This archive report was first published on 3 July 2020.
As the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) report nears completion, Kenyans are eagerly awaiting its release. However, with the committee's term coming to an end, there are growing concerns that the report may not live up to its promise of bringing about meaningful reforms.
According to information in the public domain, the BBI report is expected to recommend the creation of more positions, including a Prime Minister and two deputy premiers, as well as an expanded government. While the argument is that this will promote inclusivity, critics argue that it will only serve to benefit the political elite.
The current governance structure, which promotes a winner-takes-all approach, has been criticized for leading to violence and exclusion. However, the BBI report's focus on power sharing may not address the root causes of these issues.
Instead of creating systems and structures that promote national development and enable citizens to lead better lives, the report may prioritize the interests of politicians over those of the people. This is a worrying trend, especially given the country's history of failed reforms.
As the BBI report is finalized, it is essential that Kenyans remain vigilant and demand that the committee's recommendations prioritize the interests of citizens over those of the political elite.
