CENTRAL IMENTI HAS A BETTER LEADER

Kenyans in the Diaspora continues to spice the Kenyan politics. Central Imenti has one more 2012 parliamentary candidate.  A man of passion-with the passionate believe that the people of Kenya deserve and can achieve freedom with strong and caring leadership. A man who sees clearly the relationship of his Christian commitment to the world around him-he walks the walk. MORE

OUR POLITICIANS ARE LIKE THESE FEROCIOUS WOLVES

These wolves are truly mean. What do they have in common with Kenyan politicians?

THE WAY FORWARD FOR CENTRAL IMENTI WILL BE ACHIEVED WHEN THE BULDOZERS, WATER PIPES, SCHOOLS, ETC ARE PUT IN PLACE

The development and progress of any modern country can never be achieved primarily on the reliance on the government. People themselves are the only solution toward the problems affecting them, provided the government of the day facilitates the provision of foundational structures and infrastractures like roads, electricity, schools, police stations, etc, which basically are needed in the stimulation of larger development. People who have respect for themselves should not ask for the fish but the fishing rod. People have the potential and capacity to do fishing for themseves. This is the approach Central Imenti should adapt if we will be able to get out of this quagmire we have been submerged into for all these years. As we start the year 2007, all of us should learn to ask what we can do for our constituency than what the government can do for us. We have all it takes to make Central Imenti one of the best constituencies in Kenya. Let us start by electing competent, honest, untainted and people of integrity into parliament and other governing bodies.

LETTER TO THE PEOPLE CENTRAL IMENTI

Dear Friends and fellow people of Central Imenti,
Peace and blessings all the way from USA. I pray and hope that this message finds you all in good health and spirit. This message is meant to send a strong message to our quasi and rapacious leaders, who have impoverished and rendered our great constituency and country powerless in every corner we turn, through their nonchalant attitudes and lack of patriotism and sense of direction.
Our children though born in the 21century are worse than the cave dwellers by virtue of what the future holds for them. Our economy, infrastructures, environment and institutions are on their knees due to the people in leadership, who know nothing else but how to enrich themselves and destroy our heritage and our being as a nation.
However, all this misery and despair we have been subjected into has been served with a notice. That never again, never again will we cry. Never again will we sit like little hopeless children and watch as the virginity, integrity and personality of our great country is being raped and defiled by people who are masquerading as leaders. Never again will central Imenti be ignored and neglected as a second class constituency. Never again will we sit back and watch as hell is being turn loose and allowed to descend on us by people we have trusted with our lives and the wellbeing of our country. Time has come and this time is God given time for us to repair the breaches and build the bridges. Time is mature for us people of Central Imenti to demand what is our unalienable birth right. Nobody will ever again take our silence to mean cowardice or shut our mouths and conscience. We refuse to be encaged and put into a cocoon of servitude and fear. We refuse to be led blindly by people who have no morals and sense of love in their hearts.
Ladies and gentlemen, Let posterity know and judge you fairly that you stood for that which was noble and just. Let our grand children later on call you blessed for standing for virtue, integrity, chastity and efficacy than depravity, corruption, dishonor and other social, economic and political vices our great nation has so far been subjected into.
Forty years later our schools are like shanties or chicken cubes. Forty year later waterborne diseases are more than the time of our forefathers. Forty years later roads have been reduced into paths. Forty years later electricity is only for the chosen few. Forty years later hospitals are nowhere and if you find one it is a source of misery than hope. Forty years later our people are going hungry not because they are lazy but because the culture of corruption has destroyed every fiber of hope. People have been reduced into beggars so that the rulers can be able to rule through proxies and patronage.
My dear people, ladies and gentlemen, all this has been due to poor leadership and incompetence. All this nihilism, which we are now reaping and experiencing, is as a result of self glory and bureaucracy which cares for nothing but their fame and stomachs.
Yes, we accept to forgive and to forget but 10 years later the same persons are full of impunity and deceit. This is not the kind of leadership we want. This is not the type of Kenya we want. We want to be led by people with clean records and those who have never been involved in sacrilegious act of looting our country. We want visionaries and people who can dare to stand for that which right.

Now, without taking so much of your precious time let me pose a question. What do we want as people of Central Imenti?

We want dignity at all cost.

1. We want education for our children and grand children by building modern primary and secondary schools, community colleges and a modern university.
2. We want clean and safe drinking water by building a filtration and treatment plant which can efficiently serve the whole constituency.
3. We want electricity in our beautiful homes and market places.
4. We want roads whereby we can ride our bicycles, drive our cars and walk with our two feet with ease.
5. We want our farmers to be paid their right dues when they deliver their farm produce and to be encouraged to diversify in production.
6. We want jobs for our youths by encouraging investors from other parts of the world to invest in manufacturing industry, to add value to such agricultural commodities like Coffee, Potatoes, Tea, mangoes, avocado pears, Milk, bananas etc
7. Our teachers to be well paid and promoted to the next grade level for the great services they are rendering to our nation. Up to now teachers are the most poorly paid lot compared to other professional despite being the backbone of the well-being of our nation.
8. We want safety for every resident of Central Imenti and Kenya in general.
9. We want to be counted with humanity as a whole.
10. We want healthcare facilities where people can get medicine and walk without tiring.
11. We want a government of the people for the people by the people and not for the elites. That is what democracy entails and stands for. Yes we want democracy.

Ladies and gentlemen, this list tells you that our leaders have failed to deliver and that’s why everybody is calling for their firing by the electorates. If you have employed someone and later on you realize she/he is not doing the job what do you do? You fire him/her. This is what the electorate will do come 2007. Our people have been cheated and given a raw deal.
As we liberate ourselves and our people from this great yoke of servitude, which has been placed on our shoulders by fellow Kenyans, let not bitterness or revenge ever be part of us. As we liberates ourselves let liberate even our oppressors. Let virtue always be accounted on us. Let our creator, our redeemer and our sustainer grant us courage, temperament, fortitude and justice.
May God richly bless you as you come in and go out. May there be increase in all you lay your hands upon. May peace and joy always be your companion. SHALOM my friends and my people. Let this Shalom reach others who have been greatly afflicted.
Thank you very much.

W.MUGAMBI ARIMI

W. MUGAMBI ARIMI FOR PARLIAMENT CENTRAL IMENTI 2007

W.Mugambi Arimi is man of high moral values, integrity, courage, scholarship and tested leadership qualities. He has been a Teacher, Deputy principal, student president at PCB 1995-1996, General secretary for the international students at The Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC)2003-2004, Current president of the International students at ITC, General secretary for Kenyan American Welfare association or KAWA and host of other leadership responsibilities, both in Kenya and USA. He cycled 500miles to raise funds for St joseph Girls High School Chepterit in 1993.The best geography teacher of the year 1992-1995. While studying in America he has helped with the contruction and equipment of Mariene Methodist Church dispensary, bought a generator for the Church and balls for the youths, paid tuition for many high school students, paid hospital bills for many people who could not able to do so. He exposed the people of Central Imenti to the international arena and served his people through the gospel of good news that God loves them irrespective of what others may have made them believe. Mugambi Arimi means what he says and he always rises to the occasion when duty calls. In 1993, while teaching at St. Josephs Girls High School in Nandi he volunteered to cycle 500miles from Kapsabet to Nairobi(parliament building), during a time when there were tribal cratches in the Rift valley Province, (which were politically instigated), in order to help with the building of a tuition block. Not even the evil arrows of the evil warriors could stop him from demonstrating what is the essence of humanity. During his tenure as the deputy principal at St Joseph Girls High School, the school rose drasticlly to became a threat to schools like Kabarak, lorento limuru, precious blood, mangu etc. Later on he worn a scholarship to study in America, where he has been studying and helping his people continously. Central Imenti is blessed with an energetic, couragious, honest, plus a development minded individual. Central Imenti has an alternative come 2007. All crooks and collaborators who have ruined our beatiful country and have destroyed our institutions should be shown where they belong come the election day.
Mugambi Arimi will stand with the weak, the voiceless, the sick, the thirsty, those who have been declared misfits due to their social status and having been born in a particular location. Mugambi Arimi believes in justice, love and kindness towards all God's children. He believes the problems facing Kenya today can be solved with good and honest leadership. He believes Central Imenti has all it takes to be developed minus leadership.
Mugambi Arimi will help in the following areas to help Central Imenti:

1. Make sure everybody has access to clean and safe drinking water.
2. That there will be motorable and accessible roads which are well maintained in order to facilitate mobility of people and goods within and without the area.
3. That electricity will be available in every home and market place.
4. That healthcare facilities are near the people instead of the current horrible situation whereby patients are forced to walk 20miles to seek medical attention.
5. That our primary school and high school facilities are built to the modern standards and those in existence are improved in order to cater to needs of our Children. New and modern community colleges are built. A Univesity is built in the area.
6. That our youth's needs are met to alleviate high rate of substance abuse, dropout from schools, unemployment, lack of say in the policies which affect thier lifes and those of others.
7. Make sure that farmer are paid their dues on time after they have delivered the farm produce.
8. Negotiates with investors to build agricultural plants in the area so that farm products can be processed in the area and value is added to the farm products.
9. Encourage cultural events in the areas through sponsorship in order to promote identity and pride in one cultural heritage.
10. Find ways to have student exchange with American institutions.
11. Promote our tourist attraction worldwide.

HOW MUGAMBI ARIMI INTENDS TO HELP THE PEOPLE OF CENTRAL IMENTI

It is true that the Kenyan youths are the majority but the most disfranchised lot and the least represented in any civic and political foras. However, this mispresentation will soon change with their realization they count and they are a force to reckon with.There is a saying in Africa which states that "If you see a big forest dominated with big trees and there are no seedlings on the floor then you know that there is no future in that forest". This is true with any country which can boast of her future. Our youths are the future of Kenya and should be listened to. They have got needs and aspirations which needs to addressed and met by our national and local decision makers like any other Kenyan regardless of their socio-political or economic status.They are God's children and human beings too.

The following ideas will be Mugambi Arimi's guiding principles in trying to help the youths of Central Imenti in order for them to realize their dreams and aspirations.

• Build modern community technical colleges to equip many of our youths who are not able to join high schools and other colleges.
• Revive the villages polytechnics by equiping them with modern technology and courses relevant to our nation.
• Start micro financing institutions which can make credits to the youths with viable business and other economic ventures.
• Encourage those who have technical skills to start small light industries geared toward supplying the local demands and as far as they create their own hinterlands by creating good system of micro financing with donors and other development agencies.
• Organize workshops and seminars on various issues affecting the youth and seek their opinion on how to address those issues
• Supply the whole constituecy with enough water for irrigation by building good water storage areas within Mt Kenya forest area, so that there is enough water supply throughout the year. Farming is central to the economic break through of the youths because currently majority are at home.
• Encourage youths to venture into farming businss especially in those areas whose products are in high demand around the world.
• Seek scholarships and grants for orphans and other Children who can not be able to support themselves.
• Make sure insecurity is dealt with according to our enshrined law to make sure our youth are safe.
• Encourage and support youth activities in games and sports by sponsoring them.
• Fight the ugly demon and spirit of corruption which has had more impact on the youth due to their economic status.Seek jail terms for those caught in this crime.
• Seek exchange scholarship programs from other countries so that our youth can learn how other youths live and handle life situations.
• Encourage youth to be proud of things made locally because this how employment opportunities are created. Look carefully at the the tigers of South East Asia. They have known how to solved the menace by being very creative and inovative and many ways. Today Hundai is competing with ford motors and GMC. If you can drink uji insteead of soda, buy shoes from our artisans, refused to buy mitumba but buy locally made clothes, find ways of developing our own thearters and film industry, then our youths will be employed and our economic stance will not be shaky.
  W.Mugambi Arimi

What others say about unemployment:

Ask Gandhi
.
An Insight into the mind of Gandhi through Questions and Answers
Q
"Gandhi, how do you think making one's own cloth and inheriting one's ancestral profession solve modern problems ?"
A
One has to acknowledge that poverty and unemployment are still Himalayan problems in the modern world. We started spinning and weaving as a means of solving unemployment as well as a resolution of self-reliance (Indians need not depend on the European mills for clothing). As we progress technologically, it is of utmost importance to include the downtrodden and the under-privileged in the scheme of things. While making of one's own cloth was only symbolic, in India it represented a non-violent protest against the British rule, as it culminated in the boycott of western clothing. I believe that for a nation to prosper, it is very important that its people are employed and the nation is self-reliant.
The issue of ancestral profession, while common in many other societies, is a problem of enormous proportion in India, where one's dignity in the society was attached to one's profession. I have done everything in my capability to fight against untouchability and indignity of labor. Again, in a country divested of its resources by the occupying powers, new jobs are hard to come by and I felt that as long as we can work to remove social barriers attached to professions, inheriting the family profession is the best way to employ the newer generation.
Happiness does not come from money. It can come from taking pride in one's work and recognizing its contribution to society as a whole. So it is of primary importance that in a society, especially one under foreign rule, there are jobs for people to work and feed their families. Only then we can fight for other rights such as freedom.
M. Gandhi

June 28 - July 9, 2006at the School for International Training (SIT)in Brattleboro, Vermont
2006 marks the 17th year that the School for International Training has hosted the Vermont Governor's Institute on Current Issues & Youth Activism. This exciting and empowering 12-day Institute examines the critical connections between current issues, policy and the political questions that directly impact young people today. Working with a dynamic faculty and staff, the participants will explore how young people can get involved in the critical issues facing our state, our nation, and our world.
A typical program day consists of intensive issue groups, seminars with Vermont politicians, policymakers and activists, leadership skills workshops, debates, simulations, arts, sports, local field trips, and an evening cultural activity -- improvisational theater, a barn dance, drumming, music, African dance workshop, or perhaps an 'open mic' night.
Located on the scenic rural campus of the School for International Training in Brattleboro, the Institute brings together 60 of Vermont's finest young leader, and challenges them to ask and find answers to difficult questions. It provides opportunities for students to form strong friendships and partnerships with their peers and to work closely with a skilled and experienced staff. The program inspires students to become politically active in their communities, make informed choices as young citizens and teaches them the skills needed to turn ideas into action.
Students participate in issue groups focusing on Ecology & Environment, Politics, Leadership & Social Justice, and Global Children's issues. In workshops and seminars, the students discuss many issues such as: Livable Wages in Vermont and the U.S.; Poverty and Class; Youth Violence; Child Labor; Separation of Church and State; HIV/AIDS; Gender dynamics; Health Care; School Quality; Electoral reform; Global Warming; Human Rights; Civil Liberties; Media; and Body Image, to name but a few. We'll take a critical and creative look at all the 'hot button' issues on today's agenda.
Practical, hands-on leadership and activist skill sessions will provide training in public speaking, facilitation, project design, listening, internet research, and many more. Over the 12 days, the students will create projects and performance pieces that will be presented on the final day. Students will practice their activism by participating in Brattleboro's July 4th parade. They will also have the opportunity to meet international high school students who are participating in parallel peacebuilding programs at SIT To apply for this program, you must be a Vermont High School student, and please visit http://www.giv.org/ for program and application details.

Youth
Youth are our future. Young people are already active and involved members of our communities and society. CSREES youth development and educational programs build important skills and knowledge so that our youth can be competent, caring, contributing citizens now and as adults. These programs have been part of the extension mission since Cooperative Extension was established in 1914.
CSREES youth development programs take land-grant university knowledge and expertise to youth in rural, suburban, and urban communities. Youth are encouraged to participate in a variety of activities that emphasize the “learning by doing” experiential learning approach. Through these programs, youth gain knowledge in a variety of practical subject areas and develop important life skills.
CSREES provides educators with innovative ways to enhance educational programs in the classroom, after-school programs, child care programs, and communities. Students gain firsthand knowledge through experiential learning activities in areas such as healthy diet and weight, financial planning and management, the community, the environment, and safety.
Through these programs, youth gain knowledge and life skills required for working and living in our increasingly challenging global environment.
CSREES Programs in Youth Development
4-H is the world's largest, dynamic, informal educational program for young people and is based on democratic principles. Nearly 7 million youth, ages 5-19, participate in 4-H Youth Development experiences.
4-H Military Partnerships between the USDA and the Army and Air Force establish 4-H after-school clubs and programs on military installations worldwide and support families of National Guard, Reserves, and Accessions Command.
4-H Afterschool strives to increase the quality and quantity of after-school programs, while building a brand image for the Cooperative Extension System's contributions to the after-school field.
Children, Youth, and Families at Risk (CYFAR) supports community-based educational programs to assist limited-resource families and at-risk youth in developing knowledge/skills for academic and career success.
Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) assists limited-resource families and youth in acquiring the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and changed behaviors necessary for nutritionally sound diets.
Extension ‘CARES'…For America's Children and Youth (ECI) strives to create a nation in which all children and youth are in safe, healthy, caring, and enriching environments when away from their parents.
Youth technology programs improve knowledge and skills as teens learn and teach technology to other youth and adults.
CSREES Programs in Youth Education
Agriculture in the Classroom (AITC) promotes agricultural literacy among the nation's students so they will become citizens who make wise decisions.
My Community, Our Earth (MyCOE) provides secondary school, college, and university students worldwide a new set of geographic tools to learn about current economic, social, and environmental challenges in their communities. It involves them in finding solutions within their neighborhoods, villages, cities, and countries.
National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE) is a high school financial planning curriculum consisting of six units that provide 10 hours of classroom work on financial management and planning.
Last Updated: 07/03/2006
CSREES USDA.gov Site Map Policies and Links Grants.gov CRIS REEISFOIA Accessibility Statement Privacy Policy Non-Discrimination Statement Information Quality FirstGov White House

International Youth Scholarship Program
Joseph T. Alme, USA, ChairmanDownload application form for students (100K PDF)
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The WASBE International Scholarship Program, initiated by Trevor Ford of Norway when he was President, was established to assist students to study at a music camp in a country other than their own. This youth cultural exchange would not only add to the student’s musical development but would also enable participating students to develop a greater understanding and appreciation of each other through their mutual interest in music.
The scholarships, which are provided by the participating music camps, include the cost of meals, lodging and tuition during the student’s stay at the camp. Each student would be responsible for the cost of his or her own transportation to the music camp.
Since 1982, almost 150 students from seventeen countries have participated in the International Scholarship Program. These students came from the countries of Brazil, Canada, Republic of China, England, Finland, France, Holland, Iceland, Ireland, Latvia, Norway, Portugal, Soviet Union, Sweden, Switzerland, Venezuela and the United States. Music camps throughout the eight nations of Belgium, Canada, England, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and the United States have provided the scholarships.
The response to the scholarship program by both the students and the music camps has been very positive. The students felt that they gained so much both musically and socially and the music camps were very impressed with the quality of the students and their contribution to their summer camp activities.
The continued success of the scholarship program can be assured with the support of our WASBE members in recommending students from their country for the scholarships and encouraging music camps in their country to provide scholarships. Our short-range goal is to expand the number of music camps providing scholarships and our long-range goal is to have students participating in this project from every country.Students interested in applying for scholarships should complete the application
form and return it by April 15, 2006 to:
Joseph T. Alme, International Scholarship Chairman
1930 23rd Ave SE
Minot, ND 58701
USA
info@internationalmusiccamp.com
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©2005 WASBE
2006 Scholarships
United States/Canada International Music Camp
International Peace Garden, North Dakota/Manitoba
Number of Scholarships: 2
Dates: 18 June – 1 July, 25 June – 8 July, 16 July – 29 July 2006
Age Level: 15 - 18
Contact Person: Joseph T. Alme
internationalmusiccamp.com
University of North Carolina – Greensboro
Summer Music CampsPO Box 26170Greensboro, NC 27402-6170 USA
Number of Scholarships: 2
Dates: 9 - 14 July, 16 – 21 July
Contact Person: John R. Locke Tel: +1 / 800 / 999-2869Fax: +1 / 336 / 334-5349http://www.smcamp.org/
Arapahoe HS Warrior Marching Band
2201 E. Dry Creek Rd.Centennial, CO 80122 USA
Number of Scholarships: 2
Dates: 5 - 14 June, 2 – 16 August
Contact Person: Dr. Ed Cannava Tel: +1 / 303 / 347-6031
Your Camp Here
If you want to provide a scholarship (or more than one) to some deserving youth through this program, download this form and return it as directed on the form.

TO THE CENTRAL IMENTI FARMERS, UNEMPLOYED YOUTHS, TEACHERS AND STUDENTS.

The campaign season is here once more. Well, before we repeat the same old mistake of being cheated and lied on one more time by our old political timers, it would be prudent to ask ourselves as residents of Central Imenti what we need and how want it delivered. The current MP is one of the best liar and grabber Central Imenti has ever witnessed. He participated in the looting of money from KTDA and bought tea estates in Tanzania during the time he was a minister in Moi's regime.He is one of the original architecs of KANU looters, grabbers and dehumanizers. Can he tell us how he acquired all petrol stations he owns? How much he looted during the YK92 fiasco and Goldenburg scandle? Why he went on marrying spree for political conviniences? Now he is engaged in another decoy of trying to lure teachers from Central Imenti into his corrupt camp by promising them farms in Nanyuki. WAO! Another bait for innoncent teachers? Teachers are smarter than this Hon Mukindia. Even your name Mukindia says it all by the way.
What does Central Imenti NEED URGENTLY?

1. Motorable and accessible roads
2. Electricity in every home and market place in the whole constituency
3. Modern Primary schools, high schools, community colleges and a university
4. Our farmers to be paid their right dues from coffee, tea, horticulture and milk on time.
5. Safe and clean drinking water in every homestead
6. Clinics and dispensaries near our people and modern and well equipped hospital
7. Bursaries for orphans and other needy children
8. Creation of employment for our unemployed youth
9. Address the isseu of insecurity in the whole constituency

Hon Mukindia, how long have you been in parliament and what have accomplished in the above list?

SOLUTION

Central Imenti is blessed with a young and innovative international leader who never swallows his words. This liberator has a vision for Central Imenti and he is determined to accomplish the above listed areas of attention.

Farmers, Teachers, unemployed youth and students, stand up and say no to this dehumanization you and the rest of our people have been subjected into for all these years, by casting a resistance vote,come election day and elect a leader with human heart. Central Imenti needs leaders who are morally upright and ethically sound. The power is in your hands. It is upon you to decide weather to continue wallowing in the mud of poverty and despair or to liberate yourself by casting your vote through our beautiful democratic process.

WHO IS A GOOD LEADER?

A good leader is any individual who can fully borrow from proved leaders like:
John Wooden "Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do." --
Ray Blunt "It takes leaders to grow other leaders."Peter Block "Change from the top down happens at the will and whim of those below. " Field Marshall Lord Smith "There are no bad regiments, there are only bad officers." Field Mashall Viscount Slim"The most important thing about a commander is his effect on morale." Ira Chaleff "In the face of leadership flaws, too many people assume cynical perspectives, rather than do the hard work of building relationships in which they can have more positive influence." Thomas J. Watson,Jr"If you stand up and be counted, from time to time you may get yourself knocked down. But remember this: A man flattened by an opponent can get up again. A man flattened by conformity stays down for good."Andrew Carnegie "No man will make a great leader who wants to do it all himself, or to get all the credit for doing it." John Maxwell "People don't care how much you know--until they know how much you care." Conrad Hilton "Success seems to be connected with action. Successful people keep moving. They make mistakes, but they don't quit." Henry George "Let no man imagine that he has no influence. Whoever he may be, and wherever he may be placed, the man who thinks becomes a light and a power."
Colin Powell "Leadership is all about people. It is not about organizations. It is not about plans. It is not about strategies. It is all about people--motivating people to get the job done. You have to be people-centered." "Trust is the essence of leadership." Optimism is a force multiplier."
Andrew Jackson
"Take time to deliberate; but when the time for action arrives, stop thinking and go in."
"One man with courage makes a majority."

WHAT IS DEMOCRACY AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

Democracy may be a word familiar to most, but it is a concept still misunderstood and misused in a time when totalitarian regimes and military dictatorships alike have attempted to claim popular support by pinning democratic labels upon themselves. Yet the power of the democratic idea has also evoked some of history's most profound and moving expressions of human will and intellect: from Pericles in ancient Athens to Vaclav Havel in the modern Czech Republic, from Thomas Jefferson's Declaration of Independence in 1776 to Andrei Sakharov's last speeches in 1989.
In the dictionary definition, democracy "is government by the people in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised directly by them or by their elected agents under a free electoral system." In the phrase of Abraham Lincoln, democracy is a government "of the people, by the people, and for the people."
Freedom and democracy are often used interchangeably, but the two are not synonymous. Democracy is indeed a set of ideas and principles about freedom, but it also consists of a set of practices and procedures that have been molded through a long, often tortuous history. In short, democracy is the institutionalization of freedom. For this reason, it is possible to identify the time-tested fundamentals of constitutional government, human rights, and equality before the law that any society must possess to be properly called democratic.
Democracies fall into two basic categories, direct and representative. In a direct democracy, all citizens, without the intermediary of elected or appointed officials, can participate in making public decisions. Such a system is clearly only practical with relatively small numbers of people--in a community organization or tribal council, for example, or the local unit of a labor union, where members can meet in a single room to discuss issues and arrive at decisions by consensus or majority vote. Ancient Athens, the world's first democracy, managed to practice direct democracy with an assembly that may have numbered as many as 5,000 to 6,000 persons--perhaps the maximum number that can physically gather in one place and practice direct democracy.
Modern society, with its size and complexity, offers few opportunities for direct democracy. Even in the northeastern United States, where the New England town meeting is a hallowed tradition, most communities have grown too large for all the residents to gather in a single location and vote directly on issues that affect their lives.
Today, the most common form of democracy, whether for a town of 50,000 or nations of 50 million, is representative democracy, in which citizens elect officials to make political decisions, formulate laws, and administer programs for the public good. In the name of the people, such officials can deliberate on complex public issues in a thoughtful and systematic manner that requires an investment of time and energy that is often impractical for the vast majority of private citizens.
How such officials are elected can vary enormously. On the national level, for example, legislators can be chosen from districts that each elect a single representative. Alternatively, under a system of proportional representation, each political party is represented in the legislature according to its percentage of the total vote nationwide. Provincial and local elections can mirror these national models, or choose their representatives more informally through group consensus instead of elections. Whatever the method used, public officials in a representative democracy hold office in the name of the people and remain accountable to the people for their actions.
Majority Rule and Minority RightsAll democracies are systems in which citizens freely make political decisions by majority rule. But rule by the majority is not necessarily democratic: No one, for example, would call a system fair or just that permitted 51 percent of the population to oppress the remaining 49 percent in the name of the majority. In a democratic society, majority rule must be coupled with guarantees of individual human rights that, in turn, serve to protect the rights of minorities--whether ethnic, religious, or political, or simply the losers in the debate over a piece of controversial legislation. The rights of minorities do not depend upon the goodwill of the majority and cannot be eliminated by majority vote. The rights of minorities are protected because democratic laws and institutions protect the rights of all citizens.
Diane Ravitch, scholar, author, and a former assistant U.S. secretary of education, wrote in a paper for an educational seminar in Poland: "When a representative democracy operates in accordance with a constitution that limits the powers of the government and guarantees fundamental rights to all citizens, this form of government is a constitutional democracy. In such a society, the majority rules, and the rights of minorities are protected by law and through the institutionalization of law."
These elements define the fundamental elements of all modern democracies, no matter how varied in history, culture, and economy. Despite their enormous differences as nations and societies, the essential elements of constitutional government--majority rule coupled with individual and minority rights, and the rule of law--can be found in Canada and Costa Rica, France and Botswana, Japan and India.
Democratic SocietyDemocracy is more than a set of constitutional rules and procedures that determine how a government functions. In a democracy, government is only one element coexisting in a social fabric of many and varied institutions, political parties, organizations, and associations. This diversity is called pluralism, and it assumes that the many organized groups and institutions in a democratic society do not depend upon government for their existence, legitimacy, or authority.
Thousands of private organizations operate in a democratic society, some local, some national. Many of them serve a mediating role between individuals and the complex social and governmental institutions of which they are a part, filling roles not given to the government and offering individuals opportunities to exercise their rights and responsibilities as citizens of a democracy.
These groups represent the interests of their members in a variety of ways--by supporting candidates for public office, debating issues, and trying to influence policy decisions. Through such groups, individuals have an avenue for meaningful participation both in government and in their own communities. The examples are many and varied: charitable organizations and churches, environmental and neighborhood groups, business associations and labor unions.
In an authoritarian society, virtually all such organizations would be controlled, licensed, watched, or otherwise accountable to the government. In a democracy, the powers of the government are, by law, clearly defined and sharply limited. As a result, private organizations are free of government control; on the contrary, many of them lobby the government and seek to hold it accountable for its actions. Other groups, concerned with the arts, the practice of religious faith, scholarly research, or other interests, may choose to have little or no contact with the government at all.
In this busy private realm of democratic society, citizens can explore the possibilities of freedom and the responsibilities of self-government--unpressured by the potentially heavy hand of the state.
THE PILLARS OF DEMOCRACY
Sovereignty of the people.
Government based upon consent of the governed.
Majority rule.
Minority rights.
Guarantee of basic human rights.
Free and fair elections.
Equality before the law.
Due process of law.
Constitutional limits on government.
Social, economic, and political pluralism.
Values of tolerance, pragmatism, cooperation, and compromise.

WITH CONSTANT FORCE CHANGE IS GIVEN

“Change is the natural order of the world. When something tries to stand against the force of change, it's eventually destroyed. Cliffs are eroded, trees are uprooted, granite cracks. People can crack too. For us to grow and live-to flourish-it takes adaptation and learning. Stubborn attachment to a single set of "knowledge" or way of doing things leads to stagnation of the mind and spirit. Remember to keep an open mind to new people and new ideas. Challenge yourself to always be learning something new. Focus on the possibilities of afresh start, instead of hanging on to old frustrations. Sails are made with cloth for a reason. When they're stiff, winds beat against them until they tear. But if the sails are relaxed and workable, the wind can take you to places you've never been before”.

KENYA THE BEAUTY OF EAST AFRICA

When the creator was curving, shaping, and creating both fauna and flora, he had a special deal with this part of the African continent. He gave them the best. However, the human part has never grasped this phenomenon and as a result of this ignorance what was created for our enjoyment has been miused and overexploited due to greed and evil. Wake up Kenya and count your many blessings.
A baby jumbo from Meru national park is at liberty as it takes a stroll. In American you find miserable elephants in the zoo where many flock to see them. Why can't Kenya tap her natural beauty to the maximum. Because our leaders are always busy stealing, destroying or scheming things at the expense of our people.

These Maasai Morans are a big tourist attraction but they have been given a raw deal by our corrupt leaders both locally and nationally. This has to stop now.


This King of the jungle has fascinated many over the years.

Kenya has the best ecosystem in the world. It enjoys all types of climates in a micro way ranging from tundras of mt kenya to the hot deserts of northern kenya. Kenyan savannahs are the best in the world. They have all kinds of faunas and floras of the world. Just look at our beautiful and fierce cats and you will realize what is in store for you.

Mr John M'Arimi and his youngest son Mr Stanely Kiambi Harvesting coffee in Central Imenti
They call him soldier and it is true he his fighting an economic war in his tea farm in angara.


WHAT CENTRAL IMENTI NEEDS WITHOUT FURTHER GAMES AND GYMNASTICS
CentralImenti is one of the most productive region in Kenya in terms of Agriculture. However, due to lack of basic infrastures like electricity, water, accessible roads, hospitals and modern schools, the area like any other region in Kenya has lacked behind since independence. All these woes can be fully blamed on poor politics from the regional leaders since independence. Time has come to demand for these essential infrastures now without further delay. Let always compare ourselves with south east Asia, a region which was either behind us at independence or below us at the same time. Now they are much far a head in everything.
Our continued ties with Britain for instance has been a source of underdevelopment and there is no need for such a brutal and exploitive relationship anymore.
Our Coffee, Tea and Horticultural products continue recievung minimal prices while the same commodities are selling like hot cakes in the west. There is something wrong with this kind of relationship. It is unhealthy, inhuman, and exploitive to the hard working people of kenya and Central Imenti in particular.

THE HUMAN "HYENAS" OF KENYA HAVE NO FUTURE

Like this well known savanah scavanger, most of our Kenyan leaders, have similar characteristics in the way they like harvesting where they never planted. Hyenas, like many other scavangers, rely so much on other cannibals to feed and survive. Most of Kenyan leaders, like these ugly creatures, have always scavanged on their very innoncent people and the results have been very devastating. However, they should not delude themselves nor think that this will never be challenged. Time has arrived when all their ill acquired wealth and leadership positions shall be challenged and accountability demanded.
A rock may resist the surging waves but slow cracks appears on the surface of that rock. Many thought people like Kamusu Banda, Mobutu seseko, Daniel Arap Moi, Botha, Tito, etc will never reliquish power. Where are they now?

CORRUPT CULTURE THE ROOT CAUSE OF CORRUPTION

What these children see and learn from our leaders will determine how they behave in future. If they have been socialized that the only way to get ahead in society is by engaging in corrupt deals, then their minds will be set that way.
Any society which does not pay attention to the medium in which her young minds are cultivated is bound to disintegrate and end in chaos and finally altimate disaster.
The current situation in Kenya regarding the issue of corruption can be squarery placed at the feet of those charged the duty of coming up with the culture upon which our young minds are cultivated. Our education system and other organs vested with the responsibility of cultivating our children's minds have failed miserably and the results are now very painful.
Here is the finding from others:

Revealed Corruption over jobs for teachers

Story by SAMUEL SIRINGI
Publication Date: 5/11/2006
Bribery, favouritism and nepotism are rampant in hiring, transferring and promoting teachers, a new survey shows.

About 60 per cent of the people interviewed saw the staffing department of the Teachers' Service Commission as the centre of most irregularities.

And almost incredibly, the special integrity department set up to fight corruption had cases of graft, reveals the report.

The integrity department should be disbanded then reformed with new staff, recommends the report, by graft watchdogs Transparency International.

Also officials found to be corrupt must not only be punished – and prosecuted – but the action should be widely publicised to deter others.

"Corruption at the TSC exists, involves an alarming number of officials and has serious negative implications for the commission's public image," states the report.


The Teachers Service Commission headqaters in Nairobi. Photo by George Mulala


Those interviewed were teachers, district education officers, and agencies such as the Kenya Institute of Education.

Also interviewed were TSC's own staff and the commissioners – the policy makers who work full time and are also involved in teachers' discipline.

Among those questioned for the study, teachers believed about 68 per cent of the corruption took place in the staffing department compared to the commissioners who thought only about 18 per cent of the irregularities originated in that department. The section is followed by accounts with 15 per cent.

Recruitment has become a key area for bribery and favouritism following cut-throat competition for the few spaces available each year following the freeze on teacher employment in 1998.

Currently, the Government is able to give jobs to only 6,000 teachers a year, to replace those who leave through deaths, retirements and resignations.

The report states: "The demand for employment has risen every year as more and more young people train and qualify as teachers. It is now not uncommon to find qualified teachers who after more than five years have not yet succeeded in being officially employed."

It adds: "Places are few, applicants are too many and people are desperate – a dangerous cocktail of circumstantial factors, making the teacher recruitment process an easy target for corrupt-minded individuals to plan and conduct corrupt activities."

Transparency International (TI) was invited to conduct the survey by TSC secretary Gabriel Lengoiboni, who became worried by perceptions of bribery and nepotism in the organisation. He also asked TI to examine the extent of the malpractices.

According to the report, the human resource department was perceived to encourage least corruption with an overall ranking of about four per cent.

Most corrupt was believed to be staffing, ranked at 45 per cent.

Most of those questioned believed all levels of staff at the commission were engaged in corruption – including commissioners and even staff in the integrity department.

Assure everyone

Mr Lengoiboni said he asked for the study so that he could know how to take the anti-graft war forward.

"I wish to assure everyone that we will act on all the recommendations of the report as stipulated immediately," he said at TI's offices, in Nairobi.

He added: "TSC will immediately sensitise its top-level management, staff and agents on practices and areas prone to corruption with a view to sealing loopholes. The public will be beneficiaries of this report."

Mr Lengoiboni said he would strengthen recruitment systems to prevent future cases of bribery and nepotism.

"Perception of corruption among TSC staff employees had decreased recently, signalling a possible improvement and a basis to build on," he said.

Among other public institutions, the TSC has been rated as the third most corrupt institution after police and the Kenya Revenue Authority.

The Electoral Commission of Kenya and Parliamentary Service Commission follow in that order.

The Integrity Study report lists staff deployment and promotions as hot-spots for potential corruption.

Most of the corruption seen in recruitment of teachers takes place at the district and school board levels.

High risk corruption stages were identified as shortlisting of applicants, usually done by a selection panel chaired by the district education officers for primary school candidates.

For post-primary school institutions – secondary schools, technical training institutes and polytechnics– the corruption happens at the time of registration of candidates where vacancies exist.

Corruption also occurs at the time candidates were being shortlisted by school boards, it says.

"Complaints received in the past point to the fact that most irregularities occur at the point of selection, which is done in the field and in the case of the post-primary teachers, does not include the TSC," says the 50-page report.

It adds: "The TSC has acknowledged the fact that these processes are prone to irregularities and, in 2005, decided to improve criteria for selection of teachers."

Previously, a highly subjective criteria – including how interviewees were dressed or how much an applicant had contributed to society – were being considered in the recruitment.

Tightened the noose

But last year, TSC tightened the noose on corruption and emphasised candidates' academic qualifications and date of graduation.

Those who had graduated earlier were given preference.

"Requisite documents had to be provided (by applicants) making it a very difficult process to be subverted, given how many parties scrutinise and have to approve the choices made," the report states.

"There are numerous checks built into the process to minimise the potential for irregularities."

The fact that many applicants were desperately applying for about 5,000 jobs advertised annually meant that the recruitment exercise was a target for corrupt people.

The report warns that any further devolvement of the recruitment process from the TSC to districts and schools should be done carefully lest it opened up the exercise to further corruption.

"If this trend is not matched with strengthening of the systems involved, then the handing over of power to a larger number of people multiplies the potential for corrupt activities," the report states.

It adds that TSC did not have a monopoly over recruitment because a number of agents, including head teachers, boards and district officers were involved.

TI consultant Adam Papat said there was a general agreement that corruption existed at the TSC.

"It is felt there have been fewer incidences in the recent times; a platform to build on," he said.


COMMENTS BY ANTONY M KABURU
CORRUPTION ENSLAVES

This is a mouse that slowly erupts into our midst just like a rejuvenating river. Corruption does not respect tribes, religion, sex or status. It can take place anywhere. We do appreciate our government for the milestones it is making to root this vice.

According to NACCSC results launched last month, 90% of Kenyans see corruption as a major issue practiced in public offices. High ranking individuals have fallen into this trap, not that they didn’t know but with their own conscience just to benefit from self gains in expense of the common mwananchi. How many scandals have been uncovered commissions established to investigate into the matter but finally do we get these culprits charged? Kenya is a democratic country where true justice is mandatory.

In our government and private institutions, corruption has become an addiction. For one to be served effectively, you must part with something in monetary terms or in kind. Why should we pay for a service which is rightfully ours? It only starts by a mere partying with fifty shillings, more or less to get your National Identity card, much more when you want your title deed, passport, in police recruitments up to thousands and millions in securing jobs and contracts in government and private sectors.

The government has provided for Constituency Development Funds (CDF) in all Constitutions which of course will see many of the projects takes place. There are unscrupulous leaders who would want to have the share for their own selfish gains when the millennium goals have not been attained in addition the respective committee responsible for the utilization of these funds should exercise transparency, accountability and integrity of the highest order. Why should few people benefit alone when many Kenyans are writhing in pain of abject poverty?

A time has come when we reversed the notion “If you can’t fight them join them”, to “If you cannot join them but you can fight them” Thanks to different institutions which have been established to fight graft in Kenya. This is a good move which should be practical in every institution in Kenya. There can be “ NO CORRUPTION “ notices in and out of our offices but it is one thing to read but it is another to enact it.
Consequences of corruption are;
1. Loss of resources.
2. Lack of values and dignity.
3. Loss of livelihood and freedom.
4. Lack of esteem, self worth in regard of our fellow Kenyans.

Corruption is not genetic. This means that it can be fought. All that we are advocating for is that the fight against corruption is everyone’s responsibility, just like in control of HIV/AIDS pandemic. One of the ways is to ensure that we expose corrupt leaders and the arm of the law to execute justice by getting the culprits to book. Of course as the directors of NACCSC, Rev Mutava Musyimi says, the fight against graft is not easy but we have to commit ourselves fully for us to realize a free corruption zone. Let us all hasten the fight against this menace which will not only affect us as individuals but also on Kenyan economy.

Peter Gitonga Micheni comments are the anguish of all small coffee growers in Kenya today

I can not agree with the author of this artcle more. I have my own Coffee farm that now lies abandoned due to the raw deal Coffee farmers get. Any Kenyan Coffee farmer who keep their accounts know it is not worth it to waste their energy growing coffee because of the low price of the cherry (ripe coffee beand) compared to farm inputs. Its always a negative figure. I have had occassion to drink Kenya AAA Coffee in USA and the cost of just one 32 ounch cup is higer than what a farmer gets for 100 pounds of his coffee.

But then the world economy is like that, poor countries have no say on their produce and are dictated on by the developed world.

God help the poor farmers. For now my farm on the slopes of Mount Kenya is overgrown with weeds and the coffee plants have turned yellow due to neglect. I have no intention of putting in more than I can get out!!

Peter Gitonga Micheni

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IF ONLY THE WORLD KNEW HOW TO RELATE

Dr Tom stelson, the former vice president of Georgia Tech Was not only a great friend of W. Mugambi Arimi but a mentor too. An Engineer by professional and a career professor "Dr Tom was so gifted that he helped solve so many problems world wise by employing his charisma and love" says Mugambi Arimi.He led Georgia Tech to its current international status through his brilliance.

TABATA QUARRY AND KIAMAKORO PRIMARY SCHOOL IN CENTRAL IMENTI

Mr "Omondi", works so hard at Tabata quarry to support his family. However, the little he gets can not support one child leave alone his family. So much energy and resources is being wasted due to poor policy making and implementation at the local and national level. This must stop now. Is there a solution to this perrenial disease of don't care and inhuman treatment of the poor people? YES!The man to stop it is variant true son of Kenya by the name W Mugambi Arimi. He has the solution to this endemic problem which has defeated so many.

WOMEN ARE FLOWERS AND SHOULD BE TREATED AS SO

FROM THE AGE OF FOUR HE HAS ALWAYS BEEN FIGHTING INJUSTCE. HE SAYS NOT YET.

When he was four years old, he ran away in order to go to school. He attended Mariene primary school, Abothuguchi Boys High School, Thai High school, Chogoria Boys High School, Nkubu Boys High School, Moi University at Chepkolel Campus, taught at St Josephs' Girls High School in Nandi; where he was also the deputy principal for three years, cycled for 500 miles to raise money to build a brand new tuition block at St Joseph Girls High School. He attended Philadelpia University, BHBC in Atlanta and ITC. All this he has accomplished through real struggle and great sacrifice. One thing he hates so much is injustice and he has been fighting it with all he can master no matter where he is. This time his eyes are set on something else and nothing will stop him from acheive it. He says he his tired of seeing people suffer unfairly. Central Imenti and Kenya in General can do better.If you are for virtue, justice, and fairness, then you can support what he stands for. He stands for progress of every Kenyan irrespective of his/her social, economic or political status.