Supporting our online social networks

Kenyans are known for copying most Western trends, from fashion to language. Even radio presenters who have never left the country speak with an American accent and try to put that "twang" on their speech.

The copying has gone on so well that it is now acceptable for ladies to expose parts of their bodies and boys to wear sagging pants.

That level of copying the West seems to be translating technologically!

Techies are now building Web sites inspired by international sites such as Facebook and Yahoo. The sites are becoming the new meeting places for future spouses, relatives and friends.

Are the sites only for the youth and the lonely hearts? Can these social sites replace our markets as we know them today? Is it possible for me to access my grocer online? Can we speak in our local language, the one we are most fluent in?

The site owners say they are doing their best to be as inclusive as possible, but the techies need support. The Internet needs to be demystified -- so that it is not only for the educated and it can benefit everyone.

The inclusion will take time, and it will also take time for the sites to be truly embraced nationally by all. Charity begins at home; the sites need to serve the needs of local people before moving regionally and internationally.

By visiting and transacting on the site, we guarantee employment and, most of all, support local innovation.