This archive report was first published on 10 September 2019.
On September 10, 2019, Kenyans were queuing for government services in Nairobi, a stark reminder of the challenges facing the country.
A trustee is expected to take care of money and assets on behalf of the beneficiaries, but in Kenya, the concept of stewardship seems far less embedded in society today.
Systemic acts of corruption, political indecency, and rot in the social fabric attest to morals erosion, with the breach of fiduciary duty by those managing public affairs leading to more pain instead of gain.
Public service has turned to serving self, and finding it difficult to grasp shocking revelations on theft of public resources exposed in audit reports.
Environmental degradation and destruction of water catchments and forest reserves, polluting water bodies by industrialists hurt man and aquatic life while politics continues endlessly.
Replacing the interest of the masses with own interest if unchecked exposes the governed to repercussions of commissions and omissions by minority few.
Another factor is failing to do due diligence while handling public affairs, a fundamental expectation on the part of those entrusted with control and execution of State power and means.
Abuse of stewardship role in the conduct of public affairs inflicts incalculable damages and suffering to the citizenry and social order.
By adopting and sufficiently entrenching principles of stewardship in governance structures, attributes of trust, honour, and devotion to service delivery get nurtured.
