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Obama trip: It’s more than just a visit

Shoe Heaven

Kenyans keep asking why it took so long for their ‘son’, President Barack Obama, to visit Kenya. Some will attribute it to the ICC cases, while others will blame his busy schedule. Others could argue that appearing too close to his homeland might have been politically expensive. Other observers think it was never the right time to visit. After his presidency, he might give us the real reasons.

Later this week, President Obama will visit the land of his father. He had done that before he became the first black US president — though I have always wondered in the privacy of my thoughts what colour I am if Obama is black.

Economic interests

Why is it the right time to visit Kenya?

The country is at the forefront in the war on terror, and American support is needed. Recall that Americans once tried to pacify Somalia but left the job undone. The war on terror will definitely be on his agenda. He may also focus on domestic matters, like corruption and democracy.

I have a hunch Obama is visiting to advance and buttress America’s economic interests. Even the war on terror has an economic dimension. Any doubts?

Thirty years ago, as a school boy, I took a walk through Kawangware, one of Nairobi’s suburbs. I vividly recall coming across the shell of a Pontiac, one of the brands dropped by General Motors (GM) after it declared bankruptcy.

In 2005, I drove a ‘live’ Pontiac to Chicago, Obama’s home town (I am not boasting, I’m just informing you). In some parts of Kenya, a car is called mbiuki, a corruption of Buick. It seems there was a time American cars were doing well in Kenya.

Today, American cars are back on our roads, mostly with the county governments, with Ford and Chevy the common brands. And it is not just American cars that are doing well; IBM and Pepsi Cola are back in Kenya, KFC and Subway are American, too. Kenya Airways’ fleet modernisation did not leave out Boeing. We prefer to study in the US instead of UK, and Kenya now has a US-educated President. In politics, we talk ‘American’ with governors, senators, gubernatorial elections, chiefs of staff and Supreme Court.

Apart from buttressing American economic interests, some observers suggest Obama’s visit is a countervailing force to Chinese influence.

Interestingly, as county governments take up American cars, the national government is driving Chinese cars, from Yutong to Tiggo and Grandtiger. China and US rivalry will be played out economically, not militarily. Americans will not just watch as China makes forays into Africa.

Discovery of oil

And with the discovery of oil in Kenya and Uganda, America must be preparing for the coming oil and gas economy. Some of the key players in oil exploration have American and British roots.

Americans take economic issues very seriously. When you ask Kenyans what impresses them most about Ethiopia, they quickly say beautiful girls. They do not see the market of 90 million consumers. Why do you think Obama is going to Ethiopia?

It is also not surprising that Obama is attending an entrepreneurship summit.

There is, however, a softer part to Obama’s visit. Note that no one calls him His Excellency, despite his heading a superpower, yet our governors demand to be addressed as excellencies.

His visit will remind us of a few things.

One, despite all the reforms we have made, including a new Constitution, opportunities are still hoarded by a few people. Why did we not realise that there are no nominated MPs in the US when copying America’s constitution? Would Obama have become president if he stayed in Kenya?

Two, having roots makes a big difference in life. By visiting Kenya, Obama got his roots and inspiration to pursue bigger things in life. Most of us have no roots, preferring to drift with the crowd. Why would Obama visit Kenya before becoming the president, yet he was to be an American president?

Ever wondered why Asians are so successful in Kenya? They have roots, including keeping their names and ensuring their children learn their mother tongue, as you beat yours for speaking their native tongue, and name them Jane Catherine or Brian Ryan.

Three, Obama’s visit reminds us that no matter who you are, it makes sense to dream big. When I was asked by Stephen Odock, a colleague of mine, in 2007 if Obama could become president, I told him it was very unlikely. I was basing by answer on my four years’ experience in Mississippi, America’s Deep South, where I found low expectations were the norm. It was the first time I heard that working hard academically is “acting white”.

I am getting concerned about the low expectations among young people nowadays. Obama’s visit will hopefully rekindle the optimism that is supposed to be the hallmark of the youth.

Grudges and excuses

Four, Obama did away with excuses while rising to be president of the lonely superpower. He did not hinge on his race, upbringing or unrecognisable family name. In Kenya, we prefer to dig into the past for grudges and excuses.

Finally, when Obama returns to the White House, we shall be left on our own to confront and solve the problems we created and now expect other people, including the US President, to solve for us. Is that not why we are trying to set an agenda for him?

Like Obama who went against all odds to become President, we, too, as a nation and as individuals, can transform problems and adversities into opportunities. Is that not what spices up life?

The writer is senior lecturer, University of Nairobi School of Business. [email protected]

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