'Brain Drain'                                                           [Excelsior, Mexico]

The Standard, Kenya

As Elsewhere, America Sucks

Essential Talent Out of Kenya

"This 'skimming of the cream' from around the world has allowed America to retain her competitive edge. So instead of competing with you, America simply co-opts you … Remember - America won the race to the Moon through providing refuge to fleeing scientists from Russia and Eastern Europe.

February 10, 2008

By X.N. Iraki

Kenya - The Standard - Original Article (English)

Bookmakers in Kenya today aren't preoccupied with who'll win [the next football match] between Cameroon and Egypt.

They are preoccupied with who is on the "list" of top ten Kenyans not likely to receive U.S. visas. Comments by the American Ambassador that a number of Kenyans would be barred from the land of opportunity sent a chilling message to a number of high ranking Kenyans.  Even before the names have been released, his statement has worked wonders. A few "top" Kenyans are already speaking in tongues over it.

But why should such suggestion send shockwaves? Have you noticed how quickly the Government reacted? Have you heard the statements from both sides of the political divide?

To most of the Kenyans "who matter," going to the United States has long been a badge of "arrival." The failure to obtain such a visa is considered a demotion - but it's also more than that. Either through business or family, most prominent Kenyans have deep ties to the U.S. Have you ever wondered why dual citizenship is so popular [among the elite] when most Kenyans don’t even have a passport?

Perhaps it's time to ask this basic question: What attracts us to the United States? Or is it that the United States attracts us?

America has been a magnet since the founding of the Kenyan republic [1964]. Many people switch passports every year. The thing that captures the attention of Kenyans is the profile of most new immigrants to the United States.

These include scientists, writers, actors, lawyers, inventors, doctors and entrepreneurs. Our own Bernard Lagat [athlete ] switched passports that recently - and many do so unnoticed.

This "skimming of the cream" from around the world has allowed America to retain her competitive edge in most sectors. So instead of competing with you, America simply co-opts you - and America is teaching some European countries the same.

Remember - America won the race to the Moon through providing refuge to fleeing scientists from Russia and Eastern Europe.

RACE TO LAND OF FORTUNE

This policy is explicit and makes it easier for people with talent to either visit America or stay on. The annual green card lottery increases the mystique of going to America. No doubt the media, which is often U.S. funded, has played a role in creating this American mystique. You never see an American dying in war or terrorist attacks. Neither do you see disabled or mentally deranged - unless in movies.

Recently, however, countries that have challenged America's military and economic might have sent their most talented young minds to the U.S. and other developed countries to learn their systems and then combine them with their indigenous systems. These nations have come up with some very good systems that the U.S. envies today.                                        WORLDMEETS.US

That's why China and other Asian giants have needed less time to industrialize. Their citizens, after studying critical areas of science and technology, returned home. Unlike in Kenya, their respective governments gave them incentives - like paying their fees.

Until we value our talent and lead by example, we'll continue to see more Kenyans aspire to get visas to the U.S. and other Western countries.

Matters aren't helped by some of our leaders, who believe that all good things come from the West. They indicate this by their utterances and behavior.                                                                                  WORLDMEETS.US

Africa and Kenya too, will remain "developing" nations -  since so few in power want to take responsibility and instead prefer the "comfort" of developed countries.

The United States and other Western countries will continue to lure our best brains and brawn to maintain their high living standards. This is to their interest and is an amazing bargain for their economies.              WORLDMEETS.US

This will end only when we accept national responsibility. Progress can only come from within - through our sweat. Beyond tourists - we need to build a country that will attract others. When will other nationalities cry if they miss Kenyan visa? This can and should come to pass.

Kenya has no shortage of brains or brawn. What's missing is the belief in ourselves and a common destiny. Those on the "list" have their work cut out for them here.

The writer is a lecturer at the University of Nairobi, School of Business: xniraki@aol.com

SEE ALSO:

The Standard, Kenya

EDITORIAL: U.S., Canada,
and Britain Must Do More
than Ban Travel Visas ...

http://worldmeets.us/thestandardkenya000001.shtml

[WORLDMEETS.US Posted Feb. 12, 4:30am]