[kictanet] Konza Land Issue

Thu Aug 9 12:37:31 EAT 2012

Really sad!

I wonder what the Media (Nation in this case) have to say on this,
especially on their motivation for this and their timing of article. It has
a bad taste.

As others have said, Dr. Ndemo, Truth will always vindicate, in due course.
It is best to encourage you press on.

Cleophas

On Thu, Aug 9, 2012 at 11:57 AM, Sammy Buruchara <buruchara at me.com> wrote:

> Dear Dr. Ndemo,
> It always amazes me how we succeed to shoot ourselves in the foot. We cut
> our nose to spite our face.
>
> Kenyans when shall we wake up and leave petty issues aside for the good of
> the country? To see the big picture and avoid the side shows.
>
> Very sad indeed.
>
> Sammy
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: kictanet
> [mailto:kictanet-bounces+buruchara=mac.com at lists.kictanet.or.ke] On Behalf
> Of bitange at jambo.co.ke
> Sent: Thursday, August 09, 2012 8:43 AM
> To: buruchara at mac.com
> Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions
> Subject: Re: [kictanet] Konza Land Issue
>
> 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.
>
> KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors
> online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth,
> share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do
> not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications.
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-- 
Sincerely,

Cleophas Barmasai
"For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men,
teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live
soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age..." (Titus 2:11,12, NKJV)
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