A Working Paper reveals the political stakes in the Kenya-Somali Illegal Sugar Trade!

The Danish Institute for International Studies (DIIS) have had a study into the border trade and sugar exports through Somalia into Kenya. How it is used and how it gets to the market. Clearly, the market for sugar is there in Kenya. As the Sugar Industry is struggling to deliver enough sugar and the state has embargoed imports. Still, the same actors and the same politicians are doing behind closed doors agreements that put the sugar in stores through the porous borders of the Kenyan-Somalian border.

The paper itself paint the picture very well and show the importance of the export, since the magnitude on both economies are affected by it. It is also implicating big names and their organizations. As the politicians has another black-market cartel item to sell to the public. What was striking was that the importers together with local merchants are repacking the sugar into bags of the State Owned Entity (SOE) of Mumias. The Company that has been saved the state after devastating corruption and also lacking investment into the mills. Therefore, the politicians has used this name to trade illegal sugar with name. That they even used the stickers to prove it was of Kenyan quality while selling it to the public.

The quotes I have taken, is what see as important. But its compelling to show the this illegal imports into Kenya affects the politicians and the economy in general. Take a look!

The Amount of Money:

Raw sugar accounts for 10% of total Somali imports rated at US $188 billion (Observatory of Economic Complexity 2016). In other words, sugar importing is enormously lucrative and important for the local economy on both sides of the border. The sugar imported from Somalia is central for covering the production and import deficit in Kenya. Most sugar enters through Kismayu port where it is manually loaded onto trucks and driven to the Kenyan border. There it is re-loaded onto other trucks, four-wheel drive vehicles and even donkey carts to cross the border on the so-called ‘rat routes’ that circumvent the border posts to avoid the payment of bribes, random checks by the Kenyan Revenue Authority (KRA), and the occasional confiscation. Based on interviews and observation JFJ estimates that 150,000 tons of illegal sugar entered Kenya from Kismayu in 2014 (JFJ 2015). This amounts to US $400 million worth of annual revenue divided between KDF, Al-Shabaab, local businessmen and politicians, as well as local police and border patrols, including the KRA (though this is not formal revenue) (JFJ 2015)” (DIIS Working Paper, P: 10, 2017).

KRA:

The investigator explained how his unit, in collaboration with the Kenyan Revenue Authorities (KRA) and the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), had planned the raid of a warehouse in an industrial area of Nairobi. They had found tons of processed Brazilian sugar allegedly smuggled into Kenya via Somalia, and it was now being repackaged from 50 kilo sacks into 500 gram and 1 kilo bags bearing the Kenyan brand Mumias Sugar and with added stickers from KEBS showing that the product meets Kenyan standards of production and quality. The repackaged sugar is – when not confiscated by the authorities – sold to retailers as refined Kenyan sugar at a huge profit. In 2014 a one kilo sugar bag sold for KES 133 in Nairobi supermarkets, and by May 2017 prices had gone up to KES 170 with some supermarkets rationing it to one package per customer” (DIIS Working Paper, P: 12, 2017).

Political Influence:

Like the former Nairobi governor Evans Kidero, the Garissa governor Nathif Jama Adam, and the Garissa-born majority speaker of parliament Aden Duale are rumoured to be implicated in the sugar trade (Rawlence 2016: 236). These rumours reach all the way to Nairobi where they can be voiced more freely than in the north. The power of the people implicated by the rumours is more distant in Nairobi, whereas in the northern parts of Kenya the secrecy associated with the rumours points to the importance and power of those involved” (…) “With devolution, local government has become more powerful and more is at stake for locally elected officials due to their increased budget responsibilities and decision-making powers. Concomitantly, local government has become more vulnerable to pressures from local stakeholders like strong businessmen, militias and other state actors. The porous border, the circumvention of border patrols, and the implication of government officials ranging from KDF to KRA means that much of the sugar is not declared to Kenyan customs officials, making Garissa county one of the largest illicit markets in the country. The flow of goods across the border and further into Kenya formally falls under the responsibility of KRA and the national government. Yet the county government is responsible for local revenue collection and enforcement at local markets and car parks, and they also issue licenses for traders. In that sense the warehouses in the region fall under county administration. The latter thus plays an important role in the possibilities for the redistribution of smuggled goods” (DIIS Working Paper, P: 15, 18, 2017).

This here is evidence of cartels, illegal trade that is benefiting the political elites in Kenya and in Somalia. They are both having knowledge of it and its undermining the embargoes and also the activity itself. Since the politicians are the ones that has put in the provisions and the laws to stop imports to secure the local sugar industry.

This paper shows how much money that is involved. It is big business and the cartels are earning fortunes on lie, where they take foreign cheap sugar and trade it as Kenyan sugar with stickers of authenticity of KEBS. That is clearly a violation in itself, but combined with the illegal sugar, they are even using sophisticated methods to trade it to the public. To make the sugar seem like Kenya, when it isn’t.

That this money is shared by many different part of government officials was implicated int the trade from Kenya Defense Force Officials, Kenya Revenue Authority Officials, Border Patrol, Politicians and even Somali terrorist organization Al-Shabab. So the Kenyan are sending military to Somali to fight Al-Shabab, but at the same time giving them revenue with illegal sugar trade. That is a striking a fact considering the use of military to secure safety for Kenyans. Therefore, the cartels are also making sure the reason they are fighting inside Somalia are funded by the stakes into the illegal sugar industry. That should put some alarm bells on. That the politicians are playing with matches and should know that this cartel plus funding of Al-Shabab might hurt them in the long-run. Instead of being just a profitable business.

This is eye-opening and also a tale of corruption and sugar-cartels using the porous borders between the republics in favor of those dealing illegal sugar and selling it on the Kenyan market. Certainly, this sort of thing will implicate bigger names, than the ones mentioned in the paper. If investigated and looked through. You could certainly also find many bigger names who has created massive wealth within short amount of time. Peace.

Reference:

Rasmussen, Jacob – ‘SWEET SECRETS: SUGAR SMUGGLING AND STATE FORMATION IN THE KENYA–SOMALIA BORDERLANDS’ (December 2017) – DIIS Working Paper 2017:11

South Sudan: Dr. Riek Machar Teny (SPLM-IO) letter to H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn – “Re: Composition of SPLM/SPLA(IO) Delegation to the ARCSS High Level Revitalization Forum in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 17-22 December 2017” (14.12.2017)

NASA Statement on the The People’s Assembly (14.12.2017)

South Sudan: PM Hailemariam Desalegn letter to H.E. Dr. Riek Machar Teny – “Ref: Invitation to the ARCSS High Level Revitalization Forum in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 17-22 December 2017” (08.12.2017)

The 54th Jamhuri Day Celebration at Kasarani Stadium becomes a humiliation for Kenyatta!

Today is a proof of how distant and how illegitimate the Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta is, as he came with his security agents and his entourage to the Kasarani Stadium to celebrate the National Day there. The stadium was naked, there we’re crowds singing and dancing for the President. There was no celebration of his prestige and his glamours self. It was empty, just like his promises and his previous election.

The Empty stadiums and venues for Very Important Persons (VIPs) all over Kenya is proof that the Election done on the 26th October 2017. That it wasn’t real, the 7 millions voters never where there. The Jubilee, Kenyatta and Ruto clearly doesn’t have the people behind them. It is so evident. Twice in months, the people have deserted them. They didn’t show up for the Fresh Elections and they have now disgraced him on the National Day.

That Kenyatta and his cronies, should look upon themselves and see in the mirror, their place in society. Because this sort of behavior is the result of their actions. They are not loved and not cared for, that because the Jubilee have showed society how much they matter over the last 4 years. The people are tired, they just want change and don’t want a ruling elite who are not representing them.

They knew they would be used as pawns during the election. As today shows, is that that sentiment of disapproval is real. It isn’t something made up, something that commentators are saying. People shouldn’t be shocked and awe. They should say, I told you so. Kenyatta is unpopular, he isn’t the people’s champ. He been able to forge an election and to get results fitting his paradigm. However, he was not able to get the popularity or get the will of the people on his side.

If they we’re on his side, if they have had any faith in him, they would have graced the venue today. Come in scores of people and cheered the in the bash of National Day Celebration. The speech of Kenyatta today. Doesn’t matter, what said or didn’t say is just a waste of time. He is illegitimate ruling regime and it obvious.

The National Super Alliance (NASA) this time didn’t even ask the public to boycott. They did it on their own, they showed their real emotions and pride towards their supposed government. Raila Odinga, Stephen Kalonozo Musyoka, Musalia Mudavadi and Moses Wetangula didn’t need to do anything. The people has for the second time showed that they are not the loyal subjects this Presidency needs. Kenyatta really have no leverage or suction when you bring it down to the core. That NASA didn’t need to share the message or even say anything to stop people from going. Show how little the President is and how little the really considers his administration.

Jubilee should look at today and how it came to this. How did they create this environment and this contempt for their regime. Kenyatta and Ruto should be worried. Their mismanagement, the often scandals and rampant grand corruption has no hit fan. Together with a violent police force and brutality against civilians has made people tired of them. You can lie many times, but when it goes good, many will still say it is okay, but when it goes south. People will stand up against and show that they are displeased with current affairs.

The proof is today, that 26th October wasn’t a fluke. This is the second strike against the Jubilee. Kenyatta should feel hurt and also boggled as his YES MEN and his leadership has totally failed. He disgraced himself on the National Day. Just like he did on the Fresh Elections day too. Twice in a row on important occasions for him and his party. Still, he hasn’t delivered. Again, humiliated. This should go viral and world-wide as a proof of his dishonest victory of late. Peace.

Opinion: Kenyatta says again, that there is no need for dialogue with the opposition before 2022!

Well, President Uhuru Kenyatta is really on mission to show his power and arrogance to the world, as the Supreme Court verified their results and he was sworn-in after a botched election in October 2017. That is why he is so aggressive against the National Super Alliance (NASA) and their leadership. He cannot handle his unpopularity and his own track-record. That is why he is speaking of development, since their been little or none, compared to the amount of scandals in the first term. The start of the second term has already been rocky, even before trying to pull any legislation or programs for the next term. Not that he is showing any vision, but throwing out the word development, like it is a P and Q for the need of donor funding. So, the international envoys can see he is the leadership and the one they can trust. Not that it is trustworthy to silence and stop talks with any opposition. Take a look!

In a remark pointed at the leadership of the Opposition which has been calling for dialogue with the Government, the President said the dialogue he is ready for is talk on how to develop Kenya and bring progress for Kenyans” (…) “The dialogue we are interested in now is the dialogue that transforms lives and brings development. On the other one of talking politics wait for 2022 and you will dialogue with William,” said the President” (…) “The President, who spoke in Muranga County at the funeral of Susan Chege, mother to Muranga Woman Rep Sabina Chege at Kinyona Primary School, urged Jubilee leaders to unite to serve Kenyans. “To all Jubilee leaders, politics is over. Let us work for Kenyans,” said the President” (Zambian Observer, 2017).

That politics are over is still for boggling, that a politician of any kinds says so, especially a President. Who lives and worships politics for living. They are politicking all the time and trying to figure ways to negotiate and find solutions politically to ordinary day problems and future problems. That is what he is supposed to do. Even if he is famous for open-baazar looting and taking state funds, while adding more debt. Possibly, if not figured out properly, the Kenyan State might default on the debt because of the possible interests on the rising debts, that is coming in the near future.

Well, he wants Odinga, Mudavadi, Kalonzo Musyoka, Wetangula, Ndii and Orengo to wait until 2022. He must be insane, if someone had told him that as opposition. He would have stormed the gates and run like a mad-man around the Anniversary Tower. However, he is in power and was “elected” by bots and computer generated people in October. So he thinks he is the king. The people around him boost him like the king as well.

With this sort of actions, he can forget development. Since he is creating more instability and more troubles, hurdles and more insecurity within his own state. If he is planing to destroy all institutions and become his own cult. Then, he is on the way to became another grand-dictator, he might even follow advice from Daniel Arap Moi. Who he visit when the times are hard. We have seen that and shouldn’t be surprised if he follows advice from him, as he visit him in Kabarak.

Certainly, he will not gain anything doing so. Only making sure the disenfranchised in Kenya is more left behind, together with the public that supports NASA. Its like the Jubilee forgot, it wasn’t whole of Kenya that elected him. If it we’re so it wouldn’t be chickens and kids voting in October. Clearly, it was, but then again I think Kenyatta has a short memory span. Unless, he is told what to tell by Cambridge Analytica. Cambridge Analytica servers was also the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) servers. That has been proven. So its not like it was fair game, when it comes to technical parts of counting, neither the use KIEMS. Which is reason for the delay of final results.

All of this is public knowledge and the lacking of understanding of this from Kenyatta. Is only hurting the prospects of healing the wounds. Putting more salt in them and hoping the person doesn’t get furious. Since he has upper-hand and hope he gets away with it.

Kenyatta, should show some more statesmanship, but at this point. That is too much to ask for from him. He has already showed entitlement and arrogance for months. He is just spewing more verbal nightmares, as the stalemate will not create about place between Jubilee or NASA. Jubilee will continue to use police brutality as long as the President are also praising that. He will not step down his ill-adviced statements. Even if he should. But not that he listens to people like me.

If he was my president, I would be ashamed, he is not thinking of the consequences. If he do, then he don’t care about the lives that he inflicts pain and suffering. So he can stay in power with his people. That should be problematic for anyone. Peace.

Reference:

Zambian Observer – ‘Kenya: There Will Be No Talks Aimed at a Political Settlement With Odinga – Kenyatta’ (11.12.2017) link: http://www.zambianobserver.com/kenya-there-will-be-no-talks-aimed-at-a-political-settlement-with-odinga-kenyatta/

NASA Statement on Inauguration of the Rt. Honourable Raila Odinga and His Excellency Kalonzo Musyoka (10.12.2017)

South Sudan: President Salva Kiir Mayardit letter to PM Hailemariam Desalegn – “Subject: Objection to the “IGAD Council of Ministers Endorsement of the Pre-Forum of Mr. Ismail Wais”, the IGAD Special Envoy responsible for the conduct of the High-Level Revitalization Forum of the Parties to the ARCSS” (06.12.2017)

Opinion: Kenyatta says to the Opposition – You can wait with dialogue until 2022!

We are today seeing the real vision of the Jubilee Party and the two center pieces of the administration. This being President Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy President William Ruto. At a speech done in Muranga, today the 9th December 2017. Just as his second official term as President is starting, after a pro-longed and hectic election period. Which has its consequence of a stand-off between Jubilee and the National Super Alliance with Raila Odinga. Clearly, this stand-off his hurting the pride of the President. Since he has gone back to not wishing to politic, but still tell how NASA is supposed to operate in the new environment. It is impressive, that he spells out that the successor is Ruto. No-one is surprised by that, its been in the cards unless Gideon Moi is surfacing like phoenix from the ashes. But for now, that will not happen.

That the President, the incumbent are so in dire needs to show his power over the opposition. Which entails, them being in the fringes and hope to talk in 2022. Like the Jubilee own the country, even after a giant shambolic and botched elections in October 2017. It is amazing how glaceed over that is and how blatant disregard of the other narrative is at play. That Jubilee shows their arrogance and their bitterness to NASA is evident. Since, they are still putting all the terms and all control. While expecting the NASA just to fold their hands and wait to see if their getting any breadcrumbs left on the plate by the President. By the way, with the little people showing up to the second presidential elections, proves that Kenyatta, really doesn’t have the people on his side. Maybe, the courts allowed the second one, because of lack of merit of the cases. Still, that doesn’t change the fact that Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) did a terrible job concealing their rigging for Kenyatta.

Here is what he himself has added to the world:

The President said Kenyans are waiting for development and are not interested in endless political talks. In a remark pointed at the leadership of the opposition which has been calling for dialogue with the Government, the President said the dialogue he is ready for is talk on how to develop Kenya and bring progress for Kenyans. He called on the opposition leaders to realise that the next phase of politics will be in 2022 when the country will go for another general election. He said they (opposition leaders) should wait for the next campaign season for any other type of dialogue and during that time the leader they will negotiate with will be Deputy President William Ruto. “The dialogue we are interested in now is the dialogue that transforms lives and brings development. On the other one of talking politics wait for 2022 and you will dialogue with William,” said the President” (Kenyatta, 2017).

It is hard to transform lives and bring development, when your trying to create it in a vacuum of dishonesty and ignorance. There is lack of trust between the legal government and popular uprising within the opposition. That is why President Kenyatta wants to silence the efforts done by NASA and their leadership. Even detain and arbitrary arrest them, when he sees fit. This phase will be hectic and be troublesome for the Jubilee. The NASA leadership will not accept the discontent and the aggressive use of security forces against them. That is why the Jubilee should be worried. Since they are creating are more hostile environment, because they are using the state sanctioned violence against their own citizens.

Kenyatta, might say he don’t want political talks, but he is the one needing it the most. He is most vulnerable. Kenyatta has everything to loose, the same has Ruto. They might not say it, but that is the truth. They have built it on a house of cards and it just needs a small movement, before the whole falls apart.

So when he wants to discuss development, it should be with concern he does so. Since he haven’t delivered in his first term. Most likely not in his second. Since the aggressive oppressive behavior will not put the case of rigging or illegitimate government to rest. It will just pro-long the exercise and create more wounds between both parties. Kenyatta knows all of this, since he has been himself in opposition, but the power has corrupted him.

I am not surprised that Kenyatta says these thing and suggest it. He wants to shield himself, but shoots himself in the foot. However, don’t get confused. It is all big talk from the big man, but he knows he is vulnerable too. If not, he wouldn’t put it this way and make the opposition looks like they need to talk to him. It is the other way around. Since his republic is in trouble. Internal trouble and with a stalemate, because of his actions and his sponsored activity, through his party and his infested acts within state organizations.

Kenyatta, if your playing smart. You are not playing like this. Your throwing matches into a barrel of gasoline. That will start a fire and fires are hard to control. Right now are the NASA starting their shadow government and their People’s Assemblies. As this movement is rising combined with boycotts. Will hurt the legitimacy and even show the lack of work done by the central government made by the Jubilee itself.

Kenyatta is not winning on doing it like this, but not that he cares. He could say during campaigns that in some counties, that he didn’t need their votes. Therefore, he don’t need the citizens, they are just props in his life. He needs to speak about development and development projects to secure donor funding for government projects. That is why he don’t need insecurity and becoming even more fragile, since that will hurt the cases for getting donor grants and prospects of foreign support. Peace.

Reference:

Kenyatta, Uhuru – ‘The season of politics is over, let us talk development, President Kenyatta says’ (09.12.2017)

South Sudan: Letter from Eng. Paul Kordit Akol & Daniel Dhieu Mauet to President Salva Kiir Mayardit – “Subject: Quick Intervention to rescue lives and properties of People of Western Lakes State” (08.12.2017)