WHY WOOING INVESTORS TO COUNTIES ISN’T A WALK IN THE PARK

Kenya is undergoing an economic transformation. County Governments are in place. The expectations are high. There is a buildup of internal competition across the republic. The challenges shouldered by these newly-created entities are countless. Their pockets are shallow though they have to deliver services to the people.

As a result, most of the counties have embarked on a hunting spree. Governors are wooing investors here and there. They are promising goodies. From free land to free everything.

I commend them for this wonderful job. This is a show of determination and visionary leadership. That of thinking outside the box. That of scratching beyond limits.

Nevertheless, some “bends” on this Way to Canaan must be “marked” before the journey starts. Bumps need be cleared. Pot-holes refilled.

Some of these bumps are known to all of us. Others are known to a few. Still others are unknown at all. But they must be "marked out". They must be made known.

 Let’s mark out the known bumps first. Poverty is an open secret. People are poor, hungry, thirsty and homeless. They have to see light. They have to be fed. But they can't be fed by hot air. They need food and water. Food and water are coined to coins. And coins come from investments. Investments are creations of investors. This is why investors must be here. They must be invited to power this locomotive heading to Canaan

Another known bump is leadership. They say wise leadership stretches beyond generations. It is a product of right conscience. It is anchored on the will to participate and act. It is built on the bedrock of cooperation and openness. It abhors abuses and selfishness. This must be fixed if we are serious about reaching Canaan.

Still on these known bumps. Development pushed by haste and hurry doesn't hold. Haraka haraka haina baraka (hurry hurry has no blessing). Keep these words of wisdom close to your souls. Go slow and reap big.

Then comes the other set of bumps. The ones known to a few. The ones that my mother and her colleagues don’t know. This is about the content of negotiations.

I know negotiations are normally conducted not by millions but by a selected few. Those we believe have brains. Those we believe can see Canaan while still in Egypt. These bumps need be inspected. They MUST be inspected. These chaps need wisdom. They must be long-sighted. They mustn’t be converted into mercenaries. Patriotism should be their DNA. These are “compulsory requirements” for this set of people.

Lastly, there are those unknown bumps. These are the intentions of the so called investors. These are inner motives of these chaps. They are declarations written in their hearts and souls. They include those of their local sales-men. Those who speak the language of the masses but believe in the spirits of  thievery. These bumps must be cleared. 

If not well examined, these bumps can transform to mountains thus stopping the smooth ride to Canaan. And this is my advice; all intentions must be penned down and communicated to the man and woman in the village and streets.

Twitter: @mlemukol