This archive report was first published on 9 January 2020.
As we begin a new year, many of us are filled with hope and anticipation for a brighter future. But for Kenya, a country plagued by corruption, tribalism, and a lack of genuine leadership, the road to transformation will not be easy.
For too long, Kenya has been ruled by the same people, using the same tired ideas and schemes to maintain their grip on power. The result is a country stuck in a cycle of stagnation, where the same corrupt practices and tribal politics continue to hold us back.
But what if this year could be different? What if we could break free from the shackles of our past and forge a new path, one that prioritizes honesty, integrity, and the well-being of all Kenyans?
According to the author, the key to unlocking this transformation lies in introducing a credible threat to the interests of Kenya's corrupt elite. This could be achieved through the emergence of a new leader, one who possesses the qualities of a Fred Matiang'i or Mukhisa Kituyi – a leader with a strong educational background, a passion for hard work, and a commitment to honesty and integrity.
Such a leader would not only challenge the established traditions of Kenyan politics but also have the courage to take on the corrupt practices that have held our country back for so long.
As the author notes, 'Competition always improves the quality of leadership, much in the same way that consultation improves the quality of decision-making.' By introducing a credible threat to the interests of Kenya's corrupt elite, we can create a more level playing field, one where leaders are forced to compete on the basis of their ideas and policies, rather than their ability to buy votes or manipulate the system.
Of course, this is not to say that the current system is without its benefits. The author acknowledges that the 'hustlers' who have risen to power in recent years have brought a sense of energy and dynamism to Kenyan politics. But as the author notes, 'Politicians don't do good out of the goodness of their own hearts. Generally, they have no hearts.' They do good as a means to acquiring, and keeping, personal, family, ethnic and class benefits.
So what can we do to bring about this transformation? The author suggests that we must change the dynamic, introducing a credible threat to the interests of Kenya's corrupt elite. This could be achieved through the emergence of a new leader, one who possesses the qualities of a Fred Matiang'i or Mukhisa Kituyi.
But it's not just about the leaders – it's also about the people. As the author notes, 'We will never really enjoy a first-class, clean, healthy and wholesome life.' We must take ownership of our country's future, demanding better from our leaders and working together to create a more just and equitable society.
As the author concludes, 'Would it not be nice if we could all have a wonderful year?' Let us hope that this year will be the one that brings about the transformation we so desperately need.
