Archive for December, 2005
The White Sands of Malindi
This weekend I am in Malindi, a beach town 1-hour north of Mombasa, for a 2-day work trip to facilitate a project of the Growing Sustainable Business initiative. During the trip I will meet mango farmers, private service extension providers (PESPs), and transporters, to resolve some outstanding issues of quality control and logistics in order [...]
Procedure for claiming Travel Expenses
Ever travel for work? Claim expenses for that? Here is what you must do in the UN, to get your money back. The general idea is to make the process so difficult that you would be much happier just spending out of your pocket.
1. Fill in a travel authorization, to be signed by the unit [...]
Land of the Masai - The Masai Mara
I am writing this from the Mara Serena Lodge, an oasis of luxury in the middle of the Masai Mara National Reserve. The location is breathtaking with relaxing views from each room. Outside, the sun is merciless, but at 1625 meters, a cool breeze makes the shade inviting. Beyond the mud huts, the swimming pool, [...]
The Kenyan Political Landscape
Two weeks after the cabinet was dissolved, the Kenyan political landscape is now officially a circus.
When President Kibaki dissolved the cabinet, he had given himself two weeks to reconstitute a new one. Well, he met his deadline. Yesterday, the new cabinet was announced. But in order not to consult with the opposition and the many [...]
The UN Millenium Village
Last weekend’s workshop and field trip were organized in part by the MDG Centre, part of the UN Millenium Project. Not surprisingly, the field trip, therefore, included a visit to the UN Millenium Village. So much the better, because I had heard a lot about it. Now that I know what it is, I can [...]
A Tough Weekend in Kisumu
It has been a hectic weekend. On Friday, the World Economic Forum organized a workshop titled “Business Action to Halve Hunger”. That was followed by a field trip to Kisumu on Saturday. The three days were tough work - speeches, free lunches and dinners, and driving around Kisumu. Decided to stay an extra day at [...]
