At least once in every generation, the circle of custom is
interrupted. Once this happens, humanity realigns to change, and, in a while, a
new circle of customs is created. Before the new circle is formed, there is a
brief moment of confusion where a myriad of opportunities arises. Those who
have the capacity to take advantage of the confusion and, in fact, do end up at
the top of the food chain in the new circle. I know all that almost sounds like
David Attenborough, so I’ll now come down to facts; after the world wars came
advancements in technology. Though originally aimed at improving chances at the
war industries such as mass vehicle manufacture was developed,
telecommunication was mainstreamed has advanced over the years, and so have
other sectors that have now become market leaders and the most profitable
industries.
From the look of things here, the retail food landscape has
evolved the most in the wake of Covid-19. From the introduction of food
delivery options amongst most restaurants to the hundreds of vendors selling
cereals, fruits and vegetables by the roadsides in the boots of their vehicles.
Rural-urban migration reduced Kenya’s food production and increased its (food)
demand, now with so many willing to vend and as much willing to buy, the result
is an increase in awareness and access increasing the demand for various foods,
in turn, production has to increase, when it does that shall translate to
demand more labour in the farm and in the delivery chain from loaders to
drivers hence job creation.
Apart from the food industry, there have been changes in
almost all other sectors. Working from home, a phenomenon that was frowned upon
earlier as a reserve for ‘mummies’ has now been forced upon most, and it works.
Amounts and time that were earlier spent on transport can now be rechannelled.
With proper internet connections, most people do not need to be in an office at
all. This gives a chance for investment in access to internet infrastructure. I
have seen ISPs use smaller ‘retail’ companies to increase access. An
opportunity that should be tapped. Cybercafes have a chance at life again; they
could offer remote printing and delivery since most people do not have printers
at home.
Beyond the sickness and loss of lives that fortunately for
most is only on the news, there is a chance to grow our economy probably even
faster than was projected before the virus. Look at it this way; with reduced requirements
for one to be in an office, you have time (that was previously used on travel
or just idling at the office waiting for 5:00 pm) to venture into something
else like say a kitchen garden. From that an opportunity to sell what you grow.
Any other side job could also do.
Now that one can
spend more time with family, they are emotionally healthier hence the ability
to work better. With less travel, better sanitation coupled with minimal
interaction, chances of getting sick are reduced; this applies to other
diseases, to hence a healthier nation. Somehow the opportunities for most out
way the negatives in this one.
MBUTHIA MWANIKI,
Advocate of the High Court of Kenya,