The problem that bedevils this country is not the lack of good policies/programmes/projects… we have excellent blueprints for catapaulting us to the next level. No! Our problem lies in good governance or, more accurately, the lack of it. No policy, however attractive, will deliver effective results, when those tasked with overseeing its implementation are (a) unwilling to do so, (b) incompetent and (c) compromised (read corrupt).
It’s a sad joke that 49 years after attaining independence, we still have leaders in power whose vision for this country only extends to how much they can fill their bellies. Corruption reigns supreme and the aspirations of ordinary Kenyans are trampled upon daily by those elected to represent us. The few progressive leaders, who have a vision for a better Kenya for everyone, can barely be heard above the din raised by the blood-sucking leeches. How can a country led by thieves, drug dealers, land grabbers and ethnic warlords, produce anything good for the common man? The ordinary Kenyan has been totally emasculated and used as a pawn to support the insatiable greed of our leaders. They have effectively divided us along ethnic lines, so that when the light of transparency is turned towards them and they fear that their corrupt exploits are about to be unearthed, they quickly allege victimisation of their tribe and we rush to blindly support them as they seek to protect their bloated bellies. We must rid ourselves of this festering sore in our flesh if there is to be any hope for Kenya.
So, what would I like to see implemented by the Kenya government?
- I’d like to see, first and foremost, full implementation of the new constitution, devoid of any melodrama and horse trading.
- I’d like to see the government (led by the 2 principles and all members of parliament) spearheading serious efforts to bring peace and reconciliation amongst communities involved/affected by post-election violence around the country. It’s a national shame that non-governmental bodies have been more visible in promoting peace and reconciliation than the government itself.
- I’d like to see the systematic dismantling of corruption cartels within all government agencies and the subsequent prosecution of suspected individuals, irrespective of their status. It’s an insult to our collective intelligence, as well as a clear sign of the entrenchment of impunity in our society, that not a single politician or senior government official has ever been successfully prosecuted for corruption.
- I’d like to see tabling of all reports from commissions tasked with unearthing the corruption and rot that we KNOW exists within the corridors of power and, going even further, implementation of the suggested recommendations.
- I’d like to see a total revamp of our education system to one that focuses on discovering and nurturing talent and prioritising training that is relevant to the current needs of the job market and our nation’s development goals.
- I’d like to see more investment going into developing our transport and energy sectors. There are some very agriculturally fertile areas in this country with very poor infrastructure, but good roads and connection to the power grid is all they’d need to turn them into vibrant commercial zones.
- I’d like to see more government support for agricultural based businesses, with emphasis on the processing of raw products in order to add value and appropriate skills training for the workforce. Serious efforts in this department would go a long way in alleviating the jobless situation currently plaguing our youth.
- I’d like to see the issue of the high cost of running government addressed, starting with a slashing of the obscene salaries paid to parliamentarians, so that more funds could be released for development programs.
- I’d like to see more funds being injected into public health facilities, so that more Kenyans can access quality and affordable healthcare.
That’s what I’d like to see. Whether I’ll actually see it or not, largely depends on who we elect into power during the coming elections. Returning the same crop of leaders, currently serving, will not only be a vote for the status quo, but will also further entrench corruption and impunity into our system of governance.
Kenyans must interrogate their leaders and only vote back those who have delivered on their promises. The all-important office of the CEO must also go to someone whose vision extends beyond just the lust for power; to someone with a record of integrity; to someone capable of galvanising the combined human resource capacity of the entire nation to achieve our common development goals; to someone with a track record of supporting and implementing reforms and development agenda that benefits all communities; to someone with an impeccable background that is untainted by graft, corruption or other criminal allegations; to someone who does not run to hide behind the “ethnic cloth” whenever their integrity is challenged in the public arena; to someone who can command international respect; to someone seeking to “serve” and not to “rule” Kenyans.
PS. Got the link to the governance survey from an ad appearing on Facebook. It’s also available on the website of the Office of Public Communications, but when you click on it, you end up back where you started. Ominous sign, or what?
thebrooder 