USE BRAINS WHEN DEALING WITH TULLOW OIL

                Wise men don't threaten. They think and calculate. They are brainy and not muscle-powered chaps. They strategize before attacking. They shun from engaging in bad-mouthing and relying heavily on muscles. This isn't a sermon. It is an open letter to my honourable member of parliament and his colleagues on the issue of Tullow Oil.

                I want to appreciate for the steps taken to engage with Tullow Oil (The company carrying out oil prospection in Turkana County). It is a step in the right direction. It is a true demonstration of focused and determined leadership. Kudos for that Mr Mheshimiwa.

              However I have some reservations on how this process is done. Check the gusto behind the fight-for-jobs-for-locals. I think it is incumbent upon all of us to note and remember that pressure doesn't yield sustainable fruits. And this is why I began by stating that negotiations need brains and brains need no pressure. Brains appreciate the truthfulness of facts. They look beyond now. They are interested in the-tomorrow-will-be-this-way philosophy. 

              Yes, it is good to have locals get employed in the company. But this begs the question; for how long shall this be sustained? Methinks sustainability is what constitutes the true feeling of owning a resource. Not fighting. Look at this; you've "fought" for 100 boys and girls to be employed as drivers and cooks. Look again, you've sent a protest letter to the CEO questioning the non-involvement of locals in the daily operations of the company. The CEO responds by promising to hire 1000 of your boys and girls to work in the company and still retain the decision making organs under his men. Who is the winner in this case?  Is doing this of interest to the locals?

               Methinks enabling locals to sit in the decision making tables is the war that must be waged as a matter of priority. Education is the key to achieving this. Not "badmouthing". Not singing the-our-youths-must-be-employed mantra. Here are some thoughts; push for sponsoring of local students studying engineering and related courses as a package coming directly to the locals on yearly basis. Push for the upgrading and equipping of Lodwar Youth Polytechnic. Negotiate for a development package targeting youths and women. This should come in form of grants to enable youths and women start their businesses and hence cut the over-dependence on salaried employment and finally, rally your fellow parliamentarians in crafting and drafting a new mining law that protects the communities living in resource-rich zones.

               Achieving this demands that you undergo a "de-pressurization" process. I know the community demands much from you. But being honest is the best weapon you can use to win this. Be open to the masses and tell them what they ought to know about negotiating for a lasting solution.  I end where I began, use brains and shun threats. Use threats selectively but within the confines of the dictates of focused thinking.