The East Africa Peace and Service Corps - A fresh sting for Sustainable Youth Development

Friends---

The just concluded Africa Conference for Volunteer Action, Peace and Development in Nairobi 2nd - 4th July 2012 has been a very inspiring event that attempts to address the ever increasing challenges that face the Youth in Africa, Unemployment being on the lead.
I am proud to have been associated with the crafting and organizing of the conference. The main focus was on the role of volunteerism in increasing the capacity of youth to fit in the development of the Continent.

Very many questions were raised by the youth participants, some very optimistic that volunteerism plays a critical role in building the capacity of youth to gain experience necessary in the search of jobs as well as gaining the knowledge and skills, others skeptic about the need to compensate volunteers for their role in addressing social problems that society faces today.

Volunteerism has existed for as long as humanity has been in existence. Within the African context, volunteers have given their services without looking forward to payments. It is however important to note that in the current economic hardships, there has been an emergence of the formal volunteer programs and this should not be free services without a focus on human dignity of the volunteers. Many organizations have initiated volunteer programs and ended up exploiting the volunteers without putting into cognizance their values.

Other countries have perfected the volunteerism as a value (Case of LSU in Sweden, Peace Corps in the States). Being a firm believer in the African dream, it is important to affirm that Africa provides opportunities that fit perfectly beyond the framework of Volunteerism for experience, to accelerating development that is critical to a self sustaining African economy.

Africa has virgin opportunities that are yet to be discovered and it is the duty of young people to turn those opportunities into enterprises that create employment through innovation. It is the dream of many young Africans to leave foe the West for opportunities. However if the recent experiences of the economic crisis is anything to go by, right NOW there are no jobs in the united States, and Africa has the perfect opportunity to leap frog into a continent that will rescue the global economy.

As young people, we need to create the opportunities in Africa, not because we want to, but because they are yet to be discovered. I am passionate about this issue because I am a testimony to the story of volunteerism that has made me who I am today. Having volunteered from High School, to the Red Cross, later for KAACR where I gained my first formal employment. It is through volunteer that I affirmed my leadership in YES, NYSA, and now on the side running a small company - the Green Teams at the bottom of the pyramid approach using frugal innovation. Now with operations in four countries. We entirely depend on volunteers for growth.

The questions that ponder in my mind is

• what can you do?
• What will we do?
• If you don't volunteer you will not gain the experience required to earn that job.
• But you cant volunteer for ever, you got to turn the volunteer opportunity into a sustainable venture that will put bread and butter on your table.

My concluding recommendations at the conference was that

• The National Youth Policy should encompass a volunteer framework
• The National Education Policies should provide a framework for industrial attachment that takes care of the experience requirement later when the youth start to search for jobs.
• All government ministries and departments should provide at least a six month to one year volunteer opportunities to train the young people on how the various ministries manage their mandate in providing services to the people as a lasting civic engagement policy where the young people feel proud of their Government. It will entrench governance in the people.

One most important outcome of the conference, is the Launch of the East Africa Peace and Service Corps (EAPSC). This is a fresh idea, and with the best policy framework in place, I believe millions of young East Africans will get the opportunity to shape the future of volunteerism in Africa to help young people see value in their abilities to develop their selves and at the same time, the continent that has potential to shape the global economy in the future.

The future of Africa depends on us the young people. We all have a role to play. If we don't, no one will fill the void. The future of Africa is not about the Youth we leave to Africa, it is about the Africa, we leave to the Youth.

Emmanuel Dennis

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Blog: http://emmanuel-ed.blogspot.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/Emmanueldennis

Statement by NYSA on the Youth Fund Scandal

STATEMENT BY THE NATIONAL YOUTH SECTOR ALLIANCE ON THE FINANCIAL
IMPROPRIETY OF THE YOUTH ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT FUND

NAIROBI 29th May 2012
The Youth Enterprise Development fund was launched in 2006 by President Mwai Kibaki with an initial disbursement of KShs1 billion. The fund was established by a legal notice under the State Corporations Act 2007. The fund's mandate was to address the rising youth unemployment in the country, as well as provide youth entrepreneurs with capital for business startup and growth. The Fund was converted to a state corporation later in 2007, under the ministry of Youth & Affairs and Sports(MOYAS).

In a letter dated 28th November 2008, the Kenya National Audit Office detailed audit queries to the then Chief Executive Officer of the Fund. The Ministry denied having lost any money but confirmed receipt of the investigation report.

Internal fights ensued between the then chair Hellen Tombo and then Minister Prof Hellen Sambili over action to address the issues at Management level, consequence of which the then CEO Mr. Wario was suspended. KACC was called in but before the completion of investigations, the then CEO was reinstated without any explanations.
As the country heads to the next election, the Youth have become the natural target for votes by all leading contenders of the Presidency, Senators, Governors, Members of Parliament to County, Women and Ward representatives. Action is yet to be seen from Parliament to which YEDF reports its achievements. This issue will be the LITMUS TEST, if indeed young people are priority for them. The time for accountability has come when MPs must demonstrate their commitment to ensuring the benefits of YEDF to young people are real and the funds available are not misdirected.

Mismanagement, Impropriety and Embezzlement of Youth Funds The National Youth Sector Alliance (NYSA) takes exception to the issues of impropriety that have freshly emerged at the YEDF. The audit report dated 30th April 2012 details the misappropriation of millions of shillings from the youth fund in fraudulent claims. The audit, done by the fund's internal audit team, found questionable imprest claims and payments as follows;

1. Weaknesses in the entire system of the Fund
2. Lack of a procurement Specialist
3. Poor performance under contract performance in 2011/2012
4. Engagement of financial sector partners without due diligence to the Public
5. Procurement and Disposal (Public Private Partnership) Regulations, 2009.
6. Exaggerated fuel consumption and misuse of work tickets, and falsification of youth payment schedules by officers of the fund (Outright Theft by the staff) which goes against the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act, 2004, Public Officers Ethics Act, 2003 and Employment Act, 2007.
7. Lack of proper communication channels
8. Non authentic pre-disbursement under the Business Development Services , where some activities amounting to 1,133,500.00 were paid for but never took place
9. Fictitious receipts for county sensitization expenditures
10. Impropriety over 4,231,000.00 million that was spent on agri business sensitization
11. Systemic weaknesses originating from lack of an implementation matrix with strategies.

The National Youth Sector Alliance can confirm that indeed based on the internal audit, the YEDF has been looted with the full knowledge of very senior government officials.

DEMANDS FROM THE YOUTH OF KENYA

1. The current MPs and aspiring MPs must demonstrate their commitment to young people in Kenya to access financial services, profitable enterprise, quality (basic) health services, security, representation (the National Youth Council) and protection of basic rights as enshrined in our Constitution.
2. The Board of Directors, Mandated to safeguard the Fund with Fiduciary responsibility, on behalf of the Kenyan youth must take political responsibility; explain to Kenyans their role in the mismanagement of the funds.
3. The Minister and Permanent Secretary, to take Political responsibility and step aside for a proper forensic audit and prosecution of the staff culpable of misappropriation of the funds.
4. The Artoney General and Director of Public Prosecution to institute full investigations into the alleged impropriety, and prosecute the culpable individuals. The Youth shall appoint their independent lawyers to join in the Legal team.
5. As the buck stops with the President and the Prime Minister, the youth of Kenya shall be waiting for immediate action on their commitment to Agenda 4 of the National Accord which they have abrogated to their shelves.

The National Youth Sector Alliance shall continue to mobilize young Kenyans from all over the country to begin to pay vigil on these issues until action is taken. The next course of action shall be announced if the above 4 demands are not implemented within 7 Days.

The National Youth Sector Alliance (NYSA) is a conglomeration of over 350 youth
organizations, youth sector actors, NGO's, Societies, FBO's, CBO's Youth Groups, among others in the country coming together for purposes of ensuring coherent Policy engagement with Government, Private Sector and other relevant stakeholders.

Signed for and on behalf of the Youth of Kenya.
The National Youth Sector Alliance.

--

Emmanuel Dennis Ngongo
National Youth Sector Alliance (NYSA)
2nd Floor, World Alliance of YMCA Building, PAWA254 Hub
State House Crescent, Off State House Avenue
P.O. Box 8799, 00200, Nairobi Kenya
Cell: +254722619005
My Bio:http://www.emmanueldenis.blog.com/
Blog: http://emmanuel-ed.blogspot.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/Emmanueldennis
http://facebook.com/emmanuel.dennis
www.nysa.co.ke/ www.thegreenteams.org

Do you Have Means? Are you interested in an Exchange Program in Sweden?

Dear Friends---

During many of my tours of the Schengen states, I have come to appreciate PERFECTION. Last year, I was approached by some people who were interested in visiting the Schengen States. I made a few contacts and found a few people who would be interested in hosting the group from Kenya.

The group failed to rise up to the challenge and the year ended.

In June this year , as part of the Tallberg Forum, I am interested in meeting young innovative and enterprising Kenyans to be part of an Exchange Program in Sweden. The theme for the Tallberg Forum 2012 is HOW ON EARTH CAN WE LIVE TOGETHER---"Thinking beyond Our Imagination"

For some time now we have seen a number of very innovative technologies emerge from Kenya. Kenya has been on the forefront of technological trailblazers. Some of the examples are MPESA, MBANKING, Mobile Car Tracking, and the young man who wanted to defy gravity by establishing a helicopter using an NZE Engine. These are some but a few successful examples of how innovation is changing the lives of ordinary people in Africa.

A few friends are interested in hosting a team of Kenyan innovators. The following is the simple criteria to qualify to be part of the delegation to Sweden in June.

1.       Must be involved in a life changing innovative activity that is contributing to the change of livelihoods in the communities.

2.       Must be ready to meet the travel expenses of both AirTicket and Visa Fee.

We will find hosts to cater for accommodation and meals while in Sweden for a period of between 4 to 6 days. The visit will involve visits to the technological companies including the ERICKSON, SCANIA among others. The program for the visit will be made elaborate after we get the interested parties.

If you are interested in this venture, please let me know 0722619005.

Kind Regards,

ED

They are Destroying our Country as We Watch and Cheer!

Wakenya Wenzangu --

Right now, Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto are successfully on the front line coalescing their supporters to believe that they can actually run for Presidency. When William Ruto resigned from his cabinet Position, it was because it was illegal for a public officer to continue to serve when he has on going criminal cases. When Uhuru Kenyatta resigned, it was due to the same provision in the constitution. It would be illegal for him to continue serving as cabinet Minister with the PEV Criminal Case hanging around his neck at the ICC. The question to ponder is this; Isn't it still illegal for UK to continue serving as DPM on the same grounds?

But the bigger question is: Wouldn't it be illegal for Kenyans to sanitize an illegality by electing individuals who are alleged to assume the highest responsibility of PEV by the International Criminal Court to the highest office in the land?

This is my hypothesis:

UK and WSR want to make sure they garner sympathy support so that it becomes very difficult for Kenya to ignore them during the next general election. They are stupidly thinking Kenyans will rape the law and elect them then they do a BASHIR, Continue to rule and throw the ICC and the Rome Statute into garbage while they rule Kenya with iron fists.

The reality is this:

UK and WSR will not run for presidency. It is illegal and the Kenyan Legal systems will not allow it as long as they still have the dark ICC clouds embracing them.

Parliament for once should ensure that we get a local mechanism to deal with this folk. People will argue that the IDPs may never get justice locally. However, there are more people who will still not get justice with the four sons of the soil being indicted at the Hague based court. It is wrong to allow the white man to decide our local issues through the ICC.

My Wisdom :

UK and WSR should forget about their political ambition because the law does not allow them. They will not be on the ballot paper.

My message to Kenyans:

Kenya is bigger than UK and WSR. Kenya is actually a better place without the chest thumping individuals who think they are operating from a higher pedestal of morality. At the same time, Kenya is bigger than MK, RAO, KM and all those caricatures in the August House.

We need a fresh start. We need to send all these incumbent MP's parking. They have had their share, let Kenya move on. A BALLOT REVOLUTION IS POSSIBLE.

Niko Tuko. Kenya Ni Kwetu.

ED

The Future: How the 1 Billion dollar Green Teams Business is P...

The Future: How the 1 Billion dollar Green Teams Business is P...: 1st October 2011 Kenya Airways Flight to Nairobi from Dakar via Bamako How the 1 Billion dollar African Green Teams Business is Possible I h...

How the 1 Billion dollar Green Teams Business is Possible

1st October 2011
Kenya Airways Flight to Nairobi from Dakar via Bamako
How the 1 Billion dollar African Green Teams Business is Possible
I have just finished a mission in Saint Louis Senegal partnership between YES Kenya and UNHabitat's Cities in Climate Change Initiative of the Urban Planning Branch. The mission was to train the Youth Leaders from the city on Climate Mitigation strategies with an entrepreneurship approach. The vision is to create as many Green Teams in Africa that will have the capacity to reduce the effects the globe is facing that threaten the ecological survival of humanity such as climate change.

Ecological challenges that we face today have been approached with an aid based solution that does not work in resolving the problems that we face sustainably. The increasing youth populations in our communities now demand that we create enabling environment for them to to equitably co exist and contribute to the well being of our communities. We need to create massive jobs that will engage the youth.

Having done trainings in four cities of Africa, Mombasa, Kampala, Kigali and now Saint Louis, the enthusiasm that comes with the youth in the cities after having acquired the skills on echopreneurship is amazingly encouraging. It kind of reminds me that a different kind of Africa is possible if we channel our resources towards the right initiative. I believe a business model to resolving our problems is the best shot we got currently. Business is changing the way we do things. It is reinvigorating economies and it is one of the most approaches that every economy depends on for sustainability. So why not do it from bottom up? And that is what the Green Teams is up to in the next many years to come.

With four teams with skills set, partnerships and mentorship networks ready to help them grow, we will be set out to raise resources to make it happen. Four teams, comprising sixteen members each, I am looking for partners out of Africa to be the mentors of the teams. In the next three months we want to raise about US 50,000 to invest in creating sustainable business for the youth in the teams. With an investment of 150,000 in the next one year, by the end of 2012, the Green Teams Story will be at the top of the buzz for enterprise competing with global names. At the end of it, we shall have strong sustainable businesses that will require the right kind of investment and an assured return on investment. At the end of it, I see the teams contributing to the positive well being of their cities, revived green cities, ecological based solutions and employed youth creating jobs for their peers.

Keep watching this space as we get to that stage. But most importantly, we would like to hear and read from you on how best we will make this vision possible. Your help is our most valued resource. It is because of people like you, at we will realize that Green Africa that will contribute positively to reversing the effects of climate change.

The Green Teams is the Future for a developed Africa contributing to the sustainable development agenda of the rest of the world.

Emmanuel Dennis

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How do we save our Shilling from dipping and at the same time create jobs for the youth

30th September 2011
Discussion of the Free Fall Kenyan Shilling against the Dollar
It is a fact that the Kenyan Shilling is one of the worst performing currency just before the Uganda Shilling. The recent activities and figures at the stock exchange and the reactionary nature of the Central Bank Governor shows how unprepared we are in dealing with issues that threaten the heart of our economy.

Lines Gitahi has ably put it that to save our shilling we need to produce products we have imperative advantage with, aggressively export in order to bring in the most needed dollars and in the process create lots of jobs for the youth. I couldn't agree any less.

Innovation in Agricultural Technology
We all know Agriculture is and should be the driver of our economy. Very little has been done by the Government to protect and promote innovation in Agricultural development so that we can take advantage of the most rubric resource that we have as a country. Agriculture will create the Green Jobs that the youth so deservedly need to contribute to the well being of Kenya. We shall promote a healthier nation, we shall stop hunger and starvation and we shall feed the food ness of the region that is in danger of importing products from both the west and the east.

Investment in our Local Farmers
Most of the maize farmers in the western Kenya agricultural basket belt have in the past complained that the Government is not interested in buying their produce at competitive rates and instead preferring to import at a more higher rate and only sell at lower rates and compromise on quality. This is where we need to whip our Government to start valuing our local products. The tabling in Gitahis article of producing locally, buying and consuming Kenyan and in the long run building Kenya is a more perfect example of making Kenya become the hub for development in the region.

Skills Education
Kenya's agricultural belt has a good opportunity to produce surplus for export. We need the right kind of skills set to our youth. So far our education system has relinquished the responsibility of making Agriculture look fashionable a sector. Many young people do not prefer studying Agriculture. They see it as a dirty practice that only the uneducated are to venture in. However it is fact that Agriculture requires the highest education standards and in this case the need to make Agricultural technology as one of the basic and compulsory subjects in our school just like the traditional sciences.

If we fix agriculture as a basic requirement to impart highest level of skills in our children in schools, we shall begin to change the attitude amongst our young generation.

Revive local industries and create jobs
The Government needs to invest more and provide incentives to farmers in order to produce the most needed food products. The farmers willing the long run create jobs, feed their families, and supply products for exports. Investment in local food industries and promote export of surplus as a way to improve food security. This is where the Government now needs to seriously rethink of the strategy to revive local industries that have become white elephants rotting away and wasting off years of investment. Any government that watches a local industry die, does not have a mandate to govern.

Lastly we need to fix the issue of land ownership and allow the youth to invent and make good use of spaces for agricultural production. Most of the unused land across the country could be allocated for free to farmers who are ready to invest in them. My next article will deal with the kind of job opportunities that can be created and the kind of areas that have high potential to turn around our economy and save our dipping shilling back to it's track. This is where the green teams begin to use a business model to fix both the climate challenge and create livelihoods at community level.

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