This archive report was first published on 2 October 2019.
Kenya is often touted as a success story in Africa, but beneath the surface lies a complex web of issues that threaten to derail the country's progress. One major contributor to this chaos is the country's system of governance.
For four years out of every five, Kenya is the apple of the global community's eye, a shining example of progress and development. However, once every five years, the nation descends into chaos, with post-election violence and tribal squabbling taking center stage.
So, what is the root cause of this problem? While some blame inter-tribal rivalries over resources and restitution, the reality is more concerning. The issue lies in the foundations of Kenya's political system, which is fundamentally flawed and in need of change.
Let's examine the system. If an election were held with no incitement, fake news, or calls to violence, would the problem be solved? Unfortunately, the answer is no. The system is a winner-takes-all system, leaving clear winners and losers. The losers, however, are not losing points or goals; they are losing power and ownership.
This is why calls to change the system in the interests of national unity should be viewed positively. Constitutional changes can save lives by diffusing power between leaders from different groups and moving away from a winner-takes-all executive presidency.
The Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) has been unprecedentedly broad and inclusive, with leaders from across the tribal divide and political spectrum coming together to find solutions for the people of Kenya. This is no small feat, and we must not belittle it.
As the BBI process moves forward, it's essential to put Wanjiku first, ensuring that the initiative is led from the bottom up, from the counties to the capital. We must also be wary of initiatives that further centralize power or lack crucial nuance.
Kenya needs a system that works for its people, not against them. This requires fundamental change, bringing transparency and accountability to a system that currently works against the interests of the people.
