An Instant Millionaire, An Instant Beggar

I am happy that microfinance is the buzzword in many high places. By many, it is believed to be the magical bullet that will eradicate poverty to extinction. It is aim is to avail capital in the hands of the world's poor in getting out of poverty. Will it work if somebody went around dishing money to whoever was dimmed poor?

What if I was made an instant millionaire? Ideally, I will not be classified as poor. Really? This is what I will do if I was given KES 12m ($160K) in cash:

1. Everybody in town will know that I know have millions in my pocket.

2. I will taste all luxury I have always watched and envied from a distance.

3. I will disown my family and my old friends, double the number of friends 1/2 of whom are women. Sleep in night clubs and drink myself beyond recognition. No! on a second thought, I will get myself two more wives, because it is my culture to do so.

4. Buy anything without bargaining and change will be too heavy for me to keep.

5. I have always dreamt to be a successful transporter. It is an excellent opportunity for to venture into the much desired waters! Well, I will buy a truck without bargaining the price, and when I have had one bottle too many, I take my driving lessons with it, drive it against the wall and die!

6. If I am lucky, I will sleep by the road side despite the rain! When I awake, I will be penniless after the robbers and prostitutes having a field day. I return home to my family like a rained-on cock if I do not end up in hospital terminally ill.

Well, that is me. An beggar yesterday, an instant millionaire today and, yes, an instant beggar a day later. 'Really?' I bet you are asking.

My story - http://eastandard.net/mags/society/articles.php?articleid=35658 - seems to answer one question: how not to spend my millions and by extension the slippery road ahead of finance services for the poor.