KENYAN POLITICIANS REAPING WHERE THEY NEVER SOW

Recent times have seen Kenyan politicians massively taking to the online platforms, in a bid to appeal to the technologically aware voters. Almost all presidential candidates have Facebook and Twitter accounts which they use to interact with their supporters. This reportedly increase in politicians’ online presence has been informed by the need to appeal to young people who are considered the highest end users of the social media. But what have Kenyan politicians done to bring down the expensive broadband charges in the country? Absolutely nothing! 

Come to think of it. Because Internet connectivity demand among Kenyans and especially the young generation is on the rise the social media has become a popular culture. Knowledge across the globe is being shared through the internet. Online courses are on the increase as the drum up to leverage on this demand intensifies. Enterprises have not been left behind. For it has dawned on them that in order to remain relevant in the future, they need to develop strong consumer relationships online. 

As a result, internet service providers in Kenya are smiling all the way to the bank as they take advantage of this online craze.  In fact, the claim that internet service providers in Kenya  offer high-speed broadband service could not be further from the truth if we compare ourselves with technologically advanced countries like Japan, South Korea, China and the rest. But because of their unchallenged monopoly in the Kenyan market and weak government policy, they continue to charge exorbitant prices for internet connection.

Commentators have even argued that it will take Kenya another decade for pocket friendly internet connectivity to become a reality.  And even as Kenyan politicians embrace the internet to advance their political agenda they continue to remain mum about this issue. They talk about economic development and yet they are least concerned about the country’s pricing model of broadband services. One wonders whether these politicians understand how vital their voters’ access to quality and affordable internet connection is to economic growth.

So before you hit the like button of that political figure’s page that’s constantly popping on your browser ask yourself this question; is he/she reaping the benefits of internet connectivity demand without sowing the seeds of cheaper and affordable services? Go ahead only if the answer is NO.

A CASE OF THE RICH AND THE BROKE

Monday is here with us and I’m yet to get over the fact that the weekend is no longer here with us. As usual I’m experiencing Monday greys. I call them that way because blue is such a cool and vibrant colour to be associated with boring a and tiresome feeling. I’m just relaxing and this crazy thought hits me. There are only two people over the weekend, the loaded and the broke.

Being loaded guarantees maximum satisfaction with niceties dripping in from every corner. Don’t you just enjoy that fun Saturday afternoon in the movies or that trip outside the city? Or it may be that night out with friends and you’re the one throwing the drinks. Everybody can’t help but call you boss!! And the ladies lighten up a bit. All this is garnished with that big boost of confidence and it’s quite sad how it passes very fast and it’s normal business already. Trust me, that’s what I’m experiencing as I write this piece.

It’s all smiles until you migrate to the other side. Just like the way wildebeests migrate from the Mara to the Serengeti, the same is experienced only that there are no greener pastures at this instance.  It’s so annoying when you’re stuck fantasizing about the amazing road trip since Mr. broke here would hear none of it. When it’s your sister’s birthday and the best you can do is sending a mere text. It will still mean a lot to her but I wonder what it would have meant if the text was accompanied with those stilettos she has always been obsessed about.

It’s funny that at this juncture the forces of nature also tend to have something against you. This is when it rains cats and dogs, fares sour up to uncontainable levels and you’re stuck at the stage for hours on end. Even the conductor is rude to you. It’s like it’s written all over your face. I’m starting to think that the devil also dislikes broke people. A friend of mine was hanging at this restaurant broke as hell and the guy sitting next to him left his galaxy tab on the table. He was so tempted to pick it up and just when he had decided not to, the owner came back for it. What an embarrassment it would have been. It was a case of the devil trying to save the day but on a very detrimental path.

You would all bear with me when I say that broke doesn’t discriminate at all. I have personally witnessed fully grown men reduced to nothing, their women taken away from them just because they couldn’t afford another round of snap. Have a loaded week now won’t you?