VISION 2030

Achieving Vision 2030

If anything is to go by this will be a great milestone for our nation if we make it. However

I have doubts if we shall make it. My doubts are cast by the following issues.

Food security:

For any nation to make it in this competitive world it needs to feed its population.

In Kenya we still wait for the rains to plant despite the fact that we know the world is going through climate change as a result of global warming. The less fortunate families in India get at least twenty five Kilos of grains (protein) and wheat (starch) a month from the government at subsidized rates.

Water and sanitation:

Lack of proper drainage system has led to an increase in the in waterborne diseases. A lot of water is lost due to lack of proper harvesting techniques and poor drainage systems. We get floods during the rainy season and during the dry seasons we suffer due to lack of water.

Infrastructure:

Transport and communication, how easy is it to transport a twenty foot container with computers from the port of Mombasa to Busia? How many days would it take?

Poor roads are to blame for the lack of penetration for basic goods and services in rural Kenya.

How affordable is it for a common man to make use at least sixty minutes daily across all networks. The cost of making phone calls is still high in Kenya compared to other developing nations with Mobile phone penetration still low.

The internet speeds are still low making it very hard to do engage in ecommerce. To be able to set up a great outsourcing sector (BPO) we need to have fast reliable internet connectivity

Energy:

Do produce enough energy to help our county industrialize? We barely produce enough electricity to sufficient for our own use? We might have to go the nuclear way or Tap in to solar and wind energy.

MOMBASA - Undersea fibre optic cable finally arrives

MOMBASA - Undersea fibre optic cable finally arrives

read more...

2008 has been a year with high prices and cost of living factors in the news. From the post-election violence in January to the (then) world oil prices, the pinch has been felt in Kenya. The same year witnessed the most horrific post election violence in east Africa.
Maize flour which is used to make Ugali, that is eaten by a majority of Kenyans daily. A 2 kg. Unga pack at Uchumi today costs Kshs. 97 which is 1/3 more than the Kshs. 3years ago.
Fuel: Litre of petrol fuel (at local petrol station) is now Kshs. 92.7 ($5.40 gallon) which is about 10% cheaper than the Kshs. 101.50 seen last time. While that is still higher than it was at the beginning of the year, and oil prices are down over 60% from the record highs of mid-2008, it is remarkable that for once fuel prices have reduced. In the past they have merely stagnated and oil companies, not passed on savings to consumers, but the threat of the government to regulate the prices, and a sustained media campaign (web/radio) has resulted in a slight reduction in petrol prices. Well shell Kenya announced a reduction at the pump by fifteen Kshs (How many weeks after the fall in the world crude oil purchases?) 

Electricity
KPLC a monopoly nothing has changed inefficiency and bureaucracy.with a fuel surcharge reduction yet to be effected. High electricity prices have been a major cause for concern among Kenyan companies leading to President Kibaki to call for a reduction in the taxes levied on petrol prices and electricity.