Today, Kenya emerged at the top of the athletics world in Beijing. This is no mean feat for a country of 40 million people when one considers that the world has over 7 billion people. Many of the countries Kenya competed with are also much more richer and advanced technologically. But kenya beat all of them hands down.
What are the lessons Kenya as an emerging democracy and economy can learn from this historic achievement? What do our athletes do that the rest of us can duplicate to emerge world winners? Here are my thoughts. Feel free to criticise them.
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Build on your strong points.
If you canāt play soccer, you cant beat Brazil. You cant beat Japan at making cars - at least not just yet. But you can grow the best tea and coffee in the world. The most beautiful flowers. Invest more in this. Add value and ensure the marketing chain favours Kenya. -
Do NOT wait for Government to do āsomethingā. You are the change you need
Do our athletes wait for government to saidia? When was the last time you saw any of them asking āSerikali saidia tuende mashindano Monacoā? I need not elaborate anything here. -
Believe in yourself
Ukizikiza some people you might think Kenya is Syria - a dictatotrship about to collapse. The worst of these negative buggers is none other than Babuon, unfortunately (and am not being political here) and our juvenile media. Listening to these guys nothing goes right here. Yet, today Kenya is being described as an emerging giant. So, be positive. Believe in yourself. Believe in your country. Be like that athlete who dares dream he can win gold, and beat the world. -
Dont give up easily
Every day I see Kenyans who give up so easily that it is baffling. You dont get a job and you sink into kumi kumi. You marriage hits the rocks and you start shooting cocaine. Then as usual, your folks start blaming government for letting the cocaine in. We hear of barons who have political influence. You blame everybody EXCEPT yourself. TAKE CHARGE. Donāt give up, even when you are number last. Did you watch the marathon? Some dude finished 30 minutes after the rest. Did he give up and blame the weather? -
Keep your eyes on the prize
The simple fact is, as the cliche goes, if you aim for the stars, even if you fail, you will get the moon. Do not give in to tribalism and corruption. You want Kenya to be like Singapore? Keep your eyes on the prize. Make those small personal sacrifices that together make a country great - do not bribe the police, use a condom (diseases down!), give some money to a good charity. DO NOT JUST WHINE - keep your eyes on the prize.
ENDELEENIā¦