Maisha Kazini: Work, jobs or servitude? A conversation with Mordecai Ogada (part 1)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 25 ก.ค. 2024
- Kenyans tend to talk about work, jobs and service as if these words mean the same thing. Work is different from jobs and service. Work combines passion, skills and commitment and allows people to earn a living in dignity. But we live in a system that consistently wages war against work so as to enslave people in jobs and servitude.
I enjoy these conversations because they introduce a different angle to our collective Kenyan thinking. They also reassure me that I am not idealistic in my thinking. Many times I think I am.
I remember thinking how misplaced it is to have so many young energetic men working in nail parlours in town. All over the country. Haggling women going about their way to earn a mere commission. Some carrying their wares markets to give pedicures to the women in the market. I remember thinking that these men should be factories somewhere, gaining and perfecting work skills that will continue to serve them all along their career paths. And somewhere in between contribute in a major way in society.
Questioning that situation was met by the usual "si bora kazi" "at least they take kshs X home, many pple have no jobs" "If it were not for that they'd be idle and rob you"...but why are those the only two options? Why is the choice only between undignifying, poorly paying jobs or robbing? You can't convince me all the sudden influx of young men and women in beauty parlours is as a result of them following their passion or interests in the beauty industry. If they had other choices of /have been empowered to do more meaningful work, they'd take those.
Many people today can barely take care of themselves leave alone the children they will surely sire. Does govt and society expect them not to carry on with the reproducing part of their life because they're poor and have no stable jobs? Of course not. They will sire, will be unable to provide adequately and the vicious cycle of undignified living continues through the children.
I understand the pragmatism behind taking any job for as long as it pays but it's unfortunate that people can't seem to see the situation for what it is...a system that's working against the well being of the citizens. A system that no matter how educated you are, it will find a way to make you 'tow the line.' No one is safe.
Thank you for such a comprehensive response. Yes. The violence of indignifying work is passed on to our children if we don't resist it.
i like how you passed your point
Dr Ogada you are a gem in matters life. Kofia nakuvulia mkuu.
Poverty is the worst form of violence
Noo this story cannot have just twelve comments this conversation needs to go on. thank you So much Madam Wandia Njoya and Mr Mordecai Ogada. These conversations are just amazing.
This conversation with Ogada is really helping me understand Kenyan politics/governance.
Thanks Drs for this discussion.
Very insightful conversation. I always love this series.
simply mind blowing conversations. Truly eye-opening.
Very insightful
this is power to Kenyans. They really empower us. We appreciate
Great conversation as always. Your insights are very thought provoking. You speak the truth. Thank you!
Brilliant
Co-authorship is a serious issue in academic corridors, brilliant conversation
I appreciate you all for triggering a new thinking for Kenyans away from the norm that we have been shaped to think
In a lay man's words I quote "iko namna iyo"
The statement 'Am here to make money' is very saddening coming from public workers....meaning people have been socialized to servitude and not work. Such discussions will help wake a consciousness of why we work.
Is there hope to go back to work concept?
Shida ni elimu tunayopokea na lazima tubatili elimu ya ukoloni na badala yake tuweke ile yakinifu, shirikishi na bunifu.