[kictanet] Day 10/11 of 12- BPO Discussions, Strengths andWeaknesses (Observations from USA and UK); and Trends and Niches

[Athar Ahmad Bhatti]

Dear Hon. Dr. Ndemo,

I have reviewed your concerns. Unfortunately the media is based on
sensational stories. They can only publish stories and not
achievements. In recent PR discussion in one of the clubs I am a part
of the key issue, that did come regarding  organisations that want to
be recognised but are failing to achieve that is due to the quality of
the human stories that are given to the media.

If you ever pick up a magazine on India related to BPO, its not the
fact that the Government has done XYZ that is in the foreground.
Instead a lot of effort is placed on the human story from slums to
riches. If these stories could be compiled, and the human story shown
from a Kenyan BPO perspective it would in my opinion create the thrust
needed to create the positive image we need for the media. I also
believe donors would be more interest in how BPO has helped the human
factor (not in numbers but individual stories); they would in turn
fund and promote any similar ventures.

On the discussion of negative ethinicity I believe that is a weakness
that Kenya has. In business it is very difficult to reform weaknesses
in time to make that needed profit. So what I am saying is that YES,
our problems need to be sorted, but its progressive and will take
time. One of the fundamental ways of eliminating tribalism for
instance is by giving better lifestyles to citizens of the Country as
a whole. This will prevent "my x tribe brother helped me when in
need...what has the Country done for me" factor. We need to become a
welfare state, however long it takes.

But this is a progressive process. BPO is part of the solution.
Germany managed to unite with Europe even though they had a bad
history.....

We may need to emphasise our diversity, market the way the South
African's do it. Use a motto realising that we are different clans,
tribes, races and yet of one body called Kenya. I do remember a
beetles song (think it was them) that asked the question; "Is the
boulder on top of the mountain superior than the rocks that make up
the mountain's foundation?"

If we show unity in diversity we have won half the battle without
struggling much. Secondly the same diversity extrapolated across the
borders (East Africa Television Style) will create harmony amongst our
sister nations.

This is my 2cnts worth.

Thank you

Best regards

Athar