Startling tale of unspent funds in Kenya
May. 26 | When it comes to utilising our budgetary allocations, I would say that as a country we have what a famous CEO referred to as ‘peculiar habits’. Our actions or lack thereof, seem to defy logic and the natural order of demand generating leads and avenues of supply. It saddens me that on the one extreme we have great need everywhere around us. In fact, there is no use in naming specific sectors because virtually each one of them could use a much needed financial boost. On the other extreme, we have this great vision of what we would want to achieve by the year 2030. Yet, we can’t seem to marry the two and create a bridge from one end to the other utilising every available resource along the way. How do we account for the fact that the unspent funds could actually make up 30percent of the total development budget? Couldn’t...
Lessons for employers and employees
May. 19 | As a Kenyan and regional employer, I must admit that one of the biggest challenges we face today is employee retention. The truth is this; a business cannot amount to much nor achieve much without excellent human capital. So, how do we keep our people engaged? How do we retain them in the face of thriving competition that threatens to poach your very best? Back in my day, we were adequately persuaded with financial incentives. You either got a hefty salary increment, or a sizable commission. The larger the financial increment, the more likely the company was to retain the high performers. However, in a work era where employees aspire to more than just financial satisfaction, it is no longer enough nor acceptable to conduct business in such a manner. Not unless you want to fail. As a result, you will notice that most progressive companies...
You must rise above mediocrity
Mar. 24 | One of the most common questions that I get from young people is, “How do you manage to keep up with all your responsibilities? How are you able to stay on top of everything?” This week’s blog is not about the whys; for they come with varying responses and in my mind, every person must figure out their formula for success. It is about the why nots? There’s a proverb that says that the ‘one who walks in another’s tracks, leaves no footprints of his own.’ Therein lies my drive and my challenge to you. Are your footprints visible? Why not? Why shouldn’t you be the one in your family that excels the most? Why shouldn’t you be the one that stands out in the work place? Why shouldn’t you be the one that is able to define your path and follow your dreams? If anything and I hardly talk...
Engaging the youth using online social networks
Mar. 13 | Almost a month ago I resolved to sit-down with some of my facebook friends and engage them in a discussion; get to know them beyond the parameters of the social networking site and how best to engage them. Not many senior professionals or CEOs are on these social networking sites, a majority of them thinking that it’s a waste of time. However, I believe that we can use these tools that have been created to engage the youth, motivate and encourage them to be better people and create better livelihoods for themselves. To many of the professionals out there, the youth look up to you and are yearning for advice and direction to face the challenges they face. We may not have the time and resources to meet or address them personally but we can be able to reach out to the majority through the social networking sites. I purpose to continue engaging...
My prayer for the people of Japan
Mar. 12 | On my behalf and that of Capital Group family I wish to send a message of sympathies and condolence to the Government and people of Japan following Friday’s devastating Tsunami that claimed the lives of hundreds of people. It is with great grief that I received the news of the earth quake and the subsequent trail of deaths and immense destruction in Japan. I take this opportunity to express my solidarity and that of the entire Capital Group with the government and people of Japan during these trying moments. We at Capital Group have been greatly saddened by the events of the tragedy. We want to let you know that we are standing with the Japanese people in prayer. I wish those injured during the Tsunami who are admitted in hospital quick recovery. It’s key that we remember Japan in this time of need and pray that the situation will...
We need more women leaders in politics
Mar. 10 | I was impressed when I read the results of a recent poll showing that quite a number of Kenyans would vote in a woman president. This comes as good news especially after marking International Women’s day three days ago. Over the years, we have continued to empower women in the society and I believe that it’s time they came out and demanded for a place among the key decision makers in society. The idea of leadership and power in many parts of the world is still considered masculine and while women have begun to realise the promise of civil rights, the signs of success in gaining leadership positions are still faint. I admire women in general and particularly the modern woman who is able to balance her social and professional duties at the same time. I’m sure you are wondering… why give them added responsibilities if...
Inadequate university slots a major gaffe
Mar. 3 | The great thing about our country is that we have a generally optimistic outlook on life. Yes, there may be a few elements who believe that they are doomed to failure and that there is no sense in trying. These often resort to crime and other acts of lawlessness. But for the majority of Kenyans, ‘hard work pays’ and we are now learning to work smarter to arrive at the payoff faster. In my view, there are certain shortfalls that are counteracting this time-tested belief that hard work pays. I fear that they could cause a shift in our mindset and values, to alternative ones that promote a get-rich-quick mentality. This for me is reminiscent of the same tactics that were employed by major financial firms in the developed world, majorly contributing to the world economic crisis in 2008. I am especially troubled for all the KCSE...
