RE: GALLUP POLLS AN UNAFRICAN SCIENCE

Dear Countrymen,

Let me first appreciate the initiative that has been taken by various firms to introduce the kind of polls we are all enjoying very much in this country nowadays.

However, we need to drive some home truths on this contentious subject and the coming elections will prove our case:

Let us take this into perspective in small little steps to avoid sounding superfluous and verbose:

Evidence is now rife for the the last ten years that the social research methodology being used in Africa that were designed in the West never depict situations accurately.

Let's start with the notorious IQ Tests. Experts have come to realise these IQ Test tools were a myth and are totally meaningless.

For example: Would you consider the Akamba wood carver intelligent? Having seen how he is able to get you a Masai Moran from a block of discarded wood.(Michelangelo?) What of the Luhya potter, Kisii soap stone carver, the Masai blacksmith, The coastal fisherman, the Kalenjin athletee etc etc.

In essence the experts have come to agree that there are as many intelligences as there are a people and communities.

Now, focusing on the issue:

The tools used by Steadman and the Gallup groups as well as the others are western oriented and can never reflect the true situation of events in Africa.

Ask Kadenge of NY, the 'experts' told them that Kenya could not computerise her banking sector till the year 2020!! Look at Kenya today, we have Mobile phone banking and money transfer, one of the world's first well ahead the US!!

Two, the surveys conducted just before the launch of the Mobile phones in Kenya indicated that Kenya would have a slow intake of this new technology and we would have about 2 Million customers by 2010.

Wrong again.

Kenya had 3 Million customers during the first year of introducing mobile phones and is now boasting a customer base of over 10 Million in 2007!!

What is accurate then?

Using grassroots tools that embrace an epistemological dimension. This is a methodology that fully embraces the unique aspects of the African culture and how we respond to issues.

The methodology is yet to be formalised (approved by the western institutions!!) but is being worked on for a doctoral research by a Ugandan academic.

I hope this clarifies why we have little faith in the Steadman and Gallup Polls. However, they are a good thing for starters but there is need to contextualise.

Homework.

Sande
HR Activist
VIHIGA