This archive report was first published on 14 January 2020.
As we begin a new year, it's time to reflect on the many issues that plague our nation. In this article, we'll highlight a few pressing matters that require immediate attention.
One of the most urgent issues is the state of medical care in Kenya. The system is broken, with cartels dominating the private sector and leaving patients with little hope of receiving quality care. Even when individuals pool their resources to seek services in the private sector, they're often referred to 'Doctors Plaza' – a term that's become synonymous with scams and exploitation.
It's time for the Ministry of Health to take action and crack down on these facilities, just as the Ministry of Education did with universities. The results would be the same: a massive shutdown of many of these facilities. In the meantime, hospitals with satellite clinics should clearly indicate a hotline for patients to report scams – hopefully, toll-free.
Another issue that's long overdue for attention is the abuse of the term 'Doctors Plaza.' This name is often used to describe buildings where medical professionals operate, but in reality, many of these facilities are little more than 'sure ways to a mortician.' It's time for authorities to reign in on the naming of these buildings and ensure that they reflect the actual services being provided.
Matatus operating outside Nairobi have also returned to fitting four passengers per row of seats, despite the so-called 14-seater matatus now being 19-seaters. This blatant disregard for the law is a slap in the face to Kenyans who once carried out citizen arrests in the industry. It's time for authorities to take action and enforce the law.
The Islamic community in Kenya could also consider using phone apps as a call for prayer, rather than relying on traditional methods that often disturb the peace. With every household having at least one phone, it's time to let young children, the old, the ailing, and the weary sleep even if they live near a mosque.
Finally, it's time for the General Service Unit to stop clobbering university students to near-death for demonstrating or throwing stones. These students are often a reflection of the society's ills, and their frustration is a culmination of what ails our nation. It's time for authorities to arrest and take them to court, giving lawyers the opportunity to show Kenyans what they can do by representing these students, hopefully pro bono.
As we look to the future, it's clear that we have our work cut out for us. From fixing our medical care system to protecting our national heritage, there's no shortage of issues to address. Let's work together to create a better Kenya for all.
