This archive report was first published on 11 September 2019.
As the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) concludes its research phase, Kenyans are eagerly awaiting the publication of its findings. The initiative, launched in May 2018 following the historic handshake between President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga, aims to gather public opinion and inform policy decisions.
However, critics from the Punguza Mizigo camp have been quick to criticize the research campaign, citing the time it takes to carry out such a widespread initiative. But as Benjamin Franklin once said, 'By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.'
The BBI is consultative, surveying ordinary Kenyans to determine how the government can best serve their needs. By electing Uhuru, Kenyans essentially employed him to work for them. The initiative allows President Kenyatta to prepare policy based on concrete information, enabling a lot of thinking and problem-solving to prevent governmental shortcomings.
One of the key aspects of the BBI is the creation of an executive prime minister position, which would split power between the president and the holder of that position, eliminating the current winner-takes-all system. This move is seen as a way to diffuse the power of the Executive branch and promote unity among Kenyans.
However, critics argue that this move may centralize power further, undermining minorities who lack representation. The Punguza Mizigo camp has proposed a seven-year presidency term, which could strengthen the executive at the expense of the judicial and legislative branches.
President Kenyatta's extension of a peace offering to Raila Odinga is seen as a move to promote unity and prevent the kind of situation that could undermine minorities. As Ecclesiastes 4:9 states, 'Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.'
By deciding to invite Raila into the decision-making process, Uhuru showed the value of unity and the importance of listening to the grievances of those who don't have it. The post-election violence of 2007 was a turning point for the nation, teaching us that continued infighting would achieve nothing.
Ultimately, the BBI is an initiative for the people, by the people. It is a path to unity and informed policy, and Kenyans should get behind it.
