Do the politicians - esp on PNU ones - understand the cost of their intransigence to Kenya?
Parmalat was in talks to invest in or acquire Spin Knit dairy but they are backing out of the transaction.
New KCC - #1 is government owned & controlled. The top management is often perceived to be close to PNU by virtue of their ethnicity.
Brookside - #2 is owned by the kenyatta family. No prizes to guess where their political loyalties lie.
So these entities have averted - by chance & not design - the entrance of a major player into the market. Parmalat has substantial experience in & developed markets. Of course, the losers - as always - are Kenyans who need competition as well as additional investments in the marketplace.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Capitalism or Democracy?
China is trying to core points with corrupt, ineffective & idiotic African "rulers" by claiming that western-style democracy is not for Africa.
The best form of government is a benevolent dictator like Lee Kuan Yew of Singapore. He is a leader who has done well for his country. Most African rulers are tribal chiefs who want to line their own pockets.
jomo kenyatta - Growing up all I heard was praise for him. What came out later was his acceptance of corruption by himself (land grabbing ad nauseam), his cronies (paul ngei who diverted government supplies to his wife's shop), his tribesmen (too many examples) & his associates. Died in office after a period of senility.
julius nyerere - No personally corrupt but corruption thrived in Tanzania since there socialism was doomed. I wish Tanzania was an economic success to prove Africa can have national leaders. Retired to a simple country life.
idi amin - The less said the better. buffoon #1 & the Israelis kicked his fat butt. Overthrown by military means and went into exile in Saudi Arabia whose ruling family are not democrats in the remotest sense. amin should have slow-roasted over an open fire.
robert mugabe - Plunged what was one of Africa's shining examples into anarchy. Over 1 million Zimbabweans are refugees in S.Africa. Others have escaped to Tanzania among other neighboring countries. In the meantime, mugabe & his cronies are stealing all they can. 84 years & likely to die (or be killed) while in office. The sooner the better!
Basically it is difficult to find shining examples of "dictators" in Africa. Mandela could have been a dictator but he chose the gentlemanly road & retired after one term. Yes, he was not forced to retire which is practically unheard of in Africa.
Whereas it is easy to prescribe the "benevolent dictatorship" form of government for Africa, the leaders are not there. If the leaders are there, African tribal interests will not allow the "real" leaders to succeed.
Democracy is NOT an easy path but if a large country like India with 1.2 billion people, numerous languages, multiple religions, sectarian divisions, caste system overhang, belligerent neighbors and numerous other issues can make democracy work so should African nations.
The best form of government is a benevolent dictator like Lee Kuan Yew of Singapore. He is a leader who has done well for his country. Most African rulers are tribal chiefs who want to line their own pockets.
jomo kenyatta - Growing up all I heard was praise for him. What came out later was his acceptance of corruption by himself (land grabbing ad nauseam), his cronies (paul ngei who diverted government supplies to his wife's shop), his tribesmen (too many examples) & his associates. Died in office after a period of senility.
julius nyerere - No personally corrupt but corruption thrived in Tanzania since there socialism was doomed. I wish Tanzania was an economic success to prove Africa can have national leaders. Retired to a simple country life.
idi amin - The less said the better. buffoon #1 & the Israelis kicked his fat butt. Overthrown by military means and went into exile in Saudi Arabia whose ruling family are not democrats in the remotest sense. amin should have slow-roasted over an open fire.
robert mugabe - Plunged what was one of Africa's shining examples into anarchy. Over 1 million Zimbabweans are refugees in S.Africa. Others have escaped to Tanzania among other neighboring countries. In the meantime, mugabe & his cronies are stealing all they can. 84 years & likely to die (or be killed) while in office. The sooner the better!
Basically it is difficult to find shining examples of "dictators" in Africa. Mandela could have been a dictator but he chose the gentlemanly road & retired after one term. Yes, he was not forced to retire which is practically unheard of in Africa.
Whereas it is easy to prescribe the "benevolent dictatorship" form of government for Africa, the leaders are not there. If the leaders are there, African tribal interests will not allow the "real" leaders to succeed.
Democracy is NOT an easy path but if a large country like India with 1.2 billion people, numerous languages, multiple religions, sectarian divisions, caste system overhang, belligerent neighbors and numerous other issues can make democracy work so should African nations.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Nyaga (almost) bites the dust....
Rumors about Nyaga Stockbrokers have been making the rounds on MyStocks & Stocks Kenya for a while...
Where there is smoke there is fire...
Since Nyaga is a major player in the retail market, this adds fuel to the fire. It seems many customers want out of Nyaga with the beneficiaries being firms like Ngenye Kariuki & Co.
The NSE is bailing NSB since a thuo-like debacle can only exacerbate the "bearish" situation on the NSE. I expect there will be a run on NSB but it will take longer to sort out compared to thuo coz NSB has a much larger/wider presence in Kenya.
I am sure there is a buyer for the license e.g. CBA but just the license NOT the business. Renaissance & NIC Bank are after high-net worth clients. I think CBA is in the same league. Of course, there is Old Mutual but they face opposition from other brokers. In any case, they would not want the retail business either.
Oh, well... what do you think?
Where there is smoke there is fire...
Since Nyaga is a major player in the retail market, this adds fuel to the fire. It seems many customers want out of Nyaga with the beneficiaries being firms like Ngenye Kariuki & Co.
The NSE is bailing NSB since a thuo-like debacle can only exacerbate the "bearish" situation on the NSE. I expect there will be a run on NSB but it will take longer to sort out compared to thuo coz NSB has a much larger/wider presence in Kenya.
I am sure there is a buyer for the license e.g. CBA but just the license NOT the business. Renaissance & NIC Bank are after high-net worth clients. I think CBA is in the same league. Of course, there is Old Mutual but they face opposition from other brokers. In any case, they would not want the retail business either.
Oh, well... what do you think?
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Who owns Invesco Insurance Company?
So... why is the gov't stepping in to rescue a failed insurance firm?
Who owns Invesco?
What happened to free markets?
Would the gov't step in to save Pan-Africa Insurance or Jubilee Insurance?
Why are taxpayer funds being used to prop up a firm that was mis-managed?
The folks behind Uchumi's collapse (kirubi & cronies) were never brought to book since they are supporters of kibz & cronies... Is this is the same for Invesco?
Who owns Invesco?
What happened to free markets?
Would the gov't step in to save Pan-Africa Insurance or Jubilee Insurance?
Why are taxpayer funds being used to prop up a firm that was mis-managed?
The folks behind Uchumi's collapse (kirubi & cronies) were never brought to book since they are supporters of kibz & cronies... Is this is the same for Invesco?
Kalooser (Kalonzo) getting edgy as Annan talks bear fruit...
I have to give credit to Kenyan bloggers for the (nick)names they give politicians... but the new one is kalonzo = kalooser esp now that ODM & PNU could reach a deal that dissolves the current cabinet.
The VP's post is often considered "ceremonial". The only VP who made it to becoming prez was dan "the idiot" moi when jomo "the landgrabber" kenyatta kicked the bucket. Even then moi barely made it. If not for charlie njonjo's support, there was no chance moi would have been top dog.
Many VPs have been forced out of office. Among these are:
So kalooser is concerned. Speculation is rife that he will be kicked aside to pave way for ODM (read Raila). I would say he deserves being cast aside just as he cast aside Julia Ojiambo. Just desserts!
The VP's post is often considered "ceremonial". The only VP who made it to becoming prez was dan "the idiot" moi when jomo "the landgrabber" kenyatta kicked the bucket. Even then moi barely made it. If not for charlie njonjo's support, there was no chance moi would have been top dog.
Many VPs have been forced out of office. Among these are:
- Raila's daddy... Oginga Odinga
- There was a decent, honest guy... Joseph Murumbi who quit coz he could not stand the shenanigans
- Josephat Karanja... poor guy was hounded out in fashion... though I am not sure what his crime was
- Musalia Mudavadi... VP for a few months then even lost his MP's seat in 2002. Now in ODM. Would have been VP (again) if Raila became prez
- Saitoti, corrupt, corrupt, corrupt. Goldenberg happened under his watch. Was told to shut up in public by dan moi.
So kalooser is concerned. Speculation is rife that he will be kicked aside to pave way for ODM (read Raila). I would say he deserves being cast aside just as he cast aside Julia Ojiambo. Just desserts!
Saturday, February 09, 2008
Kalonzo sweating bullets... ODM-K on its way out?
The "agreement" between ODM & PNU over the formation/composition of a new government is causing kalonzo heartburn. After all what are ODM-K's 25 seats vs ODM's 96 seats? We know that PNU went to ODM-K in desperation & kibz wil dump kalonzo at the first opportunity. After all kibz has to reward uhuru kenyatta for his support.
Many PNU supporters would rather see a peaceful Kenya by ceding the VP's post to Raila rather than support kalaonzo & have Raila (& Ruto) cause problems. As is, kalonzo is a 1-trick pony with only the kamba vote under his belt.
ODM-K is facing problems as kalonzo tries to oust Julia Ojiambo from the party's top echelons.
ODM had 99 seats but the murder of the 2 ODM MPs (by PNU-related folks?) throws into confusion the slim majority held by ODM in the parliament. ODM has lost 3 seats coz Marende's seat - after his elevation to the post of Speaker - is also up for grabs.
I have to say PNU's attempts at using the bribed ODM MPs during the Speaker's election failed miserably. I wonder if ODM can keep its MPs in line as kibz is known to bribe with impunity.
My concern is that the above distractions will delay the resuscitation of the economy. The ray of hope is the cessation of hostilities - if the violence subsides - the business community can start rebuilding the country. I hope that the economy will be bigger than politics by 2012. That remains wishful thinking.
Many PNU supporters would rather see a peaceful Kenya by ceding the VP's post to Raila rather than support kalaonzo & have Raila (& Ruto) cause problems. As is, kalonzo is a 1-trick pony with only the kamba vote under his belt.
ODM-K is facing problems as kalonzo tries to oust Julia Ojiambo from the party's top echelons.
ODM had 99 seats but the murder of the 2 ODM MPs (by PNU-related folks?) throws into confusion the slim majority held by ODM in the parliament. ODM has lost 3 seats coz Marende's seat - after his elevation to the post of Speaker - is also up for grabs.
I have to say PNU's attempts at using the bribed ODM MPs during the Speaker's election failed miserably. I wonder if ODM can keep its MPs in line as kibz is known to bribe with impunity.
My concern is that the above distractions will delay the resuscitation of the economy. The ray of hope is the cessation of hostilities - if the violence subsides - the business community can start rebuilding the country. I hope that the economy will be bigger than politics by 2012. That remains wishful thinking.
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Kenya - Not my Kenya!
I wonder if these folks live in same Kenya most of us do...
Amos Kimunya - Finance Minister (illegitimate government?): Expects economic growth of 7%. Probably his pocket but not most other Kenyans!
Njuguna Ndungu - CBK Governor: Expects 6% economic growth. His own staff (Prof Terry Ryan) was at 4%. Is Alan Greenspan available?
Kiraitu Murungi - Energy Minister: Blames the Oil Marketers for high fuel prices while conveniently ignoring that 50% of the fuel price comprises government TAXES. To add insult to injury, the transport costs are pushed much higher due to Kenya Pipeline Company & Kenya Petroleum Refinery - both government owned/controlled - inefficiencies. Poor roads & insecurities adds to the problem!
Kenya Revenue Authority: Implements new taxes & rules on Kenyans in 2008 while most Kenyans & their businesses suffer. Example: Forms to report property losses can only be gotten from district offices who have to approve the same. Many of the displaced persons whose properties were destroyed/vandalized could be killed if they returned to the districts!
Eric Kiraithe - Police spokesman: "Love triangle" theories & "Rambo-movies" comparisons for police violence & murders. Its a pity none of his family is in harm's way.
Hussein Ali - Police commissioner: Talks of peace being "restored" when people are escorted AWAY from their homes! Same idiot who didn't have the guts to hold the Armenian brothers in Kenyan jails thus had them deported. He couldn't even fire the CID director (joseph kamau) who told ali to go pound sand!
Alfred Mutua - Government Goebbels: He missed his calling as a jester. I can't believe the crap he spews. Claims John Kufuor flew 6 hours for a cup of tea with kibz. Producer of poor-quality TV shows.
Evan Gicheru - Chief Justice: Calls Kenya's legal system "efficient & reliable". Is he joking? It takes YEARS for simple cases to be resolved. Corruption is still a problem. Of course, don't forget the expense! Unless he thinks the receipt of his outrageous salary & perks is "efficient & reliable".
You Know Who - The Serial Slapper: Slap, slap & more slaps. Cameramen, MCs, MPs... Slappity, slap, slap.
In the meantime, the inflation rate is on a tear, job losses continue, properties are being destroyed, lives lost & destroyed, businesses are closing down, exports are down, transport is paralyzed... the woes continue...
Of course, the MPs get paid, the ministers get paid, the government employees get paid. The idiot samuel "my mommy didn't teach me to count" kivuitu gets paid.
Amos Kimunya - Finance Minister (illegitimate government?): Expects economic growth of 7%. Probably his pocket but not most other Kenyans!
Njuguna Ndungu - CBK Governor: Expects 6% economic growth. His own staff (Prof Terry Ryan) was at 4%. Is Alan Greenspan available?
Kiraitu Murungi - Energy Minister: Blames the Oil Marketers for high fuel prices while conveniently ignoring that 50% of the fuel price comprises government TAXES. To add insult to injury, the transport costs are pushed much higher due to Kenya Pipeline Company & Kenya Petroleum Refinery - both government owned/controlled - inefficiencies. Poor roads & insecurities adds to the problem!
Kenya Revenue Authority: Implements new taxes & rules on Kenyans in 2008 while most Kenyans & their businesses suffer. Example: Forms to report property losses can only be gotten from district offices who have to approve the same. Many of the displaced persons whose properties were destroyed/vandalized could be killed if they returned to the districts!
Eric Kiraithe - Police spokesman: "Love triangle" theories & "Rambo-movies" comparisons for police violence & murders. Its a pity none of his family is in harm's way.
Hussein Ali - Police commissioner: Talks of peace being "restored" when people are escorted AWAY from their homes! Same idiot who didn't have the guts to hold the Armenian brothers in Kenyan jails thus had them deported. He couldn't even fire the CID director (joseph kamau) who told ali to go pound sand!
Alfred Mutua - Government Goebbels: He missed his calling as a jester. I can't believe the crap he spews. Claims John Kufuor flew 6 hours for a cup of tea with kibz. Producer of poor-quality TV shows.
Evan Gicheru - Chief Justice: Calls Kenya's legal system "efficient & reliable". Is he joking? It takes YEARS for simple cases to be resolved. Corruption is still a problem. Of course, don't forget the expense! Unless he thinks the receipt of his outrageous salary & perks is "efficient & reliable".
You Know Who - The Serial Slapper: Slap, slap & more slaps. Cameramen, MCs, MPs... Slappity, slap, slap.
In the meantime, the inflation rate is on a tear, job losses continue, properties are being destroyed, lives lost & destroyed, businesses are closing down, exports are down, transport is paralyzed... the woes continue...
Of course, the MPs get paid, the ministers get paid, the government employees get paid. The idiot samuel "my mommy didn't teach me to count" kivuitu gets paid.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
The Unvarnished Truth...
A cartoon by Patrick Gathara... so true... I think Kenyan political cartoonists are among the best in the world...
Friday, January 25, 2008
Its official - the Kenyan Army involved in internal "security"
The initial deployment of army officers was ostensibly for "humanitarian" purposes. No more... the Army was deployed in Nakuru.
Whereas we welcome the enforced peace the army brings - they are well armed & trained to suppress enemies - but it is a slippery slope. Will these actions embolden them to take a more active part in our politics?
Whereas we welcome the enforced peace the army brings - they are well armed & trained to suppress enemies - but it is a slippery slope. Will these actions embolden them to take a more active part in our politics?
How to jump-start the economy...
Simpler than it seems... at first.
- PROTECTION of lives & property. Shoot to kill any thieves/muggers/looters. Of course, my assumption is that the police are part of the crooks' networks. Kenyan police are known to be behind many robberies.
- Allow peaceful demonstrations. This will allow for the venting of anger while directing police efforts to (1) above. Savings from police overtime, tear gas purchases, etc... Of course, kibz' hardliners would rather the police kill innocents than preserve Kenyans' properties.
- TAX breaks/reduction. Sure the government will "lose" income but the economic boost will be enormous. This is a time to suspend or eliminate many punitive taxes on agricultural products & inputs. Unfortunately, the corruption networks are getting stronger. Mumias has PUBLICLY complained about the non-action by police on smuggled sugar.
- PR campaigns. Yes, these are needed to boost tourism. The campaign has to include new markets like China & Russia. Tourism remains a key driver of our economy. The ancillary industries/sectors e.g. agriculture, transport, etc that need tourism will start growing. This is an expensive process & might take 6-12 months before the benefits kick in.
- Expand private/public partnerships. Fire political appointees like george muhoho at the KAA. We need PRIVATE SECTOR initiatives that have a positive ROE. KQ has been begging for a larger airport but the idiots at KAA proposed an expansion (2008-2011) to cater for 4mn passengers. KQ expects 4mn passengers on its own by 2011. We need a larger pipeline from Mombasa -Kampala. We can't control the Ugandans but let's extend it to Kisumu. There will be a steep learning curve but there is little choice. I expect the ROE requirements for private investors might raise prices BUT the efficiencies will negate these cost increases over the mid-term.
- Reduce barriers to business. The License Raj needs to be eliminated. Hong Kong & Singapore have a one-stop shop. The idiocy of standing in line to pay taxes is STUPID. The same with (insert city/town/county) license fees. Spending hours in line to pay for services. I am glad KPLC has finally expanded their pay points to include Posta. Now we need to pay these ONLINE.
- Reduce government expenditure. kibz has planned for 34 ministers. That means 34 Mercedes cars or Range Rovers or BMWs. Then there are asst ministers who do little. Add ex-officio members. And their staff. And chase cars. And perks. Sigh... I should have stood for office...
- Rebuild/build infrastructure. PPP are the way to go. A new highway to Uganda would immediately boost our exports. A decent road to Namanga would allow Kenyan manufacturers dominate the region. A new highway to S.Sudan would allow Kenyans a foothold NOW before others get in. I believe the future of Kenyan exports lies in Africa not Europe.
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