Awour Nyakwar Ogeng'o - Siaya Senator 2012 - 2017

Reading the Global Economic Prospects released by the World Bank on Sub-Saharan Africa I could only visualize the better economic days of Siaya County and Kenya as these 1950 Albert Einstein beautifully words occupied my mind: “Knowledge must continually be renewed by ceaseless effort, if it is not to be lost. It resembles a statue of marble which stands in the desert and is continually threatened with burial by the shifting sand. The hands of service must ever be at work, in order that the marble to continue to lastingly shine in the sun. To these serving hands mine shall also belong.” Reading the report and remembering these inspiring words made my hands of service go back to work to highlight the points that I picked up from report, my reflections, my dream and my call to Siaya residents and Kenyans.

Global Economic Prospects Report  

The following 5 points captured my thoughts

1. Despite multiple shocks - heightened uncertainty and slowdown in the global economy, volatile and high fuel and food prices, disruptions to supply chains from the Tohoku earthquake, and bad weather conditions for some countries in the region - growth in Sub-Saharan Africa continued briskly in 2011. 
2. Overall, over a third of countries in the region attained growth rates of at least 6%, with another forty percent of countries in the region growing between 4-6%.
3. As has been the case in recent years, domestic demand was the main source of growth, with external demand - supported by higher commodity prices - also providing a strong impetus, notwithstanding the perturbations to the global economy. 
4. For a number of countries, these shocks compromised the relatively stable macroeconomic environment they had hitherto enjoyed (e.g. Ethiopia and Kenya.) 
5. Though commodity prices were the main driver of the increase in export values, thanks to increased exploratory activities, new mineral exports continue to come on stream in several countries, augmenting volumes and boosting growth.

Siaya and Kenya

Reading through the report I could visualize, Siaya County as well as many parts of Kenya that have a wealth in minerals and natural resources. For example, Gold in Kakamega, Vihiga, Migori, Transmara, Bondo, Siaya, Pokot and Turkana and other counties that look to maximize the value of their natural products. Although most of the minerals are exported raw, there is no reason why counties and the country should not explore and enact policy toward getting the highest returns through support of industrialization and manufacturing of these mineral at their mining regions. As part of the Siaya county team of service oriented leadership, and guided by our Constitution, from just reading the report I could see Siaya being able to maximize growth not only on mineral mining but also in the financing sector, local markets, local services, education and reducing employment rate through exploitation of natural resources and development of service sectors.  

Kenyans Abroad 2012 Candidates and Platform 

Reading the summary derived from the report and captured in an article Kenya Poor GDP Growth Compared to Other African Countries, especially this section, (Ethiopia from 2008 – 2011 to have grown Gross Domestic Product, GDP, by 10.8%, 8.8%, 10.1%, 7.7%, a total growth of 37.4%. Kenya on the other hand in the four years from 2008 to 2011 grew GDP by 1.6%, 2.6%, 5.6%, 4.3%, a total of 14.1%. Other countries that showed great growth rates during 2008 – 2011 were as follows: Rwanda 11.2%, 4.1%, 7.5%, 8.8% a total of 31.6%; Uganda 8.7%, 7.2%, 6.4%, 6.3% a total of 28.6%; Tanzania 7.4%, 6.0%, 7.0%, 6.4% a total of 26.8%; Nigeria 6.0%, 7.0%, 7.8%, 7.0% in total 27.8%; Malawi 8.6%, 7.6%, 6.7%, 5.6% in total 28.5% and Ghana 8.4%, 4.7%, 6.6%, 13.6% in total 33.3%.) This spoke loudly that our African brothers and sisters have rolled up their sleeves as we Kenyans continue discussing trivial issues. Ghana as a country was behind Kenya years back, the country has now overtaken Kenya. To read that Ghana can record an economic growth of 13.6% in one year was inspiring as well as telling that there is something wrong in Kenya. I declare 2012 as the year we have the funeral of the culture of impunity. The year we shall put and end and bury corruption and nepotism which is reflected in all sectors of the public and political life in Kenya. The year ordinary citizens like, Awuor, who want Siaya county residents to have there fair share of their daily work rise and offer the voice for the voiceless that has been taken away by corruption, impunity and nepotism. 

The Dream to the Future

Any great article or book after reading leaves one with reflections to the future. After reading the World Bank economic prospects I found myself asking my house walls, “What happened to the great Siaya and Kenya that my parents raised me in?” The echo was to go challenge the young people in Siaya to move further than the Boda- Boda business. To go guide these young minds toward dreaming big and have a big picture like that of Einstein. The talent in many young men only needs to be watered with inspirational well thought out motivational plans for these young men, who are ready, to build Siaya County and Kenya. To the people of Siaya I say, “I want to hear how I can help to make your life better!” To men and women who are unemployed who have been waiting for someone to provide that spark that ignites their spirit to make live better I say, “Awuor is here to listen, understand and find that solution that will lead us forward.” To the mothers and hungry in Siaya I say, “Awour is here to lead so no child in Siaya shall die because of ignorance and treatable diseases. No one shall die because of hunger or destitution.” 

My Call to the People of Siaya

As I finished reading the prospect, I felt this urge to reassure many who have given me support and encouragement with these words, “My dear supporters, walk with your back straight. Smile with conviction of the better days ahead. Every step you make know we are on the move and aren’t looking back. Talk with pride and say we the people of Siaya County are trendsetters and not failures. Speak and say we are the olive branch for the whole of Kenya. We are peacemakers and not ethnic war-mongers. We are a great people who among us are the best and the brightest of the nation. To those in need reassure then that we will continue to help all that need our assistance. To those who may stand on the way of our vision, tell them we will not tolerate anyone who derails our vision. Reaffirm that we are serious about Siaya and will not waste our time talking nonsense. Say we are the voice of Siaya for Siaya is our proud home.  Na tuwazema kwa imani yote yawezakana-And we say in Faith all is possible. We say God is good and great! We say this is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment in history to build our community and open doors of opportunity for our kids. We say this is our time to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace. Yes. This is our time to reclaim the Siaya Dream as we reaffirm that which binds us. The fundamental truth - that out of many, we are one Siaya and Kenya. Pamoja Tunaweza! Thank you, God bless you, and may God bless Siaya County and Kenya!”