DISQUS

GG · 3 years ago

How about fixing the broken infrastructure instead of focusing on increasing the bed capacity.

Kenya is a broken country that needs to be fixed. Public service is non-existent and the due process of the law is unheard of.

First we fix the politics (read constitution), next the infrastructure then we attract the investments.

At-risk investments made in anticipation of improved changes is akin to playing a game of poker.

Gathunuku says: Its far too easy to just sit and complain.

AfroM · 3 years ago

Awesome post. Saved for reference. Indeed KT-ing and nation building arent mutually exclusive.
Many thanks for the info.

Gathunuku says: Cheers :) NP

JKE · 3 years ago

Nice post, thx for sharing this with us!

I second this info portal idea (the mzalendo thing).

Gathunuku says: I now know (from PS Ndemo's replies on Mashada forums) that there are plans for a GOK portal. Can't wait.

kenyanentrepreneur · 3 years ago

interesting post.

so, what exactly was accomplished at this conference?

frankly, I'd have preferred to hear from true entrepreneurs as opposed to corporate types that seem to think that making it involves working for a multinational (barclays, coke, etc, etc)

were there any entrepreeneurs? the only there seemd to be the md of equity bank. I'd like to hear more about his story.

Gathunuku says: Case of seeing the glass half empty I reckon. It might not have been a great success for the first timer with some savings to invest but an important first step.

The story you probably want to hear is that of Peter Munga, founding chairman of Equity Bank. There was a passing mention from him about starting the business with only 5000 bob! Alas the packed agenda did not allow for more time to pursue that tale. Maybe the American diaspora might have the opportunity to hear that one if they have a forum of the kind.

kenyanentrepreneur · 3 years ago

how did you get that kenyaunlimited code onto your blog? i've been trying to do it withouth any luck.

any instructions will be greatly appreciated.

thanks

Gathunuku says: Sent instructions to your email

uaridi · 3 years ago

Please NOT another conference giving the 'intellectuals' another chance to use long words and come up with unworkable outcomes.

Okay I am a cynic

Gathunuku says: Some presentations (esp the Finance Minister's) were a bit too steeped in technical jargon. Professionals (GOK, private sector et al) haven't been the greatest communicators in the past. Obviously a need to break down the message to small more digestable forms for wananchi. The roundtable breakout sessions were great though and had lots of practical advice for the first timer. Again, not much may have been achieved but it was an important first step.

coldtusker · 3 years ago

BTW... please send me the KBW code as well... How do I find out what the "blog number" is?

Gathunuku says: Sent to your email

Whispering Inn · 3 years ago

Excellent post, Gathunuku, and like you said, a very important first step in the right direction.

I do, however, have a bone to pick with Kimunya's utopian misrepresentation of the current social-economic situation in Kenya.

Painting too a rosy picture of Kenya and ignoring, or misrepresenting, the problems facing Kenya doesn't help.

We can only make the kind of progress that we are capavle of if we acknowledge and address the political problems that ail us.

Otherwise, I await Kimunya this side of the pond with my concerns.

Gathunuku says: On the contrary, the minister seemed to have priorities in order; working for macroeconomic stability so that there's a foundation (for lack of a better word) to grow sustainably from. He didn't seem to be under any illusion that the job was done, not even nearly. Utopian is too strong a word here.

MainaT · 2 years ago

I actually thought there was way too much political posturing, I mean the economy is growing, BUT, take 5.8% adjust for a 2.2% population growth and 5% underlying inflation and you are looking at a completely different story. We were at a point of inflexion in 2002 with no where to go but upwards. Yes the NSE has come back to normal market levels (okay its now looking overvalued on earnings basis), but it’s in urgent need of reforms for it to serve the purpose that a stock exchange should do.
The forum was good because it opened the eyes of those in the Diaspora whop were unaware of the opportunities in Kenya, but nothing more.

Gathunuku says: Like I said, important first step not the panacea. "...opened the eyes of those in the Diaspora who were unaware of the opportunities in Kenya.." is exactly the point!