Rob Macaire

Commonwealth Conversation - Kenya

Last week we held the local edition of the global conversation on the Commonwealth that I mentioned in my last blog. Here are some notes that I took of the event;

Many people still associate the Commonwealth with Britain and believe that membership should allow free visa travel to the UK and other Commonwealth countries. There was quite a lot of awareness on specific areas of Commonwealth activity such as Commonwealth games, Scholarship programmes, media training and coordination on legal systems.

There was a feeling that the Commonwealth could do more in exerting pressure on rights issues and constitution building in Kenya. One of the audience commented that the Secretariat should be given more power to address issues to do with Member states.

An overwhelming conclusion was that more needed to be done to promote Commonwealth and raise awareness on the activities been carried out.

I urge you to look at the website of this global conversation which has thrown up some lively debate

Posted at 13:57 02 November 2009 by Rob Macaire  |  Comments[1]

BLOG ACTION DAY 2009 - CLIMATE CHANGE

Today is Blog Action Day, with bloggers around the world writing about climate change, from thousands of different perspectives.
 
Writing here in Nairobi, it's particularly topical.  Parliamentarians from around Africa have just been meeting here, and have made very clear that they want African voices to be heard more strongly in the debate, as the negotiations intensify in the run-up to the Copenhagen conference in December.   

And tomorrow, together with representatives from the Government of Kenya and UNEP, I will be taking part in an event highlighting a ground-breaking research and communication initiative called 'Africa Talks Climate'.

Run by the British Council and the BBC World Service Trust, this work is founded on the belief that those worst affected must be better informed in order to understand and effectively respond to their changing climate.  Discussions were held with over 1000 citizens from countries across Africa, and interviews carried out with policymakers, religious leaders, business people and the media.

These two events show two different aspects of the climate change debate.  On the one hand, the importance of countries that are vulnerable to climate change having a full say, and being clear about their priorities and needs.  A remark made repeatedly at the MPs' meeting here this week has been that developed countries, who have historically produced most emissions, need to support developing countries, both in coping with and acting on climate change.   That must be right, and the UK believes that a high priority for Copenhagen will be to put in place finance needed by developing countries for both mitigation and adaptation.   And of course developed nations must set ambitious and binding targets for emission reductions.
 
But the the other interesting thing for me is that the Africa Talks Climate project shows that people most affected, here in Kenya, actually need better information about what climate change is and what it means. When this research is published after tomorrow's launch, I will put a link up on this blog.
 

Posted at 15:11 15 October 2009 by Rob Macaire  |  Comments[2]

UK, Kenya and the International Community

A crucial time for Kenya.   The EU, in the company of many other countries issued a statement on Friday expressing concern that nothing has been done to attack impunity for the post-election violence: neither a special tribunal nor referral to the International Criminal Court.  The ICC prosecutor issued an important statement a day earlier, supporting what he called a 'three pronged' approach to those crimes:  ICC, a special tribunal, and the TJRC to tackle historical issues and reconciliation at community level.   Now Kofi Annan , on behalf of the African Union,  has arrived in Kenya for talks with the two Principals and others.  All this coming hard on the heels of some tough, and well-chosen, words from the Obama Administration about the urgency of reforms and the responsibility of politicians and officials to act swiftly on them.   There's a strong sense of unanimity among the international community, and it echoes what is being heard far more loudly from Kenyan voices.   My impression from all this is that  the Kenyan people aren't willing to accept 'business as usual', particularly when that makes the chances of a repeat of last year's violence more likely.   While reconciliation is vital, I can't think of any country in the world where reconciliation has been achieved by deciding to allow people to get away scot-free with the use of violence for political ends on a massive scale.  Meanwhile Agenda 4 remains largely in the realms of commissions and recommendations, with Kenyans waiting  anxiously for the key actions to be taken.
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Posted at 07:08 06 October 2009 by Rob Macaire  |  Comments[2]

SOMALIA, KENYA, AND THE UK

I am just back from Addis Ababa, where I have had the chance to discuss with my colleagues from here and London, and also with the Ethiopian government, some regional problems including Somalia.  I spend a great deal of my time on Somalia.  But the situation in the country remains desperate, and there is a long way to go before Somalis can look forward to a more normal, stable existence.

Kenyans tell me that they are increasingly concerned about the problems that instability in Somalia brings over the border: refugees, small arms, all manner of threats.  People complain that money from piracy is behind the price of housing in Nairobi!  I am not so sure the arithmetic stands up for that claim, but there is no doubt that people here are directly affected by the situation in Somalia.  Actually, so is the UK.   With one of the largest Somali diasporas in the world, we have a direct interest in helping to resolve the ongoing crisis in that country.

That’s why we put money into both humanitarian and development assistance; support the AU force who are courageously defending the capital from rebels, and taking casualties from terrorist attacks (AMISOM);  work with our EU and other partners to support political moves towards stability; and back the Transitional Federal Government both diplomatically and practically.   One of the allegations I have little time for is people in the region saying that the international community “must do more” on Somalia.   It’s right up near the top of our international priorities.  But one thing we’ve learnt over the painful years since Siad Barre was overthrown in 1991 is that the outside world can easily do more harm than good by intervening.   The whole world needs to be resolute in supporting the widely-recognised government in the face of attacks from extremists.  But I believe that Somalis, not foreigners, will be the ones to bring eventual peace and development to their country.

But from the perspective my posting here in Kenya, I sense a bit of a danger that people will indiscriminately blame the Somalis living in Kenya (and even Kenyan Somalis) for the threats coming from over the border.  I'd be interested in any comments on that - especially if you are a Kenyan Somali or refugee.

Posted at 08:32 25 September 2009 by Rob Macaire  |  Comments[2]

UK and KENYA: CONFLICT AND SPORT

I spent the weekend at an extraordinary event, the Laikipia Highland Games.  Although I don't usually blog about what I have been up to, this event was very topical to what is making headlines in the country.  It took place not far from where a brutal armed attack had left over 30 people dead less than a week before, in the latest round of bitter fighting between pastoralist communities in that area.  So it was impressive to see an event that was bringing those very communities together through sport, and to see teams from Samburu, Pokot, Njemps and other communities putting their hearts into athletics and traditional tribal sports at a day dedicated to peace-building.  The noted conservationist Kuki Gallman is the moving inspiration behind this event, and I commend her efforts. 
 
But although these initiatives are tremendously important at a community level, the conflicts are too deep and complicated to be resolved that easily.  The state needs to do more.  For example, while we were in Laikipia for these Games, there was a heavy Administration Police presence.  It was very welcome.  But it is a temporary measure, and what will happen when they leave?  Even while we were there, the AP presence didn't stop a gang armed with AK47s being spotted nearby.  And poaching continues to be a serious problem: we saw an injured elephant by the side of the road; three hours later when we came back it was dead, with its tusks cut out.
 
But nevertheless this was an important initiative, and I was glad that the British High Commission was able to support it.  In fact, part of our support was to offer sponsorship to one of the winners, an impressive sprinter and long-jumper called Jacob Kurere, to go to Kip Keino's high altitude training camp.  Nothing would make me happier than for someone like him to go on and make the Kenyan team competing at the London Olympics in 2012.  Sport retains its ability to reach everyone, and to motivate whole communities.  And in Kenya, there are ways it can be used to break down conflicts between communities, be it youths in Nairobi slums playing football or pastoralist warriors joining events like the Highland Games.  We'll continue to support that sort of initiative.

Posted at 07:28 24 September 2009 by Rob Macaire  |  Comments[0]

Kenya and UK: Some thoughts on police reform

Many countries, Britain included, have reached moments when reform in the police service has become a pressing need.  My sense is that Kenya is at one of those moments now.   Security is a real issue.  Those of us who live in Nairobi are acutely aware of violent crime.  In recent weeks I have heard at first hand from people in Central province, in Laikipia and Isiolo, in Mombasa, and in Kisii about the crime problems they face.  And those are just the places I have been.  It's one of the issues that regularly comes at the top of opinion polling about people's concerns, and of course it remains a central element of the reform agenda.
 
We have been giving targeted support to improve the police's capacity in areas like forensics and crisis management work which are critical for security in Kenya. But I'm also glad that we have been able to help provide some practical support to the police reform task force itself.  We've done this, at the request of the Kenyan Government, by providing funding for quality international expertise to the task force - a technical police adviser,  local expertise, the South African deputy chair  and help with understanding oversight mechanisms. We are also supporting civil society to campaign for reform. .
 
The task force has produced its interim report and is due to complete its work soon.  Some have been sceptical, labelling it as "yet another commission"- we certainly won't be providing large scale support until we see evidence of real will to change policing culture.    But let's judge by results    I think there is a pretty strong appetite for serious reform of the police across the political spectrum , and amongst police  personnel themselves.  We'll be very interested to see how the recommendations are taken forward.  There has now been a shake-up at the top of the police, which is usually a precondition for far-reaching reform in any institution.  So let's see.
 
However, I really hope that such moves are not seen as an attack on the Kenyan police.   We all know that they do an almost impossible job, in dangerous circumstances, with very limited resources.  Police reform should be about boosting their ability to do their job, with Government investing more in policing and providing the men and women who risk their lives with a fair welfare and promotion package.  And a central ingredient in that is changing the relationship between the citizen and the security forces.  If the police are trusted by the public, they will have a cooperative environment to work in.  Many countries have found that to be the key in effective police reform.   Part of that is indeed about accountability of the police force, and independent oversight.  But if that relationship can be shifted, so that people have faith in the police to solve crimes, and not to demand bribes or to break the law themselves, the morale of the force should soar.  These are general points from experience around the world, but I believe they hold good in Kenya.  What do you think?

Posted at 09:36 18 September 2009 by Rob Macaire  |  Comments[4]

KENYA AND THE CHALLENGES OF CORRUPTION

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Posted at 13:25 04 September 2009 by Rob Macaire  |  Comments[7]

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Posted at 21:11 01 September 2009 by e-Media Global  |  Comments[1]

Electoral Reform in Kenya

Met with the Interim Independent Electoral Commission (IIEC), together with various other Ambassadors and development colleagues.  Kenya has a plethora of new Commissions and task forces at the moment, but this has to be one of the most important in the country.  

As we discussed with them, their wide mandate charges them with enormous responsibilities, with the outside world and Kenyans all watching to see how well they are able to chart a course through the political obstacles to robust electoral reform.   The bye-elections this week will be an important test, but the IIEC is up against the clock in trying to build a set of electoral reforms and processes that will re-build Kenyans’ faith in the democratic process to deliver governments who are genuinely working for the national interest. 

I found it encouraging to hear some of the steps they have taken so far, and also the goodwill they reported from a wide range of stakeholders including the media.  Everyone knows how important it is for them to succeed.   Those of us in the international community share that desire, and we will continue to deliver practical support to them.   I'd be interested in any comments from readers about electoral reform, and where you see it heading.

Posted at 16:28 26 August 2009 by Rob Macaire  |  Comments[3]

YOUNG BRITISH, KENYAN AND PAKISTANI VOLUNTEERS IN MOMBASA

A few days ago I was sitting in the Aga Khan High School auditorium in Mombasa, in a debate with a very unusual group of young people.   They were all volunteers working with various community organisations, and they were there as part of the British Council’s ‘Global Xchange’ programme, which helps to create ‘global citizens’ who look beyond the boundaries of nationality, religion, ethnicity and culture to strive for the improvement of society.    The addition of the contingent from Pakistan enabled the discussion to cover a range of issues affecting Muslims across the world, not just here in Kenya.  The title of the discussion was “what poses a bigger threat to peaceful co-existence:  poverty & exclusion, corruption, or terrorism?” 

For me, it was a chance to explain that people shouldn’t be taken in by propaganda that says Western governments are against Muslims, or equate Islam with terrorism.   But it was also a chance to hear the heartfelt concerns from Coast communities, particularly the youth, that they don’t get a fair share of the educational and economic opportunities in Kenya.   This isn’t the only country where Muslim populations feel that way.   But exchanges like this one help to address some of those issues and bridge cultural gaps.  I was glad to have a chance to take part.   And a particular cultural uniqueness was added that evening by the British and Pakistani students treating us to Scottish country dancing, in the rain!

Another  participant in the event was the admirable organisation Kenya Community Support Center (KECOSCE), who are doing great work empowering leaders in the youth community at the Coast:  I was delighted to see that we are supporting such an impressive organisation.   And I also paid my first calls on the Council of Imams Preachers in Kenya and visited an excellent organisation called Muslims for Human Rights (MUHURI) .   Worthy of support, and I commend them to anyone working in that field.

Posted at 16:01 25 August 2009 by Rob Macaire  |  Comments[0]

UK and Kenya

Apologies to regular readers of this blog for the gap in posts.   Also a reminder to people commenting that you need to keep remarks to under 800 words, otherwise the system automatically rejects them:  I know a couple of people have had contributions rejected for that reason.

Here are three things that have been on my mind:

The debate, which has become complicated and I suspect leaves a lot of people confused, about how to handle the post-election violence.  Read what the EU Heads of Mission in Kenya had to say about it last week.  I just hope that MPs and Ministers, and opinion formers in the press and elsewhere, can inform a public debate that allows the country to agree a way to hold people accountable for the violence.   It's just common sense that if there is no consequence for inciting or facilitating mob violence, people will do it again.  But I've said enough about this in the past.

Second, the fact that despite all the political controversies in Kenya, what most people are worried about is food shortages.  This is a huge challenge for the government, together with international aid agencies, but I agree with those commentators who have said let's get the longer term issues sorted out, so that droughts don't cause this sort of crisis in the future. 

And third, celebrating the positive.  I was at the recent festival organised by StoryMoja and the Hay Festival from the UK, where there was an enormous amount of debate and engagement by a wide range of Kenyans of all ages and backgrounds.  I came away energised by the positives in the country, not least the dynamism of young people and their determination to make the country better.  And just yesterday I was at the launch of a new service to help small businesses succeed in Kenya - run by a 29 year old Kenyan who studied and set up her company in the UK, and assisted by the UK Trade and Investment team in the High Commission. AFRI Business Development is a great example of how Kenyans from the diaspora can come back into the country with ideas and enthusiasm that can really help the economy.

Posted at 15:23 13 August 2009 by Rob Macaire  |  Comments[2]

UK and Kenya -Commonwealth conversation

The modern Commonwealth celebrated its 60th birthday this year.  David Miliband, the British Foreign Secretary, pointed out in a major speech this week that, of the Commonwealth's two billion citizens, half are under 25. So it is, or should be, the voice of the future. Today the Commonwealth needs to speak to and deliver for this new generation. This is part of the UK's agenda for reforming international institutions to fit the modern world.  Soft power institutions like the Commonwealth have a vital role to play.

David Milband pointed out in his speech that such institutions sit in a more crowded international field than during the 1960s or 70s but the distinctive range, reach and diversity of the Commonwealth is an asset if it can be allied to real focus and clear purpose.  launching the

I encourage you to join in the commonwealth  conversation, or alternatively give your thoughts using this blog.

Posted at 15:15 28 July 2009 by Rob Macaire  |  Comments[1]

UK and Kenya - Response to Iqbal Halani

Some of the most recent comments on my blog need a response.  I have been away for a week and have not had a chance to come back on the disturbing remarks that single out one ethnic group for blame for the country's problems.  Needless to say, I condemn such comments, and I apologise to any readers who have been offended by them - although I know they are far from rare on Kenya blogs and letters to the papers.
 
But what I am struck by, from my experience in different parts of the world, is the terrible impact of the concept of victimhood. Wherever you find two (or more) groups of people, each of whom are convinced they are victims in a given situation, conflict becomes almost inevitable. 

And yet seeing yourself as a victim is almost entirely a matter of choice.  I had that discussion with a British politician recently, who had come from an extremely disadvantaged background to a position of great power and success.  His point was that he could have seen himself as a victim, and blamed other people for his circumstances, but he chose instead to get on with reaching his own goals.  

I wouldn't presume to know everything about the inter-ethnic tensions in Kenya, but I strongly believe that people have an option to turn away from the narratives of victimhood that are pedalled on blogs and sometimes by politicians, in this country.  I don't want to get into refuting the individual points in recent comments on this blog, but I repeat that I in no way condone them, although I continue to welcome and encourage an open debate.  It is only when people voice their views that they can be understood and challenged. 

Posted at 12:00 22 July 2009 by Rob Macaire  |  Comments[3]

Swine Flu: British in Kenya

There's been considerable focus here on swine flu recently following the diagnosis a couple of weeks ago of the first case in Kenya. As it was a British student, our mission was closely involved both in supporting the students and in discussions with the Ministry of Health and other health experts. For those interested, here is the text of a letter I've sent to the editors of the main papers on the case and particularly the importance of clear public messaging:

Posted at 08:42 13 July 2009 by Rob Macaire  |  Comments[0]

UK and Kenya-Response to Dr. Wapili Job

I'd like to respond to the comment posted by Dr Wapili Job.   As I wrote earlier, it's not for us to try to dictate how Kenya pursues justice for the post election violence.  But we do support the findings of the Waki commission (and the government's own repeated statements) that a serious judicial process is needed.  The question seems to be "what constitutes a serious judicial process".  Kenyans I speak to seem divided on this.   But I do think it important that there should be an informed public debate.  I think a lot of people are misled by the phrase "a local tribunal".  What Waki recommended, and we support along with Kofi Annan and others, is the concept of a tribunal based on the international law that governs the ICC, with constitutional protection, and thus insulated from the existing judicial and prosecutorial system.  So it would have international investigators, international prosecutors, and a majority of international judges at both the trial and appeal level.  That is the proposal that Parliament rejected, which is a shame, because whether or not the ICC gets involved, such a tribunal seems to be the best way to attack impunity in the country.  

One thing does seem pretty clear to me though - given the doubts people have about even such a strong tribunal, a weaker one isn't likely to carry credibility with many Kenyans or others.    The idea of a tribunal set up under the existing court system is doing the rounds, but certainly lacks that credibility, which is what I have said to anyone who has raised it with me.  I'm not, of course, going to comment on any specific meetings I've had that were not in the public domain.

Ends

Posted at 11:48 01 July 2009 by Rob Macaire  |  Comments[4]