[kictanet] Konza Land Issue

Mon Aug 13 09:09:45 EAT 2012

John,

As was mentioned ealier the issue is not Dr. Ndemo but the survival of the project, the question should be are we willing to stand and be counted in support of the Konza project who would we rather keep preaching to the choir?

Regards

Robert Yawe
KAY System Technologies Ltd
Phoenix House, 6th Floor
P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200
Kenya

Tel: +254722511225, +254202010696

--- On Sat, 11/8/12, John Kieti <jkieti at gmail.com> wrote:

From: John Kieti <jkieti at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [kictanet] Konza Land Issue
To: robertyawe at yahoo.co.uk
Cc: "KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions" <kictanet at lists.kictanet.or.ke>
Date: Saturday, 11 August, 2012, 13:56

Bwana Ndemo, et al
The many of us in support may not be individually as powerful as the few 'powerful' forces against you. That said, our combined support will be too strong to wish away for any 'evil' force. 
Just tell us when and how to engage ...

On Aug 10, 2012 10:17 AM, "Ali Hussein" <ali at hussein.me.ke> wrote:

Daktari

Let me add my voice of support on this.

There's a saying that one of the most vulnerable moments in aviation is when a plane is taking off and about to land. That's where I think Konza Techno City is. We must all in any way we can continue to support this model of progress in Africa.  

Daktari, having said that you didn't really think that it was going to be easy right? The forces of darkness and quick bucks will not let it be unless they have their pound of flesh. Unfortunately the same tools that progressive forces use to move their agenda are the same tools available for the forces of retrogression. 

This country has turned the corner for the better. The rule of law actually has a chance to thrive. Hang in there..And as the good bible says - The truth shall set you free! 

Ali Hussein

+254 773/713 601113

Sent from my iPhone®

On Aug 10, 2012, at 8:04 AM, Brian Munyao Longwe <blongwe at gmail.com> wrote:

Daktari,

Thank you for taking this bold step to shed pure light on the Konza Techno city site. It is truly unfortunate that the media persist in casting aspersions and (allowing themselves to be used for) mudslinging.

I recall, with clarity, how the print media (and especially Nation) were used during the early stages of TEAMs to try and discredit and bring disrepute to the project, yourself and others who were involved. It was laughable at the time how the newspaper even went as far as making rabid claims that I was fronting for powerful politicians via my company InHand Ltd which had procedurally applied for, and received an allocation in the project. I recall how many times the Anti-corruption commission carried out investigations, and I also recall having to answer a barrage of questions from the good folk at National Intelligence. All because of flimsy lies pushed through the newspapers by unscrupulous journalists who clearly had received the infamous "brown envelope" payoffs to publish dirt.

Needless to say - and as has been pointed out by Mugo. TEAMs survived the negativity and today has totally transformed this country and region. While I know that it is personally tiring, draining and very demoralizing to be a victim of this kind of treatment. Let me add my voice to those who say "Usichoke" - please stay strong, keep the vision, and hold the course. The Konza City project is still at a critical stage that needs your drive and support. Once it gains it's own momentum then you can take a well deserved rest, until then let us all put our shoulders behind this project and push it forward.

Best regards,

Brian

Brian Munyao Longwe

| Mobile: 254715964281http://mashilingi.blogspot.com

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On Thu, Aug 9, 2012 at 8:43 AM, <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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