The bid to relocate the United Nations Environmental Program from Kenya to Europe is perceived to be another affront on Africa. The scheme, allegedly hatched by France and other rich nations in the European Union is widely believed to be geared at  pushing African participation in international affairs to the periphery.

It is common knowledge that the same powers in Europe are keen on limiting Africans from moving  to Europe. It is not easy to travel to the United States of America, home of the UN headquarters, due to visa restrictions. Moving international agencies from Africa to countries that suffer from 'Africa-phobia' is a sure mechanism to sideline African elites from active participation in international affairs.

Analysts blame the quest to shift the headquarters to Europe on Kenya's inability to lobby effectively, insecurity, and corruption. Pray tell, how safe and corrupt free is Europe?

Kenya ought to re-examine her policies that might have led to rich nations to hide behind the usual 'buzz words' as an excuse to shame Africa. For instance, it's on record that the country's forests have been disappearing at very high rate. Pollution has been on the increase due to lack of law enforcement on the standards that are already in place. To Europeans who are known to be very sensitive on environmental matters; it is perhaps the worst crime on the planet to host the ‘Mecca of environmentalism’ in a continent that negates environmental doctrines.

Although the UN is bound to discharge its functions with its interest in mind, real-politik takes front seat when it comes to grave matters that serve the interests of lobby groups within the UN or major contributors to the UN budget. A nod from the United States or members of the European  Union (among the largest contributors to the UN budget) for instance, can alter the course of the UN. This is yet another wake up call to Africa!

This issue examines areas where Africa has been in slumber and suggests awakening steps to wealth creation.