The bottoms-up economic model is anti-hustlers and demands a rethink

A trader was hawking his goods at Kakamega town on Christmas day. [Benjamin Sakwa, Standard]

Complete impoverishment of Africans and other underdeveloped nations comes in two levels: Tacit behind-the-scene moves by the West fronted by the Bretton Woods institutions and conceited and corrupt leaders who are happy to see the oppression of their citizens. Leaders immunised against penury through corrupt deals conceived as international lending or national projects and investments can access and hold on to power for as long as the unholy alliances remain favourable to both axes.

Tokenism is perfected in luring chicken for slaughter. If chickens can be attracted by dropping bits of seeds on their path, they will continue to follow their butcher.