"Ordinary people when working together can do extra-ordinary things"
~Senator Barack Obama, US President
Brief Background
Given that the Internet is a network of computers on a global scale, the world is a click away on your desktop. As a tool for leverage, Internet opens up an avalanche of information as well as potential worldwide networks if well utilised.
In this first segment of my post I dwell on how Kenyans have so far made use of the emerging technologies as the media converge on the Internet. The political boundaries that separate us are just that-mere boundaries for political administration by sovereign states.
Netizens now belong to a new world order, thanks to the Internet, people can now exchange information freely. This has also opened up enormous opportunities that a Savvy Kenyan should grab. You savvy enough read on...
Kenyan Budget-What is in it for savvy Kenyans?
As I was thinking of Internet as a tool of leverage, this week brought me both joy and sadness following the Budget speech that was delivered by Finance minister Amos Kimunya on Thursday. As usual, Kenyans had their say about the Budget speech including the MPs who may have been asleep during the usually long and winding speech of how the Government of Kenya would be spending our taxes. That aside, Information Technology received a boost as the minister removed taxes-notably VAT and Import Duty on IT related accessories and telecommunication equipment to boost the industry.
Now, how is it important to you savvy Kenyan? This means that many Kenyans would be able to invest in IT industry and related services that would promote the use of Internet across Kenya. The Government is also in the process of launching digital villages across Kenya to help boost Internet access by Kenyans. This, if well implemented, would help bridge the digital divide between urban Kenyans and the rural folks.
Mobile Telephony
Hitherto, Internet services are mainly confined to Kenya's main towns. However, good news is also emerging from the mobile telephony sector.
The main mobile technology providers-Safaricom and Celtel including Telkom Kenya have rolled out a host of services that would enable Kenyans to access Internet in their homes and through their Internet enabled mobile phones. With the emergence of 3G technology things can only get better.
However, I am still not happy that we Kenyans-I mean a true Kenyan-not savvy you and I, have found better use for this emerging technology. Going by the perennial network failures especially on Fridays, mobile phones have acquired a new meaning- a very vital tool for dating and planning for Member's day binge drinking.
Binge Drinking
Talking of drinking, it brings us back to the Budget-Beer lovers were crying foul over increased prices as brewers of Chang'aa, the illicit brew containing mainly the poisonous Methane, from Nyanza province of Kenya were all praises of the minister's move-never mind the brew is banned in Kenya-a local daily reported. They brewers said cash strapped Kenyans would flock back for a tot or so of the lethal but potent drink. I bet, it would still be a win-win for both the East Africa Breweries and the brewers of Chang'aa as long as Kenya holds its pride of a drinking nation. Kenyans love their beer and women!
Sex allure on the Internet
Now back to our topic, as for the Internet, many Kenyans are yet to make good use of this valuable tool. Majority of those making use of Internet at home, cybercafes and mobile phones find sex appeal on the Internet too tempting!
We dwell on the subject of how we use the Internet for wrong reasons till the end of the world after all its a global phenomenon.
Part 2: How to make good use of the Internet
