This archive report was first published on 11 January 2020.
On Christmas Eve, 2019, Kenya's daily newspapers splashed a story on their front pages about a group of MCAs planning a trip to Dubai to save Governor Mbuvi Sonko.
The question on everyone's mind was: why would a trip to Dubai save Sonko? The answer, however, was not clear.
According to reports, 18 MCAs were cleared for an 11-day junket that would have lasted until the end of the year. Readers from other countries were left wondering at the wastefulness of public property by public leaders.
As one observer noted, even the most highly educated Kenyans are ambivalent when it comes to public economic issues. This is evident in the way individuals who were once vocal about social issues become self-serving when appointed to central social positions.
So, what drives Kenyans to seek public positions for personal gain rather than to serve the public interest? The answer lies in the country's education system, which prioritizes individualism over selfless service.
As one writer noted, the evidence of Kenya's education system consists of degree certificates, which are often used to secure high-paying jobs. However, once individuals start receiving high salaries and benefits, their ignorance of human needs around them becomes apparent.
It's time for Kenyans to rethink their priorities and strive for true education, which goes beyond academic achievements and focuses on serving the greater good.
