[kictanet] Konza Land Issue

Thu Aug 9 10:20:04 EAT 2012

Daktari,

I agree with Walu and Dr. Nyabuga, how i wish we would have a public debate
pitting those who are against the project and faithfully participate in the
public forums and those who are for the project, we have too many wolves in
sheep skin no wonder there are too many sideshows, if everybody were to be
consulted we would never have the Thika Super Highway or TEAMS.

Best Regards

On Thu, Aug 9, 2012 at 9:33 AM, George Nyabuga <george at afrinic.net> wrote:

> Daktari,
>
> I see the point you make, and this is definitely detractive from the
> bigger picture and the worth of the project. The other problem though is
> that the government departments and functionaries do not seem to be working
> in tandem. As you indicate, you sought advice from the AG and the Lands
> Office. And these know the facts, and the rationale for buying the Konza
> land rather than engaging in open tendering for the reasons you have
> advanced in your exposition. But oftentimes such organisations as the KACC
> are reactionist and sometimes do not take time to understand the rationale
> for certain actions, and seem interested in public grandstanding. Whilst
> the media (read the Nation!) has besmirched your  reputation, you will be
> vindicated by time and success of the project although I am sure investors
> may now be wary of the project.
>
> Best wishes,
>
> Dr George Nyabuga                                                  Tel:   +230
> 403 51 00
> Head, Communications and PR, AFRINIC           Fax:  +230 466 67 58
> george at afrinic.net - www.afrinic.net
>
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Join us at AFRINIC-17 for our Public Policy Meeting in Khartoum, Sudan, on
> 24 – 30 November 2012
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> On Aug 9, 2012, at 10:12 AM, Walubengo J wrote:
>
>
>
> Daktari,
>
> am actually in the bus headed to KONZA for the site visit. Indeed i read
> the issue in the dailies but did not bother too much about it sincei know a
> project of this magnitude must and will attract all manner of diversionery
> tactics. But we just need to focus and stay the course.
>
> walu.
>
>
> ------------------------------
> On Thu, Aug 9, 2012 8:43 AM AST (Arabian) bitange at jambo.co.ke wrote:
>
> Listers,
>
> A number of you have independently asked me to clarify the Konza Land
>
> issue that was in the papers yesterday.  Let me briefly explain the
>
> problem.
>
>
> Prior to the purchase of Land we developed a conceptual framework on the
>
> locationing of a tech city.  Here we largely relied on the work done by
>
> Booz Allen.  Among other things research shows that a tech city must be
>
> located at least 30 minutes from the airport and be in the outskirts of a
>
> major city from where you can tap the human resource.
>
>
> With this we crafted a tender document that restricted the suitable land
>
> within the parameters of the conceptual framework.  This was done openly
>
> and we assumed it was indeed an open tender.  But it emerged that the
>
> definition of open was to advertise land availability anywhere without
>
> restrictions.  This grey area in the law is rediculous since land in Wajir
>
> will have been of no use to us and as such we flouted the procurement law.
>
>
> After our competitive bid, we consulted with the Ministry of Lands to give
>
> us the valuation of which the recommendation was Ksh. 200,000.  Since most
>
> quotes were in the 300 range we focused on the most suitable piece and
>
> offered to pay Ministry of Lands Valuation rate. In open tenders one is
>
> not allowed to negotiate even when it is in the interest of the country.
>
> Here it is said we manipulated the numbers.
>
>
> This clearly is a misunderstanding since we still have grey areas in the
>
> Procurement Law.  Whereas KACC says we used direct or restricted tendering
>
> to buying the land, our view was that the method was open since and one
>
> that is in the interest of the country.
>
>
> We did indeed consult the AG's office if what we did was in order and we
>
> were given the clear.  Much of this is done by various the departments but
>
> I bear the ultimate responsibility.
>
>
> What is absurd is the fact that the Daily Nation decided to highlight this
>
> issue while we were having the Konza conference here with international
>
> investors.  This was the time we were telling investors that Kenya has
>
> changed and corruption is being dealt with.  Well they did a great damage
>
> to my reputation.  I read malice in the story since it is something that
>
> has been around.  I would rather have taken a six month jail term than
>
> mess up with a project that I have devoted my life to.  I have taken risky
>
> decisions to have this project take off but it is now clear that we only
>
> rejoice on successes.
>
>
> KACC has a right to question what we do and indeed in Teams they were on
>
> our case all through until the project was complete.  The fact that they
>
> question does not amount to corruption.  This is how we can change laws
>
> and make them dynamic with changing times.  As much as I respect the
>
> Media, in this case they hurt my character dearly yet what I did was right
>
> and hoped we can change the law for future rational decisions.  Never in
>
> my public life have I tried to do something that is not in the interest of
>
> the country.
>
>
> Ndemo.
>
>
>
>
>
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> for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and
> regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT
> sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development.
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-- 
Barrack O. Otieno
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Skype: barrack.otieno
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