Criticisms have been heaped on
Kenya, both by Kenyans and non-Kenyans alike. To those who have bothered
themselves to keenly study the socio-economic and political systems in Kenya
they can clearly ascertain that the country got astray from its development
path. At independence the country had a
superb economy; iconic economic blue prints that got the eyes of some world
leaders especially those from Asia, and some even borrowed a piece from it, and
yes we all know how they are faring on now.
Indeed Kenyans bear the spirit of greatness.
Despite the countries socio-economic and even political downfalls Kenyans can still
afford a smile and even stand tall in some arena, sadly the country could be far much
better than its position today. With its world class athletes who have become
the countries delight overtime, marvelous wildlife which have made it to the 8th
world wonder and even the M-Pesa exquisite mobile technology services Kenya
still got the light shining. To the many shujaas
known and unknown who have strived to steer back the country to the right
way, hats off to them. Wangari Mathaai, Rev. Timothy Njoya, Tom Mboya, Tegla
Lorupe (the peace ambassador) and many more unknown and unmentioned heroes and
heroines of the country they will always
be in the right side of history.
Like the proverbial ostrich hiding its head
in the sand and assuming no one is watching, Kenya has swept a lot under the
carpet. Grand corruption cases, the Golden-berg, the Anglo-leasing .., losing
and being unable to account for Ksh 303 billion in the financial year 2012-2013
and yeah ‘isorait’ !! We
forget/ forge and move on!! The social fabric unfortunately has been knitted
to accept such without making critical and taking proactive steps to correct
them. The ‘tuendelee vivyo hivyo’ philosophy
is still on course and when the dirt in the carpet will rise to the ceiling
level point and people get pushed out of the roof is when citizens will wake up
to a shocking REALITY, always to their disadvantage.
Being in a capitalist society, the best we
could choose, albeit there is no other option, the little the government (both
central and devolved) spends on her development and welfare programs should be
treated with utmost diligence. Understanding the few short comings that system
(capitalism) brings about; an increase in divide between the rich and the poor; the problem
should be curbed wisely not infringing on the ideals and spirit of the system. It
sounds vague but yes it is true. Kenyans have to face such situations with their
faces straight and their conscience sober.
Again monies meant for welfare and other related programs should be
accounted for to the last cent. Building community health centers, public
schools, repairing community roads and bridges should be done in the right time
frame and without any case of misappropriation of the monies whatsoever. Misuse of such funds will be like the biblical story of a
king with thousands of sheep bulling and taking a peasants only fattened sheep
to slaughter it for his guests. It is a curse, ushering in poverty real quick.
A look at the Asian tigers, Singapore and
South Korea for instance these economic giants have been able to transform
their countries economies to a world class levels. They have had their countries
metamorphosis from developing to developed countries in a span of three
decades!!
Singapore for instance got independence the
same year as Kenya, in 1963 and like Kenya from the Brits. The country then was
in shambles, struggling with all forms of ills that any third world country has
since faced.
For these Asian tigers, their founding
leaders must have soul searched a lot, and sought for answers to their then and
even future problems selflessly and
carefully not being corrupted with the trends of their times. They sailed
against the tides then, and clung to their virtues with the hope that their
future generations will have better livelihoods than them. And sure their
discipline bore fruits.
The secret behind their success all through
to date has undoubtedly been; sheer strictness to the laws and order of the land;
Servitude leadership and political will from their leaders and a high level of
patriotism and belief in their leaders. These have been the cornerstone to
their rapid development over the three decades. Their leaders unlike many
developing countries leaders who use their political occupations to amass
wealth Singapore’s leaders knew when to pay the ultimate sacrifice. Their level
of patriotism has been unmatched to many developing countries Kenya included.
Singapore for instance despite their ethnic groups (Chinese, Malaysians and
even Indians) which their origin countries borders them by sea, they managed to
underscore their ethnic differences, detached themselves from their countries
of origin interest and built a strong nation with a high level of patriotism.
Economically Singapore now has one of the
highest per capita incomes in the world and clearly has the highest
trade-to-GDP ratio in the world at 407.9 percent.
As
Kenya, a regional giant celebrates its 50th anniversary in December2013,
a lot needs to be pondered on and hard questions be asked and answered too. Kenyan citizens
and its leaders should seek to answer these questions:
- Is the country focusing on the right priorities?
- Do successive governments have a guide, a national blue print to economic growth and development, if yes is it being adhered to?
- Are the county governments taking off and being natured to do so by the national government?
- Is the constitution being respected?
- Are the populace benefiting from economic growth, if there is any?
Finally if all the above questions get answered with an affirmative then:
Access to clean water and sanitation should
not be a problem anymore; healthcare should be accessible and affordable to all
equipped with modern facilities; quality education should be in place for all;
Affordable electricity should be available with 85% and above of the populace enjoying
it and high energy consuming industries being charged fairly; citizens should be able to access the basic needs as enshrined
in the constitution’s bill of rights; a lot of funds should be channeled
towards improving the citizen’s welfares; value addition to raw good produced
locally should be in place; trade should also be high and balance of trade to
Kenya’s favor while trade within the EAC, the continent and globally be high; vision 2030
should have been fast tracked to 2020 through rapid result initiatives; government
funds should be accounted for to the last cent and least but not last
Inclusive politics should be in place and fairly practiced.
“The time is always right to do right” - Nelson Mandela
RIP Madiba
