EAST AFRICAN COMMON MARKETS

Re- packaging our Kenyan-ness

I was recently invited to attend a live FM radio interview (as has been the case since April 2006), this time on the process of regional integration, in light of the newly re-launched East African Common Market. This market comprising of the 5 East African countries of Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda has a potential of serving a combined population of 130 Million East Africans, therefore a vast market for all. Having considered and elaborated on the benefits to business and how to venture into this wider market, I have now found myself grappling with another challenge. 

As Kenyans, we have been known to be fragmented on the basis of our ethnic origins. It is common knowledge that we think of ourselves first as members of our ethnic communities before appreciating our membership of this great nation. We have forgotten the values explicitly explained in our national anthem. Top of them all is brotherhood (and of-course sisterhood) which was meant to reinforce our unity as a Nation. We have also neglected the very explicit value of hard work and instead adopted a culture of getting rich quick whatever it takes. We have even abandoned the value of justice amongst ourselves, the results of which are now obvious.

Under these circumstances, the people brand from Kenya is likely to have relationship challenges with other East Africans. Perhaps there is new need to re-access our Kenyan-ness. We need to re-evaluate the values which were intended to identify us first as Kenyans, as is explicit in our National anthem. As individuals we need to re-evaluate ourselves in light of these values and embrace them as appropriate. It is only then that we will effectively interact and be respected by others for the Kenyans we will become rather than the Kenyans that we are currently.

Mwangi Wanjumbi (Newtimes E-Newsletter Author), Manangement Consultant and Trainer
www.newtimesconsultants.com

Stop Press
When Timothy an aquinance came from visiting Uganda  for the X-mass and New Year holidays,  he read the regular posting  of the Newtimes E-Newsletter that appeared in his mail. He commented thus, ” indeed, I expereinced it all. I am in agreement that we should do something if we expect improved relationships.”

Advertisement