Since I keep being asked this question I might as well answer it here.

The "convenience fee" is utter, utter nonsense and what's more I consider it outright pilfering from the public.

What are the costs (direct and indirect) of handling money manually, as was the case before? At all government offices you will incur these direct costs - cashiers, admin personnel (manage queues etc.), physical space and security. You also have to pay for cash management for transporting the money to central locations (vehicles, security, fuel, etc.).

Just noticed the fine print in the Kenya Kwanza New Year Gift to expressway users … Here is my problem with this, and other private solutions to public problems.

If you live in Syokimau but work in Westlands the only way you can escape that atrocious jam is to pay 580/- one way.

So in a week you are paying 5,800. Exclusive of fuel and parking.

Assume a loaf of bread costs 30 to make, and is sold at 40

Due to a range of reasons not necessary to go into, government introduces a number of creative taxes, levies and charges on bread, taking its price up to 80. From this 80, government takes 40, leaving a 10 profit Due to the War in Ukraine and the great Wheat Blight of '21 the cost of wheat rises, making the cost of bread go up to 50. This takes the baker's price up to 60.

Taxes go up to 60 so the final price is 120

The people protest strongly as they can no longer afford the bread.

People whose kids study in private schools and universities abroad are telling you your kids should learn under trees.

People who live in mansions with leafy compounds are cutting your trees.

People who have private medical cover to the tune of billions won't pay doctors. People telling you to tighten your belts are about to raise the debt ceiling to borrow even more money.

People telling you to entrepreneur yourselves give the work to China. And Cuba.

People telling you "usalama unaanza na wewe" have armed bodyguards and chase cars.

2019

Read at least 2 books every month - take care of your mind

Exercise for at least 45 minutes - take care of your body

Interact more with people you don’t agree with - escape your echo chamber

Keep track of how and where you spend money - it’s very easy to get into debt Be careful how you use your time. Every minute that passes is gone forever

Do things that make you happy. Don’t do things that don’t

Discipline and focus will take you much further than you think

No is a complete answer

Don’t be an ass when you need help or are in trouble

Some few weeks back, Kenyans received news of looting of their money. To whit:

Monday - NYS
Tuesday - Cereals & Produce Board
Wednesday - Youth Fund
Thursday - Kenya Power
Friday - Kenya Pipeline The Bureau Of Standards is investigating fake certification stickers. Made on its premises.