Kibera. Most of us have never heard of this place, the biggest slum in Africa and home to an estimated quarter million people crammed into a space the size of Central Park in NYC. Poverty and violence run rampant alongside a perpetual hope for better things.
From the economy to the history, our blog entries will cover all manner of topics and problems found in Kibera and, hopefully, will help to spread the word about the slum and maybe attract some more help to a place that desperately needs it. And if you, our Potsdam peers, were curious or confused about some of the issues Barcott mentions in It Happened On the Way to War, our blog might clear things up for you.
Please choose an essay to read from the list at the right.
Enjoy and comment.
Dr. Jennifer Mitchell and COMP101 participants
SUNY Potsdam
Dept. of English and Communication
Friday, September 23, 2011
Ambrosia Batten: AIDS on the Rise
AIDS On The Rise by Ambrosia Batten
In the Memoir “It Happened on the Way to War”, Barcott talks about leading a double life as a marine and a co-founder of an non-profit organization called Carolina for Kibera. Most of his journey takes place in one of Africa's largest Slums in Kenya called Kibera. At the time of him just beginning his foundation, he was graduating from college and starting in the Marines. During his journey, he often wondered what kind of impact he would have on their community and whether it be a positive impact or a standstill. His foundation raises money to give it to the community leaders of the slum so they can fulfill the needs of the kids and the townspeople of the slum and help the kids become future community leaders. One of the projects that he helped start was a free clinic in Africa along with a friend named Tabitha. The clinic is open to all of those who are sick with illnesses like HIV/AIDS and in need of help. “Tabitha Clinic offers healthcare to all residents on a sliding-fee scale. Over 40,000 patients visit this remarkable clinic in the heart of Kibera every year” (Carolina For Kibera). One of the major health problems in Africa is HIV/AIDS.
HIV/AIDS is an epidemic that has hit our world by storm. What is HIV/AIDS you may ask? HIV, also known as the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, attacks your immune system that is supposed to help prevent you from getting sick. HIV then turns into AIDS, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, only when the number of CD4 cells in your body drops below a certain amount. People become infected with HIV through bodily fluids such as blood, semen, breast milk, and vaginal fluids. HIV can also be passed from mother to child during childbirth or through breast-feeding. For some people it takes a long time for AIDS to develop, for others it takes less time (Kaletra). Africa includes many countries that suffer from the outbreak of this disease, and it has the highest rate of people infected in the world. “Two-thirds of all people infected with HIV live in sub-Saharan Africa, although this region contains little more than 10% of the world’s population” (Avert). Along with that, “During 2009 alone, an estimated 1.3 million adults and children died as a result of AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa. Since the beginning of the epidemic more than 15 million Africans have died from AIDS” (Avert). The lack of basic needs to prevent the spread of infection contributes to the high numbers of patients diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. In the memoir “It Happened on the Way to War” by Rye Barcott, Barcott illustrates to his readers the lack of resources in Africa to support its cities. The people of Africa go through many hardships and need resources that we in the United States often take for granted. Therefore, Barcott created a foundation to help start one of the many slums in Africa get the help they need to lead a better life. The question that Barcott and many of us have asked is “How can I make a difference in fighting HIV/AIDS?”
The spread of the disease has led to increasingly higher rates of people infected in Africa than anywhere else. The reason for this spreading of the disease is because many Africans who are infected can't afford to purchase the medicine needed to keep them healthy and condoms to stop the spread of it. Another contributing factor of the spread of HIV is their lack of birth control, because of this many children are born with the disease.
There are many different types of medication that can help a person who is has HIV to live longer, although the medications can have bad side effects such as nausea, headaches, loss of weight, etc. Drugs like Kaletra, Atripla oral, Epzicom oral, and Crixivan along with many others are the drugs that helps with the virus and treating it (WebMD). Though the side effects of these drugs may seem extreme, it still is better than the opposite outcome which is death. Dying with HIV can be prevented if the person is able to get the proper medication and maybe even jobs so they could actually afford the medication.
Why doesn't Africa's governments do enough to help prevent the massive spread of HIV in their countries? There are many reasons for the government not aiding their own country but the one that it all leads down to is the fact that they have such a corrupt government. It all has to do with who's in power and the amount of money that they would receive just to do the right thing. In the book, Barcott said that many of the political leaders who would claim they would help rebuild the city and clean up the streets were seen as corrupt and unwilling to help without a certain fee. So Barcott took it upon himself, along with the help of the donations given by many people in the States and the local community leaders of Kibera, to start a chain reaction that is helping make the people of Kibera’s lives a lot better to live.
There are other non-profit organizations like Carolina For Kibera that help against the war against AIDS. Some are well known because they are publicized by popular idols like Alicia Keys with her Keep a Child Alive foundation. “That is why Keep A Child Alive buys more than just the pills needed to fight HIV/AIDS in Africa and India. It buys the essential nutrition, shelter, support and education to help ensure those pills are taken properly and effectively. It buys the things we all take for granted, but that make all the difference. A bed. A roof. A ride. A book. A smile” (Blake). Another organization that I found to be very informative about the disease and its cause was the AHF (AIDS Healthcare Foundation),which creates activities and fund-raising to help spread the word of having safe sex and taking care of yourself if you have the virus. Carolina for Kibera uses sports like soccer to help create a healthy ethnic diversity and to stop the ethnic violence within the community. “5,280 boys and girls participate in CFK’s annual soccer tournament. Ethnic diversity is a requirement” (Carolina for Kibera). The foundation teaches many of the citizens how to be more socially and economically responsible and “CFK offers training in financial literacy, business skills and entrepreneurship for residents of Kibera” (Carolina for Kibera).
I believe that foundations like CFK and Keep A Child Alive are great organizations in that they don't just help people with HIV/AIDS get the proper care they need, but they also help the community live better and create more opportunities. Some may say “How can I make a difference?”, but all it takes is a small donation to one of the organizations that are helping with the epidemic and with that donation alone it can save millions of lives.
Bibliography
AIDS Healthcare Foundation. (2011). http://www.aidshealth.org/public-health/prevention-for-hiv-individuals/. Web. 9/17/11
Avert. “The Impact of HIV&AIDS in Africa”. (2011). http://www.avert.org/aids-impact-africa.htm. Web. 9/17/11
Barcott, Rye. “It Happened on the Way to War”. Bloomsbury USA, New York. 9/13/11
Blake, Leigh.“Keep A Child Alive”.(2011). http://keepachildalive.org/our-work/?gclid=CKX_p43LkKsCFSUEQAodyEgstw. Web. 9/18/11
Carolina For Kibera.“What We Do”. Center for Global Initiatives. (2001). http://cfk.unc.edu/. Web. 9/13/11
Kaletra.“What Is HIV”. http://www.kaletra.com/what-is-hiv/default.aspx?s_mcid=google. Web.
WebMD. “Expanding HIV and AIDS Drug Options”. (2011).
http://www.webmd.com/hiv-aids/aids-hiv-medication. Web. 9/21/11
In the Memoir “It Happened on the Way to War”, Barcott talks about leading a double life as a marine and a co-founder of an non-profit organization called Carolina for Kibera. Most of his journey takes place in one of Africa's largest Slums in Kenya called Kibera. At the time of him just beginning his foundation, he was graduating from college and starting in the Marines. During his journey, he often wondered what kind of impact he would have on their community and whether it be a positive impact or a standstill. His foundation raises money to give it to the community leaders of the slum so they can fulfill the needs of the kids and the townspeople of the slum and help the kids become future community leaders. One of the projects that he helped start was a free clinic in Africa along with a friend named Tabitha. The clinic is open to all of those who are sick with illnesses like HIV/AIDS and in need of help. “Tabitha Clinic offers healthcare to all residents on a sliding-fee scale. Over 40,000 patients visit this remarkable clinic in the heart of Kibera every year” (Carolina For Kibera). One of the major health problems in Africa is HIV/AIDS.
HIV/AIDS is an epidemic that has hit our world by storm. What is HIV/AIDS you may ask? HIV, also known as the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, attacks your immune system that is supposed to help prevent you from getting sick. HIV then turns into AIDS, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, only when the number of CD4 cells in your body drops below a certain amount. People become infected with HIV through bodily fluids such as blood, semen, breast milk, and vaginal fluids. HIV can also be passed from mother to child during childbirth or through breast-feeding. For some people it takes a long time for AIDS to develop, for others it takes less time (Kaletra). Africa includes many countries that suffer from the outbreak of this disease, and it has the highest rate of people infected in the world. “Two-thirds of all people infected with HIV live in sub-Saharan Africa, although this region contains little more than 10% of the world’s population” (Avert). Along with that, “During 2009 alone, an estimated 1.3 million adults and children died as a result of AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa. Since the beginning of the epidemic more than 15 million Africans have died from AIDS” (Avert). The lack of basic needs to prevent the spread of infection contributes to the high numbers of patients diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. In the memoir “It Happened on the Way to War” by Rye Barcott, Barcott illustrates to his readers the lack of resources in Africa to support its cities. The people of Africa go through many hardships and need resources that we in the United States often take for granted. Therefore, Barcott created a foundation to help start one of the many slums in Africa get the help they need to lead a better life. The question that Barcott and many of us have asked is “How can I make a difference in fighting HIV/AIDS?”
The spread of the disease has led to increasingly higher rates of people infected in Africa than anywhere else. The reason for this spreading of the disease is because many Africans who are infected can't afford to purchase the medicine needed to keep them healthy and condoms to stop the spread of it. Another contributing factor of the spread of HIV is their lack of birth control, because of this many children are born with the disease.
There are many different types of medication that can help a person who is has HIV to live longer, although the medications can have bad side effects such as nausea, headaches, loss of weight, etc. Drugs like Kaletra, Atripla oral, Epzicom oral, and Crixivan along with many others are the drugs that helps with the virus and treating it (WebMD). Though the side effects of these drugs may seem extreme, it still is better than the opposite outcome which is death. Dying with HIV can be prevented if the person is able to get the proper medication and maybe even jobs so they could actually afford the medication.
Why doesn't Africa's governments do enough to help prevent the massive spread of HIV in their countries? There are many reasons for the government not aiding their own country but the one that it all leads down to is the fact that they have such a corrupt government. It all has to do with who's in power and the amount of money that they would receive just to do the right thing. In the book, Barcott said that many of the political leaders who would claim they would help rebuild the city and clean up the streets were seen as corrupt and unwilling to help without a certain fee. So Barcott took it upon himself, along with the help of the donations given by many people in the States and the local community leaders of Kibera, to start a chain reaction that is helping make the people of Kibera’s lives a lot better to live.
There are other non-profit organizations like Carolina For Kibera that help against the war against AIDS. Some are well known because they are publicized by popular idols like Alicia Keys with her Keep a Child Alive foundation. “That is why Keep A Child Alive buys more than just the pills needed to fight HIV/AIDS in Africa and India. It buys the essential nutrition, shelter, support and education to help ensure those pills are taken properly and effectively. It buys the things we all take for granted, but that make all the difference. A bed. A roof. A ride. A book. A smile” (Blake). Another organization that I found to be very informative about the disease and its cause was the AHF (AIDS Healthcare Foundation),which creates activities and fund-raising to help spread the word of having safe sex and taking care of yourself if you have the virus. Carolina for Kibera uses sports like soccer to help create a healthy ethnic diversity and to stop the ethnic violence within the community. “5,280 boys and girls participate in CFK’s annual soccer tournament. Ethnic diversity is a requirement” (Carolina for Kibera). The foundation teaches many of the citizens how to be more socially and economically responsible and “CFK offers training in financial literacy, business skills and entrepreneurship for residents of Kibera” (Carolina for Kibera).
I believe that foundations like CFK and Keep A Child Alive are great organizations in that they don't just help people with HIV/AIDS get the proper care they need, but they also help the community live better and create more opportunities. Some may say “How can I make a difference?”, but all it takes is a small donation to one of the organizations that are helping with the epidemic and with that donation alone it can save millions of lives.
Bibliography
AIDS Healthcare Foundation. (2011). http://www.aidshealth.org/public-health/prevention-for-hiv-individuals/. Web. 9/17/11
Avert. “The Impact of HIV&AIDS in Africa”. (2011). http://www.avert.org/aids-impact-africa.htm. Web. 9/17/11
Barcott, Rye. “It Happened on the Way to War”. Bloomsbury USA, New York. 9/13/11
Blake, Leigh.“Keep A Child Alive”.(2011). http://keepachildalive.org/our-work/?gclid=CKX_p43LkKsCFSUEQAodyEgstw. Web. 9/18/11
Carolina For Kibera.“What We Do”. Center for Global Initiatives. (2001). http://cfk.unc.edu/. Web. 9/13/11
Kaletra.“What Is HIV”. http://www.kaletra.com/what-is-hiv/default.aspx?s_mcid=google. Web.
WebMD. “Expanding HIV and AIDS Drug Options”. (2011).
http://www.webmd.com/hiv-aids/aids-hiv-medication. Web. 9/21/11
David Monsor: $7 can Save a Life
$7 can Save a Life By David Mansor
Around the world there many preventable deaths yearly due to accidents,
lack of medical treatment or vaccines, lack of following safety protocols
and poverty. Kibera deals mainly with the issue of poverty. Imagine the
population of San Francisco, California squeezed into a square mile
[Smith, Gibson]; minus the Fire Department, Police, Electricity and a
dozen other public services; being the largest slum in Nirobi, Africa.
Being in such a deprived state people die every day from starvation, and
simple sickness. What organizations are around to prevent these deaths and
how are they helping?
Many of these deaths could have been prevented by the mere sum of “$7”, as
Baba Chris’s life was saved for $7 in the memoir It Happened on the Way to
War by Rye Barcott. Baba Chris, a leader in the community and a working
man, almost died from malaria because he could not afford the medicine
(Barcott 53). The most heart wrenching aspects of the conditions in Kibera
is that children are dying. As Barcott said in a recent article published
on Newsobserver.com:
There are 8 million child deaths, each year in Africa. (Barcott) Many
could have been prevented. Other common illnesses are HIV/AIDS, malaria,
African trypanosomiasis (“sleeping sickness”), tuberculosis, measles and
yellow fever. Due to Kibera being a slum I cannot find any censuses data
and many other forms of statistics, but an estimation can be made using
the national numbers (which themselves are probably underestimated)
compared to the size of Kibera’s population. 50,000 residents are infected
with HIV/AIDS, [HIV/AIDS Policy Fact Sheet] making it a very real issue
for everyone in Kibera.
Doctors without Borders (DWB), is one organization that really tries to
tackle the health concerns in Kenya, with over 400 field staff working in
Mathare, Kibera, Busia and Homa Bay. Throughout the country HIV/AIDS and
tuberculosis (TB) infection spreads, treating HIV/AIDS is a waste of time
without treating TB. “TB is the leading killer of people living with
HIV/AIDS”; this is why DWB is treating many co-infected patients. (Doctors
without Borders). DWB does a tremendous amount of work, especially with
the size of the problem. About 100,000 people in Kenya have both HIV and
TB (Tuberculosis Profile), creating a tremendous deficit in needed
healthcare. HIV treatment is expensive and a long term however, it
prevents diseases like TB and Malaria from reoccurring. The HIV infected
is the most susceptible to falling ill from other diseases.
Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) do important work with health issues;
Organizations such as MB (Medical Bridges), AIDVC (Africa Infectious
Disease Village Clinics) and CW (Charity: Water), help with community
health care and wellbeing by treating and preventing illness. Many of the
NGOs can have a wide impact: AIDVC is providing 90,000 people with health
care, along with a fleet of 16 motorcycles to allow them to reach patients
within 80 miles away from their base [AIDVC Outreach Programs], Medical
Bridges ships millions of dollars of medical supplies all over Africa
[Medical Bridges] and in less than four years, charity: water has funded
clean water projects for more than one million people [Charity: Water].
The NGOs help some individuals, but due to the gravity of the situation
there might not be much of a substantial impact nationwide.
There are a lot of efforts to improve conditions in Africa by missions,
NGOs and Non-Profit Organizations. It’s great that there are such
tremendous efforts to help, they accomplish a lot with the little
resources they have. However, NGOs and governmental organizations need to
have a more substantial impact in the future. .
References
"AIDVC Outreach Programs." Africa Infectious Disease Village Clincs,
2005. Web. 12 Sep 2011.
.
Barcott, Rye. it happened on the way to war. New York: 2011. 53. Print.
Barcott, Rye. "Vaccines can keep our health commitment." The News
Observer. N.p., 12/2007. Web. 19 Sep 2011. <7.
"charity: water." Aid for Africa. Aid for Africa, n.d. Web. 12 Sep 2011.
"Doctors without Borders." Doctors Without Borders, 12/2007. Web. 19 Sep
2011.
Gibson, Campbell. United States. POPULATION OF THE 100 LARGEST CITIES AND
OTHER URBAN PLACES. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Bureau of the Census, 1998.
Web. 12 Sep 2011.
"HIV/AIDS Policy Fact Sheet." The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, 2005.
Web. 12 Sep 2011..
"Medical Bridges." Aid for Africa. Aid for Africa, n.d. Web. 12 Sep 2011.
Smith, David. United States. Kibera: Africa’s largest slum. Affordable
Housing Institute: US, 2005. Web. 12 Sep 2011.
.
"Tuberculosis profile." The News Observer. World Health Organization,
2009. Web. 19 Sep 2011.
Around the world there many preventable deaths yearly due to accidents,
lack of medical treatment or vaccines, lack of following safety protocols
and poverty. Kibera deals mainly with the issue of poverty. Imagine the
population of San Francisco, California squeezed into a square mile
[Smith, Gibson]; minus the Fire Department, Police, Electricity and a
dozen other public services; being the largest slum in Nirobi, Africa.
Being in such a deprived state people die every day from starvation, and
simple sickness. What organizations are around to prevent these deaths and
how are they helping?
Many of these deaths could have been prevented by the mere sum of “$7”, as
Baba Chris’s life was saved for $7 in the memoir It Happened on the Way to
War by Rye Barcott. Baba Chris, a leader in the community and a working
man, almost died from malaria because he could not afford the medicine
(Barcott 53). The most heart wrenching aspects of the conditions in Kibera
is that children are dying. As Barcott said in a recent article published
on Newsobserver.com:
“It's unimaginable to lose your child to a disease that can often be
prevented through vaccination for less than $10. It shouldn't happen, not
in our world of plenty. It's not right. It's intolerable.” (Barcott,
“Vaccines”)
There are 8 million child deaths, each year in Africa. (Barcott) Many
could have been prevented. Other common illnesses are HIV/AIDS, malaria,
African trypanosomiasis (“sleeping sickness”), tuberculosis, measles and
yellow fever. Due to Kibera being a slum I cannot find any censuses data
and many other forms of statistics, but an estimation can be made using
the national numbers (which themselves are probably underestimated)
compared to the size of Kibera’s population. 50,000 residents are infected
with HIV/AIDS, [HIV/AIDS Policy Fact Sheet] making it a very real issue
for everyone in Kibera.
Doctors without Borders (DWB), is one organization that really tries to
tackle the health concerns in Kenya, with over 400 field staff working in
Mathare, Kibera, Busia and Homa Bay. Throughout the country HIV/AIDS and
tuberculosis (TB) infection spreads, treating HIV/AIDS is a waste of time
without treating TB. “TB is the leading killer of people living with
HIV/AIDS”; this is why DWB is treating many co-infected patients. (Doctors
without Borders). DWB does a tremendous amount of work, especially with
the size of the problem. About 100,000 people in Kenya have both HIV and
TB (Tuberculosis Profile), creating a tremendous deficit in needed
healthcare. HIV treatment is expensive and a long term however, it
prevents diseases like TB and Malaria from reoccurring. The HIV infected
is the most susceptible to falling ill from other diseases.
Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) do important work with health issues;
Organizations such as MB (Medical Bridges), AIDVC (Africa Infectious
Disease Village Clinics) and CW (Charity: Water), help with community
health care and wellbeing by treating and preventing illness. Many of the
NGOs can have a wide impact: AIDVC is providing 90,000 people with health
care, along with a fleet of 16 motorcycles to allow them to reach patients
within 80 miles away from their base [AIDVC Outreach Programs], Medical
Bridges ships millions of dollars of medical supplies all over Africa
[Medical Bridges] and in less than four years, charity: water has funded
clean water projects for more than one million people [Charity: Water].
The NGOs help some individuals, but due to the gravity of the situation
there might not be much of a substantial impact nationwide.
There are a lot of efforts to improve conditions in Africa by missions,
NGOs and Non-Profit Organizations. It’s great that there are such
tremendous efforts to help, they accomplish a lot with the little
resources they have. However, NGOs and governmental organizations need to
have a more substantial impact in the future. .
References
"AIDVC Outreach Programs." Africa Infectious Disease Village Clincs,
2005. Web. 12 Sep 2011.
Barcott, Rye. it happened on the way to war. New York: 2011. 53. Print.
Barcott, Rye. "Vaccines can keep our health commitment." The News
Observer. N.p., 12/2007. Web. 19 Sep 2011. <7.
"charity: water." Aid for Africa. Aid for Africa, n.d. Web. 12 Sep 2011.
"Doctors without Borders." Doctors Without Borders, 12/2007. Web. 19 Sep
2011.
Gibson, Campbell. United States. POPULATION OF THE 100 LARGEST CITIES AND
OTHER URBAN PLACES. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Bureau of the Census, 1998.
Web. 12 Sep 2011.
"HIV/AIDS Policy Fact Sheet." The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, 2005.
Web. 12 Sep 2011.
"Medical Bridges." Aid for Africa. Aid for Africa, n.d. Web. 12 Sep 2011.
Smith, David. United States. Kibera: Africa’s largest slum. Affordable
Housing Institute: US, 2005. Web. 12 Sep 2011.
"Tuberculosis profile." The News Observer. World Health Organization,
2009. Web. 19 Sep 2011.
Alieu Baldeh: AIDS in Kibera
HIV/AIDS in Kibera by Alieu Baldeh
Kibera, Nairobi, Kenya, is located in the lower East side of Africa. Kibera is one of the saddest places in the world. Kibera has few or no schools. It suffers from a lot of poverty and lack of education. It’s in an area which is home to “approx. 2.5 million slum dwellers in about 200 settlements in Nairobi representing 60% of the Nairobi population, [but] occupying just 6% of the land. Kibera houses almost 1 Million of these people. Kibera is the biggest slum in Africa and one of the biggest in the world” (“Facts”).
Conditions in Kibera are extremely poor, and most of its residents lack access to basic services, including electricity and running water. “It is crowded shoulder to shoulder and enjoys little formal infrastructure. Most of its houses are built from recycled materials and it has neither a central sewer system nor piped fresh water” (Uniben).
One of the most significant problems that Kiberians face is HIV/AIDS. “One fifth of the estimated 2.2 million Kenyans living with HIV live in Kibera where there are at least 50,000 children orphaned by AIDS” (Facts). HIV/AIDS has a daily impact on their lives. How many individuals are infected with HIV/AIDS? Many, but to know the impact of HIV/AIDS on Kiberians is difficult, because it depends on the angle you look at it.
The real impact of HIV/AIDS in Kibera is a question that many individuals should consider asking themselves every single day. The world should be educated about this daily problem that most Africans face to prepare themselves. It is extremely significant to view the problems we Africans face and to discuss them in order to find better results or solutions to them. Helping out in Africa, which many non-African citizens do, is a gift that can never be paid back.
In 2006, the United Nations AIDS program and the World Health Organization says, “more than forty million people [in the world] live with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, or with AIDS itself” (Timeline). 40 million? How scary is that? That’s four times the population of NYC expected to die in every 10 or less years. In 2009, it was estimated that 1500 people are living with HIV in Kenya ("UNICEF - Kenya - Statistics.").
“In Kibera there are no government clinics or hospitals. The providers are the charitable organizations: AMREF, MSF, churches plus some others” (“Facts”). This shows the lack of government involvement in Kibera. It shows that Kenyan government does not care about Kiberians living conditions. While Kenya has many other clinics and hospitals around the country, they ignore the place where much of the hospitals are needed. AMREF, African Medical and Research Foundation, is a non-profit organization that helps provide “good quality and affordable health care closer to those who need it most - improving access to health treatment and preventing poor health through community education” ("AMREF”). AMREF is among the most significant organizations that are helping to improve better heath in Kibera.
Since government doesn’t involve itself in Kibera, other non-government organizations are helping out, such as UNICEF. UNICEF is helping children become well educated and sufficient to become leaders in their communities. Some of the youth listen, and then take the initial step in helping themselves and other peers. Some youth don’t listen: they ignore the fact that HIV/AIDS occurs and that they should be careful. “Educating boys and young men about HIV and AIDS presents one of the biggest challenges in modern day Africa, home to 70 percent of the people in the world living with HIV” (“Facts). They are just in their teens and they are extremely very hard headed. Some do listen and most of them just ignore the fact that it exists. Trying to teach them is one of the hardest tasks most people have ever taken on in their life. During an interview, one young man said, ‘“The biggest problem is ignorance,’…‘If we can just gather them together like this to teach them about HIV and AIDS, then there is a chance they can be saved. Some listen to us. Others don’t — one day they might regret it,”’ (“UNICEF”). The challenge is that most of these individuals do not want to be helped. This is true for many people; you can’t help someone who doesn’t want to be helped
Poor, uneducated, ignorant and helpless. That’s what they are; actually that’s what we are. In most cases, Africans only can solve some of the problems we have. In many communities in Africa, there are a lot of dedicated workers who are willing to do a lot for their community and country, but they just need the funds and someone to lead. For example in the book, “it happened on the way to war” when they had a war on trash, “hundreds of residents…gathered for [the] final cleanup” (P. 168), for a cleanup that “meant going knee deep into the slums of sewage, waste, and dead animal and hauling out tons of garbage in pushcarts that [was] so heavy [that] they required a half dozen men to solve them out of the slum” (162). None of them were paid. In comparison to American kids, a lot of them wouldn’t help out in a community cleanup without a reward. Also, we see “Tabitha had taken $26 and build a clinic” (P. 165), free for all Kiberians residents. What Africans need is the funds. They are able to help themselves if they are helped with what they can’t afford.
Many Africans in the U.S. avoid talking about their background, hiding their problems, so they are not in the highlight. If many Africans had worked together, we would be facing fewer problems. But instead, millions of Africans are diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, living in poor conditions, suffering lack of education, and lack of help, while many governments are corrupt, doing nothing for the county and stealing all the money. Many politicians stay in power until they are either kicked out by a coup or western involvement.
In conclusion, the Africans AIDS problem is a daily thing that is affecting many individuals and family. A head of house that can’t afford food for its family doesn’t have money to pay for medical bills. Many organizations are trying to help out, which is extremely generous of them. If some wealthy Africans had tried to help out in their homeland, things would have been different. Everybody should be helping out. Because as it goes in one AIDS songs, “today is me, tomorrow is someone else” (Unknown).
"AMREF | What We Do." AMREF | African Medical and Research Foundation | Changing Lives by Improving Quality of Life. 2011. Web. 19 Sept. 2011.
Barcott, Rye. It Happened on the Way to War. ; A Marine's Path to Peace. Bloomsbury, 2011. Print.
Centre, Uniben Energy. "AllAfrica.com: Kenya: Dirty, Crime-Ridden Slum Is Where Mutunga Calls 'Home'" AllAfrica.com: Home. 1 July 2011. Web. 12 Sept. 2011..
"Facts and Information about Kibera - Kibera." Kibera UK - Working to End Poverty. 2007. Web. 12 Sept. 2011..
Kibera-Webster’s Timeline History 1920-2009. Web. 12 Sept. 2011. www.websters-online-dictionary.org
"UNICEF - Global Movement for Children." UNICEF - UNICEF Home. Jan. 2001. Web. 12 Sept. 2011..
"UNICEF - Kenya - Statistics." UNICEF - UNICEF Home. 1 Mar. 2010. Web. 19 Sept. 2011..
Kibera, Nairobi, Kenya, is located in the lower East side of Africa. Kibera is one of the saddest places in the world. Kibera has few or no schools. It suffers from a lot of poverty and lack of education. It’s in an area which is home to “approx. 2.5 million slum dwellers in about 200 settlements in Nairobi representing 60% of the Nairobi population, [but] occupying just 6% of the land. Kibera houses almost 1 Million of these people. Kibera is the biggest slum in Africa and one of the biggest in the world” (“Facts”).
Conditions in Kibera are extremely poor, and most of its residents lack access to basic services, including electricity and running water. “It is crowded shoulder to shoulder and enjoys little formal infrastructure. Most of its houses are built from recycled materials and it has neither a central sewer system nor piped fresh water” (Uniben).
One of the most significant problems that Kiberians face is HIV/AIDS. “One fifth of the estimated 2.2 million Kenyans living with HIV live in Kibera where there are at least 50,000 children orphaned by AIDS” (Facts). HIV/AIDS has a daily impact on their lives. How many individuals are infected with HIV/AIDS? Many, but to know the impact of HIV/AIDS on Kiberians is difficult, because it depends on the angle you look at it.
The real impact of HIV/AIDS in Kibera is a question that many individuals should consider asking themselves every single day. The world should be educated about this daily problem that most Africans face to prepare themselves. It is extremely significant to view the problems we Africans face and to discuss them in order to find better results or solutions to them. Helping out in Africa, which many non-African citizens do, is a gift that can never be paid back.
In 2006, the United Nations AIDS program and the World Health Organization says, “more than forty million people [in the world] live with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, or with AIDS itself” (Timeline). 40 million? How scary is that? That’s four times the population of NYC expected to die in every 10 or less years. In 2009, it was estimated that 1500 people are living with HIV in Kenya ("UNICEF - Kenya - Statistics.").
“In Kibera there are no government clinics or hospitals. The providers are the charitable organizations: AMREF, MSF, churches plus some others” (“Facts”). This shows the lack of government involvement in Kibera. It shows that Kenyan government does not care about Kiberians living conditions. While Kenya has many other clinics and hospitals around the country, they ignore the place where much of the hospitals are needed. AMREF, African Medical and Research Foundation, is a non-profit organization that helps provide “good quality and affordable health care closer to those who need it most - improving access to health treatment and preventing poor health through community education” ("AMREF”). AMREF is among the most significant organizations that are helping to improve better heath in Kibera.
Since government doesn’t involve itself in Kibera, other non-government organizations are helping out, such as UNICEF. UNICEF is helping children become well educated and sufficient to become leaders in their communities. Some of the youth listen, and then take the initial step in helping themselves and other peers. Some youth don’t listen: they ignore the fact that HIV/AIDS occurs and that they should be careful. “Educating boys and young men about HIV and AIDS presents one of the biggest challenges in modern day Africa, home to 70 percent of the people in the world living with HIV” (“Facts). They are just in their teens and they are extremely very hard headed. Some do listen and most of them just ignore the fact that it exists. Trying to teach them is one of the hardest tasks most people have ever taken on in their life. During an interview, one young man said, ‘“The biggest problem is ignorance,’…‘If we can just gather them together like this to teach them about HIV and AIDS, then there is a chance they can be saved. Some listen to us. Others don’t — one day they might regret it,”’ (“UNICEF”). The challenge is that most of these individuals do not want to be helped. This is true for many people; you can’t help someone who doesn’t want to be helped
Poor, uneducated, ignorant and helpless. That’s what they are; actually that’s what we are. In most cases, Africans only can solve some of the problems we have. In many communities in Africa, there are a lot of dedicated workers who are willing to do a lot for their community and country, but they just need the funds and someone to lead. For example in the book, “it happened on the way to war” when they had a war on trash, “hundreds of residents…gathered for [the] final cleanup” (P. 168), for a cleanup that “meant going knee deep into the slums of sewage, waste, and dead animal and hauling out tons of garbage in pushcarts that [was] so heavy [that] they required a half dozen men to solve them out of the slum” (162). None of them were paid. In comparison to American kids, a lot of them wouldn’t help out in a community cleanup without a reward. Also, we see “Tabitha had taken $26 and build a clinic” (P. 165), free for all Kiberians residents. What Africans need is the funds. They are able to help themselves if they are helped with what they can’t afford.
Many Africans in the U.S. avoid talking about their background, hiding their problems, so they are not in the highlight. If many Africans had worked together, we would be facing fewer problems. But instead, millions of Africans are diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, living in poor conditions, suffering lack of education, and lack of help, while many governments are corrupt, doing nothing for the county and stealing all the money. Many politicians stay in power until they are either kicked out by a coup or western involvement.
In conclusion, the Africans AIDS problem is a daily thing that is affecting many individuals and family. A head of house that can’t afford food for its family doesn’t have money to pay for medical bills. Many organizations are trying to help out, which is extremely generous of them. If some wealthy Africans had tried to help out in their homeland, things would have been different. Everybody should be helping out. Because as it goes in one AIDS songs, “today is me, tomorrow is someone else” (Unknown).
"AMREF | What We Do." AMREF | African Medical and Research Foundation | Changing Lives by Improving Quality of Life. 2011. Web. 19 Sept. 2011.
Barcott, Rye. It Happened on the Way to War. ; A Marine's Path to Peace. Bloomsbury, 2011. Print.
Centre, Uniben Energy. "AllAfrica.com: Kenya: Dirty, Crime-Ridden Slum Is Where Mutunga Calls 'Home'" AllAfrica.com: Home. 1 July 2011. Web. 12 Sept. 2011.
"Facts and Information about Kibera - Kibera." Kibera UK - Working to End Poverty. 2007. Web. 12 Sept. 2011.
Kibera-Webster’s Timeline History 1920-2009. Web. 12 Sept. 2011. www.websters-online-dictionary.org
"UNICEF - Global Movement for Children." UNICEF - UNICEF Home. Jan. 2001. Web. 12 Sept. 2011.
"UNICEF - Kenya - Statistics." UNICEF - UNICEF Home. 1 Mar. 2010. Web. 19 Sept. 2011.
Jake Hummel: HIV/AIDS: The Impact on Children
HIV/AIDS: The Impact on Children by Jake Hummel
Throughout the world all types of children are affected by deadly
diseases. One of the most known and widespread diseases is HIV/AIDS. Each
year thousands of children either contract or die from this horrible
disease. One continent that has seemed to have the biggest problems with
HIV/AIDS is that of Africa. Over the past several decades there has been
a huge epidemic of HIV/AIDS where the disease has spread across the
continent like wildfire. The reason that it has spread so much is because
it can be transmitted both sexually and also through blood in syringes or
transfusion. Once you contract the disease there is no cure for it, there
are only medications that can slow down the disease. However these
medications are extremely expensive and also need to be taken on a very
specific schedule. Since they are so expensive it makes it almost
impossible for the people of Africa to receive the help they need due to
the fact that they wouldn’t be able to afford the medications.
The biggest question that stuck out the most was what is the effect of
all the kids in Africa that are around HIV/AIDS? Not only do i wonder
about the effects on the children surrounded or even infected with it,
but is there help for these kids, such as organizations? This is a very
important question because there are hundreds of thousands of children
all across Africa that are affected by this terrible disease. They can
be affected by contracting the disease from a family member often and
infected parent has HIV/AIDS. Also this has been one of the major
problems over the past several decades so getting more information about
this topic is essential.
After going through many articles on the internet i have found several
affects or impacts that the children of Africa have from HIV/AIDS. Many
of these affects and impacts are not good however there are several
examples of very helpful impacts. “In sub-Saharan Africa, approximately
50 million children have lost one or both parents, almost 15 million of
them due to HIV/ Aids” (Rosemary). These are extremely high numbers of
children that have lost their family members. I was stunned when I first
read this information because all that could come to mind is, now what
are the children doing? “Since these are such high numbers theUnited
Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has called on governments in the Sub
Saharan region to strengthen support systems, which provide the basis for
a more protective environment in families and communities to keep
children safe and strengthen families” (Rosemary). This is an extremely
good impact because without the help of the United Nations these numbers
would only increase and more and more children would be living in the
streets each day. With the increase in children living in the streets
this can cause them to join gangs, become other types of criminals or in
the worst case die. “High levels of poverty, HIV/Aids and lack of
knowledge on children's rights are increasing the number of street
children in Ntungamo District” (Perez). This is a major impact because
over the past several years the numbers of kids that are living on the
streets has been increasing due to this disease. It is extremely bad
because since they are living on the street they have no way of getting
food or other things that you need in order to survive.
Some other effects of HIV/AIDS on children are with their school work.
“Child upbringing is not the sole responsibility of the parents or
caregivers alone adding that HIV and AIDs has left many children without
parents or caregivers and there is a need to bridge the gap” (Vimbai).
This basically means that there are many kids that don’t get the correct
schooling due to the fact that their parents are either sick or have died
from this disease. There have also been some positive impacts that have
come out of this such as camps that have helped out many of the children
affected by HIV/AIDS. “In Africa, there is a growing trend among U.S.
based aid groups to organize HIV/AIDS awareness camps, these camps also
try to empower children affected by the disease, in addition to
activities like sports, dancing and arts and crafts, there are also
classes for hygiene and nutrition” (“US AID GROUPS”). This is a very
positive thing for the children because they do not only get a lot of
help from these people and learn good things but they are reminded that
there are people out there that really do care about them and want to
help them out in every way possible.
There are many things that the children of Africa have to go through on a
day to day basis. One of those things that they are surrounded by all the
time is HIV/AIDS. It is terrible that they have to be continuously
reminded of the terrible things that the disease does to people. They
also have to deal with the death of family members because there are so
many people that are affected in Africa. Throughout the book It happened
on the way to war by Rye Barcott he is exposed to all of the suffering
that goes on with a good majority of kids in Africa that are surrounded
by the disease. Since he sees all of the things that happen it made him
want to help out in anyway possible. Many other people have this same
feeling which lead them to start organizations to benefit these kids.
Without the help of these people many of the children in Africa would be
completely helpless.
References
Mirondo, Rosemary "Nation Moving Towards Children Protection System."
Africa News Service 4 July 2011. Infotrac Newsstand. Web. 12 Sep. 2011.
Rumanzi, Perez "Poverty Forces More Children to Street Life." Africa News
Service 4 July 2011. Infotrac Newsstand. Web. 12 Sep. 2011.
“US AID GROUPS ORGANIZE HIV/AIDS CAMPS IN AFRICA.” States News Service
30 July 2011. Infrotrac Newsstand. Web. 7 Sep. 2011.
Vimbai, Karumazondo “Learners Debate HIV And Aids.” Africa News Service 11
Aug. 2011 Infotrac Newsstand. Web. 7 Sep. 2011.
Throughout the world all types of children are affected by deadly
diseases. One of the most known and widespread diseases is HIV/AIDS. Each
year thousands of children either contract or die from this horrible
disease. One continent that has seemed to have the biggest problems with
HIV/AIDS is that of Africa. Over the past several decades there has been
a huge epidemic of HIV/AIDS where the disease has spread across the
continent like wildfire. The reason that it has spread so much is because
it can be transmitted both sexually and also through blood in syringes or
transfusion. Once you contract the disease there is no cure for it, there
are only medications that can slow down the disease. However these
medications are extremely expensive and also need to be taken on a very
specific schedule. Since they are so expensive it makes it almost
impossible for the people of Africa to receive the help they need due to
the fact that they wouldn’t be able to afford the medications.
The biggest question that stuck out the most was what is the effect of
all the kids in Africa that are around HIV/AIDS? Not only do i wonder
about the effects on the children surrounded or even infected with it,
but is there help for these kids, such as organizations? This is a very
important question because there are hundreds of thousands of children
all across Africa that are affected by this terrible disease. They can
be affected by contracting the disease from a family member often and
infected parent has HIV/AIDS. Also this has been one of the major
problems over the past several decades so getting more information about
this topic is essential.
After going through many articles on the internet i have found several
affects or impacts that the children of Africa have from HIV/AIDS. Many
of these affects and impacts are not good however there are several
examples of very helpful impacts. “In sub-Saharan Africa, approximately
50 million children have lost one or both parents, almost 15 million of
them due to HIV/ Aids” (Rosemary). These are extremely high numbers of
children that have lost their family members. I was stunned when I first
read this information because all that could come to mind is, now what
are the children doing? “Since these are such high numbers theUnited
Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has called on governments in the Sub
Saharan region to strengthen support systems, which provide the basis for
a more protective environment in families and communities to keep
children safe and strengthen families” (Rosemary). This is an extremely
good impact because without the help of the United Nations these numbers
would only increase and more and more children would be living in the
streets each day. With the increase in children living in the streets
this can cause them to join gangs, become other types of criminals or in
the worst case die. “High levels of poverty, HIV/Aids and lack of
knowledge on children's rights are increasing the number of street
children in Ntungamo District” (Perez). This is a major impact because
over the past several years the numbers of kids that are living on the
streets has been increasing due to this disease. It is extremely bad
because since they are living on the street they have no way of getting
food or other things that you need in order to survive.
Some other effects of HIV/AIDS on children are with their school work.
“Child upbringing is not the sole responsibility of the parents or
caregivers alone adding that HIV and AIDs has left many children without
parents or caregivers and there is a need to bridge the gap” (Vimbai).
This basically means that there are many kids that don’t get the correct
schooling due to the fact that their parents are either sick or have died
from this disease. There have also been some positive impacts that have
come out of this such as camps that have helped out many of the children
affected by HIV/AIDS. “In Africa, there is a growing trend among U.S.
based aid groups to organize HIV/AIDS awareness camps, these camps also
try to empower children affected by the disease, in addition to
activities like sports, dancing and arts and crafts, there are also
classes for hygiene and nutrition” (“US AID GROUPS”). This is a very
positive thing for the children because they do not only get a lot of
help from these people and learn good things but they are reminded that
there are people out there that really do care about them and want to
help them out in every way possible.
There are many things that the children of Africa have to go through on a
day to day basis. One of those things that they are surrounded by all the
time is HIV/AIDS. It is terrible that they have to be continuously
reminded of the terrible things that the disease does to people. They
also have to deal with the death of family members because there are so
many people that are affected in Africa. Throughout the book It happened
on the way to war by Rye Barcott he is exposed to all of the suffering
that goes on with a good majority of kids in Africa that are surrounded
by the disease. Since he sees all of the things that happen it made him
want to help out in anyway possible. Many other people have this same
feeling which lead them to start organizations to benefit these kids.
Without the help of these people many of the children in Africa would be
completely helpless.
References
Mirondo, Rosemary "Nation Moving Towards Children Protection System."
Africa News Service 4 July 2011. Infotrac Newsstand. Web. 12 Sep. 2011.
Rumanzi, Perez "Poverty Forces More Children to Street Life." Africa News
Service 4 July 2011. Infotrac Newsstand. Web. 12 Sep. 2011.
“US AID GROUPS ORGANIZE HIV/AIDS CAMPS IN AFRICA.” States News Service
30 July 2011. Infrotrac Newsstand. Web. 7 Sep. 2011.
Vimbai, Karumazondo “Learners Debate HIV And Aids.” Africa News Service 11
Aug. 2011 Infotrac Newsstand. Web. 7 Sep. 2011.
Anna Bachand: Soccer in Kibera
Soccer in Kibera by Anna K. Bachand
When we think of Africa, we do not usually picture slums and children playing soccer in the streets. What if I was to tell you that when the children play soccer, they are actually getting the opportunity to learn valuable life skills, help out their communities, and get an education? Would you believe me? How is one sport, soccer, helping to shape the youth of Kibera, to try and change the future for the better?
In Kibera, a slum in Kenya, once a month there is a slum wide clean up thanks to the local soccer league started by CFK. One of the co-founders of CFK, Rye Barcott, later writes a book entitled It happened on the way to war, and in the memoir he talks about the children of Kibera playing soccer. It meant so much to him that he helped Salim start a new soccer league where anyone can join. This particular soccer (futbol) league has some rules that the youth must play by if they want to compete in the monthly soccer tournament. “The soccer players, who range in age from 10 to 17, must perform the trash pickup before playing in the month’s tournament” (Pick up Games 1). By making the children in Kibera complete “Pick-Up Games”, cleaning up garbage before tournaments, then they are taught to work for something they love.
Another way that soccer is helping to shape the youth of Kibera is by giving them a goal to look forward to in the future. When the children look to see the pro soccer players that come out of Kibera, they are given something to strive for. “When you’re playing futbol, there’s this confidence that comes from deep inside you” (Kutchma). Playing soccer gives these children something to be proud about and to help them make better choices to lead them towards a better life. Soccer is a group sport, meaning that they get to interact with many different types of people. Also, most of the leagues are led by role models that will lead these children onto the path of greatness. Looking up to the role models makes the kids want to play better and do better. Soccer gives them an internal power that makes them want to get better at soccer and play harder and study harder.
Soccer is also important for learning valuable life lessons such as: teamwork, hard work and perseverance. When playing soccer, teamwork is important. You have to be able to trust your teammates and, then again, earn their trust in return. Trust is not easy to come by when living in a slum, but when you spend every day with the same group of people and play eat live with them, trust becomes something easier to come by (“Chasing the Mad Lion”). Hard work is also important because when you work for something, victory is that much sweeter. Victory can make the kids try harder to achieve their goals. Perseverance is also a good trait for the children of Kibera to learn early on, because when they learn to stop at nothing short of reaching their goals, then their future looks bright.
Soccer is working well for the youth of Kibera. Who would have thought that this one sport could change the course of a child’s life? By giving children a safe environment where they can be well cared for, learn to achieve their goals and learn valuable life lessons, soccer has given new hope to Kibera (CFK). Soccer is just one sport…think about if we incorporated other sports into Kibera, we could get more children off the street and into the hands of trustworthy people.
Bibliography
Works Cited
Barcott, Rye, and Salim Mohamed, comps. "Pick-Up Games." The Face of Philanthropy. 08 Aug. 2002. Web. 07 Sept. 2011.
Barcott, Rye. It Happened on the Way to War: a Marine's Path to Peace. New York: Bloomsbury USA, 2011. Print.
Barcott, Rye, Tabitha Festo, and Salim Mohamed. CFK | Talent Is Universal, Opportunity Is Not. 2011. Web. 21 Sept. 2011.
Kassim/ KGSA Founder & Executive Director, Abdul, and Ryan Sarafolean/KGSA U.S. Development Director. Kibera Girls Soccer Academy, Nairobi, Kenya. 2011. Web. 21 Sept. 2011..
Kutchma, Beth-Ann. "Chasing the Mad Lion." Chasing the Mad Lion | Talent Is Universal; Opportunity Is Not. 2011. Web. 21 Sept. 2011.
When we think of Africa, we do not usually picture slums and children playing soccer in the streets. What if I was to tell you that when the children play soccer, they are actually getting the opportunity to learn valuable life skills, help out their communities, and get an education? Would you believe me? How is one sport, soccer, helping to shape the youth of Kibera, to try and change the future for the better?
In Kibera, a slum in Kenya, once a month there is a slum wide clean up thanks to the local soccer league started by CFK. One of the co-founders of CFK, Rye Barcott, later writes a book entitled It happened on the way to war, and in the memoir he talks about the children of Kibera playing soccer. It meant so much to him that he helped Salim start a new soccer league where anyone can join. This particular soccer (futbol) league has some rules that the youth must play by if they want to compete in the monthly soccer tournament. “The soccer players, who range in age from 10 to 17, must perform the trash pickup before playing in the month’s tournament” (Pick up Games 1). By making the children in Kibera complete “Pick-Up Games”, cleaning up garbage before tournaments, then they are taught to work for something they love.
Another way that soccer is helping to shape the youth of Kibera is by giving them a goal to look forward to in the future. When the children look to see the pro soccer players that come out of Kibera, they are given something to strive for. “When you’re playing futbol, there’s this confidence that comes from deep inside you” (Kutchma). Playing soccer gives these children something to be proud about and to help them make better choices to lead them towards a better life. Soccer is a group sport, meaning that they get to interact with many different types of people. Also, most of the leagues are led by role models that will lead these children onto the path of greatness. Looking up to the role models makes the kids want to play better and do better. Soccer gives them an internal power that makes them want to get better at soccer and play harder and study harder.
Soccer is also important for learning valuable life lessons such as: teamwork, hard work and perseverance. When playing soccer, teamwork is important. You have to be able to trust your teammates and, then again, earn their trust in return. Trust is not easy to come by when living in a slum, but when you spend every day with the same group of people and play eat live with them, trust becomes something easier to come by (“Chasing the Mad Lion”). Hard work is also important because when you work for something, victory is that much sweeter. Victory can make the kids try harder to achieve their goals. Perseverance is also a good trait for the children of Kibera to learn early on, because when they learn to stop at nothing short of reaching their goals, then their future looks bright.
Soccer is working well for the youth of Kibera. Who would have thought that this one sport could change the course of a child’s life? By giving children a safe environment where they can be well cared for, learn to achieve their goals and learn valuable life lessons, soccer has given new hope to Kibera (CFK). Soccer is just one sport…think about if we incorporated other sports into Kibera, we could get more children off the street and into the hands of trustworthy people.
Bibliography
Works Cited
Barcott, Rye, and Salim Mohamed, comps. "Pick-Up Games." The Face of Philanthropy. 08 Aug. 2002. Web. 07 Sept. 2011.
Barcott, Rye. It Happened on the Way to War: a Marine's Path to Peace. New York: Bloomsbury USA, 2011. Print.
Barcott, Rye, Tabitha Festo, and Salim Mohamed. CFK | Talent Is Universal, Opportunity Is Not. 2011. Web. 21 Sept. 2011.
Kassim/ KGSA Founder & Executive Director, Abdul, and Ryan Sarafolean/KGSA U.S. Development Director. Kibera Girls Soccer Academy, Nairobi, Kenya. 2011. Web. 21 Sept. 2011.
Kutchma, Beth-Ann. "Chasing the Mad Lion." Chasing the Mad Lion | Talent Is Universal; Opportunity Is Not. 2011. Web. 21 Sept. 2011.
Zachary Keegan: Employment Success in Kibera
Employment Success in Kibera by Zach Keegan
Making a living is a huge challenge for the people who live in slums. Kibera, located outside of Nairobi, has been Kenya’s largest and one of the world’s largest slums for some time and there is a reason for it: the economy. The current unemployment rate is 40% ("World Factbook: Kenya"), which means only a slim majority are employed. A lot of people in Kibera who are underemployed (employed with not much work or pay) are still living in poverty. There is help being given financially and in many other ways by organizations from around the world. Unfortunately, there might not enough help to salvage Kibera (Mitchell).
One thing that could for sure help Kibera, or even Kenya, is a well-rounded economy. In 1979, the census in Kenya showed that it had one of the largest population growths in the world (3.8%) (McCormick, Alila, and Omosa 362). Good news, right? Wrong, the spike in the population growth caused negative effects towards access to basic services, physical facilities, and employment opportunities (McCormick, Alila, and Omosa 362). Unemployment had continued to steadily grow since the population increased yet another 3.1 percent ("Adolescent Reproductive Health Development Policy" 3.1). In time the population did decrease, but it had no effect on the unemployment rate due to the still excessive amount of labor force and high fertility rates increase from 4.7 to 5 percent in five years (Nyong'o). This eventually led to steady increase in crime, drinking, and violence because the people became desperate for work that was non-existent ("Adolescent Reproductive Health Development Policy" 3.1).
In Kibera, there is a population density roughly 30 times more than Manhattan with half of the citizens unemployed and committing crimes (Cronin and Guthrie 130, 131). Living in an area that contains more germs than a dumpster can have serious tolls on a person both mentally and physically. At this point, for the people of the slums, it’s about options and opportunities. To be honest, it is not impossible to find a job in Kibera or any other slum, although most have to put their dignity aside in order to do so. Shining shoes, cleaning choo’s (pit latrines), prostitution, distributing changaa (moon shine), etc… these people will work for the pay regardless of the position. Yet, there is still a sense of pride (U.K.)
As previously stated, it is not impossible to find a job in the slums, but the chances of finding a decent job or improving a career are slim. Sometimes people are lucky enough to have connections outside of the slum that can manage a job for them like housekeeping or other kinds of labor. The other half of the time a job is to be earned. Determination and trust need to be shown before an employer will accept a person from the slums as an employee. One example of someone who bettered their career conditions is Daniel Ogola, the first person Barcott stays with after Olouch. Ogola has worked more jobs in his lifetime than most can imagine. An aerosol can even explode in his face and he kept working. ("Always Something New: Notes from Africa") Ultimately he got an accounting job and apartment in Nairobi (Barcott).
People of the slums may be more than willing to find work in other areas. The only problem is whether or not other areas will accept them. This is taken very seriously in Kenya because of the many different tribes and the two social classes (poor and wealthy). Barcott mentions in his book that he sat next to a hotel owner from Nairobi during one of his flights and the man had told him that the problem with employing people from slums is not whether or not they acquire the skills, it is about trust. There is a label on those from slums that they are all untrustworthy and/or criminals.
Kibera cannot be salvaged, but it can be helped. Civilians are the only ones who can improve Kibera, but organizations like Carolina for Kibera and Kibera U.K. are around to help by becoming involved in the community and offering donations to local leaders. If improvements continue to be made by local leaders and civilians, then one day Kibera and Kenya will hopefully be restored. Until then the economy is in shambles and poverty is increasing, making life harder for the slums.
Sources
Barcott, Rye. It Happened on the Way to War. 1st. New York: Bloomsbury USA, 2011. Print.
Cronin, Victoria, and Peter Guthrie. "Alternative approaches to slum upgrading in Kibera, Nairobi." Proceedings of the ICE - Urban Design and Planning 164.2 130, 131. Web. 12 Sep 2011.
McCormick, Dorothy, Patrick Alila, and Mary Omosa. Business in Kenya: Institutions and INteractions. Nairobi: University of Nairobi Press, 2007. 362. Print.
Nyong'o, Peter. "Statement by Hon. Prof. Peter Anyang' Nyong'o ." Minister for Planning and National Development To the United Nations Thirty-Eighth session of the Commission on Population and Development. Republic of Kenya. New York, 4-8 April, 2005. In Person.
Republic of Kenya. Adolescent Reproductive Health Development Policy. Web.
U.K., Kibera. "Facts & Information about Kibera." Kibera U.K.. N.p., 2007. Web. 2 Oct 2011.
World Factbook: Kenya. C.I.A. Web.
Making a living is a huge challenge for the people who live in slums. Kibera, located outside of Nairobi, has been Kenya’s largest and one of the world’s largest slums for some time and there is a reason for it: the economy. The current unemployment rate is 40% ("World Factbook: Kenya"), which means only a slim majority are employed. A lot of people in Kibera who are underemployed (employed with not much work or pay) are still living in poverty. There is help being given financially and in many other ways by organizations from around the world. Unfortunately, there might not enough help to salvage Kibera (Mitchell).
One thing that could for sure help Kibera, or even Kenya, is a well-rounded economy. In 1979, the census in Kenya showed that it had one of the largest population growths in the world (3.8%) (McCormick, Alila, and Omosa 362). Good news, right? Wrong, the spike in the population growth caused negative effects towards access to basic services, physical facilities, and employment opportunities (McCormick, Alila, and Omosa 362). Unemployment had continued to steadily grow since the population increased yet another 3.1 percent ("Adolescent Reproductive Health Development Policy" 3.1). In time the population did decrease, but it had no effect on the unemployment rate due to the still excessive amount of labor force and high fertility rates increase from 4.7 to 5 percent in five years (Nyong'o). This eventually led to steady increase in crime, drinking, and violence because the people became desperate for work that was non-existent ("Adolescent Reproductive Health Development Policy" 3.1).
In Kibera, there is a population density roughly 30 times more than Manhattan with half of the citizens unemployed and committing crimes (Cronin and Guthrie 130, 131). Living in an area that contains more germs than a dumpster can have serious tolls on a person both mentally and physically. At this point, for the people of the slums, it’s about options and opportunities. To be honest, it is not impossible to find a job in Kibera or any other slum, although most have to put their dignity aside in order to do so. Shining shoes, cleaning choo’s (pit latrines), prostitution, distributing changaa (moon shine), etc… these people will work for the pay regardless of the position. Yet, there is still a sense of pride (U.K.)
As previously stated, it is not impossible to find a job in the slums, but the chances of finding a decent job or improving a career are slim. Sometimes people are lucky enough to have connections outside of the slum that can manage a job for them like housekeeping or other kinds of labor. The other half of the time a job is to be earned. Determination and trust need to be shown before an employer will accept a person from the slums as an employee. One example of someone who bettered their career conditions is Daniel Ogola, the first person Barcott stays with after Olouch. Ogola has worked more jobs in his lifetime than most can imagine. An aerosol can even explode in his face and he kept working. ("Always Something New: Notes from Africa") Ultimately he got an accounting job and apartment in Nairobi (Barcott).
People of the slums may be more than willing to find work in other areas. The only problem is whether or not other areas will accept them. This is taken very seriously in Kenya because of the many different tribes and the two social classes (poor and wealthy). Barcott mentions in his book that he sat next to a hotel owner from Nairobi during one of his flights and the man had told him that the problem with employing people from slums is not whether or not they acquire the skills, it is about trust. There is a label on those from slums that they are all untrustworthy and/or criminals.
Kibera cannot be salvaged, but it can be helped. Civilians are the only ones who can improve Kibera, but organizations like Carolina for Kibera and Kibera U.K. are around to help by becoming involved in the community and offering donations to local leaders. If improvements continue to be made by local leaders and civilians, then one day Kibera and Kenya will hopefully be restored. Until then the economy is in shambles and poverty is increasing, making life harder for the slums.
Sources
Barcott, Rye. It Happened on the Way to War. 1st. New York: Bloomsbury USA, 2011. Print.
Cronin, Victoria, and Peter Guthrie. "Alternative approaches to slum upgrading in Kibera, Nairobi." Proceedings of the ICE - Urban Design and Planning 164.2 130, 131. Web. 12 Sep 2011.
McCormick, Dorothy, Patrick Alila, and Mary Omosa. Business in Kenya: Institutions and INteractions. Nairobi: University of Nairobi Press, 2007. 362. Print.
Nyong'o, Peter. "Statement by Hon. Prof. Peter Anyang' Nyong'o ." Minister for Planning and National Development To the United Nations Thirty-Eighth session of the Commission on Population and Development. Republic of Kenya. New York, 4-8 April, 2005. In Person.
Republic of Kenya. Adolescent Reproductive Health Development Policy. Web.
U.K., Kibera. "Facts & Information about Kibera." Kibera U.K.. N.p., 2007. Web. 2 Oct 2011.
World Factbook: Kenya. C.I.A. Web.
Dylan Ellis: Slums: The ever-growing problem
Slums: The Ever Growing Problem
By Dylan Ellis
What are slums and how do they form? The definition of a slum differs from country to country and each faces its own challenges. People Of Kibera’s website states some of the challenges they face day to day: living in one room houses made mostly of mud and whatever scraps residents can find. Most rooftops consist of corroded tin sheet metal. There is no running water, and most water has to be purchased from brokers, otherwise it is dangerous to ingest. Residents have little or no access to electricity anywhere in the slum. Other problems include widespread unemployment and low wage-earning rates, less than $1 a day on average, and that’s on days that you can find work. Rampant disease, from malaria to cholera to HIV, as well as a lack of funds to treat them. Lack of ownership for their own property, as will be discussed later, making everyone in Kibera an illegal resident. (Slum) These conditions also contribute to the never-ending cycle of poverty that most citizens endure (Kibera).
Slums fall into two categories, as defined by UN-HABITAT; Slums of hope are “Progressing” settlements characterized by new, usually self-built structures and usually illegal inhabitants (i.e., squatters) and that are in, or have recently been through, a process of development, consolidation, and improvement. Slums of despair are “Declining” neighborhoods, in which environmental conditions and domestic services are undergoing a process of degeneration (Worldbank, 27). Kibera falls under the slum of hope category because most residents move there to find employment opportunities. For them, Kibera is just a stop on the way to something bigger. It has affordable rent for people without a steady stream of income so people can live there for very little while trying to earn enough money to move on to a higher economic class. Affordable rent, even for those with almost nothing, is a main reason why slums are ever growing. Kibera is also having its living conditions improved, as shown by a collaboration between the Kenyan government and UN-HABITAT in the slum upgrading project, where thousands of residents are being upgraded into affordable modern housing units in an attempt to improve general living conditions for the people of Kibera(Hope). This is more evidence that Kibera is indeed a slum of hope.
How did Kibera come about? Kibera started as a piece of land given to the Nubian mercenaries from Sudan who fought for the British crown in World War I, and were allowed to take up residence just outside of Nairobi after the war. For some reason they were never given their title to the land and that is why to this day everyone in Kibera is considered to be squatting illegally (Slum). A large majority of the houses in any particular slum are build by the resident or the tenant renting it out. There are virtually no building codes to adhere to because everyone is on the land illegally, acting as “squatters”. This adds to the daily danger of life in the slums. At any time there could be a break in, your house could fall down or you could just catch a disease from lack of shelter and a lowered immune system. There is also no protection from local authorities. The police are afraid to venture into the slums for fear of the mob. In Kibera, the mob deals with crime and thieves in its own way, by beating the criminal to death and burning them. Thus the corrupt police are scared to cross the tracks into Kibera (Barcott, 49).
Most slum-dwellers fall into 4 groups: rural migrants, displaced persons, refugees, and foreign workers (Greenfield). It is very common for people from rural communities to migrate to the slums in search of employment, water, cheap rent, access to education or health care, and general infrastructure that they wouldn’t have access to in the country (Greenfield). The other three groups tend to migrate for many of the same reasons, but they also have the push of nowhere else to go guiding them to the slums. Displaced persons and refugees are people that have been forcefully evicted from their homes and must migrate to a new, preferably cheap home and Kibera seems ideal for most. Most of the foreign workers that are in Kibera, migrants that can’t find work elsewhere, are unskilled laborers that can’t find employment elsewhere so they seek it in the massive slum. This is interesting because it throws a different perspective on how slums are viewed by Western society. We see slums as a place of despair yet all these people flock to them on a daily basis as a beacon of hope and of ambition for the future.
In a subtle shift of policy in 1974, Nairobi removed certain building restrictions, allowing essentially anyone to come to Kibera to build structures to rent to tenants. When combined with the ongoing trend of urbanization, this action propelled Kibera's population growth rate significantly, constantly attracting immigrants from all over. Another factor in slum growth, especially in Kibera, is the population growth rate. Assuming a current population of around 700,000 to 900,000, Kibera has grown on average 11%-12% per year since the 1960s (Slum). This is an extremely high growth rate, especially in a place with such minimal resources and poor housing conditions. As people arrive from rural areas, they not only bring themselves to add to the crowded slums, but they also bring their children and future children, continually adding to the poverty cycle.
Yet people still choose to live in such a place. Why? The government clearly doesn’t share the same feelings about living in Kibera, and their own President told the local newspaper, The Daily Nation, that Kibera is “and eyesore and a shame” (Hope). I find it odd that a place that is full of people trying to make their lives better through living in a slum are slandered by their own leader in such a way. Maybe a way to start improving the slums is to change how it is perceived in the outside world and this might help people to understand the true situation of hope inside the desperate shantytown.
So how are the poverty cycle broken and the growth of slums halted? 60% of people living in Kibera are making less than a dollar a day, and the amount of unemployed youth is sitting at 80% according to People Of Kibera. There is not enough access to steady employment in the slums or slightly outside and so residents need to resort to working odd jobs to make ends meet. To break the cycle in Kibera, organizations need to help establish strong youth leaders so that they may grow into the next generation of leadership in Nairobi and start to move Kibera out of the hole it is currently in.
Barcott, Rye. It Happened on the Way to War. ; A Marine's Path to Peace. Bloomsbury, 2011. Print.
Greenfield, Thomas K. Issuu - You Publish. 29 Jan. 2010. Web. 24 Sept. 2011..
"Hope for Kibera?" Moja Moja - 2:14 Ministries. 5 Oct. 2004. Web. 23 Sept. 2011..
Kibera Foundation: Home. Web. 23 Sept. 2011.
"Slum: The People of Kibera | Kibera Overview | Intro." Slum: The People of Kibera | Home. Web. 23 Sept. 2011.
Worldbank. Monitoring What Matters.
http://siteresources.worldbank.org/ECAEXT/Resources/MonitoringWhatMatters_chapter4.pdf>
By Dylan Ellis
What are slums and how do they form? The definition of a slum differs from country to country and each faces its own challenges. People Of Kibera’s website states some of the challenges they face day to day: living in one room houses made mostly of mud and whatever scraps residents can find. Most rooftops consist of corroded tin sheet metal. There is no running water, and most water has to be purchased from brokers, otherwise it is dangerous to ingest. Residents have little or no access to electricity anywhere in the slum. Other problems include widespread unemployment and low wage-earning rates, less than $1 a day on average, and that’s on days that you can find work. Rampant disease, from malaria to cholera to HIV, as well as a lack of funds to treat them. Lack of ownership for their own property, as will be discussed later, making everyone in Kibera an illegal resident. (Slum) These conditions also contribute to the never-ending cycle of poverty that most citizens endure (Kibera).
Slums fall into two categories, as defined by UN-HABITAT; Slums of hope are “Progressing” settlements characterized by new, usually self-built structures and usually illegal inhabitants (i.e., squatters) and that are in, or have recently been through, a process of development, consolidation, and improvement. Slums of despair are “Declining” neighborhoods, in which environmental conditions and domestic services are undergoing a process of degeneration (Worldbank, 27). Kibera falls under the slum of hope category because most residents move there to find employment opportunities. For them, Kibera is just a stop on the way to something bigger. It has affordable rent for people without a steady stream of income so people can live there for very little while trying to earn enough money to move on to a higher economic class. Affordable rent, even for those with almost nothing, is a main reason why slums are ever growing. Kibera is also having its living conditions improved, as shown by a collaboration between the Kenyan government and UN-HABITAT in the slum upgrading project, where thousands of residents are being upgraded into affordable modern housing units in an attempt to improve general living conditions for the people of Kibera(Hope). This is more evidence that Kibera is indeed a slum of hope.
How did Kibera come about? Kibera started as a piece of land given to the Nubian mercenaries from Sudan who fought for the British crown in World War I, and were allowed to take up residence just outside of Nairobi after the war. For some reason they were never given their title to the land and that is why to this day everyone in Kibera is considered to be squatting illegally (Slum). A large majority of the houses in any particular slum are build by the resident or the tenant renting it out. There are virtually no building codes to adhere to because everyone is on the land illegally, acting as “squatters”. This adds to the daily danger of life in the slums. At any time there could be a break in, your house could fall down or you could just catch a disease from lack of shelter and a lowered immune system. There is also no protection from local authorities. The police are afraid to venture into the slums for fear of the mob. In Kibera, the mob deals with crime and thieves in its own way, by beating the criminal to death and burning them. Thus the corrupt police are scared to cross the tracks into Kibera (Barcott, 49).
Most slum-dwellers fall into 4 groups: rural migrants, displaced persons, refugees, and foreign workers (Greenfield). It is very common for people from rural communities to migrate to the slums in search of employment, water, cheap rent, access to education or health care, and general infrastructure that they wouldn’t have access to in the country (Greenfield). The other three groups tend to migrate for many of the same reasons, but they also have the push of nowhere else to go guiding them to the slums. Displaced persons and refugees are people that have been forcefully evicted from their homes and must migrate to a new, preferably cheap home and Kibera seems ideal for most. Most of the foreign workers that are in Kibera, migrants that can’t find work elsewhere, are unskilled laborers that can’t find employment elsewhere so they seek it in the massive slum. This is interesting because it throws a different perspective on how slums are viewed by Western society. We see slums as a place of despair yet all these people flock to them on a daily basis as a beacon of hope and of ambition for the future.
In a subtle shift of policy in 1974, Nairobi removed certain building restrictions, allowing essentially anyone to come to Kibera to build structures to rent to tenants. When combined with the ongoing trend of urbanization, this action propelled Kibera's population growth rate significantly, constantly attracting immigrants from all over. Another factor in slum growth, especially in Kibera, is the population growth rate. Assuming a current population of around 700,000 to 900,000, Kibera has grown on average 11%-12% per year since the 1960s (Slum). This is an extremely high growth rate, especially in a place with such minimal resources and poor housing conditions. As people arrive from rural areas, they not only bring themselves to add to the crowded slums, but they also bring their children and future children, continually adding to the poverty cycle.
Yet people still choose to live in such a place. Why? The government clearly doesn’t share the same feelings about living in Kibera, and their own President told the local newspaper, The Daily Nation, that Kibera is “and eyesore and a shame” (Hope). I find it odd that a place that is full of people trying to make their lives better through living in a slum are slandered by their own leader in such a way. Maybe a way to start improving the slums is to change how it is perceived in the outside world and this might help people to understand the true situation of hope inside the desperate shantytown.
So how are the poverty cycle broken and the growth of slums halted? 60% of people living in Kibera are making less than a dollar a day, and the amount of unemployed youth is sitting at 80% according to People Of Kibera. There is not enough access to steady employment in the slums or slightly outside and so residents need to resort to working odd jobs to make ends meet. To break the cycle in Kibera, organizations need to help establish strong youth leaders so that they may grow into the next generation of leadership in Nairobi and start to move Kibera out of the hole it is currently in.
Barcott, Rye. It Happened on the Way to War. ; A Marine's Path to Peace. Bloomsbury, 2011. Print.
Greenfield, Thomas K. Issuu - You Publish. 29 Jan. 2010. Web. 24 Sept. 2011.
"Hope for Kibera?" Moja Moja - 2:14 Ministries. 5 Oct. 2004. Web. 23 Sept. 2011.
Kibera Foundation: Home. Web. 23 Sept. 2011.
"Slum: The People of Kibera | Kibera Overview | Intro." Slum: The People of Kibera | Home. Web. 23 Sept. 2011.
Worldbank. Monitoring What Matters.
http://siteresources.worldbank.org/ECAEXT/Resources/MonitoringWhatMatters_chapter4.pdf>
Ioh Ransom: Just how Safe is Kenya?
Just how safe is Kenya? By Ioherase Ransom
In Barcott’s memoir, Barcott spends time in Kenya. That’s why it is
important to know the risks he faces for the time he spend in Kenya vs. the
Way it is to live in North Carolina. Looking at this also helps us to know
how much justice the people of Kenya can get. What is the difference between
getting arrested in North Carolina vs. getting arrested in Kenya? Can you
even be arrested in Kenya and can an innocent person find justice?
The crime rate in Kenya is not often documented at all. But the police
system seems to be corrupt. During a women’s rights protest in 2011 the
police were reported to have raped dozens of people, but the charge
against the Nairobi police was denied ^(“Focus on clashes”). This shows
that the police can get away with major crimes. They could even harm
Barcott and get away with it. In addition a 2011 crime and safety report
on Kenya suggests that you shall not drive around and night and even warns
us to be cautions doing day light hours because of carjacking^(Kenya 2011
OSAC Crime and safety report, 4/27/2011). The fact that carjacking even
appear on the safety report implies that it must happen often. From what
has been researched barcott is not in the safest place.
As opposed to the crime and safety reports on Raleigh, North Carolina.
For every 1000 people 5.7 people would be a victim of a violent crime
(Crime rates for Raleigh, NC. Barcott is from a low risk zone. From the research Kenya seem to be a high risk zone. Not to mention he is going to a high risk zone as an outsider and he would also stand out more because he would be one of the very few white people in Kenya. There is also the fact that the police in Kenya have done some horrible things and gotten away with it. Who is to say they wouldn’t do something to Barcott and get away with it. Of course any government would not report their own police system being corrupt. It was not found in Kenya or North Carolina but with the safety reports being so disrupted about watch out for being robbed and to lock your doors and windows^(Focus on clashes in Kibera slum, Nairobi, 12/13/2001) suggests that the police don’t or are failing to keep Kenya a safer environment. The point being Barcott could be robbed or assaulted and the police may not do anything about it.
Victims in Kenya mainly find justice through mob justice. Mob
justice is when your mob gets justice for you. If you were to murder
someone in Kenya the mob would most likely murder you as well(“Is mob
justice acceptable”). The question is answered then: an innocent person
in Kenya can find justice but the offenders do not. A wife that was caught
having an affair was forced to walk naked though crowds of people with the guy she had the affair with (Mob Justice Kenyan style !!!).The consequences are fairly big for small crimes and they are also humiliating. Also mob justice doesn’t have trials they just decide if a person is guilty or not. An innocent person could be harmed regardless if he did something or not.
Barcott is a brave person for going to Kenya because of all the risks
possible there. From going to a considerably safe place to a high risk
zone must have been heard. Just knowing that if anything were to happen
he may not find justice must be hard. Even the people he was helping
there they didn’t always find justice.
References
"IRIN Africa | KENYA: Focus on Clashes in Kibera Slum, Nairobi | Kenya |
Conflict | Governance." IRIN • Humanitarian News and Analysis from Africa,
Asia and the Middle East - Updated Daily. Web. 13 Sept. 2011.
"Kenya 2011 Ocac Crime and Safty Report." Www.osac.gov. 27
Apr. 2011. Web. 5 Sept. 2011.
"North Carolina Crime Rates and Statistics - NeighborhoodScout."
Neighborhood Search for Home Buyers and Real Estate Investment -
NeighborhoodScout. Web. 22 Sept. 2011.
Mob Justice Kenyan Style !!!" Niwemang. 5 Mar. 2009. Web. 22 Sept. 2011.
.
In Barcott’s memoir, Barcott spends time in Kenya. That’s why it is
important to know the risks he faces for the time he spend in Kenya vs. the
Way it is to live in North Carolina. Looking at this also helps us to know
how much justice the people of Kenya can get. What is the difference between
getting arrested in North Carolina vs. getting arrested in Kenya? Can you
even be arrested in Kenya and can an innocent person find justice?
The crime rate in Kenya is not often documented at all. But the police
system seems to be corrupt. During a women’s rights protest in 2011 the
police were reported to have raped dozens of people, but the charge
against the Nairobi police was denied ^(“Focus on clashes”). This shows
that the police can get away with major crimes. They could even harm
Barcott and get away with it. In addition a 2011 crime and safety report
on Kenya suggests that you shall not drive around and night and even warns
us to be cautions doing day light hours because of carjacking^(Kenya 2011
OSAC Crime and safety report, 4/27/2011). The fact that carjacking even
appear on the safety report implies that it must happen often. From what
has been researched barcott is not in the safest place.
As opposed to the crime and safety reports on Raleigh, North Carolina.
For every 1000 people 5.7 people would be a victim of a violent crime
(Crime rates for Raleigh, NC. Barcott is from a low risk zone. From the research Kenya seem to be a high risk zone. Not to mention he is going to a high risk zone as an outsider and he would also stand out more because he would be one of the very few white people in Kenya. There is also the fact that the police in Kenya have done some horrible things and gotten away with it. Who is to say they wouldn’t do something to Barcott and get away with it. Of course any government would not report their own police system being corrupt. It was not found in Kenya or North Carolina but with the safety reports being so disrupted about watch out for being robbed and to lock your doors and windows^(Focus on clashes in Kibera slum, Nairobi, 12/13/2001) suggests that the police don’t or are failing to keep Kenya a safer environment. The point being Barcott could be robbed or assaulted and the police may not do anything about it.
Victims in Kenya mainly find justice through mob justice. Mob
justice is when your mob gets justice for you. If you were to murder
someone in Kenya the mob would most likely murder you as well(“Is mob
justice acceptable”). The question is answered then: an innocent person
in Kenya can find justice but the offenders do not. A wife that was caught
having an affair was forced to walk naked though crowds of people with the guy she had the affair with (Mob Justice Kenyan style !!!).The consequences are fairly big for small crimes and they are also humiliating. Also mob justice doesn’t have trials they just decide if a person is guilty or not. An innocent person could be harmed regardless if he did something or not.
Barcott is a brave person for going to Kenya because of all the risks
possible there. From going to a considerably safe place to a high risk
zone must have been heard. Just knowing that if anything were to happen
he may not find justice must be hard. Even the people he was helping
there they didn’t always find justice.
References
"IRIN Africa | KENYA: Focus on Clashes in Kibera Slum, Nairobi | Kenya |
Conflict | Governance." IRIN • Humanitarian News and Analysis from Africa,
Asia and the Middle East - Updated Daily. Web. 13 Sept. 2011.
"Kenya 2011 Ocac Crime and Safty Report." Www.osac.gov. 27
Apr. 2011. Web. 5 Sept. 2011.
"North Carolina Crime Rates and Statistics - NeighborhoodScout."
Neighborhood Search for Home Buyers and Real Estate Investment -
NeighborhoodScout. Web. 22 Sept. 2011.
Mob Justice Kenyan Style !!!" Niwemang. 5 Mar. 2009. Web. 22 Sept. 2011.
Zachary Basso: Police
Effectiveness of Police in Nairobi, Kenya, by Zachary Basso
Violence and crime is a major dilemma in Africa’s country of Kenya, and
has been for decades. In specific cities, violence has spiraled out of
control. Kenya’s population in 2010 was 36,287,423 (Van Der Heyden,).
Currently law enforcement in some of these cities is insufficient, in
comparison to the number of people. Establishment of order is arduous for
the police, in cities so densely populated. The crime-ridden city of
Nairobi in Kenya is home to one of Africa’s most violent urban cultures,
and 3,240,155 citizens.( Van Der Heyden,). Can police in Nairobi be
trusted to protect its people, and prevent crime and violence effectively?
What obstacles do they face in trying to do this?
These loaded questions have tremendous importance, both to inhabitants of
Africa and human beings around the world, because of the horrifying things
that go on in Nairobi. Countless lives are taken every day, and crime
plagues Nairobi like a virus plagues the body. Police in any city are
essential for safety to its people and the people’s confidence in that
police force is of paramount importance. According to the Kenyan police
website, their “Mission” is “To reduce crime and promote development by
providing high quality police service through: Upholding and applying the
law fairly, and firmly, and creating/ maintaining community soldiers
through corporations with police and local leaders” (“Our Mission”).
Although this is their “Mission”, the citizens’ impression of police in
Nairobi is filled with wariness and doubt. The citizens’ distrust doesn’t
happen for no reason; if they could trust police, they would.
The prevalence of violence and crime are in Nairobi leave the citizenry
constantly on edge. A New York Times article on Nairobi said, “More than
one third of Nairobi’s residences were robbed with a threat of force over
the last year, and half of those who live in the sprawling city hear
gunfire, the study says” (Lacey). With danger of this caliber, there’s an
obvious need for police presence, which is grossly inadequate. Despite
their need for protection, most of Nairobi’s citizens do not trust the
police. During a survey of 8621 Nairobi citizens, “98% say the police are
corrupt” (Lacey). With all of the chaos and turmoil going on within the
city, and no trustworthy police to confide in, there is a vacuum in the
demand for protection.
Considering the high level of danger, and the heavy distrust in police, it
becomes the citizen’s job to find resolutions for themselves, which
includes militias, gangs, mobs, and vigilantes. Police support some
vigilante groups, and militias, but just like the police they are not
trustworthy and are sometimes are equally corrupt. Mobs and gangs at least
are more akin to the citizens’ feelings and give the illusion of being
more worthy of trust. This encourages this form of protection, rather
than that of police. Nairobi’s people trusting some of these groups who
participate in crime themselves, over its police force, underscores the
people’s distrust in traditional law enforcement.
The underlying theme in the protection dilemma is corruption. Corruption
flows from the top of the Kenyan government. “The activity of militias,
vigilantes, and gangs supported by leading politicians playing a game of
divide and rule as they vie for political supremacy makes this all the
more worrying” (Daniels). These gangs political ties allow them to lobby
for elected officials, and to have funding for their group. During my
research it was unclear as to how these groups are recruited, and when
recruited how are they compensated. One can assume they are approached and
bribed to vie for that politician’s position. These groups may provide
some safety for citizens, but there is obviously more than one group.
Because each group has a different cause, or a different political backing
there are clashes between them. “Inter-gang fighting and clashes have
occurred in Nairobi, fighting in 2006 between Mungiki and an ethnic Luo
gang called Taliban caused several deaths, displacing at least 9,000 in a
dispute over control of a lucrative illicit brew market in Mathare”
(Daniels). Kenyan security services hire some groups of vigilantes in the
city to assist police. Despite this, some of the mobs such as the Mungiki
are too powerful, and have too much political influence to eradicate.
“Professor Philip Alston published a report calling for the sacking of
Police Commissioner, Major General Hussein Ali, and the resignation of
Attorney General, Amos Wako. Detailing his findings on extrajudicial
killings in Kenya, Alston accused the Police Commissioner, the Attorney
General and the judiciary of perpetrating, aiding and abetting impunity”
(Daniels).
In the end, corruption of police and government in Nairobi prevents both
the local police force and its vigilante counterpart groups from having
any legitimate effect on crime. This happens because of a lack of trust in
police by citizens, and police not having the means to apprehend crime and
violence. “Law enforcement and the criminal justice institutions are
largely unable to cope with the level of criminal activities due to lack
of equipment and poor training, which contribute to the perception of them
being considered unprofessional and incapable of stemming the tide of
criminal activities in the city” (“Nairobi: Crime and the City”). Between
the police supported groups, and the mobs and gangs, there is constant
clashing. With all of this conflicting power, citizens are thrown into the
danger, when they were looking for protection in the first place. Further
government influence is needed to make Nairobi law enforcement more
effective. With different political groups supporting different gangs,
militias, or ideas, there is a sort of civil war going on.
Nairobi’s constant violence and fighting reminds me of how fortunate I am,
to live in America. Most Americans, me included, cannot understand the
level of danger in Nairobi faced by everyday person. Being worried about
protection in my community is something I have never experienced.
Unfortunately citizens of Nairobi have to deal with this, which makes me
appreciate my life more, and I hope others would feel the same. After my
research, I have concluded that police don’t have a positive effect on
Nairobi’s citizens, or its crime and violence. This is a result of the
many obstacles police face in trying to achieve order. These include
corruption in government, insufficient numbers of police, gang, and mob
activity, the overwhelming amount of crime and ruthless violence. With
gang’s fighting rival gangs, and mob’s fighting rival mobs, the police
almost add to the chaos, by adding another group in the fight. Instead of
stopping the problem, they exacerbate it further. Hopefully future
government leaders will instill a form of trust in people regarding
police, and can stop the corruption and, eventually, the violence.
Work Cited:
1.) Daniels, Nicholas “Militias, Gangs, and Vigilantes in Kenya: “The
Consequences of Abandoning the Reform Agenda.” Opendemocracy.net Web. 21
Sept. 2011. http://www.unhabitat.org
2.) Marc Lacey “U.N. Study says Nairobi is Inundated with crime”-N.Y.
Times newspaper, Published: Nov 29, 2001.
3.) “Nairobi: Crime and the City.” Un-habitat.:. Home. United Nations.
Web. Sept. 2011. http://www.unhabitat.org
4.) “Our Mission”, “Welcome to the Kenya Police Website. Web. 21 Sept.
2011. http://www.kenyapolice.go.ke>
5.) Tibaijuka, Anna. “Crime in Nairobi”, Web. 21 Sept 2011
http://www.opendemocracy.net
6.) Van Der Heyden, Johan. “Kenya.” Geohive- Population Statistics. Johan
Van Der Heyden, 2000. Web 21 Sept 2011 http://www.geohive.com
Violence and crime is a major dilemma in Africa’s country of Kenya, and
has been for decades. In specific cities, violence has spiraled out of
control. Kenya’s population in 2010 was 36,287,423 (Van Der Heyden,).
Currently law enforcement in some of these cities is insufficient, in
comparison to the number of people. Establishment of order is arduous for
the police, in cities so densely populated. The crime-ridden city of
Nairobi in Kenya is home to one of Africa’s most violent urban cultures,
and 3,240,155 citizens.( Van Der Heyden,). Can police in Nairobi be
trusted to protect its people, and prevent crime and violence effectively?
What obstacles do they face in trying to do this?
These loaded questions have tremendous importance, both to inhabitants of
Africa and human beings around the world, because of the horrifying things
that go on in Nairobi. Countless lives are taken every day, and crime
plagues Nairobi like a virus plagues the body. Police in any city are
essential for safety to its people and the people’s confidence in that
police force is of paramount importance. According to the Kenyan police
website, their “Mission” is “To reduce crime and promote development by
providing high quality police service through: Upholding and applying the
law fairly, and firmly, and creating/ maintaining community soldiers
through corporations with police and local leaders” (“Our Mission”).
Although this is their “Mission”, the citizens’ impression of police in
Nairobi is filled with wariness and doubt. The citizens’ distrust doesn’t
happen for no reason; if they could trust police, they would.
The prevalence of violence and crime are in Nairobi leave the citizenry
constantly on edge. A New York Times article on Nairobi said, “More than
one third of Nairobi’s residences were robbed with a threat of force over
the last year, and half of those who live in the sprawling city hear
gunfire, the study says” (Lacey). With danger of this caliber, there’s an
obvious need for police presence, which is grossly inadequate. Despite
their need for protection, most of Nairobi’s citizens do not trust the
police. During a survey of 8621 Nairobi citizens, “98% say the police are
corrupt” (Lacey). With all of the chaos and turmoil going on within the
city, and no trustworthy police to confide in, there is a vacuum in the
demand for protection.
Considering the high level of danger, and the heavy distrust in police, it
becomes the citizen’s job to find resolutions for themselves, which
includes militias, gangs, mobs, and vigilantes. Police support some
vigilante groups, and militias, but just like the police they are not
trustworthy and are sometimes are equally corrupt. Mobs and gangs at least
are more akin to the citizens’ feelings and give the illusion of being
more worthy of trust. This encourages this form of protection, rather
than that of police. Nairobi’s people trusting some of these groups who
participate in crime themselves, over its police force, underscores the
people’s distrust in traditional law enforcement.
The underlying theme in the protection dilemma is corruption. Corruption
flows from the top of the Kenyan government. “The activity of militias,
vigilantes, and gangs supported by leading politicians playing a game of
divide and rule as they vie for political supremacy makes this all the
more worrying” (Daniels). These gangs political ties allow them to lobby
for elected officials, and to have funding for their group. During my
research it was unclear as to how these groups are recruited, and when
recruited how are they compensated. One can assume they are approached and
bribed to vie for that politician’s position. These groups may provide
some safety for citizens, but there is obviously more than one group.
Because each group has a different cause, or a different political backing
there are clashes between them. “Inter-gang fighting and clashes have
occurred in Nairobi, fighting in 2006 between Mungiki and an ethnic Luo
gang called Taliban caused several deaths, displacing at least 9,000 in a
dispute over control of a lucrative illicit brew market in Mathare”
(Daniels). Kenyan security services hire some groups of vigilantes in the
city to assist police. Despite this, some of the mobs such as the Mungiki
are too powerful, and have too much political influence to eradicate.
“Professor Philip Alston published a report calling for the sacking of
Police Commissioner, Major General Hussein Ali, and the resignation of
Attorney General, Amos Wako. Detailing his findings on extrajudicial
killings in Kenya, Alston accused the Police Commissioner, the Attorney
General and the judiciary of perpetrating, aiding and abetting impunity”
(Daniels).
In the end, corruption of police and government in Nairobi prevents both
the local police force and its vigilante counterpart groups from having
any legitimate effect on crime. This happens because of a lack of trust in
police by citizens, and police not having the means to apprehend crime and
violence. “Law enforcement and the criminal justice institutions are
largely unable to cope with the level of criminal activities due to lack
of equipment and poor training, which contribute to the perception of them
being considered unprofessional and incapable of stemming the tide of
criminal activities in the city” (“Nairobi: Crime and the City”). Between
the police supported groups, and the mobs and gangs, there is constant
clashing. With all of this conflicting power, citizens are thrown into the
danger, when they were looking for protection in the first place. Further
government influence is needed to make Nairobi law enforcement more
effective. With different political groups supporting different gangs,
militias, or ideas, there is a sort of civil war going on.
Nairobi’s constant violence and fighting reminds me of how fortunate I am,
to live in America. Most Americans, me included, cannot understand the
level of danger in Nairobi faced by everyday person. Being worried about
protection in my community is something I have never experienced.
Unfortunately citizens of Nairobi have to deal with this, which makes me
appreciate my life more, and I hope others would feel the same. After my
research, I have concluded that police don’t have a positive effect on
Nairobi’s citizens, or its crime and violence. This is a result of the
many obstacles police face in trying to achieve order. These include
corruption in government, insufficient numbers of police, gang, and mob
activity, the overwhelming amount of crime and ruthless violence. With
gang’s fighting rival gangs, and mob’s fighting rival mobs, the police
almost add to the chaos, by adding another group in the fight. Instead of
stopping the problem, they exacerbate it further. Hopefully future
government leaders will instill a form of trust in people regarding
police, and can stop the corruption and, eventually, the violence.
Work Cited:
1.) Daniels, Nicholas “Militias, Gangs, and Vigilantes in Kenya: “The
Consequences of Abandoning the Reform Agenda.” Opendemocracy.net Web. 21
Sept. 2011. http://www.unhabitat.org
2.) Marc Lacey “U.N. Study says Nairobi is Inundated with crime”-N.Y.
Times newspaper, Published: Nov 29, 2001.
3.) “Nairobi: Crime and the City.” Un-habitat.:. Home. United Nations.
Web. Sept. 2011. http://www.unhabitat.org
4.) “Our Mission”, “Welcome to the Kenya Police Website. Web. 21 Sept.
2011. http://www.kenyapolice.go.ke>
5.) Tibaijuka, Anna. “Crime in Nairobi”, Web. 21 Sept 2011
http://www.opendemocracy.net
6.) Van Der Heyden, Johan. “Kenya.” Geohive- Population Statistics. Johan
Van Der Heyden, 2000. Web 21 Sept 2011 http://www.geohive.com
Conor O'Brien: Tribalism: The plague on Kenyan unity
Tribalism: The Plague on Kenyan Unity by Conor O’Brien
What role has tribalism played in influencing Kenya’s development as a country? Tribalism is one of the largest influences in Kenya; it is a unique force in Africa as people often feel stronger ties to their ethnic group than to their nation as a whole. Understanding tribalism leads to understanding the people who inhabit Kenya, especially their lives and interactions. Tribalism is also one of the main contributing factors to ethnic violence, so to understand ethnic violence one must understand tribalism. Learning about tribalism enables understanding of the influence it plays in culture, politics, and ethnic strife in Africa as a whole.
Merriam-Webster defines tribalism as “tribal consciousness and loyalty; especially : exaltation of the tribe above other groups.” This means people are tied to their tribe above all else. Tribes are unique cultural groups which have their own languages, customs, and traditions completely separate to those around them.
These strong ties to cultural heritage were acceptable before Europeans arrived. People lived on their ancestral lands and continued a traditional life; however once the colonial era began this changed. “It was not until the colonial era began in earnest, a century ago [1888], that tribes were brought together in plantation labor, in city life, and in a state where all were suddenly recognized as Sudanese or Nigerians or Cameroonians” ( qtd in Kavulla). The change for Africans was rapid, and there was no chance to adjust to the new style of life: suddenly they were thrown into close proximity with other tribes who had completely dissimilar cultures. After centuries of a traditional tribal existence suddenly people were members of nations.
Then the process of condensing Africans into modern cities began. These cities were created by European imperialists to control their interests. With this process, underway Africans had no chance to assimilate so they stuck to their tribal heritage and continued with traditions, but now they were surrounded by other tribal groups in close proximity. This problem was compounded when the imperialist powers began to stake their claims across the continent.
Africa was divvied up by the colonial powers at the Berlin Conference of 1884 with complete disregard for tribal lands. Ridiculous borders were imposed all across Africa, completely negating the complex relations of the innumerable tribes on the continent. Borders cut across homogenous ethnic groups dividing the tribes into two separate countries, also encasing quarreling tribes or past enemies into the same unitary state (“Carving Up Africa” 12). This complete disregard for the influence of tribalism while creating borders which still exist today has directly led to more bloodshed than will ever be known.
Today the influence of the past is still felt in Kenya where people still are divided by the influence of tribalism creating a plethora of political and cultural issues which has led to a long history of ethnic strife. The population of Kenya broken up by ethnicity is Kikuyu 22%, Luhya 14%, Luo 13%, Kalenjin 12%, Kamba 11%, Kisii 6%, Meru 6%, other African 15%, non-African (Asian, European, and Arab) 1% (CIA World Fact Book). The general attitude of people in Kenya towards other tribes is that of bigotry and racism. Oluoch exemplifies this in It Happened on the Way to War by stating general stereotypes and practices of each group. For instance The Kikuyu only care about money and can’t be trusted, Nubians are lazy for they maintain their existence through renting the land in Kibera to others, and the Luo his own cultural group are smart and stuborn (Barcott 50).
Another example Barcott gives which supports this is the story of how Salim was treated at his grandmother’s funeral for being Muslim. Despite the fact he was born Kikuyu his family members tried to bar him from wearing a white patch and spreading soil on her grave both traditions reserved for family members (Barcott 159). This general acceptance of bigotry in society shows how even in more modern African countries, like Kenya, people are completely segregated due to the influence of tribalism. Even in cities like Nairobi people prefer to interact exclusively with their tribal members Travis Kavulla talks about how his taxi driver a Kikuyu will do small interactions with a member of another tribe, but he would never socialize, do a major trade, employ, or let one of his kin marry one (Kavulla). Despite over fifty years of independence from Brittan tribalism still divides Kenya as a whole people are still segregated by tribal lines in society. There is no sense of nationalism or unity: the only thing members of a tribe are concerned about is their tribe’s interests. This leads to large divides and the misrepresentation of the majority of Kenyans politically which often leads to ethnic clashes (Kavulla).
Since the implementation of democracy in Kenya with the election of Jomo Kenyatta (a Kikuyu) tribalism has been engrained in politics. Originally the Kenyan constitution stated that the central government would be a bicameral multi-party institution with regional governments called majimbos. However this was not long lived. In a grab for more power Kenyatta halted the flow of financial resources from the central government to the majimbos which led to the dissolution of regional governance and the creation of an all-powerful centralized imperial presidency with an absolute leader. Kenyatta continued political oppression. The limitation of democratic rights continued with the removal of political parties from the constitution making Kenyatta’s party the KANU the sole power holders (Kimundi 86-87).
In 1990 there were moves towards further democratization. Two former cabinet ministers Kenneth Matiba and Charles Rubia (both Kikuyu) called for dissolution of parliament, a referendum on the country’s future, and a public rally at the Kamukunji grounds on July 7th, 1990. They were arrested three days before the rally, but the people weren’t deterred:
These events were not in vain though as the protests brought the situation in Kenya to the attention of the international community. In December 1991 Kenya returned to a multiparty democracy. The parties that were formed after this were not democratic in nature: instead of being formed on a platform of ideals they followed the same tribal lines as the government they were so opposed to.
President Daniel arap Moi responded to the democratization attempts by “pursuing a policy of state ‘informiliation’ characterized by looting Kenyan public funds, and by transforming some of Kenya’s gangs into ethnic militias as a means to hold onto power” (Kimundi 90). This, along with a long economic downturn, led to a period of gang violence and ethnic cleansing lasting from 1991-1998. In 1997 Daniel arap Moi and KANU won the election continuing his 24 years of despotic rule. Moi attempted to create a KANU refuge in his homeland The Rift Valley by routing out opposing ethnic groups notably the Kikuyu. The KANU militias that attacked the Rift Valley were directly responsible for the deaths of 1,500 and the displacement of 300,000 people marking the beginning of state-sponsored vigilante terror (Kimundi 90). The KANU then changed its policy of open violence to informal repression so as to not lose donors and ease international pressure. However the gang violence still continued in the background.
In the period leading up to the 2002 election a new coalition was formed The National Rainbow Coalition headed by Mwai Kibaki and Raila Odinga. The party was formed around the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which stated that if elected Kibaki would hold the presidency while Odinga would have the strong position of prime minister (Kimundi 92). The MoU promised to deliver a new constitution within 100 days, run a corrupt free government, provide free education for children, respect civil liberties, maintain the laws of the constitution, guarantee every Kenyan security, and hold past perpetrators of injustice liable for their actions (Kimundi 92). In December 2002 40 years of KANU rule was ended the NARC won 60 percent of the vote Moi was ousted after 24 years and Kibaki was elected president (Kimundi 92).
Once Kibaki was, elected the only provisions of the MoU which were fulfilled were education and a free press environment. There was an attempt at amending the constitution but this failed when the Kenyan people voted it down (Kimundi 93). Without the creation of a prime minister and presidential position which shared powers, Odinga left and formed his own party, the ODM. During the five years when Kibaki reigned; little changed social tensions increased, along with political polarization, while democratic reversals continued, and tribalism dominated appointment in the public sector (Kimundi 93).
Finally the election of 2007 came around, and tensions were high. People were quite concerned with the outcome and possible backlash of ethnic violence. The two major parties were Kibaki with the PNU and Raila Odinga with the ODM. During the election of December 27, 2007 it was said that the tallying process was so flawed that it was impossible to tell who won the election (Kimundi 95). Despite this Kibaki had a justice swear him in as new president, and the people did not respond well.
As a result of this election, violence swept across Kenya a reported 1,220 people were killed, 900 acts of rape were reported, 3,561 injuries, and 350,000 people were displaced (Kimundi 95). There were reports of people being targeted for distinctive ethnic features and political affiliation. “Typically perpetrators attacked, killed, and displaced members of other ethnicities” ( qtd. In Kimundi 97). Checkpoints were setup in communities where people of other ethnicities were selected then hacked to death. Rape victims were told the reason they were being targeted was because of their political affiliation or ethnic ties. People in positions of power seem to be responsible for organizing the violence toward specific ethnic groups. Both political parties allegedly recruited gangs of youth and released them at strategic points to kill and destroy property belonging to communities aligned with rival parties (Kimundi 98).
This period of violence above all else exemplifies the role tribalism plays in inciting ethnic violence. Perhaps one of the most disappointing things after looking at the violence is that very few politicians were ever convicted of the crimes which they were linked to and violence they incited.
From this violence came progress: a new constitution was finally pushed through on August 4th, 2010. The reforms limit presidential power, reestablish local governments, and guarantee Kenyans a bill of rights. All of these are steps in the right direction in limiting the influence tribalism has on the government, or in the very least guaranteeing more equal representation (Gettleman). Progress is being made in the Kibera slums of Nairobi as well with CFK launching a youth soccer league which aims to stop the next generation of Kenyans from drawing tribal lines in their lives. All of the teams in CFK’s league are multi-ethnic, an attempt at socializing children with members of other tribes. Through this the cycle of bigotry, hatred, and violence that makes tribalism continue is limited in the next generation (Barcott).
Tribalism is a terrible force it leads to so much destruction and disunity among different cultures. The lines drawn in society by tribalism create constant tensions which often erupt into violent conflicts. If governments were organized in a way in which tribes were represented equally it would eliminate unnecessary bloodshed and create national unity which in turn would lead to less tribal affiliation. Kenya is finally taking steps in the right direction by trying to limit the influence of tribes in politics after the atrocity that followed the 2007 election. With new reforms Kenya is looking towards a brighter more democratic future.
References
Barcott, Rye. It Happened on the Way to War: a Marine's Path to Peace. New York: Bloomsbury USA, 2011. Print.
"CARVING UP AFRICA...125 Years of the Berlin Conference." New African 492 (2010): 10-13. Academic Search Complete. Web. 18 Sept. 2011..
Gettleman, Jeffrey. "Kenyans Approve New Constitution." New York Times 6 Aug. 2010: A7. Print.
Kavulla, Travis. "A good plan in Africa: facing the realities of tribalism." National Review 20 Apr. 2009: 25. Gale Opposing Viewpoints In Context. Web. 11 Sep. 2011.
Kimundi, Elizabeth. "POST-ELECTION CRISIS IN KENYA AND THE IMPLICATIONS FOR THE INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT'S DEVELOPMENT AS A LEGITIMATE INSTITUTION." Eyes on the ICC 7.1 (2010): 85-114. Academic Search Complete. Web. 11 Sept. 2011.
"Kenya." CIA World Fact Book. CIA. Web. 18 Sept. 2011..
"Tribalism." Merriam-Webster. Web. 18 Sept. 2011..
What role has tribalism played in influencing Kenya’s development as a country? Tribalism is one of the largest influences in Kenya; it is a unique force in Africa as people often feel stronger ties to their ethnic group than to their nation as a whole. Understanding tribalism leads to understanding the people who inhabit Kenya, especially their lives and interactions. Tribalism is also one of the main contributing factors to ethnic violence, so to understand ethnic violence one must understand tribalism. Learning about tribalism enables understanding of the influence it plays in culture, politics, and ethnic strife in Africa as a whole.
Merriam-Webster defines tribalism as “tribal consciousness and loyalty; especially : exaltation of the tribe above other groups.” This means people are tied to their tribe above all else. Tribes are unique cultural groups which have their own languages, customs, and traditions completely separate to those around them.
These strong ties to cultural heritage were acceptable before Europeans arrived. People lived on their ancestral lands and continued a traditional life; however once the colonial era began this changed. “It was not until the colonial era began in earnest, a century ago [1888], that tribes were brought together in plantation labor, in city life, and in a state where all were suddenly recognized as Sudanese or Nigerians or Cameroonians” ( qtd in Kavulla). The change for Africans was rapid, and there was no chance to adjust to the new style of life: suddenly they were thrown into close proximity with other tribes who had completely dissimilar cultures. After centuries of a traditional tribal existence suddenly people were members of nations.
Then the process of condensing Africans into modern cities began. These cities were created by European imperialists to control their interests. With this process, underway Africans had no chance to assimilate so they stuck to their tribal heritage and continued with traditions, but now they were surrounded by other tribal groups in close proximity. This problem was compounded when the imperialist powers began to stake their claims across the continent.
Africa was divvied up by the colonial powers at the Berlin Conference of 1884 with complete disregard for tribal lands. Ridiculous borders were imposed all across Africa, completely negating the complex relations of the innumerable tribes on the continent. Borders cut across homogenous ethnic groups dividing the tribes into two separate countries, also encasing quarreling tribes or past enemies into the same unitary state (“Carving Up Africa” 12). This complete disregard for the influence of tribalism while creating borders which still exist today has directly led to more bloodshed than will ever be known.
Today the influence of the past is still felt in Kenya where people still are divided by the influence of tribalism creating a plethora of political and cultural issues which has led to a long history of ethnic strife. The population of Kenya broken up by ethnicity is Kikuyu 22%, Luhya 14%, Luo 13%, Kalenjin 12%, Kamba 11%, Kisii 6%, Meru 6%, other African 15%, non-African (Asian, European, and Arab) 1% (CIA World Fact Book). The general attitude of people in Kenya towards other tribes is that of bigotry and racism. Oluoch exemplifies this in It Happened on the Way to War by stating general stereotypes and practices of each group. For instance The Kikuyu only care about money and can’t be trusted, Nubians are lazy for they maintain their existence through renting the land in Kibera to others, and the Luo his own cultural group are smart and stuborn (Barcott 50).
Another example Barcott gives which supports this is the story of how Salim was treated at his grandmother’s funeral for being Muslim. Despite the fact he was born Kikuyu his family members tried to bar him from wearing a white patch and spreading soil on her grave both traditions reserved for family members (Barcott 159). This general acceptance of bigotry in society shows how even in more modern African countries, like Kenya, people are completely segregated due to the influence of tribalism. Even in cities like Nairobi people prefer to interact exclusively with their tribal members Travis Kavulla talks about how his taxi driver a Kikuyu will do small interactions with a member of another tribe, but he would never socialize, do a major trade, employ, or let one of his kin marry one (Kavulla). Despite over fifty years of independence from Brittan tribalism still divides Kenya as a whole people are still segregated by tribal lines in society. There is no sense of nationalism or unity: the only thing members of a tribe are concerned about is their tribe’s interests. This leads to large divides and the misrepresentation of the majority of Kenyans politically which often leads to ethnic clashes (Kavulla).
Since the implementation of democracy in Kenya with the election of Jomo Kenyatta (a Kikuyu) tribalism has been engrained in politics. Originally the Kenyan constitution stated that the central government would be a bicameral multi-party institution with regional governments called majimbos. However this was not long lived. In a grab for more power Kenyatta halted the flow of financial resources from the central government to the majimbos which led to the dissolution of regional governance and the creation of an all-powerful centralized imperial presidency with an absolute leader. Kenyatta continued political oppression. The limitation of democratic rights continued with the removal of political parties from the constitution making Kenyatta’s party the KANU the sole power holders (Kimundi 86-87).
In 1990 there were moves towards further democratization. Two former cabinet ministers Kenneth Matiba and Charles Rubia (both Kikuyu) called for dissolution of parliament, a referendum on the country’s future, and a public rally at the Kamukunji grounds on July 7th, 1990. They were arrested three days before the rally, but the people weren’t deterred:
“The ruling KANU elite mobilized youth wingers to reinforce the riot police in dispersing a defiant crowd that attempted to gather at the Kamukunji grounds. More than twenty people were killed and 1,000 arrested. Next, hundreds were killed injured in riots that rocked Nairobi and spread to Kikuyu inhabited towns. These events led to the beginning of politically sponsored violence in Kenya, a violence drawn along ethnic/tribal lines (Kimundi 89).”
These events were not in vain though as the protests brought the situation in Kenya to the attention of the international community. In December 1991 Kenya returned to a multiparty democracy. The parties that were formed after this were not democratic in nature: instead of being formed on a platform of ideals they followed the same tribal lines as the government they were so opposed to.
President Daniel arap Moi responded to the democratization attempts by “pursuing a policy of state ‘informiliation’ characterized by looting Kenyan public funds, and by transforming some of Kenya’s gangs into ethnic militias as a means to hold onto power” (Kimundi 90). This, along with a long economic downturn, led to a period of gang violence and ethnic cleansing lasting from 1991-1998. In 1997 Daniel arap Moi and KANU won the election continuing his 24 years of despotic rule. Moi attempted to create a KANU refuge in his homeland The Rift Valley by routing out opposing ethnic groups notably the Kikuyu. The KANU militias that attacked the Rift Valley were directly responsible for the deaths of 1,500 and the displacement of 300,000 people marking the beginning of state-sponsored vigilante terror (Kimundi 90). The KANU then changed its policy of open violence to informal repression so as to not lose donors and ease international pressure. However the gang violence still continued in the background.
In the period leading up to the 2002 election a new coalition was formed The National Rainbow Coalition headed by Mwai Kibaki and Raila Odinga. The party was formed around the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which stated that if elected Kibaki would hold the presidency while Odinga would have the strong position of prime minister (Kimundi 92). The MoU promised to deliver a new constitution within 100 days, run a corrupt free government, provide free education for children, respect civil liberties, maintain the laws of the constitution, guarantee every Kenyan security, and hold past perpetrators of injustice liable for their actions (Kimundi 92). In December 2002 40 years of KANU rule was ended the NARC won 60 percent of the vote Moi was ousted after 24 years and Kibaki was elected president (Kimundi 92).
Once Kibaki was, elected the only provisions of the MoU which were fulfilled were education and a free press environment. There was an attempt at amending the constitution but this failed when the Kenyan people voted it down (Kimundi 93). Without the creation of a prime minister and presidential position which shared powers, Odinga left and formed his own party, the ODM. During the five years when Kibaki reigned; little changed social tensions increased, along with political polarization, while democratic reversals continued, and tribalism dominated appointment in the public sector (Kimundi 93).
Finally the election of 2007 came around, and tensions were high. People were quite concerned with the outcome and possible backlash of ethnic violence. The two major parties were Kibaki with the PNU and Raila Odinga with the ODM. During the election of December 27, 2007 it was said that the tallying process was so flawed that it was impossible to tell who won the election (Kimundi 95). Despite this Kibaki had a justice swear him in as new president, and the people did not respond well.
As a result of this election, violence swept across Kenya a reported 1,220 people were killed, 900 acts of rape were reported, 3,561 injuries, and 350,000 people were displaced (Kimundi 95). There were reports of people being targeted for distinctive ethnic features and political affiliation. “Typically perpetrators attacked, killed, and displaced members of other ethnicities” ( qtd. In Kimundi 97). Checkpoints were setup in communities where people of other ethnicities were selected then hacked to death. Rape victims were told the reason they were being targeted was because of their political affiliation or ethnic ties. People in positions of power seem to be responsible for organizing the violence toward specific ethnic groups. Both political parties allegedly recruited gangs of youth and released them at strategic points to kill and destroy property belonging to communities aligned with rival parties (Kimundi 98).
This period of violence above all else exemplifies the role tribalism plays in inciting ethnic violence. Perhaps one of the most disappointing things after looking at the violence is that very few politicians were ever convicted of the crimes which they were linked to and violence they incited.
From this violence came progress: a new constitution was finally pushed through on August 4th, 2010. The reforms limit presidential power, reestablish local governments, and guarantee Kenyans a bill of rights. All of these are steps in the right direction in limiting the influence tribalism has on the government, or in the very least guaranteeing more equal representation (Gettleman). Progress is being made in the Kibera slums of Nairobi as well with CFK launching a youth soccer league which aims to stop the next generation of Kenyans from drawing tribal lines in their lives. All of the teams in CFK’s league are multi-ethnic, an attempt at socializing children with members of other tribes. Through this the cycle of bigotry, hatred, and violence that makes tribalism continue is limited in the next generation (Barcott).
Tribalism is a terrible force it leads to so much destruction and disunity among different cultures. The lines drawn in society by tribalism create constant tensions which often erupt into violent conflicts. If governments were organized in a way in which tribes were represented equally it would eliminate unnecessary bloodshed and create national unity which in turn would lead to less tribal affiliation. Kenya is finally taking steps in the right direction by trying to limit the influence of tribes in politics after the atrocity that followed the 2007 election. With new reforms Kenya is looking towards a brighter more democratic future.
References
Barcott, Rye. It Happened on the Way to War: a Marine's Path to Peace. New York: Bloomsbury USA, 2011. Print.
"CARVING UP AFRICA...125 Years of the Berlin Conference." New African 492 (2010): 10-13. Academic Search Complete. Web. 18 Sept. 2011.
Gettleman, Jeffrey. "Kenyans Approve New Constitution." New York Times 6 Aug. 2010: A7. Print.
Kavulla, Travis. "A good plan in Africa: facing the realities of tribalism." National Review 20 Apr. 2009: 25. Gale Opposing Viewpoints In Context. Web. 11 Sep. 2011.
Kimundi, Elizabeth. "POST-ELECTION CRISIS IN KENYA AND THE IMPLICATIONS FOR THE INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT'S DEVELOPMENT AS A LEGITIMATE INSTITUTION." Eyes on the ICC 7.1 (2010): 85-114. Academic Search Complete. Web. 11 Sept. 2011.
"Kenya." CIA World Fact Book. CIA. Web. 18 Sept. 2011.
"Tribalism." Merriam-Webster. Web. 18 Sept. 2011.
Nia Owens: Kenya's Demise
Kenya’s Demise by Nia Owens
Many years ago, specifically the twentieth century (1978-2000), Kenya’s people suffered with many problems. While reading “It Happened On The Way To The War” a lot of questions arose about why a lot of things are the way they are in Kibera, Kenya’s largest slum. One main question that had arisen was about the government. Therefore I asked, what is the political structure, are there elections and do the people have a voice? It seemed that if a country has many problems then the government, specifically the president, takes a great deal of the blame. If the country doesn’t have a steady government that usually explains why the country is the way it is. Understanding Kenya’s politics would explain in greater depth the mystery of how Kenya worsened so much by the year 2000.
According to Alan Rake and Michael Jennings in Regional Surveys to the world, Kenya’s political structure is in fact a democracy. The democracy was executed very well when Jomo Kenyatta was running the country. Jomo Kenyatta’s leadership is what grew Kenya to such maturity said Patricia Hauga. However in middle August 1978 well respected Jomo Kenyatta died. October 1978 was when Daniel arap Moi was sworn in. However when Moi was sworn into presidency there wasn’t an election with voting by the people. He was sworn in to serve the remaining year of deceased Kenyatta’s term and for another five-year term afterward. Though Moi had pledged to continue Kenyatta’s Polices, it was shortly after the swearing in when Kenya begin to change in 1980. The year of 1981 was when Kenya began to see problems, both, economically politically and socially. Though Kenya begins to see problems as early as 1981, it wasn’t recognized as much yet. Early 1987 were when noticeable worldwide criticism of Moi’s Government greatly increased and allegations about human rights abuse developed in Kenya.
While Daniel arap Moi had received much criticism he was returned unopposed for a third term due to an election March 1988 (Africa South of the Sahara 2005 34th Edition). In 1998 Moi begin to officially change the rules of the democratic political structure and made it less free and more oppressive. Gray Phombeah stated, “He has been described as a master tactician: shrewd, manipulative and always one step ahead of his opponents” (Phombeah) Moi used unfair policies to stay president so the people never fairly elected him as their president.
In the year 2000, the country significantly worsened. The New York Times reported, “In a nation of 27 million, at least 5 percent of the country’s people live as squatters. The employment rate is about 45 percent.” At the same time “Kenya parliament accuse[d] several people, many with close ties to Pres Daniel arap Moi, of corruption that has cost nation hundred, of millions of dollars” (Fisher “Battle”). Moi’s affiliation with them quickly got him associated with the corruption, which gave him a bad representation. He also got blamed for a great deal of other things. People “Blame[d] efforts of Pres Daniel arap Moi to preserve his one-man rule; hold his government strangled vibrant economy and fomented ethnic violence”. He destroyed an “economy that was vibrantly alive” which cause violence “where there was none”. (Harden).
In 2000 Kenya’s long-lasting problems were at a crisis and the president of 22 years refused to take responsibility for any of it. The economy was so bad as result of the corruption and horrible management; and an estimation of two million people might face serious starvation. And Moi’s response to everything is “he cannot control” it (Fisher. “Brownouts”). He himself has said “Kenya – once among the most stable and prosperous nations in Africa – is “facing its worst-ever crisis”. In BBC article, economist and columnist, Robert Shaw stated, “In the last 15 years, Kenyans have become poorer and poorer”. There “average income is some $1 a day” and because there was such a high unemployment rate crime was on the rise – “armed robbery and carjacking”. Moi was one to promise more than he can show (Phombeah).
Kenya’s political structure played a huge part in all the problems in Kenya. To quote Ian Fisher, “People accuse the country’s leadership of destroying the country”. The Kenyans felt the government should take majority blame of all problems because they were leadership. President Daniel arap Moi did get most of the blame and his nonchalant irresponsible ways just added fuel to the fire. Nevertheless, he didn’t care to better it or search for a solution; instead he just said he couldn’t control what happen. The people of Kenya on the other hand did point out that
Despite some good highlights during his presidency, Kenyans still felt, Moi was to blame for the entire downfall in their country due to the bad out weighing the good he did bring for the country. He brought Kenyans to a horrible economic situation, violence, starvation, crimes, and countless more issues. Moi was finally replaced in 2002 then democracy continued.
References
Fisher, Ian “Battle for Land in Kenya Has Deep, Bitter Roots.” New York Times May 2000: 6. Newspaper Source Plus. ESBCO. Web. 15 Sept. 2011
Fisher, Ian. “Brownouts in Kenya Highlights Its Chaos and Misrule.” New York Times 25 June 2000. Newspaper Source Plus. EBSCO. Web. 15 Sept. 2011
Harden, Blaine. “The Last Safari.” The New York Times Magazine 4 June 2000: 66(E). Academic OneFile. Web. 15 Sep. 2011
Phombeah, Gray. “Moi’s legacy to Kenya.” BBC NEWS World Edition 5 August 2002
Rake, Alan. Jennings, Michael. “Regional Surveys to the World”
Many years ago, specifically the twentieth century (1978-2000), Kenya’s people suffered with many problems. While reading “It Happened On The Way To The War” a lot of questions arose about why a lot of things are the way they are in Kibera, Kenya’s largest slum. One main question that had arisen was about the government. Therefore I asked, what is the political structure, are there elections and do the people have a voice? It seemed that if a country has many problems then the government, specifically the president, takes a great deal of the blame. If the country doesn’t have a steady government that usually explains why the country is the way it is. Understanding Kenya’s politics would explain in greater depth the mystery of how Kenya worsened so much by the year 2000.
According to Alan Rake and Michael Jennings in Regional Surveys to the world, Kenya’s political structure is in fact a democracy. The democracy was executed very well when Jomo Kenyatta was running the country. Jomo Kenyatta’s leadership is what grew Kenya to such maturity said Patricia Hauga. However in middle August 1978 well respected Jomo Kenyatta died. October 1978 was when Daniel arap Moi was sworn in. However when Moi was sworn into presidency there wasn’t an election with voting by the people. He was sworn in to serve the remaining year of deceased Kenyatta’s term and for another five-year term afterward. Though Moi had pledged to continue Kenyatta’s Polices, it was shortly after the swearing in when Kenya begin to change in 1980. The year of 1981 was when Kenya began to see problems, both, economically politically and socially. Though Kenya begins to see problems as early as 1981, it wasn’t recognized as much yet. Early 1987 were when noticeable worldwide criticism of Moi’s Government greatly increased and allegations about human rights abuse developed in Kenya.
While Daniel arap Moi had received much criticism he was returned unopposed for a third term due to an election March 1988 (Africa South of the Sahara 2005 34th Edition). In 1998 Moi begin to officially change the rules of the democratic political structure and made it less free and more oppressive. Gray Phombeah stated, “He has been described as a master tactician: shrewd, manipulative and always one step ahead of his opponents” (Phombeah) Moi used unfair policies to stay president so the people never fairly elected him as their president.
In the year 2000, the country significantly worsened. The New York Times reported, “In a nation of 27 million, at least 5 percent of the country’s people live as squatters. The employment rate is about 45 percent.” At the same time “Kenya parliament accuse[d] several people, many with close ties to Pres Daniel arap Moi, of corruption that has cost nation hundred, of millions of dollars” (Fisher “Battle”). Moi’s affiliation with them quickly got him associated with the corruption, which gave him a bad representation. He also got blamed for a great deal of other things. People “Blame[d] efforts of Pres Daniel arap Moi to preserve his one-man rule; hold his government strangled vibrant economy and fomented ethnic violence”. He destroyed an “economy that was vibrantly alive” which cause violence “where there was none”. (Harden).
In 2000 Kenya’s long-lasting problems were at a crisis and the president of 22 years refused to take responsibility for any of it. The economy was so bad as result of the corruption and horrible management; and an estimation of two million people might face serious starvation. And Moi’s response to everything is “he cannot control” it (Fisher. “Brownouts”). He himself has said “Kenya – once among the most stable and prosperous nations in Africa – is “facing its worst-ever crisis”. In BBC article, economist and columnist, Robert Shaw stated, “In the last 15 years, Kenyans have become poorer and poorer”. There “average income is some $1 a day” and because there was such a high unemployment rate crime was on the rise – “armed robbery and carjacking”. Moi was one to promise more than he can show (Phombeah).
Kenya’s political structure played a huge part in all the problems in Kenya. To quote Ian Fisher, “People accuse the country’s leadership of destroying the country”. The Kenyans felt the government should take majority blame of all problems because they were leadership. President Daniel arap Moi did get most of the blame and his nonchalant irresponsible ways just added fuel to the fire. Nevertheless, he didn’t care to better it or search for a solution; instead he just said he couldn’t control what happen. The people of Kenya on the other hand did point out that
“He has kept the country united, ended powerful Kikuyu domination of Kenya’s politics and business, and put in place a multi-party system. But, at the end of his presidency, his critics say Mr. Moi leaves his country burdened with economic mismanagement, corruption, political repression and continuing ethnic tensions.”(Phombeah)
Despite some good highlights during his presidency, Kenyans still felt, Moi was to blame for the entire downfall in their country due to the bad out weighing the good he did bring for the country. He brought Kenyans to a horrible economic situation, violence, starvation, crimes, and countless more issues. Moi was finally replaced in 2002 then democracy continued.
References
Fisher, Ian “Battle for Land in Kenya Has Deep, Bitter Roots.” New York Times May 2000: 6. Newspaper Source Plus. ESBCO. Web. 15 Sept. 2011
Fisher, Ian. “Brownouts in Kenya Highlights Its Chaos and Misrule.” New York Times 25 June 2000. Newspaper Source Plus. EBSCO. Web. 15 Sept. 2011
Harden, Blaine. “The Last Safari.” The New York Times Magazine 4 June 2000: 66(E). Academic OneFile. Web. 15 Sep. 2011
Phombeah, Gray. “Moi’s legacy to Kenya.” BBC NEWS World Edition 5 August 2002
Rake, Alan. Jennings, Michael. “Regional Surveys to the World”
Rachel Ramprasad: During Daniel Moi's Presidency in Kenya
DURING DANIEL MOI’S PRESIDENCY IN KENYA
BY RACHEL RAMPRASAD
The memoir It Happened on the Way to War states that Kibera is the largest slum in Africa. The author Rye Barcott creates an awareness of the horrendous living situation the citizens of Kibera have to live with. Ethnic violence, poor economy, and unsanitary living conditions are the largest problems in the slum. Kenya is a country of democracy, so shouldn’t an elected president be helping his people? As a president, it is on his shoulders that Kibera improve, not get worse. It is his job to make the environment livable for his people. President Daniel arap Moi – could he and did he help to stimulate economic growth and living conditions in Kibera?
President Moi could in fact stimulate economic growth in Kibera, he did try to until his last term, when he decided to retire (“KENYA: Focus on Clashes”). During his last term, he passed a law so that landlords in Kibera must lower their rent (“KENYA: Focus on Clashes”). This could have been one decent thing he has done his 20 year rule because by lowering the rent the people now have more money in their pockets to put elsewhere into the economy. Now at least many citizens could afford to have a roof over their heads. However, this caused a feud between landlords and tenants, and 3,000 tenants were displaced from homes. Many houses were destroyed and many became homeless (‘KENYA: Focus on Clashes”). Policemen also “raided homes and shops and stole money and property” (“KENYA: Focus on Clashes”). So, instead of the law helping the citizens and the economy, it created havoc, and further destroyed the economy by destroying shops and consumer goods.
Some may say he tried to help the citizens and the economy with lower rent, and it was the citizens that didn’t want to cooperate, but I say he was the one that caused the citizens to turn that way, and caused the economy to plummet to begin with. During President “Jomo Kenyatta’s presidency Kenya became one of the most stable and prosperous countries in Africa” (Crawfurd). When Moi took over, he created “Pro-government troublemakers”, and human rights abuses escalated (Närman). Not only that, but Kibera, a once prosperous place people went for job seeking, is now the biggest slum. The chaos could have been the President’s intention all along, not helping the Kenyans. Some believe it may possibly have been his intentions because when Ethnic clashes broke out in Kibera, the “Government stayed passive”. “Some feared that Moi would like to see chaos break out in Kenya after he gives up presidency” (Crawfurd).
Chaos did break out in Kenya. Moi is one of the people that caused different ethnic groups to hate and start fighting each other to this extent to begin with. He and his party thought that by having tribal wars, he will win the election because by having different tribes go against each other and fight, they will turn into rivals, and have no choice but to vote for him and his party (KANU). He was right because he won. The tribes preferred a national party (KANU) to win instead of a rival tribal group. Since every tribal group hated the other tribal groups, they lost votes, causing the national party to win. (See Conor O’Brien’s essay on our course blog for more on how he used different ethnic groups to win elections.) Moi has been playing with ethnic groups from the beginning to get what he wanted, so hurting them because of the rent war was only the icing on cake.
Not only did he use violence between ethnic groups to stay in office, but he cheated the voting system. Moi “use an intricate ethnic balance to ensure he had a majority behind him in parliament” (Närman). He cheated the system so that only those from different ethnic groups favoring his side won the election. By controlling who got into parliament he had no opposition which allowed him to do as he pleased. (See Nia Owens’s essay, also on our course blog, on political structure for more on how President Moi cheated the system to win elections.)
So what was Moi doing in office other than corrupting the voting system, was Moi trying to stimulate economic growth? According to Phil Ponce, the chaos hurt Kenya’s tourist industry, and that further weakened the economy. No one wants to go to a country where violence is everywhere. Foreign investors didn’t have enough confidence in the stability of the country to want to invest (Ponce). As a president he decided to introduce an economic reform program, only the $220 million loan was suspended because he failed to tackle corruption (Ponce). Corruption he helped to create, I might add. At the time he was the second richest man in Africa, yet the place he governed was a slum. He bought votes, cheated the voting system, harassed or killed opposition members, uses the police and military to benefit himself, and caused ethnic clashes (Crawfurd). One would say Moi somewhat turned into a dictator in a supposedly democratic country (Närman). He then could do whatever he wants--decreased living conditions in Kibera, ruin the economy, and remain in parliament for 20 years.
To be fair, eventually when the UN and democratized countries came down on him, he agreed to political reform. He allowed Kenya to once again have opposition parties and have more access to the radio and television (Ponce). He also requested for international aid when Kenya was lashed with severe drought and famine (“Kenya” 2283). So maybe Kibera turning into a slum with thousands unable to purchase goods and medicine wasn’t completely his fault. The drought and famine contributed greatly to that. However, if he handled the chaos and did not add to it, his country would had more aid coming in from industrialized nations bettering his people.
Also, if he were not so corrupt his people might had clean water in a drought. The World Bank suspended the public-sector water projects because large scales of the funds were misused (“Kenya” 2283). This clearly shows how corrupt the government was. Nonetheless, to be fair, “the Government banned all forms of irrigation in an attempt to conserve water supply in Nairobi” (“Kenya” 2283). But then this is only after the World Bank suspended the water supply because they (Kenya government) exploited the funds.
Similar to the World Bank even the Germans took their aid away when it was passed to the Kenyan government. The Germans only gave to the famine victims through a charitable organization, not when it was controlled by the government (“Kenya” 2283). They too knew how corrupt the government was and didn’t trust them. In the memoir Barcott states that NGO’s were spending money on themselves not on Kibera, living luxurious lives (60). President Moi one of the richest men in Africa (“Kenya”) was after all living in a mansion right outside the slum (Barcott). While it’s normal for an elected president to live well and have nice things, I don’t think he and the NGO members should have such a luxurious lifestyle when their country is suffering severe drought, famine and a plummeting economy. Where were they getting the money from? Does he deserve so much wealth? In addition, the drought affected the power industry (“Kenya 2283”) so the economy is in a deeper hole than it already was.
Did President Daniel arap Moi help to better his country’s economy and living conditions? My research shows that President Moi is the reason for his country’s economic failure and poor living conditions for his people. The president before Moi left the country as a prosperous nation. Moi left the country in a major economic crisis with thousands homeless and famished. Some say Moi left the country in a dark age, and I concur with them. He and other members of the government took money from aid around the world to benefit themselves. He also created the violence against different ethnic group to remain in office. Eventually he tried to help the country but it was too late, the country was far too corrupt for outsiders to help.
The good news in all of this is the president after Moi, Kibaki, started leading the country in the right path, focusing on rebuilding the economy and on education (Närman). He believed every kid should have free access to education. He took the power away from the corrupted party Moi was part of.
WORKS CITED
Barcott, Rye. It Happened on the Way to War. New York: Bloomsbury, 2011. Print.
Crawfurd, Jacob. “Kenya Timeline.” The Crawfurd.dk. 1996-2011. Web. 7 Sept. 2011.
“Kenya.” The Europa World Year Book 2001. 42nd ed. Vol. 2. N.p.: Europa, 2001. 2283. Print.
“KENYA: Focus on Clashes in Kibera Slum.” IRIN Humanitarian News and Analysis. IRIN, 2011. Web. 6 Sept. 2011.
Närman, Anders. “Elections in Kenya – What Now?” Nordiska Afrikainstitutet. Göteborg “U”, Sweden, n.d. Web. 7 Sept. 2011
Ponce, Phil. “A Kenyan Controversy” transcript from PBS News hour. 5 Jan. 1998. Web. 7 Sept. 2011
BY RACHEL RAMPRASAD
The memoir It Happened on the Way to War states that Kibera is the largest slum in Africa. The author Rye Barcott creates an awareness of the horrendous living situation the citizens of Kibera have to live with. Ethnic violence, poor economy, and unsanitary living conditions are the largest problems in the slum. Kenya is a country of democracy, so shouldn’t an elected president be helping his people? As a president, it is on his shoulders that Kibera improve, not get worse. It is his job to make the environment livable for his people. President Daniel arap Moi – could he and did he help to stimulate economic growth and living conditions in Kibera?
President Moi could in fact stimulate economic growth in Kibera, he did try to until his last term, when he decided to retire (“KENYA: Focus on Clashes”). During his last term, he passed a law so that landlords in Kibera must lower their rent (“KENYA: Focus on Clashes”). This could have been one decent thing he has done his 20 year rule because by lowering the rent the people now have more money in their pockets to put elsewhere into the economy. Now at least many citizens could afford to have a roof over their heads. However, this caused a feud between landlords and tenants, and 3,000 tenants were displaced from homes. Many houses were destroyed and many became homeless (‘KENYA: Focus on Clashes”). Policemen also “raided homes and shops and stole money and property” (“KENYA: Focus on Clashes”). So, instead of the law helping the citizens and the economy, it created havoc, and further destroyed the economy by destroying shops and consumer goods.
Some may say he tried to help the citizens and the economy with lower rent, and it was the citizens that didn’t want to cooperate, but I say he was the one that caused the citizens to turn that way, and caused the economy to plummet to begin with. During President “Jomo Kenyatta’s presidency Kenya became one of the most stable and prosperous countries in Africa” (Crawfurd). When Moi took over, he created “Pro-government troublemakers”, and human rights abuses escalated (Närman). Not only that, but Kibera, a once prosperous place people went for job seeking, is now the biggest slum. The chaos could have been the President’s intention all along, not helping the Kenyans. Some believe it may possibly have been his intentions because when Ethnic clashes broke out in Kibera, the “Government stayed passive”. “Some feared that Moi would like to see chaos break out in Kenya after he gives up presidency” (Crawfurd).
Chaos did break out in Kenya. Moi is one of the people that caused different ethnic groups to hate and start fighting each other to this extent to begin with. He and his party thought that by having tribal wars, he will win the election because by having different tribes go against each other and fight, they will turn into rivals, and have no choice but to vote for him and his party (KANU). He was right because he won. The tribes preferred a national party (KANU) to win instead of a rival tribal group. Since every tribal group hated the other tribal groups, they lost votes, causing the national party to win. (See Conor O’Brien’s essay on our course blog for more on how he used different ethnic groups to win elections.) Moi has been playing with ethnic groups from the beginning to get what he wanted, so hurting them because of the rent war was only the icing on cake.
Not only did he use violence between ethnic groups to stay in office, but he cheated the voting system. Moi “use an intricate ethnic balance to ensure he had a majority behind him in parliament” (Närman). He cheated the system so that only those from different ethnic groups favoring his side won the election. By controlling who got into parliament he had no opposition which allowed him to do as he pleased. (See Nia Owens’s essay, also on our course blog, on political structure for more on how President Moi cheated the system to win elections.)
So what was Moi doing in office other than corrupting the voting system, was Moi trying to stimulate economic growth? According to Phil Ponce, the chaos hurt Kenya’s tourist industry, and that further weakened the economy. No one wants to go to a country where violence is everywhere. Foreign investors didn’t have enough confidence in the stability of the country to want to invest (Ponce). As a president he decided to introduce an economic reform program, only the $220 million loan was suspended because he failed to tackle corruption (Ponce). Corruption he helped to create, I might add. At the time he was the second richest man in Africa, yet the place he governed was a slum. He bought votes, cheated the voting system, harassed or killed opposition members, uses the police and military to benefit himself, and caused ethnic clashes (Crawfurd). One would say Moi somewhat turned into a dictator in a supposedly democratic country (Närman). He then could do whatever he wants--decreased living conditions in Kibera, ruin the economy, and remain in parliament for 20 years.
To be fair, eventually when the UN and democratized countries came down on him, he agreed to political reform. He allowed Kenya to once again have opposition parties and have more access to the radio and television (Ponce). He also requested for international aid when Kenya was lashed with severe drought and famine (“Kenya” 2283). So maybe Kibera turning into a slum with thousands unable to purchase goods and medicine wasn’t completely his fault. The drought and famine contributed greatly to that. However, if he handled the chaos and did not add to it, his country would had more aid coming in from industrialized nations bettering his people.
Also, if he were not so corrupt his people might had clean water in a drought. The World Bank suspended the public-sector water projects because large scales of the funds were misused (“Kenya” 2283). This clearly shows how corrupt the government was. Nonetheless, to be fair, “the Government banned all forms of irrigation in an attempt to conserve water supply in Nairobi” (“Kenya” 2283). But then this is only after the World Bank suspended the water supply because they (Kenya government) exploited the funds.
Similar to the World Bank even the Germans took their aid away when it was passed to the Kenyan government. The Germans only gave to the famine victims through a charitable organization, not when it was controlled by the government (“Kenya” 2283). They too knew how corrupt the government was and didn’t trust them. In the memoir Barcott states that NGO’s were spending money on themselves not on Kibera, living luxurious lives (60). President Moi one of the richest men in Africa (“Kenya”) was after all living in a mansion right outside the slum (Barcott). While it’s normal for an elected president to live well and have nice things, I don’t think he and the NGO members should have such a luxurious lifestyle when their country is suffering severe drought, famine and a plummeting economy. Where were they getting the money from? Does he deserve so much wealth? In addition, the drought affected the power industry (“Kenya 2283”) so the economy is in a deeper hole than it already was.
Did President Daniel arap Moi help to better his country’s economy and living conditions? My research shows that President Moi is the reason for his country’s economic failure and poor living conditions for his people. The president before Moi left the country as a prosperous nation. Moi left the country in a major economic crisis with thousands homeless and famished. Some say Moi left the country in a dark age, and I concur with them. He and other members of the government took money from aid around the world to benefit themselves. He also created the violence against different ethnic group to remain in office. Eventually he tried to help the country but it was too late, the country was far too corrupt for outsiders to help.
The good news in all of this is the president after Moi, Kibaki, started leading the country in the right path, focusing on rebuilding the economy and on education (Närman). He believed every kid should have free access to education. He took the power away from the corrupted party Moi was part of.
WORKS CITED
Barcott, Rye. It Happened on the Way to War. New York: Bloomsbury, 2011. Print.
Crawfurd, Jacob. “Kenya Timeline.” The Crawfurd.dk. 1996-2011. Web. 7 Sept. 2011.
“Kenya.” The Europa World Year Book 2001. 42nd ed. Vol. 2. N.p.: Europa, 2001. 2283. Print.
“KENYA: Focus on Clashes in Kibera Slum.” IRIN Humanitarian News and Analysis. IRIN, 2011. Web. 6 Sept. 2011.
Närman, Anders. “Elections in Kenya – What Now?” Nordiska Afrikainstitutet. Göteborg “U”, Sweden, n.d. Web. 7 Sept. 2011
Ponce, Phil. “A Kenyan Controversy” transcript from PBS News hour. 5 Jan. 1998. Web. 7 Sept. 2011
James Campbell: Democracy in Kenya
Democracy in Kenya by James Campbell
Governments are the most important aspects of a country. The better your country is governed, the better the citizen can live. Some countries are governed by greedy politicians that steal money from people. Why do Politian’s continue to not cooperate and what is the political system? Sometimes the power of the head of the state is limited and he/she just does that “the people” expect him/her to do. Just like the United States, many countries have a constitution that helps them dictate how they live. Some countries have a less effective constitution or a weak one that does give the head of the state a lot of power. In other cases, the constitution is vague enough that men in power can take advantage of it. In most cases the head of the state creates laws and enforces them. This is different from the United States, where congress makes rules and the judicial branch enforces the law. In this essay we will discuss the effectiveness of the Kenyan Government. (2)In the 1980’s the down turn of Kenya began with the infestation of HIV/AIDS. In 1990 life expectancy began to reverse, where many are not expected to live past 53 years and the mortality rate of children five years and younger has risen slightly. Thus providing us with information that shows how the progression of Kenya since 1990 has been failing.
Africa needs help, while we are wasting a lot of money on wasted electricity and food; many Africans don’t even have food to eat of a decent place to sleep in. (3) 70% of Kenyans live in poverty, and in the largest slum in the world most of them live in a 12f by 12 foot shack living off of less than $1.25 a day. Our actions will improve the future, both for us and Africans future. We are the future leaders of the world so when our peers need help, we should try to help out. We don’t know when we are going to need help ourselves also. Although it might be difficult, we just need to take the initiative. We have to see how the government works in order to do any contributions in Kenya.
Kenya won their independence from Great Britain on December 12, 1963, and was first headed by Jomo Kenyatta (“Kenya”). (6) “Jomo himself was an enigma.” As a product of the Church of Scotland mission he was one of the only educated Agĩkũyũ he sought to gain power in “Nairobi city – the colonial seat of power.” With the knowledge of knowing thatpower there would not be ‘limited.’ Kenya is a presidential representative democratic republic, whereby the president is both head of the state and head of the government, and of a multi-party system. Executive power is exercised by the government and the National Assembly. “The judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature. There was growing concern especially during former presidential Daniel Arap Moi’s tenure that [1978-2002] the executive was increasingly meddling with the affairs of the judiciary” (“Kenya”). (7) He used government money to make profits with italian drugs dealers and many other things. He had “multimillion pound properties in London, New York and South Africa, as well as a 10,000-hectare ranch in Australia and bank accounts containing hundreds of millions of pounds.” Here we can see that the president has much of the government power. He has power to do most things he wants to do. This now has changed to a better government. (4)
Recently the government has improved compared to bad elections before 1998. In December 2002, Kenyans held democratic and open elections, most of which were judged free and fair by international observers. (4) The 2002 elections marked an important turning point in Kenya’s democratic evolution in that power was transferred peacefully from the Kenya African Union (KANU), which had ruled the country since independence to the National Rainbow Coalition (NARC), a coalition of political parties; these show the initial step to changing the corrupt government. Holding free elections is just the way to move towards a democratic government.
In conclusion, we can see that Kenya had moved towards a more democratic form of government. This is extremely good for the citizens now because they can elect their leader, and demand change when needed.
“Kenya.” Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Web.12 Sept. 2011
(1) Wikipedia. "Kenya." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. 28 Sept. 2011. Web. 28 Sept. 2011.
(2) Bliss, Katherine. "Kenya: The Big Picture on Health." Google. 2011 Center for Strategic & International Studies, 12 Aug. 2011. Web. 28 Sept. 2011.
(3)Dr. Mitchell
(4) Bowen, Richard C Bowen C. "Kenya - Government." KENYA. Richard C Bowen, 1 Jan. 1996. Web. 28 Sept. 2011.
(5)http://www.google.com/search?q=diana+hacker+cite&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-Address&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&sourceid=ie7&rlz=1I7ADRA_enUS446 28 sep 2011 Does not have citation
(6) Kĩriakũ, Kĩriakũ Wa. "Who Was Jomo Kenyatta?" Kasisi Facing Mt. Kenya. 8 Jan. 2009. Web. 28 Sept. 2011
(7) Rice, Xan. "The Looting of Kenya | World News | The Guardian." Latest News, Sport and Comment from the Guardian | The Guardian. World News, 30 Aug. 2007. Web. 28 Sept. 2011.
Governments are the most important aspects of a country. The better your country is governed, the better the citizen can live. Some countries are governed by greedy politicians that steal money from people. Why do Politian’s continue to not cooperate and what is the political system? Sometimes the power of the head of the state is limited and he/she just does that “the people” expect him/her to do. Just like the United States, many countries have a constitution that helps them dictate how they live. Some countries have a less effective constitution or a weak one that does give the head of the state a lot of power. In other cases, the constitution is vague enough that men in power can take advantage of it. In most cases the head of the state creates laws and enforces them. This is different from the United States, where congress makes rules and the judicial branch enforces the law. In this essay we will discuss the effectiveness of the Kenyan Government. (2)In the 1980’s the down turn of Kenya began with the infestation of HIV/AIDS. In 1990 life expectancy began to reverse, where many are not expected to live past 53 years and the mortality rate of children five years and younger has risen slightly. Thus providing us with information that shows how the progression of Kenya since 1990 has been failing.
Africa needs help, while we are wasting a lot of money on wasted electricity and food; many Africans don’t even have food to eat of a decent place to sleep in. (3) 70% of Kenyans live in poverty, and in the largest slum in the world most of them live in a 12f by 12 foot shack living off of less than $1.25 a day. Our actions will improve the future, both for us and Africans future. We are the future leaders of the world so when our peers need help, we should try to help out. We don’t know when we are going to need help ourselves also. Although it might be difficult, we just need to take the initiative. We have to see how the government works in order to do any contributions in Kenya.
Kenya won their independence from Great Britain on December 12, 1963, and was first headed by Jomo Kenyatta (“Kenya”). (6) “Jomo himself was an enigma.” As a product of the Church of Scotland mission he was one of the only educated Agĩkũyũ he sought to gain power in “Nairobi city – the colonial seat of power.” With the knowledge of knowing thatpower there would not be ‘limited.’ Kenya is a presidential representative democratic republic, whereby the president is both head of the state and head of the government, and of a multi-party system. Executive power is exercised by the government and the National Assembly. “The judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature. There was growing concern especially during former presidential Daniel Arap Moi’s tenure that [1978-2002] the executive was increasingly meddling with the affairs of the judiciary” (“Kenya”). (7) He used government money to make profits with italian drugs dealers and many other things. He had “multimillion pound properties in London, New York and South Africa, as well as a 10,000-hectare ranch in Australia and bank accounts containing hundreds of millions of pounds.” Here we can see that the president has much of the government power. He has power to do most things he wants to do. This now has changed to a better government. (4)
Recently the government has improved compared to bad elections before 1998. In December 2002, Kenyans held democratic and open elections, most of which were judged free and fair by international observers. (4) The 2002 elections marked an important turning point in Kenya’s democratic evolution in that power was transferred peacefully from the Kenya African Union (KANU), which had ruled the country since independence to the National Rainbow Coalition (NARC), a coalition of political parties; these show the initial step to changing the corrupt government. Holding free elections is just the way to move towards a democratic government.
In conclusion, we can see that Kenya had moved towards a more democratic form of government. This is extremely good for the citizens now because they can elect their leader, and demand change when needed.
“Kenya.” Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Web.12 Sept. 2011
(1) Wikipedia. "Kenya." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. 28 Sept. 2011. Web. 28 Sept. 2011.
(2) Bliss, Katherine. "Kenya: The Big Picture on Health." Google. 2011 Center for Strategic & International Studies, 12 Aug. 2011. Web. 28 Sept. 2011.
(3)Dr. Mitchell
(4) Bowen, Richard C Bowen C. "Kenya - Government." KENYA. Richard C Bowen, 1 Jan. 1996. Web. 28 Sept. 2011.
(5)http://www.google.com/search?q=diana+hacker+cite&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-Address&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&sourceid=ie7&rlz=1I7ADRA_enUS446 28 sep 2011 Does not have citation
(6) Kĩriakũ, Kĩriakũ Wa. "Who Was Jomo Kenyatta?" Kasisi Facing Mt. Kenya. 8 Jan. 2009. Web. 28 Sept. 2011
(7) Rice, Xan. "The Looting of Kenya | World News | The Guardian." Latest News, Sport and Comment from the Guardian | The Guardian. World News, 30 Aug. 2007. Web. 28 Sept. 2011.
Danielle Burns: A Military Impact
A Military Impact by Danielle Burns
Values: whether they are good or bad, we all have them and use them on a daily basis, but where do these values come from? As I was reading It Happened on the Way to War by Rye Barcott, I couldn’t help but wonder what is the impact military veterans leave on their children? In this book Barcott’s father seemed to have such a strong impact on everything he did. At one point Barcott said “I wanted to be an infantry officer and then go to a reconnaissance unit, as my father had done” (Barcott 180). This quote alone shows that his father had an impact on his life. Therefore I wanted to answer the question, what is the impact military parents leave on their children’s values? Understanding the answer to this question will help us realize why Barcott acts the way he does and makes the decisions he does.
As I began researching this question, most of the information I found was about deployment. I realize deployment has a strong impact on a child, but that’s not what I was looking for in my research, as this had nothing to do with family values. I wanted to know, in depth, the impact Marines or other military parents left on the future lives of their children. I wanted to research values they taught their children and which in turn their children carried throughout their lives.
Because my father was a Marine, I know the importance of military values. Before I was born my father was a Marine in force recon serving in two battles, Beirut and Grenada. In this paper I can contribute personal experience along with facts I found during research because I found very few sources as I did my research. My father left a lasting impact on my life and I couldn’t help but want to find out if others felt the same way. Even though I never served in the military, I hold similar values as Marines do such as loyalty and determination. Throughout this paper I use “I” a lot pertaining to my own life experiences. Although many of us learn as writers not to put our own input into our writing pieces, I received guidelines and permission from my professor to give you this information, because the resources I found were very limited. I would also like to say that many of these stories from me and otherwise are life experiences, and I don’t want to offend anyone by including these; life with military families can vary greatly.
Barcott’s story It Happened on the Way to War was a great source for my research question. Barcott, a Marine and a cofounder of a Non-Profit Organization, struggled to find peace between his two worlds. Throughout this book Barcott repeatedly reminds us of his father, who was also a Marine. He constantly questions whether his father would approve, or what his father would do in his situation. One example is one of Barcott’s first memories of wanting to be a Marine, “… And I wanted to know how I would react to it ever since I was a child and touched that old smoke grenade behind my father’s desk” (Barcott 253). In this sentence Barcott proves that his father had an impact on him wanting to go to war, whether his father realized it or not. Another important example is when Barcott answers a phone call remembering what his father had taught him, “I’d learned from my father never to identify myself first” (Barcott 241). Here Barcott tells us very simply that he still follows the advice his father gave him, even as an adult. Throughout Barcott’s book you can find many other examples showing that his father had a very strong impact on his choices (Barcott 176, 180, 199, and 212).
Mary Edwards Wertsch, author of a well-known book Military Brats: Legacies of Childhood Inside the Fortress, seems to agree with the way I think. In a radio interview about her book she describes “three masks” in the military, identifying them as “stoicism (repression of emotion), secrecy, and denial. And everything that is in military life, no matter what it is, affects the inside of a family” (“BratCon Radio”). In the Marines you are taught to think a certain way and to believe in certain things. From the beginning in basic training you are sculpted and chiseled into what they believe to be the “perfect marine.” You are taught “knowledge, endurance, unselfishness, integrity, and loyalty” (U.S. Marine Corps). Even when the men leave the Marines, these values stay with them throughout their lives. And as Wertsch says, naturally these values find their way into their family life.
Impacting a child’s life often comes more from a parent’s actions than the things you say. When growing up and even still to this day my father never really told his kids how much we meant to him. I knew this was because at war it didn’t matter how he felt, he was taught to simply take orders, not to feel. “Warriors believe in the mask of stoicism. They keep it close to them; wear it like a talisman empowered to ward off the evil eye. They expect stoic behavior of one another, except in the worst, most cataclysmic moments of combat” (Wertsch 41). Sometimes not hearing my father say how much he cared took a toll on me as a child. I would often find my self-wondering if he even cared, or whether he would help me if I were in danger. But it was the simple actions, the sacrifices that he made that never left me wondering for long. In elementary school my father had already impacted the way I thought and the actions I as making-- from silly school projects where he and I would spend weeks at a time building boats for buoyancy that had flashing lights and motors, to a pinball machine made to show simple machines, which was almost the size of a real pinball machine. Through these projects, he taught me if you’re going to do something do it with your best work and be the best. Still to this day I carry this value with me. Although I know it’s unpractical to think I can be the best at everything, I go into every challenge doing my best, knowing that I can be the best. Because that’s what a Marine does: they do their best, and they are the best.
It’s the simple acts a Marine father does that show he cares the most. Quite often military parents give odd gifts on special occasions. In a personal news essay a daughter writes about her wedding gift from her father.
I recall as a child standing in my front yard as my father raised the American flag on a flagpole he had just put in. And as each of his six children stood there, he made each of us place our small hands in the drying cement under the flag. As time went on, he taught us the Marine way of taking down a flag, folding a flag, and putting it away. This shows that military men all have something in common. They take pride in their country and want to pass this same sense of pride and satisfaction to their children.
Military fathers not only impact the values you hold, but sometimes even the professions you choose. Many children of military fathers follow in their father’s footsteps to serve their country. Many chose this simply because they saw the impact it had on their father’s life and knew they were meant to serve too, and others because they felt it was their duty to serve because their father had. In one news article a father talks about his hopes for his one-year-old daughter.
Although I clearly never served in any branch of the service my oldest brother served in the Navy. And one of my younger brothers just recently enlisted in the Army. Whether or not this choice was because of the impact my father had, I can’t honestly say. I can only speak for myself when I describe the impact my father still to this day has on my life. He has yet to stop teaching me lessons; from my first fight in middle school, to boarding an airplane for a year abroad, he continues to teach me the Marine’s values.
Throughout my research, most of the impacts military fathers left on their families were good. However, in my research I did find a bad side. On rare occasions the reality of war becomes so real to a soldier they bring this violence into their homes, sometimes without even realizing that they are behaving badly. In one article the author talks about the murder of four wives on base, “In 2002, the murders of four military wives [were committed] by their soldier husbands within six weeks” (“Fearing Fort Bragg”). Sometimes the life of war is too stressful for some men to handle, and they develop a problem called Post Traumatic Syndrome Disorder (PTSD) (“Military’s Mental Health System Is Broken”). In Barcott’s book, he also mentions PTSD when he discusses a Marine that attempted suicide because of this disorder (Barcott 254). This stressful time can be hard for the entire family ending many marriages to soldiers in divorces that tear families apart. “In 2004 7,152 divorces occurred according to the Army figures” (Zoroya). Many soldiers who come back from war still believe they are in war. Barcott discusses this when he mentions a man who “was trapped in his own wartime trauma” (Barcott 255). I don’t think it’s fair to generalize all experiences with military as good, because sometimes it results in divorce, lifelong illness, or even death
Values that military fathers pass on to their children could in fact be good or bad values, such as loyalty and violence. So this question has no definite answer. It depends on the soldier, their children, and their families. As for It Happened on the Way to War, Barcott’s father seems to have a very strong role in his life. On many occasions in the book Barcott thinks about advice his father once gave him and thinks about what he would say. We never find out if his father’s role made him choose the Marines or not, but through the information I found, I believe his father did have an impact on the career he chose, the choices he makes, and his behavior.
Works Citied
“BrattCon Radio” Radio Pilot. Voice of America. Web. September 7, 2011
“Fearing Fort Bragg”Economist 2/14/2004, Vol.370, Issue 8362. Web.
Gregg Zoroya “Soldiers divorce rates up sharply” USA Today. USA Today. 6/7/2005. Web. September 9, 2011
Healy Melissa. “New Set of Marching Orders: Women in Combat. Gay service Personnel. An end to the rootlessness. These are some profound shifts America’s armed forces may undergo” Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles Times. November 02, 1992. Web. September 07, 2011.
“Military’s Mental Health System Is Broken” YouTube. CBS Evening News. Web. September 9, 2011
Rye Barcott. It happened on the Way to War. New York, Bloomsbury USA. 2011. Print.
U.S. Marines Corps. “ Quality Citizens.” Marines The Few. The Proud. 7. Web. September 2011
Wertsch Mary Edwards. Military Brats. New York. Harmony Books. 1991. Print.
“Why I’ll always Wave the Flag of my Father” The Daily Beast. The Newsweek/Daily Beast Company LLC. November 19, 2006. Web. September 9, 2011
Values: whether they are good or bad, we all have them and use them on a daily basis, but where do these values come from? As I was reading It Happened on the Way to War by Rye Barcott, I couldn’t help but wonder what is the impact military veterans leave on their children? In this book Barcott’s father seemed to have such a strong impact on everything he did. At one point Barcott said “I wanted to be an infantry officer and then go to a reconnaissance unit, as my father had done” (Barcott 180). This quote alone shows that his father had an impact on his life. Therefore I wanted to answer the question, what is the impact military parents leave on their children’s values? Understanding the answer to this question will help us realize why Barcott acts the way he does and makes the decisions he does.
As I began researching this question, most of the information I found was about deployment. I realize deployment has a strong impact on a child, but that’s not what I was looking for in my research, as this had nothing to do with family values. I wanted to know, in depth, the impact Marines or other military parents left on the future lives of their children. I wanted to research values they taught their children and which in turn their children carried throughout their lives.
Because my father was a Marine, I know the importance of military values. Before I was born my father was a Marine in force recon serving in two battles, Beirut and Grenada. In this paper I can contribute personal experience along with facts I found during research because I found very few sources as I did my research. My father left a lasting impact on my life and I couldn’t help but want to find out if others felt the same way. Even though I never served in the military, I hold similar values as Marines do such as loyalty and determination. Throughout this paper I use “I” a lot pertaining to my own life experiences. Although many of us learn as writers not to put our own input into our writing pieces, I received guidelines and permission from my professor to give you this information, because the resources I found were very limited. I would also like to say that many of these stories from me and otherwise are life experiences, and I don’t want to offend anyone by including these; life with military families can vary greatly.
Barcott’s story It Happened on the Way to War was a great source for my research question. Barcott, a Marine and a cofounder of a Non-Profit Organization, struggled to find peace between his two worlds. Throughout this book Barcott repeatedly reminds us of his father, who was also a Marine. He constantly questions whether his father would approve, or what his father would do in his situation. One example is one of Barcott’s first memories of wanting to be a Marine, “… And I wanted to know how I would react to it ever since I was a child and touched that old smoke grenade behind my father’s desk” (Barcott 253). In this sentence Barcott proves that his father had an impact on him wanting to go to war, whether his father realized it or not. Another important example is when Barcott answers a phone call remembering what his father had taught him, “I’d learned from my father never to identify myself first” (Barcott 241). Here Barcott tells us very simply that he still follows the advice his father gave him, even as an adult. Throughout Barcott’s book you can find many other examples showing that his father had a very strong impact on his choices (Barcott 176, 180, 199, and 212).
Mary Edwards Wertsch, author of a well-known book Military Brats: Legacies of Childhood Inside the Fortress, seems to agree with the way I think. In a radio interview about her book she describes “three masks” in the military, identifying them as “stoicism (repression of emotion), secrecy, and denial. And everything that is in military life, no matter what it is, affects the inside of a family” (“BratCon Radio”). In the Marines you are taught to think a certain way and to believe in certain things. From the beginning in basic training you are sculpted and chiseled into what they believe to be the “perfect marine.” You are taught “knowledge, endurance, unselfishness, integrity, and loyalty” (U.S. Marine Corps). Even when the men leave the Marines, these values stay with them throughout their lives. And as Wertsch says, naturally these values find their way into their family life.
Impacting a child’s life often comes more from a parent’s actions than the things you say. When growing up and even still to this day my father never really told his kids how much we meant to him. I knew this was because at war it didn’t matter how he felt, he was taught to simply take orders, not to feel. “Warriors believe in the mask of stoicism. They keep it close to them; wear it like a talisman empowered to ward off the evil eye. They expect stoic behavior of one another, except in the worst, most cataclysmic moments of combat” (Wertsch 41). Sometimes not hearing my father say how much he cared took a toll on me as a child. I would often find my self-wondering if he even cared, or whether he would help me if I were in danger. But it was the simple actions, the sacrifices that he made that never left me wondering for long. In elementary school my father had already impacted the way I thought and the actions I as making-- from silly school projects where he and I would spend weeks at a time building boats for buoyancy that had flashing lights and motors, to a pinball machine made to show simple machines, which was almost the size of a real pinball machine. Through these projects, he taught me if you’re going to do something do it with your best work and be the best. Still to this day I carry this value with me. Although I know it’s unpractical to think I can be the best at everything, I go into every challenge doing my best, knowing that I can be the best. Because that’s what a Marine does: they do their best, and they are the best.
It’s the simple acts a Marine father does that show he cares the most. Quite often military parents give odd gifts on special occasions. In a personal news essay a daughter writes about her wedding gift from her father.
“To commemorate the occasion, my thoughtful father gave us an American flag. To him, it was only proper that we had one of our own. As time went on this military father called every holiday to make sure his daughter’s flag was flying high. This simple tribute meant a lot to her father, and as daughter of a father in the armed forces, she continues this tradition, even after her father passed away” (“Why I’ll Always Wave the Flag of My Father”).
I recall as a child standing in my front yard as my father raised the American flag on a flagpole he had just put in. And as each of his six children stood there, he made each of us place our small hands in the drying cement under the flag. As time went on, he taught us the Marine way of taking down a flag, folding a flag, and putting it away. This shows that military men all have something in common. They take pride in their country and want to pass this same sense of pride and satisfaction to their children.
Military fathers not only impact the values you hold, but sometimes even the professions you choose. Many children of military fathers follow in their father’s footsteps to serve their country. Many chose this simply because they saw the impact it had on their father’s life and knew they were meant to serve too, and others because they felt it was their duty to serve because their father had. In one news article a father talks about his hopes for his one-year-old daughter.
“Jack McMullen says he’d like to see Carly, who has his blue eyes, fly the Air Force’s next generation fighter plane. Even though she was only a year old at the time her father had high hopes his daughter would take after him and his father in the third generation fighter pilot” (Healy 1).
Although I clearly never served in any branch of the service my oldest brother served in the Navy. And one of my younger brothers just recently enlisted in the Army. Whether or not this choice was because of the impact my father had, I can’t honestly say. I can only speak for myself when I describe the impact my father still to this day has on my life. He has yet to stop teaching me lessons; from my first fight in middle school, to boarding an airplane for a year abroad, he continues to teach me the Marine’s values.
Throughout my research, most of the impacts military fathers left on their families were good. However, in my research I did find a bad side. On rare occasions the reality of war becomes so real to a soldier they bring this violence into their homes, sometimes without even realizing that they are behaving badly. In one article the author talks about the murder of four wives on base, “In 2002, the murders of four military wives [were committed] by their soldier husbands within six weeks” (“Fearing Fort Bragg”). Sometimes the life of war is too stressful for some men to handle, and they develop a problem called Post Traumatic Syndrome Disorder (PTSD) (“Military’s Mental Health System Is Broken”). In Barcott’s book, he also mentions PTSD when he discusses a Marine that attempted suicide because of this disorder (Barcott 254). This stressful time can be hard for the entire family ending many marriages to soldiers in divorces that tear families apart. “In 2004 7,152 divorces occurred according to the Army figures” (Zoroya). Many soldiers who come back from war still believe they are in war. Barcott discusses this when he mentions a man who “was trapped in his own wartime trauma” (Barcott 255). I don’t think it’s fair to generalize all experiences with military as good, because sometimes it results in divorce, lifelong illness, or even death
Values that military fathers pass on to their children could in fact be good or bad values, such as loyalty and violence. So this question has no definite answer. It depends on the soldier, their children, and their families. As for It Happened on the Way to War, Barcott’s father seems to have a very strong role in his life. On many occasions in the book Barcott thinks about advice his father once gave him and thinks about what he would say. We never find out if his father’s role made him choose the Marines or not, but through the information I found, I believe his father did have an impact on the career he chose, the choices he makes, and his behavior.
Works Citied
“BrattCon Radio” Radio Pilot. Voice of America. Web. September 7, 2011
“Fearing Fort Bragg”Economist 2/14/2004, Vol.370, Issue 8362. Web.
Gregg Zoroya “Soldiers divorce rates up sharply” USA Today. USA Today. 6/7/2005. Web. September 9, 2011
Healy Melissa. “New Set of Marching Orders: Women in Combat. Gay service Personnel. An end to the rootlessness. These are some profound shifts America’s armed forces may undergo” Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles Times. November 02, 1992. Web. September 07, 2011.
“Military’s Mental Health System Is Broken” YouTube. CBS Evening News. Web. September 9, 2011
Rye Barcott. It happened on the Way to War. New York, Bloomsbury USA. 2011. Print.
U.S. Marines Corps. “ Quality Citizens.” Marines The Few. The Proud. 7. Web. September 2011
Wertsch Mary Edwards. Military Brats. New York. Harmony Books. 1991. Print.
“Why I’ll always Wave the Flag of my Father” The Daily Beast. The Newsweek/Daily Beast Company LLC. November 19, 2006. Web. September 9, 2011
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