This archive report was first published on 14 May 2020.
On May 14, 2020, President Uhuru Kenyatta's words on unity resonated deeply with Kenyans: “Our children may learn about the heroes of the past. Our task is to make ourselves the architects of the future.”
Kenya's path to independence has long been achieved, but the country still struggles to reach its full potential. The economy benefits too few people, and corruption remains a pervasive issue.
Rebuilding the Republic of Kenya is an ongoing process, and unity is the foundation upon which this effort must be built. President Kenyatta's nine-point Building Bridges Initiative prioritizes unity as the key to addressing the nation's challenges.
As the BBI team traveled across the country, gathering input from citizens, unity emerged as a recurring theme. The people's enthusiasm for unity was palpable, and it remains a crucial aspect of the nation's progress.
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, unity is more essential now than ever. President Kenyatta's efforts to bring together political opponents, including William Ruto, Raila Odinga, Gideon Moi, and Kalonzo Musyoka, demonstrate his commitment to national unity.
However, detractors of unity continue to undermine efforts to bring the nation together. It is essential for politicians to prioritize the nation's interests above their own and to celebrate those who support unity.
Through unity, Kenya can overcome short-term crises like the COVID-19 pandemic and corruption. The architects of unity have already reaped numerous benefits, and the country has witnessed significant successes in recent years.
Kenya has made strides towards a fairer and more equal society, where those responsible for corruption are held accountable. No Kenyan should be afraid of national unity, and all citizens must feel that they have a stake in governance.
Unity must be the foundation upon which Kenya builds a better future, and all leaders must be architects in this national endeavor.
