people etc ---use these strengths)
8. Do not give up, continue to look and apply for jobs...am sure something will come up.

2009-02-27T20:21:00.000-08:00

I read this wonderful piece on The Standard Newspaper. The article is titled:

Stages that define your career path

By Murigi Macharia

When Irene Atieno left the university five years ago, she was optimistic she would land a good job within the first six months.

She had hoped that her First Class Honours degree, network of well-connected friends and ‘tall’ relatives would help in the hunt.

Irene was lucky to get a job and started her career life with energy, and enthusiasm. But five years after graduation at the age of 21 she’s still unsettled.In that short span, Irene has changed jobs three times and is now hunting for her fourth employer who would give her the dream job.She is not alone in this. Many of her classmates are anxiously scouting for that ideal job, that promises quick career advancement.

They are all going through what human resource experts describe as the exploration stage, where young employees keep ‘hopping’ between jobs in search of the ideal employer.

Here, employees strive to improve their competiveness, by seeking for jobs that would solidify their career objectives. Once job hunting is over , the young employee finally enters the establishment stage. It is then that the employee seeks to establish his identity, seek acceptability and integration within the organisation.The employee strives to make full contribution to establish his worth.

Critical stage

At this stage, the employee learns all ropes within the organisation. Besides seeking full involvement with the operations of the organisation, the employee also develops confidence to seek intimate involvement with colleagues. Because this is a critical stage, employees are concerned about advancement and opportunities. The third stage is maintenance, characterised by uncertainity and fear. As a result, each employee seeks to protect himself from all manner of workplace threats. Although a few employees continue developing and growing their careers to higher levels in this stage, many enter the stagnation then deterioration. For those who are still relevant to the organisation at this stage, their roles largely revolve around creativity of new working methods, coaching and mentoring younger colleagues.

The decline stage defines the final lap in one’s career life before retirement. It marks serious reduction in the mental, physical, emotional and psychological abilities of older employees.

http://www.eastandard.net/business/InsidePage.php?id=1144007618&cid=474&

It very easy to get into the decline stage.

One only needs to get a decent job where he/she is comfortable.Many people stop developing at an early age. By developing I mean learning a new trick, new trade, constantly updating oneself in the respective sector or simply reading to keep the mind sharp. People start to wither and soon than later more knowledgeable people come along and you are the first to be given a sendoff.

My advise is:
1. Set career goals
2. Develop strategies to achieve the set goals
3. Constantly upgrade your skills (reading or taking new courses)
4. Network well
5. Have mile-markets to assist you evaluate your progress along your career journey
6. Seek feedback from someone who can give you an honest opinion (this will help you see areas that you need to improve)
7. Do not get comfortable (always have a contingency plan)
8. Enjoy/celebrate your success: this will help/motivate you work even harder

simple message

2009-02-27T13:57:00.000-08:00

I read this in a book and I have been sharing it with my friends.

"we can not control all the things that happen to us and around us, but we can control how we react to the happenings."
Positive attitude will take you far while negative attitude will get you nowhere.
if you did not get that interview or position that you interviewed for...do not get depressed...just recognize the things that you could have done better and move on. Prepare for the next interview and maximize the opportunity.
Positive attitude is my message for this weekend.
work on it and your self-esteem will be pretty high.
people appreciate positive attitude.
:) be happy with who you are and work towards better (ing) yourself.

Uniqueness

2009-02-26T11:38:00.000-08:00

Hi,
Dont have much to say today so I am sharing a blog topic from Kenya Capital Investmnet Group

http://mjengakenya.blogspot.com/2009/02/does-what-you-do-reflect-your.html

hope you can find your uniqueness and use it as a weapon to get ahead.

Body Talk

2009-02-24T20:29:00.000-08:00

Have you ever looked at yourself talk to other people...or at least asked for feedback concerning your body language?
Researchers say that body language speaks louder than words. Human Beings (except for the blind) get more information through sight than any other sense.
So you should be very concerned about the way you appear to other.
As I have mentioned in an earlier post...a recruiter will make up his/her mind about you in the first 25 seconds of your meeting.
Always remember that the people invited for interviews have already been pre-qualified (meaning that the recruiter thinks they can do the job...based in their qualifications) So all the recruiter wants to really know about you during the interview process is: are you the right person to do the job?

Your
1. Gestures,
2. Posture
3. Eye contact
4. Hand shake
will be some of the determinants.

Assertive Gestures:
Genuine smile
Firm Handshake
Good eye contact
open hand gestures
balanced and upright posture
listening
and relaxed.

Some of these gestures take work. You should definitely get feedback from a professional or someone you trust.
Try recording yourself...and then watch how you appear and behave while talking. You will be surprised of the number of things things that you do without noticing.

Need assistance? do not hesitate to get in touch:

Hoseah Njuguna
0734 609 741
empowerkenya@gmail.com

Making yourself indispensable during hard times

2009-02-22T20:06:00.000-08:00

Many companies are laying people off in attempt to cut cost during these hard times.
If you are employed, your company may be next to lay people off.
So how do you make yourself indispensable or at least one of the last few standing?
Well, I wish there was one answer to this question but it is a combination of things and if you have not been doing it, you better get busy!
1. Make sure you are well qualified for the responsibilities you were hired to do.
2. Continue to improve and learn new things on the job.
3. Continued education: get more certification, membership to relevant organizations etc.
4. Relate or attempt to relate well with your coworkers--especially management.
5. Share your vision of the company with your superior so that they see you have the organization at heart.
6. Do not become a slave to work, but show dedication while you are at work (forget the Facebooks and blogs while you are at work)
7. Less personal calls while you on duty (it shows irresponsibility and lack of respect for the person who has hired you.
8. Stay abreast on the market trends of the particular industry that you are in.
9. Network widely...make sure you establish enough friends in other companies who can serve as a positive referral or assistant in job seeking process
10. Always have a plan B...do not think that your job will always be there...think what else can I do if this job went up in flames?
11. Have a social life...your friends outside your job will be very helpful if you lose your job
12. Start a project or small business for supplemental income while you are earning--this may turn out to be your bread-n-butter if you are laid off and cannot find another position promptly.

So please do not sit comfortably and let destiny determine your future.
Do something about it!

The little things that matter

2009-02-19T21:02:00.000-08:00

They say it the little things that matter...and I believe it.
If you can not take care of the small things, how can an organization allow you to take charge of their bigger things?
In your job search process kindly make sure that you have taken care of the little things such as:
1. Spelling mistakes on your CV
2. Providing the right contact information
3. Removing anything negative that can affect your chances of being called for an interview
4. If you have been called in for an interview...do your research and find out what the organization is about and who the leaders are
5. Dress properly...do not allow your attire overshadow all your achievements. First impressions are very important
6. Grooming and hygiene...brush your teach and use mouthwash, shave that beard, nails should be trimmed, take a shower, and do not overdo it on the perfume or cologne
7. Arrive on time for the interview
8. Turn your phone off!!!!!!!!!!!
9. Make sure you have two more copies of your CV
10. Rehearse responses to the most common questions...do not memorize answers but have a clear indication of what you want to say
11. Relax during the interview...you are not infront of the judge...the worst that the person interviewing you can do is not offer you the job.
12. Have some intelligent questions to ask the interviewer
13. Thank the interviewer for taking the time to interview you

If you do these simple 13 things, your probability of getting the position will have shot up by 50-80%.
If you want the job, you have to work for it....the least you can do is get prepared!

I wish you luck and if you need assistance do not hesitate to ask for it.

Hoseah Njuguna
empowerkenya@gmail.com
0734 609 741

How is my Image?

2009-02-18T20:34:00.000-08:00

This is an excerpt borrowed from Walking Tall by Lesley Everett

If you want to improve your personal power and impact, you first need to look at the image you currently present and establish what you like about it, what you dont like, what works and what doesnt. Because no matter how powerful and assertive you may feel inside, it is the non-verbal messages yo give out that can initially propel you forward to greater success, and without which you could get left behind in a competitive environment.

An easy way to explain personal image is to use the "Johari Window", which was developed by two psychologists, Joseph Luft and Harry Ingham. It makes the process of understanding yourself clearer and easier to achieve, and provides a great basis for improving the impact you make on others.

The Public Self is the part of you that you are happy and confident about showing to the world. It is the part that everybody knows and understands about you.
The Private Self is the part that only you know about--the elements of you that you are not necessarily happy to share with others, but it can also contain your goals and dreams. Only your closest friends and family get a look at the Private Self.
We all have Blind Spots - these are the parts that others see about you that you cannot see about yourself. Last, there is the Unknown Self, the untapped area of your personal potential which is unknown to you and to others.

With the aim of improving your personal image you need to look at the private self and tap into areas of your personality - what do you want to achieve and what do you want to project to others? Then, by looking at your public self and your blind spots, you can establish those elements of your appearance and behaviour that are working towards this goal and those that are holding you back. By becoming aware of the blind spots, both negative and positive, you can improve your projected image, personal power and inner confidence. Having analysed the public self and blind spots, you can start to uncover the Unknown self and to unlock some of the unknown potential you have for enhancing your personal image.

I will continue to cover the portrayal of image because this is an important topic that is overlooked by many. Trust me...education and skills are not the only things that can get you a job. So I will provide some tips that can better you image and hence better your chances of getting that dream job.

Hoseah Njuguna
empowerkenya@gmail.com
0734 609 741

Moving Forward

2009-02-17T19:35:00.000-08:00

"Be not afraid of going slowly; be only afraid of standing still." Chinese Proverb.

According to research, 67% of people set goals for themselves. Of those 67%, only 10 have made realistic plans to reach their goals; And out of those 10, only 2 follow through and actually make them happen.
I can totally relate to those statistics; I can not count the number of times that I have set goals for myself only not to follow up on them or even initiate the process of achieving those goals.

There are a couple of reasons for failure:
1. Never getting started
2. Not setting SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Timely)
3. Not implementing your goals
4. Fear of failure

They say that the greatest ideas are foind in the grave yard and I believe it!
Many people fear failure so they do not get to the implementation stage.
Teddy Roosevelt once said "the only thing we have to fear is fear itself."

Unless you want your epitaph to read "Here lies a man/woman with great ideas." then I urge you not to stand still and keep on trying, moving towards the great potential that you know you have.

Understand your potential..n start living

2009-02-16T20:32:00.000-08:00

"Wealth, notoriety, place, and power are no measures of success whatsoever." H.G. Wells
The only true measure of success is the ratio between what we might have been and what we have become. "Success comes as the results of growing to our potential." John C. Maxwell.

We can do anything, but we cannot do everything; so understanding our potential is critical towards success. "Many people let everyone around them decide their agenda in life. As a result, they never really dedicate themselves to their purpose in life." John C. Maxwell

It is good to get a job description from your employer. This will help you know what your responsibilities are and you will also avoid being a "do this, do that puppet". Once you know what you are good at, you are able to pursue it full-heartedly.
The same advise is relevant in life. If you are always available to others to the extent of not accomplishing anything of your own, then you will be known as the good friend without personal convictions.

Once you know your potential, you will not stay in a job that you dont like. Majority of people have not tapped 75% of the potential. It is easier to go through life doing the simple things, but I can assure you that you will never achieve success with that kind of mentality.

Remember: the worst a potential employer can do to you is refuse to employ you; and you would walk away knowing that you tried. So go out there prepare yourself for your dream job, apply for that dream job and go to that interview confidently, knowing very well that you are qualified and you are the right person for that position.

My advise is: Tap into your tremendous potential and start living!

Thinking outside the box

2009-02-16T06:24:00.000-08:00

I have been very lucky to be able to do more traveling this year.
My travel expeditions involve two things:
1. Getting out of town and visiting new people.

2. Being the business man that I am, I am always scoping out for new ventures.
I am always curious of the prospects of any area.
One thing I appreciate is when I see people doing things differently. I really get annoyed when I see everyone growing the same thing or selling the same thing. I am always asking "where is your imagination?" If everyone is farming the same thing or selling the same thing, then who is the customer?

As you seek employment or seeking a career, kindly think how you can set yourself apart from the flock. I know employers like that, and you will also be more valuable that the others.
Some of you maybe asking yourself: But how can I be different?
Well I can assure you that it is not that difficult.
Remember Robert Frost talking about his walking expedition and he comes to a junction and he took the road less traveled. I challenge you to find that road that is less traveled.
Need assistance?
Do not hesitate to get in touch.

Hoseah Njuguna
0734 609 741
empowerkenya@gmail.com

Observe your Starting Place

2009-02-12T21:40:00.000-08:00

"To become different from what we are, we must have some awareness of what we are."

Have you ever sat down and seriously examined yourself?
What are your strengths, weaknesses, experiences, education and resources?

I have started many interview sessions with the following question: "tell me a little about yourself" or " who is your name? And it is dumbfounding the number of people who do not know who they are---or at least find it hard to tell me who they are.
In an early blog I mentioned that life/success is a journey and it needs a reference point.

An employer wants to know your journey so far and where you are heading. Your "journey history" helps the employer understand the goals you had set in life and your accomplishments so far. Your "future journey" helps the employer determine whether you will make a good "travel buddy".
Any good organization will have a clear direction of where it is going, so your "future journey" needs to be heading in the same direction (for a given period) in order for you to be invited to journey together.
So my advise is:
Clearly examine your history and have a short statement that you can use to define your past.
Then clearly set out future goals and develop a short statement that you can use to define your future journey. If you are able to do that, then you will not only save many companies precious time, but you will also be able to determine whether to apply for a particular position or not.
The future is yours, dont keep it waiting.

Hoseah Njuguna
empowerkenya@gmail.com
0734 609 741

Mile Markers of Progress

2009-02-11T21:18:00.001-08:00

Everyone like to progress, however progress is relative and it needs a reference point. Goals are the reference point. Goals help you see how you are doing and whether you are on track.
By setting goals, an individual is able to measure progress. Goals are like mile-markers on the success journey.
If you want success in life, then you need to define success and then break it down to achievable and measurable goals. If you want to be a licensed pilot you need to set goals on when to finish the class aspect, the simulation, the flight hours, the test etc. Without such goals, your desire to become a pilot may stay intact, however you will not be able to see progress.
"your dream determines your goals.
your goals map out your actions.
your actions create results.
and the results bring you success."

"Recognize the power and importance of goals. While you work on them, they work on you. And what you get by reaching your goals is not nearly as important as what you become by reaching them." John C Maxwell

So set your goals so that they assist you along the journey and they can continue to work on you as you work on them.

Shoot into a Basket (hoop) or Dribble aimlessly

2009-02-10T22:51:00.000-08:00

We learn about goals early in life, but somehow forget about them along the way. Regardless of your age, everyone played games as a child. Majority of our games involved a target or goal. If you played basketball like I did, the point of the game is to shoot the ball into the basket (hoop). Success was the getting the ball in the basket. Though dribbling and passing the ball was part of the game; the end result was to get the ball through the hoop.
Life without goals is like playing basketball without a basket. Life activities will give you some pleasure, but sustaining them for any length of time is difficult.
Setting and meeting goals creates positive energy and motivates you to keep going, even when obstacles arise.
I hope you will not "dribble" through life, I hope you will dribble with a goal in mind.
Sometimes it helps to talk somethings out; find someone who cares to listen to you and vent out your desires and see if they are realistic.
All the best.

Success part II

2009-02-10T01:59:00.000-08:00

If someone asks you what success is you will most likely say:
"success is finding a career you enjoy where you can move up, and working your way to the top of the organization." That means success to you is a definition, a place you tried your best to reach, but whose achievement depended on a lot of factors outside your control: circumstances, office politics, opportunities, and luck. It is a place that you hope to reach someday, though only a few ever do.
Getting that position and moving up the ladders is nice and all, however you need to start looking at life differently. Think of all the accomplishments that you have achieved so far: getting through primary, secondary and most likely University; you also have a bunch of friends etc. All of these as success stories, and unless you learn to appreciate those milestones, then you will never feel content no matter the achievement.
You have to look at life as a journey---a journey that involves interaction with others, disappointments, appreciation, opportunities, and growth.
Each day is an opportunity to grow in pursuit of reaching your potential.
Stop comparing yourself with others and start living your life.
You are successful; and employers are looking for people who will assist the organization become successful.
There is no way that you will assist any organization to be successful if you do not see yourself as a successful individual.
So start living and stop waiting for that dreamjob to come so that you can start enjoying life.
all the best.

Success

2009-02-08T20:12:00.000-08:00

Success is very illusive for many.
If you ask a group of ten people what success is; you will most likely get ten different definitions.
Some may say success is:
Power
Money,
Family
Being well known in the country
A special feeling etc.
As you can see most of the definitions will have possessions involved in the definition.
Many Kenyans who are seeking jobs would most likely define success as getting that dream job.
Success is not a destination.
"Many people have what I call "destination disease." They believe that is they can arrive somewhere --attain a position, accomplish a goal, or have a relationship with the right person--they will be successful." John Maxwell
Success is a journey...
What does it take to be successful? "Two things are required: the right picture of success and the right principles for getting there.

Do not try to copy someone else...because no two success stories are the same. The process to be successful maybe the same but we do not arrive the same success level and at the same time.

I will continue to discuss "success" this week and emphasize how that job that you are seeking is not success; it is a milestone, but not success.
Stay tuned.

Hoseah Njuguna
empowerkenya@gmail.com
0734-609-741

Short term break

2009-02-08T20:00:00.000-08:00

I decided to take a little break last week...I went to Ocha
My purpose for the trip was to survey the area and see what potential lies there.
I walked for miles and miles and talked to quite a few people.
I was shocked by the multiplicity that exists in the rural area. Everyone in my Ocha is a tea, coffee and maize farmer; most of them have at least one cow and maybe a goat.

Many of the people did not have a reason for doing the same thing that their father and grandfather did. The coffee and tea plants were planted before their maturity age so they are just continuing with the activities that they found there.
I have a problem with this type of living.
There are cash crops that are doing well these days that can grow in my Ocha.
Cabbage
Aloe Vera
Fish (tilapia)
Millet
Sweet potatoes and Arrow roots

I am thinking of venturing into fish farming; however that is not a shortterm goal for me so I will have to do the research and do it when I am ready.

I am back now and ready to go.
Have a wonderful week

What does a job mean to you?

2009-02-02T21:43:00.001-08:00

Many Kenyans tend to distinguish themselves according to the type of job they have.
A job in a particular profession may have some prestige attached to it, but the important question that you want to ask yourself is:
What does this job mean to me?

In many occasions I have heard people say "work to live, dont live to work"
I totally agree with the above statement.
I believe a job should not define you, you should define the job.
By defining a job I mean through hard work, determination, character, relations with coworkers and customers, defining the satisfaction you want from the job etc.

I know my people who work 12hrs or more. If I am employed, I will personally not work that many hours if the pay is the same.
My former boss always used to encourage us to strive to do all we can in the given hours and not more than that. Jack Shiltz is by far the best boss that I have ever had. He shared the mission and vision of the company with every employee and encouraged all of us to have a mission in life; and he was very frank that work should not be our mission but a means to our mission. So he encouraged us to work hard at work since it was a benchmark in achieving our mission in life.

So my advise to you today is:

Define your mission in life

Find a job and a boss that will help you achieve your mission

Define your working hours and stick to them (I can assure you that your boss will not require you to work extra hours if you are maximizing your efforts during working hours--so reducing your time on facebook (lol!))

Communicate your mission so that others will not make requests that will hinder your efforts to achieve your mission.

finally do not become a slave to work! Work enough to enjoy your life and not the other way around.

Do not hesitate to get in touch for a one-on-one assistance with your CV, Application letter, job search, interview skills etc.

Hoseah Njuguna
0734-609-741
empowerkenya@gmail.com

Are you a winner?

2009-02-02T12:20:00.000-08:00

Leaders and recruiters in organizations are constantly seeking winners to add to their team. Do you have the "winner" qualities?
Here are some of the qualities that clearly define you as a winner:

1. Winners are less sensitive to disapproval and rejection---they brush it off.
2. Winners think "bottom line"
3. Winners focus on the task ahead
4. Winners are not superstitious---they say, :that's life"
5. Winners refuse to equate failure with self-worth
6. Winners dont restrict thinking to established, rigid patterns
7. Winners see the big picture
8. Winners welcome challenge with optimism
9. Winners dont waste time on unproductive thoughts

Kindly take a few minutes and see if you are a winner.
If not, what are you doing to better position yourself?

Many motivational books are known to state that "you are the change that you want to be"
This simply means that if you want to change, if you want to be impactful, if you want to see different results, then you have to initiate the change from within.

Start today!
Take the right steps in becoming a winner.

Rolling up your Sleeves

2009-01-31T04:36:00.000-08:00

One thing I know for sure is you get more respect and better reviews if you are the type of employee that is willing to roll up your sleeves while other employees are not.
Do not get me wrong; I am not talking about staying 4 more hours at work, neither am I talking about doing something outrageous just to show that you are hard working.
I am talking about:
Having a positive attitude while others are being pessimistic,
Strategizing and knowing which role will boost your credibility to your boss,
Willing to take one for the team,
Taking the time to listen and understand what your boss would like to see happen,
Befriending your boss in a professional manner (he/she is a person and likes to be treated like a person--not an evil beast out to ruin you)

My challenge for you is:
Roll up your sleeves and go beyond the defined role.
Even if you are not currently employed, you can volunteer and get valuable experience that you can use to get employed.
Challenge yourself!

Need assistance finding ways to stand out or roll up your sleeves higher?
get in touch.

Hoseah Njuguna
0734-609-741
empowerkenya@gmail.com

Reinvent yourself

2009-01-29T20:08:00.000-08:00

In my athletic days I remember my coach giving us simple but very important advise.
He was tired of players not thinking first.
He called us in a huddle and picked up a tennis ball. He asked one of the players to throw the tennis ball. The player was asked to do this four times. Every time the player produced the same results. The coach finished the demonstration by asking the player to turn around and then throw with his other hand. Needless to say, the results were very different.
The same thing maybe happening in your career life. You have constrained yourself in unnecessary job sectors. No one said that a pilot can not be a HR manager in a flower farm, or a stockbroker becomes a masseuse.

The only boundaries are the ones that we set ourselves.
I want to challenge you to find a career that really fascinates you. Do your research about that career (possible employers, possible positions, contacts you may know who are in that sector, where to begin if you want to enter that sector, possibility of starting your own company in that sector etc.)
I guarantee you that you will be a much happier person.

What you are going to be tomorrow, you are becoming today

So if you are not happy with the person that you are right now, REINVEST YOURSELF

Need help reinventing yourself?
Do not hesitate to give me a shout

Hoseah Njuguna
empowerkenya@gmail.com
0734-609-741

Silly Mistakes that you can avoid

2009-01-28T20:20:00.000-08:00

I was helping someone with their CV yesterday, and I could not help but wonder if they really deserve to be employed!
There are silly mistakes that a jobseeker should always avoid.
otherwise your CV will end up in the trash bin.

1. Spell your name right
2. Provide contact information that are current
3. Have an objective that shows that you will add value to the organization-(as opposed to make you a better person)
4. Avoid silly spelling mistakes (go through your CV ten times if you have to, also get someone else to look at it)
5. Do not overload the CV with minute-by-minute details about your previous experiences (remember: the recruiter will only spend about 20 seconds on your CV)
6. Do not undersell yourself (if you did it, and it will boost your chances of being called in for an interview, then include it in the CV)
7. References are good but I can assure you not one recruiter will call your reference before they have called you in for an interview---so unless they demand the references, skip them until the interview date.
8. CV format or outline makes a difference; find a format that is easy to read and presentable to the eye.

You CV is your career history; if you can not take the time to correct these mistakes, then you will have a really hard time convincing a recruiter to hire you.

These mistakes indicate a level of irresponsibility and they stick out like a black man in Japan. They distract the recruiter from listening to you, from paying attention to your strong points etc.

Need help or another set of eyes?
Do not hesitate to contact me.

Hoseah Njuguna
0734-609-741
empowerkenya@gmail.com

12 Essential Laws for Becoming Indispensable

2009-01-26T00:54:00.000-08:00

This week, I will share with you the important points that I have learnt from my latest book.
The book is called "The twelve essential laws for becoming indispensable." by Dr. Tony Zeiss.
The simple way to take you through the book is to tell you what the twelve laws are and then discuss each law in greater details every day.
1. Having Altitude in your Attitude
2. Being an Effective Communicator
3. Having Strong work ethics
4. Being a teamworker
5. Being a problem solver
6. Being customer focused
7. Being results oriented
8. Getting it together
9. Putting you best foot forward
10. Being an active listener
11. Having the proper academic and technical skills
12. Emphasizing your prior experience

One thing about becoming the "go to" employee or becoming an attractive prospective employee is by learning what employers want from you. You may have a great idea of what you want in life, but if you are seeking employment and you are not concerned about what the employer wants from you, then you will continue to hunt for a job.

I encourage you to read this and other books that may add value to you.

10 Principles of Career Reinventing

2009-01-22T19:45:00.001-08:00

The Reinvention Institute, Career Reinvention
Pamela Mitchell, CLC, is the CEO and Chief Vision Officer for The Reinvention Institute™. I stumbled upon The Reinvention Institute website and found useful resources for those of you who are thinking about reinventing your career. Check out Mitchell’s free, downloadable paper (click here). She discusses the ten principles that you’ll need to know before you begin reinventing your career. Mitchell also provides knowledge, tools, support and inspiration you need to recreate your career, your business, or your life. Here are links to those tools: classes, seminars, individual coaching, products, newsletters, and website recommendations.

10 Principles of Career Reinvention
Below are the highlights of her paper with my commentary; however, I recommend downloading her paper for more information.

1. Understand that in order to be truly happy, your career must serve your life: Early in our career, we often don’t have many choices in our first jobs like taking a job with a huge banking institution, having to move across the country so you can participate in their leadership program. These are sacrifices we make to get our foot in the door. However, over time, we realize that our careers may not be serving our lives so a change is necessary. For example, some people work as many as 18-hour days and are a parent with one child and another on the way, leaving their spouse to take of the kids. Is this working? Is it sustainable? Is it serving their lives? Doubtful.

2. Release the myths and understand the signifiers you’ve attached to your new career: Status and money typically drives us. Yes, passion fits in there somewhere; however, sometimes we’re caught up in managing our way up the ladder with all the privileges that should accompany it. At some point, are these things really worth it? Some people would think I was crazy to leave a VP job do my own thing, but it serves my life.

3. Be willing to start before you have an end goal in mind: Sometimes, you know you need a career reinvention. You just have to jump right in rather than wait for the perfect career reinvention plan.

4. Get used to living outside your comfort zone: Meeting new people and creating a new network is hard, especially for those of us are naturally introverts, but selectively extroverts. Let’s face it, some of us aren’t energized by meeting new people or going out of comfort zone.

5. Let go of your old identity: I’m a VP of Marketing. I’m a Product Manager. I’m a…Titles and our jobs define us. Changing up our identity is scary and hard to do. One helpful tip is to come up with a new elevator speech about your new identity so you can quickly rattle it off when you’re asked what you do. See “4 Steps to a Great Elevator Speech by Dave Lorenzo at Career Intensity” for ideas.

6. Learn to tune in and listen to of yourself first before responding to the world: You will have so many options available to you so the trick is to listen to yourself if it’s good for you. Don’t do something just because it will be impressive to others. Remember, it has to serve you and your life goals.

7. Realize that your ideas will shift, and be open to experimentation: Some of you creative people and you’ll have hundreds of ideas that sound good for your career reinvention. The true test will be which one feels the easiest and “right” to take action on. If you can’t easily take action and you keep walking in circles on the idea, then chances are it’s not a right fit.

8. Be wiling to pursue new contacts: Like I said, meeting new people is hard for some us, but worthwhile, especially if you reinventing yourself. You need access the people that can help you with your new goals.

9. Accept that on some levels you will be starting over: Clean slates are fun, but daunting. However, it won’t be as scary like it was when you first started your previous career. This time, you’ll have your tools and templates. You’ll what your core competencies (what you’re really good at) are. You’ll have your interests. You’ll have your life goals. Add all these things together, chances are this is more information you had than when you first started your old career.

10. Celebrate your successes along the way instead of holding out for the end goal: Define some milestones that you’ll most likely hit along the journey such as “contacted X number of new contacts,” ”brainstormed likely industries or job titles,” or “created a board of friends and former coworkers”. Take the time to celebrate moments like these so you can motivated.

Needless to say that I found these 10 principles to be very helpful.
Some of you may be looking for a job in a particular sector while there are plenty of jobs in other sectors. The only thing stopping you from getting into another sector is your mental image of who you are. If you have your mind made up that you are an accountant, then an accountant you shall remain with a job or without; but if you use the knowledge and skills that you have acquired over the years, then you can become anything and get a job in any sector--and still be a proud non-practicing accountant.
So put down your guard and reinvent yourself

Need assistance?
Do not hesitate to ask for it.

Hoseah Njuguna
0734-609-741
empowerkenya@gmail.com

Functional CV

2009-01-22T00:11:00.000-08:00

The Functional CV is usually two pages in length and covers your entire career history. Unlike the most common chronological CV it focuses, not on your career history, but on your skills, abilities and expertise. It may not even refer to a specific industry, as the skills detailed are deemed transferable.

It is important that the skills you detail are relevant to the position you are applying for. It is no use highlighting your great accounting experience if the position is in sales. You should highlight your achievements in a sales environment and focus on relevant aspects of that field of work.

A Functional CV format is useful if:
• You lack experience or have gaps in your work history; these can be de-emphasized in a functional CV while your skills and potential are highlighted.
• You have changed jobs frequently and have had a variety of unrelated work experiences.
• You want to promote skills and experience obtained through college or volunteer experience.
• You are changing careers or re-entering the job market, perhaps after taking a career break to be a full time parent.
• Your most recent work experience is not relevant to the job, but past experience is.
• You have been working freelance or in temporary employment.
• You do not want to advertise your age.
A functional CV format is less useful if:
• You have little work experience and thus not much to highlight.
• You have a progressive career history, which reflects promotions, and growth and you want to emphasize that.

What is the layout of a Functional CV?
• The Functional CV starts with a Profile that highlights specific skills, achievements and relevant personal qualities.
• Grouped beneath subheadings, you should then present your range of skills and abilities beginning with the most important. Present the functions as bullet points. Rather than focusing on experience in a particular job, detail your abilities as demonstrated in that job in such a way as to show that they are transferable to the job applied for. As previous employers are not mentioned by name you can include voluntary and unpaid work.
• Following this section is a list of employers and employment dates.
• Qualifications are covered next including professional and academic qualifications.

The Functional CV may conclude with a brief outline of your personal details, hobbies and interests.

The Functional CV

2009-01-20T23:19:00.000-08:00

The Functional CV is usually two pages in length and covers your entire career history. Unlike the most common chronological CV it focuses, not on your career history, but on your skills, abilities and expertise. It may not even refer to a specific industry, as the skills detailed are deemed transferable.
It is important that the skills you detail are relevant to the position you are applying for. It is no use highlighting your great accounting experience if the position is in sales. You should highlight your achievements in a sales environment and focus on relevant aspects of that field of work
A Functional CV format is useful if:
• You lack experience or have gaps in your work history; these can be de-emphasized in a functional CV while your skills and potential are highlighted.
• You have changed jobs frequently and have had a variety of unrelated work experiences.
• You want to promote skills and experience obtained through college or volunteer experience.
• You are changing careers or re-entering the job market, perhaps after taking a career break to be a full time parent.
• Your most recent work experience is not relevant to the job, but past experience is.
• You have been working freelance or in temporary employment.
• You do not want to advertise your age.

A functional CV format is less useful if:
• You have little work experience and thus not much to highlight.
• You have a progressive career history, which reflects promotions, and growth and you want to emphasize that.

What is the layout of a Functional CV?
• The Functional CV starts with a Profile that highlights specific skills, achievements and relevant personal qualities.
• Grouped beneath subheadings, you should then present your range of skills and abilities beginning with the most important. Present the functions as bullet points. Rather than focusing on experience in a particular job, detail your abilities as demonstrated in that job in such a way as to show that they are transferable to the job applied for. As previous employers are not mentioned by name you can include voluntary and unpaid work.
• Following this section is a list of employers and employment dates.
• Qualifications are covered next including professional and academic qualifications.
• The Functional CV may conclude with a brief outline of your personal details, hobbies and interests.

Chronological CV

2009-01-19T19:48:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I wrote about Targeted CV, today I will write about a chronological CV.
The chronological CV is named thus as it details your career history most commonly in reverse chronological order with the most recent employment detailed first and working backwards. A complete record of career history is detailed along with a complete education record. It is the most frequently used CV and is usually 2 sides of A4 in length.
Job Titles and company names are emphasized with skills, duties and achievements detailed under each job title. A chronological CV is most useful if you are staying within the same industry and wish to show career progression.

Additionally, if your employer was a familiar household name, it may be wise to highlight that as often they set a precedent for the type of people they employ so the mere mention of their company name may be enough to demonstrate that you are a high caliber candidate.
Most employers prefer the chronological CV format, as it is easy to see who you have worked for and what you did in each particular job. If you do not have many achievements, you can take the emphasis off this fact when using a Chronological CV.

Reasons why a chronological CV may not be the best format include:

If you are changing direction and the most recent employer is not relevant to your new chosen career.

If your career history shows gaps in your employment due to poor health, unemployment, having children, etc. or that you have changed jobs frequently.

Once again, it is important to know as much as you can about the available position so that you can format your CV accordingly.

If you need help do not hesitate to contact me:
Hoseah Njuguna
0734-609-741
empowerkenya@gmail.com

CV Styles

2009-01-18T23:57:00.000-08:00

The same way you have clothing styles for different functions is the same way that you should have a style for your CV. Unless you have limited options, many of you will not wear the same outfit for church as you would for going farming. Well if you are applying for a finance position in an NPO (non-profit organization), the style of your CV should concentrate on assisting the organization meet its objectives and not profitability. If you are applying for a finance position in a for-profit organization, you better mention profitability or increase in shareholder's capital.

In the next few days, I will be covering the different styles of CV. These styles will only be helpful if you understand the nature of the organization that you are seeking employment; otherwise you will miss the mark.

Targeted CV

This kind of CV is a way to focus your career towards a particular objective, within a specific industry or a specific company. A targeted CV is written in a way that highlights skills, qualifications and experience that match the requirements of the advertised position. Writing a targeted CV is effective when:

You know the requirements of a particular position

You know which company you will be sending your CV to

You are sending your CV in reply to a specific job advertisement

You need to compose different CVs each corresponding to a different career objective.

Creating Your Own Position

2009-01-16T00:15:00.000-08:00

A famous saying states “Necessity is the mother of innovation." Well if you are a job seeker then you have unfulfilled necessity. This is why you need to be innovative and stop waiting for someone to offer you a job. You need to sell yourself and show that you can think out outside the box. One way to sell yourself is by creating your own position. If you are well educated or have good understanding of your strengths, then you can find a way where no way existed before.

After reading this section, you will be able to:

Target a company's needs by creating a position that solves a problem within the company

The Innovative Way

Some innovative job seekers are landing jobs that they are creating themselves. To create a job, you need to find a need within a company and propose to fill that need by demonstrating the benefits of hiring you.
To put together a winning proposal, you need to:

do solid company research

show the need

demonstrate the benefits you can provide

convince the employer of your qualifications to do the work

Your proposal letter should be no more than a page or two and should be tailored to individual companies. Be sure to include a persuasive and compelling tone.

General cover letters are used to access the hidden (unadvertised) job market. A general cover letter is sent with a CV to employers who do not have job openings but who might be interested in the knowledge and skills you have to offer.

General cover letters often introduce or broadcast your strengths, knowledge, and abilities to many potential employers through targeted mailings. Regardless of the number of companies targeted, you should always address the letters to the people who are responsible for hiring. That way, the applications have a personalized and crafted quality.

So stop sitting around and waiting for a company to need you; show them that they need you.
If you have a company in mind, then you should learn about them and investigate how you can add value to their current structure. I once proposed a new department for a well-known Kenyan Bank. This Bank has been growing rapidly in Kenya but they have not venture other markets. I proposed to start Diaspora Banking for them. The department would market the bank’s services to Kenyans in the Diaspora. Though I did not get the position, I met with the bank’s managers on a couple of occasions. These meeting were a clear indication that they saw value in my proposal. So go out there and make a position for yourself.

I can assist you in this pursuit; just get in touch and we will work together towards your dream job.
Hoseah Njuguna
empowerkenya@gmail.com
0734-609-741

Replace the Negatives with the Positive

2009-01-14T20:14:00.000-08:00

Pessimism or Negativity is your worst enemy!
So what if you have been tarmacking for the last one year?
So what if you have been fired from your last three jobs?
So what if you did not like the previous organization?

Many people allow negativity to appear in their application letters, CV, or during the interview.
No recruiter wants to hear how bad the economy is, how bad the job market is, how bad your previous boss was etc.
They are looking to employ someone who is going to add value to the organization- not negativity.

We all have those negative things that we think are important, but try to concentrate on the positive things. First impressions are very important and you should definitely capitalize on those first few seconds to create a positive impression.

I found this video on yahoo...it may take some time to stream, but it is worth watching.
http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?rn=3906861&cl=11539813&ch=4226713&src=news

Good Luck, and remember empowerkenya can help you better market yourself.

Hoseah Njuguna
0734-609-741
empowerkenya@gmail.com

Originality or conformity of Application Letter?

2009-01-13T20:22:00.000-08:00

It is absolutely necessary to have an effective and winning application letter. Your application letter introduces you to the company. A weak, bland, generic application letter labels you one of the pack – nondescript and ordinary. Boring!

A free sample application letter can do you more harm than good!
Pretty much all free application letter samples are completely worthless!
Why is this?

Lots of people use exactly the same free application letter samples. Even if they were well written (which most are not) this means that employers regularly receive the same application letters. This shows a lack of originality. If you send the same application letter as the employer has received previously you will lose the job.

Remember: The better your application letter the better your chances of securing your dream job.
The best possible application letters are original, personalized, and specifically tailored and optimized for a particular job using the correct job-specific keywords. The best way to do this is to use a professional application letter writer. If you are serious about improving your job prospects we strongly recommend you use one of our professional application letter writing services.

If, on the other hand you wish to use a generic application letter then at the very least you should use one that is well-written and which is not freely available (and widely used) elsewhere. Remember that recruiters/employers have seen most sample application letters before and prefer originality. You should also be aware that most sample application letters are not specific/relevant/optimized enough to help you stand out from the crowd. Most sample application letters are at most 30% relevant to you and your job application - however they really need to be 100% relevant and no sample application letters are.
To make matters worse, I have seen application letters that were not even edited for the particular job; they included details for other positions instead of the one that the applicant was applying for.
Please note therefore that there are problems associated with using sample application letters, and because of this we do not recommend you use them. If you are serious about landing your dream job it is always far better to use a professional resume and application writing service.

Hoseah Njuguna
empowerkenya@gmail.com
0734-609-741

The Ins and Outs within an Experience

2009-01-12T22:15:00.000-08:00

When you have an experience, companies look for your "Ins" and "Outs." Ins are the lessons and functions you have learned from the job, whereas Outs are the unique differences you made for that company. Ins are usually summed up by your position title, so in your bullet-points it is more essential to put down your Outs. You are not trying to say, "I am impressive because I had these positions," but rather "I am impressive because WHILE I had these positions, I did this this and that, which no one else who has the same position would have done.

We all know that positions are associated with pride etc, however being president of any organization does not mean that you did anything productive for that organization. What recruiters want to know is what unique contribution you made to that organization and how you can join a new organization and make the same or better contributions. Your experience and contributions sell you better than bragging about positions held.
Concentrate on your “outs” rather than your "Ins".

Diminishing Marginal Image

2009-01-12T07:40:00.000-08:00

Ever gone out for pizza or nyama choma after a long period of not having it? The first piece is absolutely wonderful; it melts in your mouth. If someone asked you how many pieces you are going to eat you would most likely exaggerate. While the first piece tastes great; the next piece is also good, but once you get to the fourth-fifth piece the taste or satisfaction is not as great. The pleasure of that pizza diminishes with the number of pieces you have.

The same thing goes for your CV!
Do not get caught up in repetition. This is one way of killing your opportunity to be called in for an interview.

As previously mentioned, a recruiter will spend 20-25 seconds on your CV. If all the recruiter sees is leader...leader...leader or finance...finance...finance; he/she will put your CV in the junk box. No matter how much finance or marketing you know, repeating it 20 times on your CV will not improve your chance of being called in for an interview.

Remember, the recruiter is trying to get to know you in those few seconds
Maximize your chances by highlighting how well-rounded you are while at the same time enforcing your expertise of the particular job that they are recruiting for.
The law of diminishing marginal returns simply say that the first sight, experience, etc is more effective/satisfying than the fifth or sixth.
Take time to sell yourself to the recruiter by concentrating on the 11 things that I noted in my previous blog.

Do you know what you want to say but you are finding it hard to put it down? Do not hesitate to call me for assistance.

Hoseah Njuguna
empowerkenya@gmail.com
0734-609-741