Editor,

I’m a Kenyan freelance writer and of late, I’ve become an avid reader of The New Times. Kindly allow me to respond to a few features in the 30th August issue.

I want to congratulate President Kagame for inculating a sense of community service and ownership among Rwandans. I urge all people to uphold this and avoid pitfalls that have befallen societies like Kenya.

Here it’s common to see somebody vandalising an electric transformer because of "mali ya umma”(public property) syndrome. Nobody can also do something for the country without asking for payment.

Secondly, I was amused by Nkuranga’s views on Kenyan athletes. I agree with him but he forgot to mention the real reason behind their athletic prowess-culture.
Kalenjins are Nilotes whose traditional economy was pastoralism.

They could travel vast areas looking for pasture and water besides raiding for cattle. Therefore running and walking long distances is a way of life.

This culture has not completely died. Kalenjins are not heavy tea takers as alleged.

They drink sour milk(mursik) and eat meat. Scientists may tell you how this contributes to good performance in running. Moreover, they are naturally tall and slender-natural advantages in running.

Finally, I was dismayed by rising corruption in the Rwandan public tendering system. As a Kenyan and one of the people worst affected by the vice, I call upon all Rwandans to say a big NO!

This is the greatest tragedy facing African states. Allow it to take hold and you’ll regret. Keep up your good work.
 
Simwa Solomon, Moi’s Bridge Kenya.
monsimwa@yahoo.com