STATE OF LUOLAND

There has been a lot of debate about the state of Luoland. Most of the input in this discourse has been very positive and refreshing. Luoland of today is really different from Luoland of 10 years ago. I have noticed many changes in the development of the region but this is only about 10% of the full development potential of Luoland. Let us not rubbish all that we have done for this region simply because we do not own Matatus or Buses plying along our routes. Luo Nyanza is rapidly changing, however, serious debate on how to fast track economic development and dismantle chains of decades of unrelenting poverty and disease ought to be encouraged by all.

For instance Luos in diaspora and those at home have begun this debate and are working together to jump-start the economic activities in order to empower the locals through small - medium enterprises. This has the effect of improving the quality of life of many people through earnings which in turn will enable them to effectively contribute to the social and economic development of their families and Luoland as a whole instead of being spectators.

I also feel that we must be joined in this quest by our elected representatives. Our leaders must be there when we need them not the reverse. They have been part of the problem and I say this with no regrets because they know better. I would implore them to do what Raila Odinga did when he was in power and Raphael Tuju is doing in his constituency. I believe these leaders have done more within a short period of time than their predecessors. Many people say that what they did were Government projects which would have been done whether they were there or not. That is not true, because what am talking about here is the ability and will to negotiate with partners whether it is Government or not, to do something for your people. In any case what did former Luo political leaders do for their people apart from always giving myopic excuses yet they have held some of the most prestigious positions in Government. If Raila did it, why couldn't they? If Tuju did it, why couldn't they?

There is new optimism among the Luos and please let us use this goodwill and move forward. Let us be tolerant and accomodative of each other's views and tap into the reach cultural and intellectual resources available in Luoland to improve the social and economic outlook of the region. Most of the time we waste many hours building walls between us for fear of some unrealistic egoistic myths about other people. This must be abandoned with haste. We must be genuine in our approach and not endeavour to shut out other people from our camps because they hold a different opinion from ours if we are to be realistic in developing the region. Imagine Luo Nyanza being one of the least developed regions in Kenya yet it is the 2nd largest revenue contributor to the national economy. Well I will leave the economists to tell us their own interpretation of that.

Cessation or independent Luoland or Majimboism may have some merit in it. I guess it appeals to people because local revenue will largely be retained by the local administration. However, given African politics it can easily lead to much more polarisation than now and will not do much to really uplift us from poverty. It may not even happen so let us encourage more private capital or private/public initiatives for serious investment opportunities in Luo Nyanza

The baby has cried enough and can not cry any more. Even if it wants to cry no one will listen because the mother thinks it is just the usual cry. So the baby must change tact and grab the mother for attention. This is preciously what we must all do now for poverty has hit us all for many decades that we can not just keep talking any more. With the little you have just keep going and others will join you on the way if they can not do it now, but keep going. I am very optimistic and I know many have the tenacity and enthusiasm to one day realise their dream of changing the state of Luoland.

Dickson Aduonga