ABOUT YOU AS A FUTURES THINKER / PRACTITIONER

You identify yourself as an African futures thinker or practitioner. How would you describe to the woman or man on the street what it is that you do in this regard?

I closely undertake short term and long term predictions of what the future holds on following the present trends or scenarios.

How many years have you worked as an African futures thinker / practitioner?

A new entrant

In which countries or places have you had working experience as an African futures thinker / practitioner?

Kenya

In what languages have you undertaken futures / foresight related work or research?

English

What is it that motivates you to work or participate in the foresight / future studies / related field

The future is where I will spend my life. We can't change our past as Africa but we can make our future desirable.

What goal/s would you most like to reach with your work as an African futures thinker / practitioner?

Seeing a better Africa with the implementation of thought of the future.

Who or what most influenced your thinking as a futures thinker / practitioner, and how?

Katindi Sivi formerly of the Institute of Economic Affairs Kenya via a documentary of the Kenya's youth scenario stories played out by the youth through to 2031. This motivated me to partake in futurism. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utfSCIKdPjc

What is your main disciplinary background? (i.e. your primary training / qualification)

BA Economics and Sociology

How do other people describe you and how do you describe yourself?

Others describe me as… informed and knowledgeable

I describe myself as… a quick thinker

YOUR PERSPECTIVE

What is one of your favourite quotes about the future?

"The future influences the present just as much as the past" - Friedrich Nietzsche

How would you describe the state of African futures thinking right now?

Incrementally emerging with many expanding opportunities.

What is, in your opinion, the main barrier to uptake of futures knowledge by African institutions and organisations?

Government barriers with regards to bad governance and lack of funds for implementations. Also the lack of information.

If you were to give advice to someone who wants a career in African foresight / future studies, what would you say to him or her?

We will all live in the future and we can't avoid it watch Kenya's youth scenario here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utfSCIKdPjc

What are your recommended readings for every African futures thinker / practitioner?

The Bottom Billion by Paul Collier
The Art of the Long View by Peter Schwartz