This archive report was first published on 8 December 2019.
As the biblical book of Proverbs advises, 'listen to advice.' A wise leader is humble enough to understand that they do not have all the experience, knowledge, and information to make an informed decision.
President Uhuru Kenyatta's recent outreach to opposition politicians and the Kenyan people is a testament to this wisdom. By seeking the counsel of others, he aims to gain valuable perspectives on how to rule and learn from their experiences.
On December 8, 2019, the authors of the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) report handed it to the people at Bomas of Kenya in a ceremony presided over by the President and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Despite being formed by politicians, the ordinary Kenyans' input has led the BBI process. The details contributed by ordinary Kenyans will lead to the formation of a new Kenya where all citizens have an equal say.
The nine issues canvassed by the BBI report authors include ethnic antagonism, lack of a national ethos, inclusivity, devolution, divisive elections, security, corruption, shared prosperity, and responsibility.
Those who oppose the initiative must explain why they are against an important document that seeks to make Kenya a better place. Do they have the answers to all of society's ills?
It is the people who suffer from a lack of inclusivity, divisions, corruption, and poverty, so they should advise the leaders who may not understand their needs.
