I met with an old family friend called Mr. Malumo Siyanga recently while visiting South Africa. At only 56 year of age Malumo has clocked over 30 years of very successful investment banking career. We were discussing his current focus in life now that he keeps saying he is old. He said ” I am very busy working very hard to give back to Africa”! Mhhhh. Malumo believes he is what he is today because of Africa.

His has had many learnings while doing investment banking with African economies but the biggest one is that “1% of something is better than 100% of nothing”. It all came about when I asked Malumo to tell me why African economies seem to struggle so much in business and remain poor yet they work so hard.

This got me thinking about the state of Kenya BPO industry and came to the conclusion that what it needs is “postive energy”, “civility” and ‘educated (informed by facts)’ issues for discussion. This will elavate the kind of discussions taking place there to a different level and invite constructive feedback from the target markets. The inverse is that the target reader will sense disharmony and keep a safe distance.

The holders of the verious portifolios in the industry also need to have the ability to take the issues being raised through various forums including Outsouring Maneno Blog as “constructive criticism” and address them with a spirit of “consultation and inclusiveness”. The industry is a nascent and is experiencing the typical new industry challenges which we all need to take as such.

My friend Mr Malumo went on to tell me that “the biggest Problem with africans and African economies is that “we are greedy and jealous of each others achievements”. This is why african economies experience high mortality rates of new business start-ups and whallow in poverty while the rest of the world “shares and has just enough to put them above poverty line(not necessarily reach)” . They understand the simple principle of “1% of something is better than 100% of nothing”.

In my own view, there is strength in Numbers and we will go far if we work together and not alone.

Today I went to pay a weekily visit to my nephew Barak with whom I share a birthday. His name, Baraka means ‘blessings’, because that is just what he is to the family. So little and fragile, so innocent, so much potential for the future. I found myself wondering whether Baby baraka holds potential to be a president one day. SucSuch a huge sense of responsibility to help give him a good foundation.

The only thing I know how to do is ICT and entreprenuership. As I held him lost in though, my 2 nieces and sister in law walked also looking to spend some precious moments with Baby Baraka. No sooner than we finished with hugs than soni the younger one started playing games on the moms cell phone. Karen the older one (12 years) went straigh for baby baraka’s infectious smiles and soft voices.

Soni knows I work in the ICT industry and wanted to show me her prowess in technology. She walked over to be said, Aunt, can I show you something to which I replied…go on. in lightening speeds she waded through numerous folders with various kinds of content and uploaded this video..

The video of tom and Jerry singing a Kikuyu Song. Tom was having so much fun that he was tikling Jerry’s chin to the tune of a local tune. She later showed many the most creative ring tonnes and other video clips. I was amazed and found myself wondering what these kids can do with full access to technology.

I later learned that these videos were created by thier friends in school who have good and reliable access to ICT resources, thanks to thier parents recognition of the value of ICT in transforming lives. The most amazing part is thier ability to share using the most simple cell phone /mobile technology.

On realising my awe, Karen quickly offered to tranfer the files to my phone. She told me she could use either infra-red, Blue tooth, USB cable thro a comp/stick or send it in form of an email. I was WOW’ed. This is how they share notes in school and helpt each other with asignments. At least that is how it was until the government issued a policy directive that children would not be allowed to have phones in school anymore. I am quite indifferent about this policy!

I was most excited and even for determined in my resolute to help as many people in Kenya and the world as possible to access ICT. Luckily my employer provides the forum. Watch this space

This is the true meaning of self empowerment. Everyone needs this kind of empowerment. It is the ’space and freedom’ to say it like you feel it. I am loving it.