Asaph's open mind

Whereas the US music scene was propped up by the African American culture of the 90s, the Nigeria by its 2013/16 arts growth, the Kenyan scene is yet to fully utilize its mojo! We need a Benga revolution!

The US of A boasts of about 140mn + boppers who ACTIVELY listen, buy & subscribe to music, with avg streams of 75min a day a pax. The music business owes the 40mn+ African Americans of the 90/2000’s who blew up the Rap, Hip Hop and RnB culture into the world. The 1985-2005 period produced the most creative of acts, genres building up to the peak of music sales in yr 2000. Akina Run DMC, Magu,…

Kiambu, may the sleeping giant rise!

To say that Kiambu County is a sleeping giant would be an understatement. Hosting about 3mn people, Kiambu is an envy for many counties for its proximity to the country’s capital, Nairobi. Indeed, Kiambu is often touted as the bedroom of Nairobians, owing to the many people who travel to & fro Nairobi for work, business or other engagements on a daily basis. However, the county sits on an…

What is the measure of faith?

I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.

Psalms 37:25 (NIV)

David, towards his end of life made this confession. Its a heavy testimony. The kind that really convinces you of what to expect! And for some many sermons, preachers have welcomed new believers with this assurance – you won’t sleep hungry, nor suffer tribulations.

S…

Mum was the patron saint of the birthday washers gang, leading a pack of grandkids ever eager to have fun on their seniors! Today is my birthday & here's my eulogy to her! Fare thee well mama!

My mum was the patron saint of the birthday washers gang, leading a pack of grand kids super eager to have fun on their seniors! She planned and executed a number of near-perfect washing sessions for her many kids. Her last act was a splash down of my older brother two nights before she died – using a glass of water by her bedside.

She loved us. No doubt whatsoever. And even in her painful…

Unpacking digital politricks! #NdiiCeit

Politics politricks in Kenya has gone digital, full throttle!

In 2008, Obama won the presidency by mobilizing the youth vote through social media. That strategy wasn’t mainstream, it was revolutionary. It was so revolutionary, not many campaign managers had figured it out in 2012 when he won his re-election. But they had done some bit if catch-up. By the 2016 elections where Trump won using…

Does my vote really matter?

The generation that came of voting age in 2002 is the generation that has most exercised their democratic right to vote in the last 18 years, more than any other generation since independence. What has been their experience?

1) A change of govt after elections in 2002 that saw power change hands from the previous govt that ruled for 24yrs 2) A failed constitutional referendum in 2005 3) An…

A Rapid Results Infrastructure Program in the framework of KETRACO can be used to meet critical needs in various areas in the country - from police posts to court houses and definitely better schools.

Although this isn’t the most original and unique of ideas, but think about this for a moment:  

Enrol 50 people from each ward into TIVETs, about 75000 people. Train them key construction skills – plumbing, electricals, masonry, solar installations, paintwork, machine work, welding, draughtsmen etc. Make the courses a one-year intensive courses.

Layout the govt institutions needing proper…

A LAUGHING MATTER For generations, Kenyans have had a taste for comedy. And lo, our tastes have changed. From the Kayai family to Kajairo to MC Jesse. Here's a look into the Commercialization of Comedy & the 3 generations so far.

For decades, Kenyans have had a taste for comedy. And like all fashion items, our tastes have changed. We have enjoyed the performances of Mama Kayai & Ondiek Nyuka (s.p) Quarter. From the Vioja Mahakamani corridors to the dance tunes of Zangalewa Band. (Am tempted to say bands coz, waaa, si there were sooo many versions of these!)

Over time, we enjoyed skits and half hour shows brought by the…

Diaspora Remittance: Looking at the growth in diaspora remittances(CBK reports 342% increase from US$ 609m in 2009 to US$2.7bn in 2018), is it a strategy that a country can pursue?

It has been a while since I wrote. But I saw a recent compilation of diaspora remittances for different countries, and especially for Eastern Africa. And it got me thinking

In 2018, Central Bank reports that KE received USD 2.7bn, an increase from almost USD 2bn in 2017. This, analysts have said, has greatly helped Central bank to keep the shilling stable, of course in addition to exports and…