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Showing posts from November, 2015

Always treat the future as now!

By Strive Masiyiwa  Always treat the future as now! ____"Before anything else, preparation is the key to success..."* The other day as I read your comments here, I came across this question: “Strive Masiyiwa what's the current position of Liquid Telecoms with regard to Artificial Intelligence? What's your word to Africa regarding Artificial Intelligence and the need to fast follow it?” I’m sure some of you who saw Innocent Madanhire's question thought to remind him about the extensive interview I did with James Manyika, Senior Vice President of Alphabet, the parent company of Google last year. Just in case, he didn’t see it, here it is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXiVw1jZybA As James noted in the interview, I have been talking about Artificial Intelligence in my own tech circles for at least 15 years. As a professional engineer, I make it my business to stay current in developments in my field, as you would expect say a doctor to remain current in

6 Sayings of Entrepreneurs Who Will Lead Their Companies to the Top

You know them. By name. By reputation. They are the living legends, the household names, the superstars. They are the entrepreneurs who have succeeded against all odds and beyond anyone’s wildest dreams. How did they make it? What catapulted them to the pinnacle of success? Was it some genetic mutation, raw brilliance or freakish bit of luck? It was none of these. Yet it was all of these. And it was something more. Beyond their sizzling hot businesses and flashy personal brands, many entrepreneurs have a depth of character. They think in ways that few others do. The sayings quoted below encapsulate such thinking. These sayings aren’t inscribed, framed in some museum or attributed to any entrepreneur specifically. Rather, these quotations comprise the mental attitude of an entrepreneur who knows what he or she wants, knows how to get it, and knows that success is going to happen. If the entrepreneurial ethos could speak, here is what it would say. 1. 'I don’t care what they think.&#

Pope Francis' visit is the ideal prescription we needed as a country.

By Paul Bundi Karau Pope Francis' visit is the ideal prescription we needed as a country. He has delivered an impassioned speech, delivered in a modest yet stinging manner. He's a true moral compass for society. Here are some of the lessons 1. To whom much is given, much will be required 2. Let us resist practices that foster arrogance among me. 3. God minds the poor. We must stand up for the poor and needy in our society 4. Tribalism eats away at society, and is a sure route to death. 5. No society can justify corruption. We must shun it. 6. We must understand that we live on earth, not in heaven. The earth has many hardships and challenges, but we were endowed the capacity to CHOOSE. We must be mindful of the choices we make. 6. Land grabbing is a vanity and an evil we must stop. After all we will all go back to dust. 7. Denying the poor drinking water is an injustice. He condemned the bourgeisie who hoard properties of the poor and vulnerable, including private developers wh

Homily of His Holiness Pope Francis at the University of Nairobi

God’s word speaks to us in the depths of our heart. Today God tells us that we belong to him. He made us, we are his family, and he will always be there for us. “Fear not”, he says to us, “I have chosen you and I promise to give you my blessing” (cf. Is 44:2). We hear this promise in today’s first reading. The Lord tells us that in the desert he will pour forth water on the thirsty land; he will cause the children of his people to flourish like grass and luxuriant willows. We know that this prophecy was fulfilled in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. But we also see it fulfilled wherever the Gospel is preached and new peoples become members of God’s family, the Church. Today we rejoice that it was fulfilled in this land. Through the preaching of the Gospel, you too became part of the great Christian family. Isaiah’s prophecy invites us to look to our own families, and to realize how important they are in God’s plan. Kenyan society has long been blessed with strong family l

Pope Francis' Speech at the State House in Nairobi, Kenya

Mr President, Honourable Government and Civil Leaders, Distinguished Members of the Diplomatic Corps, My Brother Bishops, Ladies and Gentlemen, I am most grateful for your warm welcome on this, my first visit to Africa. I thank you, Mr President, for your kind words in the name of the Kenyan people, and I look forward to my stay among you. Kenya is a young and vibrant nation, a richly diverse society which plays a significant role in the region. In many ways your experience of shaping a democracy is one shared by many other African nations. Like Kenya, they too are working to build, on the solid foundations of mutual respect, dialogue and cooperation, a multiethnic society which is truly harmonious, just and inclusive. Yours too is a nation of young people. In these days, I look forward to meeting many of them, speaking with them, and encouraging their hopes and aspirations for the future. The young are any nation’s most valuable resource. To protect them, to invest in them and to offe

The world offers all opportunities for each and every one of us

After Secondary School.. Some of our classmates have gone out of the country, some are now graduates, some have married, some have given birth.. . some are dead don't forget that too, some haven't even gained admission into the tertiary institution, . But you know that feeling when you meet your classmate, and it seems like he/she has reached his dreams and you're not yet close yours? Yea, somehow feels like jealousy, its a normal feeling. . But, You must not regret your life. We all are different and our path to greatness is not same in distance. . Some might reach before you, some might reach after you but wherever level you are presently, please keep trying to break limitations and move further. . Celebrate the success of others, its an application for yours.. Your friend buys a car now, be happy with him/ her. Remember when you get yours, theirs wouldn't be the latest again. . Life is not by competition, if not we all Will be born into one type of family, one religi

Founder and Father: 3 Lessons on Building Your Business While Starting a Family

Making my first $1 million, the first time I saw my wife, winning a rugby grand final, making my first $10 million – none of those milestones compare to the feeling when I learned my wife, Alicia, and I were going to be parents. Of twins, no less. Being an entrepreneur is a rocket-ride of constant discovery. You pivot quickly when needed, grappling with unforeseen problems while trying to stay on course. That’s a pretty good description of fatherhood, too. Here are some key lessons I’ve learned building my business while starting a family: You won’t mind cleaning poo when it’s ‘your baby’ The hard work required to start your own business foils many wanna-be entrepreneurs before they even start. And they’re not wrong to worry — after you start your own business, if you’re awake, you’re working. But here’s where fathers know something that daydream entrepreneurs never discover: You won’t mind cleaning up crap – both at work and at home – when it’s your baby. Before the kids were born, I

African funny,wise proverbs

A person who sells eggs should not start a fight in the market. No matter how far an eagle flies up the sky ,it will definitely come down to look for food Respect the fools to avoid noise The little opportunity given to a monkey to wear cloths does not guarantee it to join the dinning table. You cannot convince a monkey that honey is sweeter than banana No Matter How Hot Your Anger May Be, It Cannot Cook Without fools there would be no wisdom. however much the buttocks are in a hurry, they will always remain behind Before You go out with a widow, you must first ask her what killed the husband. 'A child can play with its mother's breasts, but not its father's testicles' There's no virgin in a maternity ward... It's better to fall from a tree and a break your back than to fall in love and break your heart. If A Man Wants To Grow A Long Tooth, He Should Have The Lip To Cover it. An agama lizard in the village will always remain an agama in town "When the mouse

Was Russia warplane downing an overreaction?

source: BBC There have been several incursions by Russian jets into Turkish airspace since Moscow's air campaign in Syria began. Turkey has also shot down Syrian aircraft that intruded across the border. Ankara has championed its tough rules of engagement, and so nobody could have been in any doubt that if combat aircraft strayed into Turkey again, they might receive a robust response. But this episode is a little more complicated than that. Of course, the two sides' accounts differ. Russian President Vladimir Putin insists that the aircraft was not in Turkish airspace and was actually shot down over Syrian territory. The Turks say the aircraft was warned about entering Turkey several times, and, when it did not change course, was shot down. The problem is that according to a radar map released by the Turks themselves, the Russian Sukhoi could at best be described as crossing over Turkish territory. It flew over a small piece of Turkey that projects into Syria - a tiny isthmu

FOR COUPLES AND THOSE ABOUT TO GET MARRIED:::

To my brothers; carry your wife to the bed when she sleeps off in the sitting room, make her feel like a baby at times. The truth is, every woman wants to be treated like a 2yrs old girl at times, that's why women behave childish or silly at times. You may have an argument with your wife and the next thing is that you will see her putting her bags outside the house, it doesn't mean she is asking for a divorce, she is just being childish, she simply wants you to hold her, look her in the eyes and say "I am sorry for the argument". That's women for you. Every brother needs to study in the university of women before getting married, read books about them, learn what the Bible says about them and you will hardly have a problem with them. Though there may still be some challenges, because you're both from different background and your imperfections are bound to stand. So, read books about marriage, an ideal home, child upbringing, importance of marriage and the lik

Secrets of living a more healthier and happier life

1. Your shoes are the first thing people subconsciously notice about you. Wear nice shoes. 2. If you sit for more than 11 hours a day, there's a 50% chance you'll die within the next 3 years. 3. There are at least 6 people in the world who look exactly like you. There's a 9% chance that you'll meet one of them in your lifetime. 4. Sleeping without a pillow reduces back pain and keeps your spine stronger. 5. A person’s height is determined by their father, and their weight is determined by their mother. 6. If a part of your body "falls asleep", You can almost always "wake it up" by shaking your head. 7. There are three things the human brain cannot resist noticing - food, attractive people and danger. 8. Right-handed people tend to chew food on their right side. 9. Putting dry tea bags in gym bags or smelly shoes will absorb the unpleasant odor. 10. According to Albert Einstein, if honey bees were to disappear from earth, humans would be dead within 4

Wiko slide 2 launches in Kenya in partnership with Jumia

WIKOEurope’s second largest brand has today launched the new Wiko slide 2 in partnership with online store jumia The new model will retail at Ksh. 9,999 and sell exclusively on the e-commerce store. Featuring a 5.5” HD display screen, a powerful 1.4 GHz octa-core processor, 2GB RAM the Wiko slide comes in two colors blue and gold sand embellished with a metallic frame and runs on Android 5.1 lollipop operating system. A 16GB ROM expandable to 32GB via an SD card also allows you enough space for your operations. Speaking at the launch, Wiko country Manager, John Mutwiri said, ““ We are happy to partner with Jumia to launch a Smartphone that will enhance the users digital experience as it allows you to mix business with pleasure, functional and fun.” For the selfie lovers and multimedia enthusiasts, the SLIDE2 camera comes with an impressive 13MP back camera and 5MP front camera and other features, such as panoramic view and wide angle view that enable you to take the best photos whateve

Why Attitude Is More Important Than Intelligence

When it comes to success, it’s easy to think that people blessed with brains are inevitably going to leave the rest of us in the dust. But new research from Stanford University will change your mind (and your attitude). Psychologist Carol Dweck has spent her entire career studying attitude and performance, and her latest study shows that your attitude is a better predictor of your success than your IQ. Dweck found that people’s core attitudes fall into one of two categories: a fixed mindset or a growth mindset. With a fixed mindset, you believe you are who you are and you cannot change. This creates problems when you’re challenged because anything that appears to be more than you can handle is bound to make you feel hopeless and overwhelmed. People with a growth mindset believe that they can improve with effort. They outperform those with a fixed mindset, even when they have a lower IQ, because they embrace challenges, treating them as opportunities to learn something new. Common sense

SPEECH BY HIS EXCELLENCY HON. UHURU KENYATTA, C.G.H., PRESIDENT AND COMMANDER IN CHIEF OF THE DEFENCE FORCES OF THE REPUBLIC OF KENYA ON THE RE-ORGANISATION OF GOVERNMENT, 24TH NOVEMBER, 2015

Fellow Kenyans, the promulgation of the Constitution on 27th August 2010 and the subsequent general elections held under that Constitution ushered in a new dispensation for our country and a new way of doing business. The Constitution of Kenya forms the new foundation upon which we are to build a more inclusive and cohesive Republic. A Republic in which people of all ethnicities, races and religions have an equal seat at the table and an equal voice on matters of the nation. I am privileged to be the first President to oversee the full implementation of this Constitution. This, of course ,means that my Administration is also the first to be faced with the unique challenges posed by the new constitutional order, particularly as we set out to deliver on the promises that we made to the people of this Nation. The last two and a half years of this journey have been extremely fruitful but at the same time we have had our fair share of challenges. Having savoured our successes and having tak

STATEMENT BY HIS EXCELLENCY HON. UHURU KENYATTA, C.G.H., PRESIDENT AND COMMANDER IN CHIEF OF THE DEFENCE FORCES OF THE REPUBLIC OF KENYA ON A NATIONAL CALL TO ACTION AGAINST CORRUPTION, STATE HOUSE, NAIROBI, 23RD NOVEMBER, 2015

Fellow Kenyans, in ensuring that both government and the private sector interact as guided by our national values and ethics: Every company from now henceforth seeking to work with government both at the national and county level, will have to sign an approved Business Code of Ethics domiciled in the Public Procurement Oversight Authority. I direct that the Cabinet Secretary to the National Treasury gives this code effect through regulations under the Public Procurement and Disposal Act. Any business that fails to comply with the Code will be disqualified from doing business with government for a period not less than 5 years and the information will be made public. This disqualification will not only apply to the business entity but also to its directors. Companies, and their officials, guilty of breaching the Code will further be delisted from all business association. I call upon all the Business Associations to comply with this requirement. In this regard, the Government will not en

WORDS FROM A MOTHER TO HER DAUGHTER ABOUT MARRIAGE

1. The wife that wins all arguments with her husband is not wise. The home is not a law court. 2. The wife that uses sex as a weapon in the home - placing embargo, going to bed in jeans shorts and trousers -lacks wisdom. 3. The wife that uses the modern trends and laws of "women's rights" to insult or ridicule her husband simply makes a fool of herself. 4. A woman that makes her home devoid of peace through bickering, nagging and quarrels needs help. A man should be eager to run away from office to be at home, for that should be the safest and closest place on earth for him. 5. Modern-day equality in marriage does not mean competition, It simply means partnership. Taking advantage of such equality to turn around and become the defacto head of the home and oppress the man is tantamount to playing with fire. If you destroy your home, soon you will be the boss of an empty home. 6. A wise wife makes the man feel so good that he assumes that he is the head. Once he gets that f

The hidden forms of corruption

By Mohamed Haji: Corruption which in big part involves the stealing of public money and/or property manifests itself in many ways, shapes and forms. The devastating effect and many forms of this vice have been covered by newspapers and other news outlets and discussed in detail in opinion articles. Today I would like to address some seemingly subtle forms of this dangerous trade. Elected and appointed officials vote themselves exorbitant salaries the country can ill-afford. For example our parliamentarians earn more than the Prime Minister of Sweden. The Swedish Prime Minister earns a monthly salary of 1.5 million shillings. A Swedish member of parliament earns sh64,700 a month including allowances. A member of parliament in Kenya earns a monthly salary of 1.7 million, 200k more than the Swedish Prime minister, a country about 49 times richer than Kenya! In living cost terms, it will cost about 20,000 shillings less to buy a car in Kenya than in Sweden. Our mps will spend more than 250

If we won’t let go of thieves, let’s just kiss and say bye

By DAVID NDII via Nation newspaper I was driving back from Nanyuki one evening during the construction of the Nairobi-Thika highway and ran into a traffic snarl-up just after Thika. Two hours later, I had not reached Juja and fuel was running low. I had to turn back to Thika to refuel, rejoining the jam where I’d started. I got home at 1am. The highway cost Sh31 billion and took four years to build. Thousands of people have stories of disruption like mine. The Jubilee administration would have us believe that in the last financial year, they spent the equivalent of six Thika highways on infrastructure projects, and no one noticed — no disruptions, no traffic jams, no ditches, nothing. Amazing. The much vaunted flagship projects did not get a sou. Lamu Port is still stalled, Konza Techno-City remains a field of dreams, cattle tracks and all, and the Galana mega irrigation project is still on a drip. Which priority infrastructure projects did they fund? For a year or more in 1992/93, the