Raila: Economy

[amanijuu08]

Raila contradicts himself. He talks of the figure actually only being 4% and then later on uses 6%. He talks of Mozambique and Angola, but growing 20% from nothing is simple, Kenya is one of the largest economies in Africa, 20% growth per annum is impossible for Kenya.

And why should Kenyans entrust a man with no development record to speak of? If you sir, had produced 20% per annum growth in Kibera, I might believe you had what it takes to do the same for Kenya.

[HeshimaJameni]

Raila emphasizes infrastructure as the engine of economic growth. Can you tell us why since independence we have never added an inch of railway line? Is having a single railway line since the colonial time what you call development? It is unbelievable the level of ignorance you have. Is Kibera not part of Kenya? How is Kibera difference from the rest of Kenya? Mathare/Muthaiga where the president lives? Kawangware, only to mention a few?

[amanijuu08]

This is the same single railway line that his supporters decided to tear up in protest at the election results?

I don't think I am ignorant for saying what I said. Unless Kenya starts exporting oil (which we might be doing soon), growth of 20% is unrealistic. It is not good to raise people's hopes with big dreams which are likely impossible is all I'm saying.

Anyway, good luck to Raila. I hope he and Kibaki can improve development and infrastructure in Kenya.

[HeshimaJameni]

It is refreshing to have optimistic leaders like Raila. Do you know at independence Kenya's economy was the same as South Korea's which is a much smaller country and less mineral resources with no oil. Japan does not export oil either! Semes like you want a leader who preaches pessimism? Haven't you heard the saying, "shoot for the stars and you might get to the moon."

[HeshimaJameni]

Jesse Jackson, when running for the democratic nomination for the US presidency in 1984, was told a black man cannot be elected president of the United States. To his critics he said "If I run I might lose; if I don't run I am guaranteed to lose."

[amanijuu08]

You might see it as being optimistic, but I see it as plain lying to get votes. Or speaking from an ignorant position. Either he was lying or he has little knowledge of economics, but either way I don't think he should have said it.

SOuth Korea's economy grew at an average of under 10% from 1960s to 80s, and China's has grown at about an average of 10% to last 20 years. So 20% growth is unrealistic for Kenya I think. If he had said 10%, I would agree that is possible and optimistic.

[amanijuu08]

I prefer a leader who preaches realism. Kenya is going to get 20% growth exporting coffee, tea and maize?? Because that is what we offer the world at the moment. And tourism. But tourism is down, thanks to election violence and world economic slowdown, and Kenya has a shortfall of maize thanks to post election violence disrupting planting. We will be importing not exporting. So let us be realistic. Kenya's economic performance this year is going to be down on last year, not up.

[HeshimaJameni]

I think you prefer a pessimist.

[amanijuu08]

And perhaps you prefer someone who talks big, but can't back up their words? I don't know... your choice.

[HeshimaJameni]

Yes, this is the same single old and rugged railway line that was layed down by the colonialists. And your so called development conscious leaders have never added an inch of it!

[amanijuu08]

My leaders?? What, Moi is my leader? Kibaki is my leader? Who is my leader and not yours if you are a Kenyan. They are our leaders, not mine.

Let us speak in five years when we have seen how much track Prime Minister Raila Odinga has added.

My prediction? zero metres, zero centimetres. Who is reconstructing the Nai-Mbsa road? Who is expanding JKIA capacity? This is not development? Or are you only interested in railway lines?

[geoprisma]

What is the problem of updating our economy to reflect all the emerging sectors Tinga this is economic 101. Most of the developed nations are trying to bring their underworld economies to light though difficult leave alone the Jua Kali sector that is visible.

[HeshimaJameni]

Tinga's emphasis on infrastructure is good for it will boost growth in both the formal and the informal sector of the economy. We need a network of railway lines to relieve our roads from heavy duty traffic in addition to opening up the rest of the country for economic activity.