Memorandum submitted by Maendeleo Ya Wanawake
Organization
I took note that the plan is now well refined.
Your inclusion of "A comprehensive and effective response
to HIV/AIDS with a particular emphasis" is very appropriate
as we sometime fail to take into account the impact on Social
and Economic Development.
As I read the plan, I very much focused on its
"Social and Economic impact", as this is what would
make a difference in people's lives, particularly the poor. As
I had stated previously, many fragmented projects could fail to
achieve the total yield. £30 million is a lot of money, by
any standards, but only if it is concentrated and not dispersed
all over the place. Development with un-bridged gaps do not solve
poor peoples problem in the long term.
I am also glad to note your emphasis on infrastructure.
If our water systems were improved, the poor would change their
lives. If our roads and transportations system were sound, the
poor would pull themselves out of poverty. If the energy sector
were improved and functional the poor would benefit. Without improving
these basic infrastructures, the poor, rural informal sector "Jua
Kali" agriculturalist, fishermen etc cannot transport, sell
their bananas.
Infrastructure development opened our hinterland
once before. It would do twice as much today.
It is hard enough to address poverty, as it
is but even harder if the poor are illiterate as well. This is
one factor that has made it even harder to disseminate messages
and educate the population on issues of HIV/AIDS pandemic.
As you address ie "the culture of political
and economic patronage", as a cause of corruption, you should
look at both sides of the coin. Why does it creep in even to the
donor-funded projects?
I agree that financing of the ERS must depend
heavily on Kenya's own resource—from revenues and natural
resources—rather than donor-based dependency. Thus, the
calls for the need to ensure accountability will therefore have
to be a key theme running through all programmes.
D3: I agree that strict accountability is
and should be expected from non-state actors as well.
E2: Civil servants have missed out on civic
education and I suspect that they have not bothered to follow
the on-goings in this process. They need to be educated and updated.
Civic education should be introduced in schools
and for the general public who missed out.
E7: This underscores my concern for access
to water and I therefore take note of it with satisfaction. I
have believed for the longest time that access to clean water
is one of the most basic requirements for home healthy life and
sanitation. It would automatically improve conditions of life.
On Work Plan Section: Government should take
tough action against "corruption". Should not classify
"grand" or otherwise.
Concentration of power and lack of checks and
balances have been well addressed by the new constitution. However,
non-state players must be enabled to educate people about the
new constitution. Thus civic education should continue.
High quality of essential services must be encouraged.
Even as we promote "marketing bed sets,"
we should not lose track of also teaching people how to stop mosquitoes
from reproducing, ie teach homestead cleanliness. Clearing of
stagnant pools of water where mosquitoes breed.
Rose Arungu-Lende,
Executive Director
February 2004
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