As usual and especially with the election fever competing for the front pages, the media gave the report only cursory run-throughs in their print issues. At the same time, the Government's Spokesman had no official statement on the report, disposing of the zealous enthusiasm he employs in calling attention to the most mundane issues. Nothing at all surprising so far, then.

This index was created in recognition of the need for a more objective and quantifiable method of measuring governance in the 48 countries of sub-Saharan Africa. The Mo Ibrahim Index provides both a new definition of governance, as well as a comprehensive set of governance measures. States are ranked and rated on the basis of five categories detailing essential values. These categories in turn comprise 58 individual measures, capturing clear, objective outcomes. These categories are:

• Safety and Security
• Rule of Law, Transparency and Corruption
• Participation and Human Rights
• Sustainable Economic Development
• Human Development

Here is how these impact our daily lives

Safety & Security.
Going by last weeks events in Kisii, it pretty apparent Simeon Nyachae and his ilk will go to extreme lengths to ensure the status quo prevails. We have seen this menace before especially during the 1990s when Molo's residents lived in perpetual fear. Nairobi's satellite towns are not immune either suffering as they are from Mungiki and an army of organized criminals, all without the explicit condemnation of the crimes by area politician of stature.

But these facts should not come as a surprise. Kenyan politicians and insecurity seem to go hand in hand. The culture of political violence has been advanced and honed over the years, coming in especially handy in our tribalised politics when it is deemed necessary to intimidate potential opponents into compliance or silence. It is not only Nyachae whose got a violent streak though, President Moi has in similar fashion hinted this week at what may be the result of looking into the crimes of the past with a view to restitution. His son, Gideon, minced no words in implying that he would use violence if necessary to ensure that his family does not lose its wealth even speaking about spilling of blood. Such is the talent that Kenyans must choose from at the coming general elections. The prospect that things will change cannot be tolerated by this ilk and your safety and security will be held as ransom by the same old dinosaurs.
Consequence: the UNEP will move out of Kenya, for good, and our position as a destination for foreign tourism will be unable to improve substantially.

Rule of Law, Transparency and Corruption.
Vigilante justice has long been a way of life in Kenya. It has mutated over the years into several forms with the constant remaining that civilians are subjected to the whims of lawless politically supported gangs. It is odd that these groups have neither been infiltrated by NSIS nor had their political patronage prevailed upon to ensure they comly with the law. Depending on what part of the country you call home, we all bear with us the horrific accounts of people who have been put through hell by these groups. Across the country, tribal tensions have been whipped up to fever-pitch, with noxious sound bites bearing little evidence of responsible foresight. And it could well be worse, for many politicians and public figures, the tribe is a place of last refuge especially when charges of corruption are raised.

You will recall that High Commissioner Edward Clay's "vomiting on donor' shoes comment" elicited wild and medieval rejoinders from every corner of Kenya's political establishment. It is now apparent that the 110 page report by international risk consultants Kroll details assets allegedly owned by the Moi family and associates in 28 countries. The Githongo Report is another indictment of what even the blindest Kenyan knows is the bane of our national existence. We must not deceive ourselves; the reciprocating cost of corruption is the reason why we are where we are as a country.
Consequence: Rapidly evaporating middle class and with it, consumer purchasing muscle. Even then, this says nothing of the great disincentive to new businesses, or the cost of conducting trade in a country where a large part of business income is lost in unpredictable corruption costs.

Participation and Human Rights.
It is irrational to argue as some have, that free speech alone is an indication of progress in human rights. Even as the expansion in some freedoms is acclaimed, Kenyans must be aware of the enormity of human rights abuses elsewhere. Extraordinary renditions- extrajudicial transfers of a Kenyan citizens to other states especially Ethiopian jails, torture by the police service, police brutality, illegal arrests and even the barbaric practice of clobbering suspects with batons while boarding Police vehicles. What happened to thorough investigative work, hand-cuffing suspects and the presumption of innocence?

98 Kenyan civilians were killed by marauding foreigners this year and the Sabaot especially have been victims of the Uganda's UPF forces whose obvious disregard for Kenyan's sovereignty is clear for all to see. That this persists while we spend disproportionate sums on defence is truly tragic, and displays the injustice of our resourse allocation. Simplistic rhetoric from the Head of State and State officials do not address these issues, leaving the wider public's rights open to gross violation.

In addition, the media editors show a lack of judgement and yet perpetuate a sense of melancholy and defeat in doing their jobs. There is little attempt at follow through on these stories and issues of relevant debate are subject to the editors' political slant. Free press, yes: but of little value in bringing about change and advancing our knowledge or promoting accountability.
Consequence: a perception in the national culture that human rights are expendable as the media merely tracks national prejudices instead of providing leadership. In the meantime, large parts of Kenya's population feel increasingly unprotected and exploited.

Sustainable Economic Development
The latest multinational to leave Kenya is Colgate Palmolive. Since 2003, the list has grown and includes, Johnson & Johnson, Agip, Unilever, Procter & Gamble and most recently, ExxonMobil. This must be our greatest concern, especially as we strive for the economic growth that will create jobs and improve lives across the country.

An Eritrean friend who for many years lived and raised his family in Kenya but now lives in the US, decided to invest in EastAfrica. After carrying out country comparisons, he opted for Uganda. Next week, he travels there with several American friends to open 2 gas Stations and a Small Business consultancy firm. So as our government officials sign off on 6% economic growth, the re-adjusted GDP index (2003) betrays below average and shows off our structural problems. At the same time the multi-nationals I have spoken about relocate, shut down or downsize their operations, actions that are unlikely in an expanding economy.

Further re-inforcing the fact that there has been little progress, Kenya persists as a poor investment destination, particularly when compared against regional alternatives. The notoriously high cost of power in Kenya, difficulties in obtaining licenses and visas, inefficiencies at the Port of Mombasa, rising insecurity and deteriorating infrastructure add to the tariff barriers discouraging investment in this market. A lot more needs to be done if the country is to compete with other money destinations worldwide.
Consequence: The endurance of an immotile Jua Kali economy, massive unemployment and great inequality.

Human Development
Add up the above 4 indexes and do the math. Consequence: a Squatter Nation, with citizens increasingly adrift from global progress.