Bracing for the fourth generation-a future shock

By Eric Sindabi

In his books renowned American futurologist Alvin Toffler predicts revolution in the world society through the advancement in technology. The author who has been classified among the most successful futurologists in the world has put forward that high technological advancements in future will bring about diverse socio-economic changes in the human society. He perceives that these changes will grow from one generation to another and pose big gaps in human civilization.



Toffler says for example that future generations will view the modern technology and human society as back grounds, primitive, irrational and totally non-standard. In his books like; future shock and the third wave, the writer admires technology as the greatest force towards advancement in human society.



A leading Chinese news publication the people daily in 2006 named Alvin Toffler the leading world futurist. According to the media group, the American born writer is touted among the great people in the world who have had a big impact on China . Future shock (1970), third wave (1980), and revolutionary wealth (2001) recorded the largest sells in china as compared to other parts of the world. Other works by the author include revolutionary wealth, power shift, war & ant-war and creating a new civilization.

These books have had vast sources including; video clips, newspaper reviews and radio and television interviews, apart from actual book distributors who have received massive consumptions in gigantic regions of the China .



According to a source on the internet, China has since pursued policies reflecting the author’s emphasis on the growing importance of digital technology and the knowledge –based economy of the future. The American futurologist is held in such esteem in China that communists consider him among 50 foreigners who have had a great impact on China.” says the source. These include famous people like; Karl Max, Richard Nixon, Mariah Carley, Mike Jordan among others, who have most significantly influenced China’s modern development through their works that centre around revolution in social and economic developments.



On the other hand, critics believe that Alvin Toffler’s books have drawn mass attention and readership and criticism across the world apart from China as much as influencing the strategic creativity in readers, leaders, technologists and social thinkers all over the world. The books which base on information and technology revolutions, social transformations and speed of change, are among the world’s best sellers.



In third wave, for example the author hints that the percentage of populations in growing economies and the number of people using information technology are increasing rapidly.

In an interview with the people daily Toffler reflected that for in China for example, three divergent groups of the complex society exist. These include; the first wave-the rural people involved in agricultural activities basically, the second wave that include people working in factories and organizations in urban centers and the third wave, that include people involved in the use of information technology.

In revolutionary wealth, the author talks about the transformation of agriculture by embracing technology. For example the use of cell phones to boost agricultural produce business. The book also emphasized on the production of Genetically Modified Foods which contain vitamins.



In future shock, the author for example predicts on biological revolution in human beings including inter race fusions and the cloning technology in animals and humans. Indeed the modern trend in this field has been attributed to technological advancement. Recently for example British Scientists announced that they had discovered the manufacture of artificial sperms which can allow women to produce babies without men.

According to the writer, the centre of future shock was that change in socio-economic endeavors of the world would greatly be accelerated and which is eminently evident today.



In what the author depicts as the fourth wave, future generations would remember the modern trends in the world as primitive, stupid and ignorant. This is the true essence of the future shock” He says.

Power shift deals with conflicts, wealth, and knowledge and the role they play in world society today. The book extradites old and modern patterns of power in public offices, the media, religion, business, national and international politics and economies.

Use of internet technology negligible in Africa

An opinion by Eric Sindabi

The internet was invented in USA to speed up Information sharing by the military and other stake holders during world war. Today however internet technology is a world wide link of millions of computer networks to share information. The internet has speed up globalization in what is referred to as “global village” or “information superhighway”. It is also what information scientists refer to as “information explosion”

Critics have described internet technology as “the biggest technological generation gap in history” This means that the speed of retrieving and the scope of information needed by a user is a great milestone in technological advancement. There are no, at all, political or any other kinds of boundaries on the exchange of information. Indeed communicating and sourcing information resources through the internet can be one of the most convenient, easier, advanced and economical way of embracing development.

Nevertheless the use of internet technology in Africa has ever since been a paradox. This accounts to the many reasons why the continent is still lagging behind in many development and social sectors. Globalization is like a whip-which strikes unexpectedly and Africa seems to have been whipped. Lack of appropriate governments’ policies guiding technological developments rapes the continent and denies Africans a chance to play on the same levels in globalization. In fact statistics indicate that Africa is rated the lowest in the use of internet technology with a mere 1% as compared to 78% USA, 11% Europe and 9%Asia.

It is profound to note that education and ignorance, accessibility, social and political factors contribute a great deal, why the use of internet technology is negligible in the continent. African governments should for example create independent and competent technological sectors to guide and implement all matters of technology.

Introducing information technology courses at all levels of education can also be a great leap in embracing the use of technology in the continent. Governments should also impact on the training of more information technology experts as well as providing tangible incentives for the growth of information technology. Parliaments should also revise existing laws on technology and communications developments. For example all sectors of the economy should embrace the use of information technology starting from; agriculture, transport, and commerce. All government sectors and functions should also embrace technology in management and implementation of policies.

This will ensure that better services are supplied to citizens hence improving their lives. Social scientists hint that the hallmark of great civilizations has been their systems of communications. We ought not to be left behind. We must wake up!

America is a threat to our security

An opinion by Eric Sindabi

RECENTLY the National Security Committee that was chaired by President Mwai Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga held a crucial meeting over the Somalia crisis that threatens to infuriate Kenya . It shows a great national concern over the insecurity that is being caused by the emergency in the neighboring country.

However a critical view is the fact that the root matter of the situation is the United States of America factor in the Somalia crisis. The fact that Kenya is and will ever be linked to the US in many ways is the paradox never the less. For instance, the current President of USA Mr.Barrack Obama has roots in Kenya . It is a matter of unease for example therefore that his government’s commitment to continue fighting terrorism across the world can have a bearing on our heads given to the situation in Somali.

It rekindles sad memories of the terrorism attacks on Kenya some time back by the al-Qaeda terror group that purportedly targets countries allied to the United States of America . The rivalry between the fugitive terrorist Osama Bin Laden the perceived sponsor of al-Qaeda, and America indeed has proved a great threat to our security.
In August 1998 the bombing of the US Embassy in Kenya along side the neighboring Tanzania killed 224 people. In November 2002 a suicide attack on a tourist Hotel owned by an American killed 16 people.

The US has charged that the Al-Shabaab militia group that is responsible for the upsurge in Somalia has links with al-Qaeda. The militia groups on the other hand have repeatedly and openly warned to attack any group or country that supports America and the Somali government. It is to this fact that the National Security Committee should keep vigil and steer Kenya off the feud between USA and terror groups.

The insecurity condition within and around our borders thus has become a matter of great alarm. The government should iron out the real situation and come out openly to assure Kenyans about their security. The head of State in particular should address the nation and assure of his constitutional commitment towards safeguarding Kenya's sovereignty and lives of citizens. Indeed the mention of another terrorist attack in our midst sends cold shivers on the back of every innocent Kenyan. It is unfortunate that innocent Kenyans or rather countries should bear the brand of a perceived war between America and Terror groups.

How a killer brew ravaged a village in Njoro

By Eric Sindabi and Harrisson Muigai
It is a hot afternoon as we arrive at Kihingo village along Nakuru/Mau Narok highway. An elderly woman is seated on a wooden chair outside her home a few meters away from the business centre. She toys with the hair of one of her grandchildren and she seems to readily welcome visitors in her home regardless of their mission. However her composed body posture and nostalgic appearance is makes it difficult for one to judge her but she has a sad story to tell anyway.
"I am Hannah Wanjiru Ndun'gu," She introduces herself then pauses obviously calling upon us to introduce ourselves further.
After serving us a cup of tea, Wanjiru gathers incredible courage to start narrating an inflicting emotional story of how her son Samwel Ng'ang'a, drunk a lethal brew and diedsometime back.She now takes care of his widow and children. Samwel Ng'an'ga then a 36year old father of two and a habitual drunkard had been on a drinking spree with a friend the night before he died. He had ventured into his mother's compound where he lived with his wife crawling and unable to neither walk nor talk. . When he had managed to mutter few words all he had said was that he had consumed the killer brew, then collapsed and died.
Killer brew
Funuki, as the killer brew was popularly known in Kihingo Location of Njoro Division is a corrupted Swahili word for bunduki (Gun).The illicit brew was responsible for deaths of more than twenty people in the area in a span of only six months some five years ago.The highly addictive and mysterious brew caused deaths more indirectly than directly under bizarre circumstances. Those who consumed the deadly brew some times died instantly, committed suicide, murdered others or destroyed property while others ran amok.

"It was a queer brew that brought untold tragedy in this area" says Edward Mwangi a village elder. Mwangi who has been a local opinion elder for a long time says that illicit brews have been consumed in the village since 1974. He says, people who are involved in illicit brews business have ever been apprehended and charged in law courts but could crop up after a while to keep the illicit business alive.
According to the opinion leader, many young people easily get hooked to illicit drinks because of poverty and idleness. In turn the lives and social economic standards of the youths get shattered. Many turn to be hopeless in life while others lose their lives
Mzee mwangi however says that the common Busaa and Chang'aa illicit brews that were originally the common illegal brews in the area were not as lethal as funuki proved to be. “Drinking was rife but the brews did not cause tragedy as was the case with funuk”.He recalls.
Crime
"Crime in the area escalated. Young men spend most of their time roaming around shopping centers and drinking spots. Where do you think they got money to drink funuki?" Mwangi wonders aloud. He says, Villagers complained after losing property to petty thieves while rampant mugging incidences were reported. An accusing hand was directed at the young men who were hooked to funuki .He says through investigations some culprits were arrested and charged in court but that did not however improve the situation. The community was definitely suffering the consequences of the deadly brew.

Notorious
Funuki was in existence since early 2001 after a group of local notorious illicit brews dealers introduced it. The killer brew was allegedly manufactured by dissolving an unknown powder in water. The solution become alcoholic instantly. Though tasteless, colorless and unscented the wonder brew’s effects were strange.
Funuki was sold secretly in the homesteads of selected dealers. Revelers entered the venues that were secured with iron gates, and made an order. A seller could then fetch water from a tap and dissolve an un known powder in cups of water to prepare a drink for consumption by a reveler.

The seller knew his customers well and could only serve a new reveler if accompanied by a regular one. After taking their respective shares, revelers could be seen past the gates by the seller immediately they finished drinking “This ensured that the alcohol effects on revelers did not occur while they were in the compound.
The liquor, which cost Ksh.30, a cup was anonymous in origin and only the dealers held the secret of its ingredients. This according to villagers was to keep at bay potential competitors into the illicit business.
Far reaching
The effects of funuki were incredible and far reaching. A person under the influence of it could suffer from acute diarrhea and vomiting or he become very violent.
Many cases of violence were common with revelers. According to villagers, in one of the incidences, a middle aged man had lured his girlfriend to drinking spree of funuki and afterwards killed her in cold blood. In yet another incidence two brothers fought at their father's home resulting to the death of one of them. They had been drinking funuki together.
"My son Douglas Muiruri aged 34 was found dead in September 2001 in a disused quarry," says Anne Waithaka a retired teacher. Muiruri who left behind a widow and one child had been drinking funuki when he met his death.
A local business man Ndung’u Karanja has also had a share of the agony. His son Josephat Kagombe who was aged 28, under the influence of funuki committed suicide. Kagombe had taken to drinking and quarreled with his wife on daily basis. He could extend his fury to members of his extended family even after his father having warned him several times not to venture into his house while drunk.One day, Kagombe had entered his father's house in a drunken state before picking up a quarrel with his parents. Then he had dashed out of the house. His father thinking that he had gone for a weapon to use to attack him, had too looked for a crude weapon and stood alert, waiting for the would be assailant. However that was not the case. Kagombe had gone for a poison but not a weapon. He had died soon after consuming rat rat.
Orphans and School dropouts
Tens of old people in Kihingo are taking care of their grandchildren and their mothers after their sons allegedly died after consuming the deadly funuki . May be this is the worst effect the mysterious drink ever had on this Njoro community. David Wamathingira, a teacher at the local Larmudiac Primary School and the Kenya National Union of Teachers Nakuru district deputy treasurer says that funuki likewise affected the area seriously on the education side.
"Most parents who consumed the brew neglected their families which meant they could not provide fees and other basic needs to their school going children.He says that as a result many children dropped out of school. On the other hand some teachers were interdicted for desertion of their duties. “These teachers were addicts of funuki. Says Mr. Wamathingira.
War against the killer brew
In fighting the sale and drinking of the brew, the church, the government and residents put up a spirited war against the killer brew. The local church leaders decried the brew business during funerals of victims and in church sermons.The men of cloth made humble appeals to residents especially the youth to dissist from the temptations of the deadly brew. The campaign by the church was followed by demonstrations by residents urging the government to arrest and prosecute funuki dealers.This seemed to have worked as the local provincial administration officials soon organized a man hunt to arrest the illegal lethal brew dealers. However villagers say that it was not easy as such. The dealers proved very slippery and went underground. The villagers say that a continued manhunt for the brewers by police however frustrated their business and that is what contributed to the diminishing of the killer brew. Meanwhile church leaders were intensifying their efforts to win more people to church. Many crusades were organized where preachers discouraged locals’ against the brew. All these efforts saw to the end of the reign of the killer brew. Nevertheless memories of the tragedies that funuki caused to this community will never cease.
Sociologists have warned that alcohol consumption in Kenya is a major social economic problem. According to NACADA the national agency against drug abuse, at least 70% of Kenyans consume alcohol.

A drinking nation-Yes we are!

An anecdote by Philip Kagia

The global economic crisis is affecting not only poor nations but even heavy weights such as the United States of America, Japan, Britain, China, Canada among others, have not been left out. Our own Kenyan economy is not an exception.
The government has confessed it and every citizen in our country is feeling it hard.

Everyday many starve and die out of hunger and the general social life is a mere hopelessness. Never the less, a critical survey at our social behaviors and indeed characters sounds ironical, absurd and un realistic as to match the perceived economic situation.

Many case studies on our general social culture have taken me a back to brand Kenyans as “drinking nation” This notion is heart renting and a matter of great concern as I take more time to watch over the struggling poor Kenyans in a gesture to put food on their tables at the end of the day.

At the crack of dawn every Kenyan is ever on the move, up and down, tirelessly hoping to salvage an opportunity for survival. As busy as a bee and as radical in mind like a holocaust survivor, an ordinary Kenyan and indeed even the noble, struggle to make ends meet. Just like president Kibaki encouraged us- to strive to be a working Nation!

Never the less as the day opens up and the afternoons begin to grow old towards dusk, I move around my home town of Nakuru with a mission to observe the drinking habits of my fellow Kenyans. I have picked Nakuru as a case study to represent the whole country because I have knowledge that what happens here is most likely to be happening there.

It is Kenya here and there whether it is Kisumu,Nairobi, Mombasa, Busia or where ,just name it but anywhere in Kenya, it is Kenya. We share so much in common and so much in the market. What we talk about the economy and what we buy from the market are very similar. In other words we are a nation. In my study however I want to brand Kenya –a drinking nation. So read on to prove me right or wrong but I will speak my mind out!

My humble but dedicated survey begins from the CBD of this Rift Valley province headquarters in an afternoon. Off Kenyatta avenue I start meandering from street to one street to another, spotting and counting and of cause piping in any drinking spot that I recognize. I move on from street to street and within two hours I have combed the whole CBD counted and encountered a great deal of alcohol drinking venues and its revelers.

What I saw, where, and more about it will remain confidential in this narration but I guess any Kenyan can have a rough idea of what I experienced. The only important issue to be noted here is that some hard earned cash was being spent somewhere some place! Lest you forget that Nakuru is in Kenya and so I conclude that at this particular time and moment, some where some place in another or other in Kenya,the same is happening.

As dusk appeals it is time to venture the other side of the town. I hire a motorbike taxi and more from one residential area to another with the same mission and objective. The observation is similar and the conclusion remains the same - some hard earned cash is being spent on alcohol and other drugs in filthy venues! We Kenyans are so adamant to change our social outfits that do not go well with the current economic situation but still cry wolf over the biting economy.

We are not being sincere to decry the bitter economy while we work so hard to spend unnecessarily. From my layman’s understanding the term economy means the ability to plan resources well so as to satisfy needs. Do we as a nation believe that alcohol and other drugs are basic needs to our lives? If yes why? And if not, then why spend our hard earned cash on alcohol and other filthy stuff?

The government indeed has admitted that Kenya seats on a time bomb unless the escalating drinking habits of its citizens is plaid. Government statistics indicate that the Western part of the country followed by Nairobi and Central lead in alcohol consumption.

The reports further reveal that the careless consumption of alcohol derails not only the social standards of Kenyans but also economic endeavors. The point is finally at home-why should we continue to endeavor to be “a drinking nation” while we need the little cash we have to improve our lives?

Educate Kenyans about Law

An opinion By Eric Sindabi
Many Kenyans suffer in justice of many kinds simply because they are ignorant of the provisions of the laws of their country. As a result injustices abound in plenty in our midst where citizens of this country continue to be exploited while they ought to exploit the law in order to improve their lives.

From government services like Police and law enforcement, Courts of law, labor and basic human rights, many Kenyans do not know nor understand their rights thus have remained in the dark.

The police for example exploit innocent and ignorant Kenyans who merely live in fear of jail or being locked up in cells. Many Kenyans suffer police harassment and brutality and extortion simply because the forces take advantage of ignorance of law.

Likewise many Kenyans have continued to be exploited socially or in employment simply because they do not understand or know particular legal provisions in given situations. Thus most have undergone great sufferings while more have failed to achieve their basic rights as citizens of this country.

For example many innocent citizens languish in police cells, jails and others even lose their lives. Those who innocently or by ignorance find themselves on the wrong side of the law lose jobs, careers and even families and their own lives.

It should be a government’s prerogative to ensure that citizens have learnt basic knowledge of the laws that govern their country. The notion that ignorance to law is no defense is a weapon of exploitation but not development nor protection.

In countries especially outside Africa and indeed in a few in our continent where citizens are well abreast with law, law and order abide. In such countries interestingly if not ironically, the governments spend less in the process of maintaining law and order. The citizens are also less taxed in terms of Court fines. Many citizens likewise never spend parts of their lives in jails.

I tend to feel that by keeping Kenyans in the dark about law provisions is a biggest injustice. Why should the government continue using law to exploit its citizens instead of developing the economy and improving lives? Good laws can indeed develop a nation but manipulating negatively is injustice.

The civil society, Parliament and other stakeholders should champion for a civil education to enlighten Kenyans about laws on a wide scope. This will ensure that Kenyans will be fully aware of their rights and reduce the un due exploitation being subjected upon them in the name of law.

For example Kenyans should be well versed with law provisions on issues like; Crime, Child abuse, Human rights, marital status, employment, environment, commercial and government responsibilities. The on-going law reforms, the current parliament and police reforms agenda, hence should look into this matter.

It should for example be the responsibility of the police to carry out civil education on law as they are the law enforcers. Other stake holders like the media, civil society and the Law Society of Kenya apart from the Courts, should take an active role in educating Kenyans about laws of their country on grassroots levels. In any society, law should aim at nurturing good lives while a better nation is where all and sundry perceive fairness but never where many are exploited in the name of law.

Kenya needs competent leaders Not must youthful ones

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An opinion By Eric Sindabi
I refer to recent provocations and ineptitude plans by a section of leaders in the country of trying to groom a young leader to take over leadership. It should be clear that Kenya lacks visionary leaders and that it is not a young leader who necessarily can close that gap. Corruption and selflessness that sum up to incompetence have no boundaries in leadership.

Any person old or young can lead this country so long as she or he qualifies. The fact that youth are the majority in our country does not mean that they ought to have one of their own in top leadership of the country.

Every Kenyan-from those aging grannies in the village, to the retiring civil servant, the under age, the youth and all other categories of citizens in our country need services from a government. It is therefore irrational and a mere political ploy to try to classify citizens on age brackets. In our country, in fact all classes of people are un- privileged apart from the corrupt politicians and their associates.

The youth and indeed all Kenyans should be wary of these old political tricks that have all along been used to woo them into making election decisions. We will remember for example the infamous Youth for Kanu agenda of 1992 and of late the Vijana Tugutuke of the last general elections. To a highly thinking Kenyan like me I pose to ask; why can’t our leaders seek agendas that aim at uniting all citizens? Why apply divide and rule tactics? Politicians anyway are people who employ dubious means on their way to power and youth of this country have ever been the worst targets and above all the losers. It is high time politicians stopped playing games with the youth and other citizens.

Let us have national leaders (Young or old) but working towards uniting all Kenyans and preaching development agenda for all classes of Kenyans. Anyone can lead so long as she or he serves all Kenyans with dedication.

Those going around advocating for a youthful leader and trying to divide Kenyans on age groups and other social status are simply applying out dated political tactics that will never succeed. They should wake up and learn that majority of Kenyans know what they want- National leaders to serve them in building the economy in a corruption free and un-tribal environment.

To me these people have a hidden agenda and are simply talking about the term “youth” to hoodwink un suspecting Kenyans. There are so many youth development agendas that have been started but have never benefited them. Let these people know that one can only unite sheep that are grazing in a plentiful field but not the hungry scattered all over in the jungle in search of pasture.