On Sat, Dec 31, 2011 at 7:38 AM, <bitange@jambo.co.ke> wrote:
Eric,
.... I attend most of presentations by youth at I-hub and I-Lab. The angel investors you see in these presentations are not Africans. By any statistics, if all venture capitalist are foreign then when such ideas break big, we shall simply be onlookers. Who should be taking the risk? Should government be in business only to privatize when risk is minimized?
Kenyan / African youth who serve their fellow Africans as well or as hard as they try to impress (pitch to) foreigners are very rare but most valuable breed (Most Valuable Kenyans -- MVK's -- or Most Valuable Africans -- MVA's). Who / where are they? Once heard James Mwangi state, that "our mothers could not afford to open bank accounts" -- their initial (not necessarily current) target group was Kenyans viewed as worthless by foreign banks.
..... Your celebration of our academics in the diaspora again is too early. Most of African academics abroad are suspect. I do not know whether they are genuine or simply saying what is politically correct. I think they are guilty for not coming back to be foot sodiers of development. It is easier to cheer or jeer from the sidelines. They must make sacrifices and come home to share their experiences. Let us see them take the leadership and show us the way.
Well noted. Nothing good is developed by pure academics but through practicals (practicing integrity and excellence) on the ground / in the field where it is needed most. It is ONLY Kenyans / Africans raising their children here, to value and live in Kenya / Africa that can be PRIMARILY (not exclusively) counted on to continue the good work that has began on the ground. Have a Blessed 2012...