Kenyans have little to miss about 2011

As Kenyans celebrate the Christmas and end-year holidays, we have very little to celebrate. In fact, many are hoping the year would go with all its aspects that robbed us of the celebrations. Kenyans have gone through the worst times economically, socially and politically in 2011 and the end year should come as a big relief to us.

This year alone has seen our country go through harsh economic times. From the weakening of the shilling which saw it hit more than 100 against the dollar to high inflation rate and skyrocketing prices of essential goods and fuel.

The Central Bank also contributed to spoiling the party when it reviewed its lending rates thrice in few months. This further affected borrowers with commercial banks who now have to dig deeper into their pockets to service loan facilities.

Many other factors conspired to make life unbearable for most of us. Also part of what spoiled the year’s moods include the Sinai fire tragedy which left more than 100 lives lost, and as we still mourned the loss, another tragedy struck in Nyahururu where more than 10 people died and scores of others going blind after consuming illicit brew. This left so many questions lingering in our mind and for a moment I though God had completely turned his face away from us as a country. The unprecedented manner in which these tragedies occurred was so heart-rending.

Loss of icons

What followed was the death of Nobel Laureate Wangari Mathaai, Pediatrician Margaret Ogola and court of appeal judge Moijo ole Keiwua, all in a span of months. All died of cancer living a very big gap in our country for their tireless efforts in shaping our motherland.

The ongoing war on Al-Shabaab was another menace. Despite the praiseworthy job being done by the Kenya Defense Forces, we must admit we have been going through very scary and insecure times. The increased security scares including the grenade attacks in Nairobi and various parts of North Eastern that claimed so many lives and scores of people injured were no easy experiences.

The political class was not left behind either. The poor leadership demonstrated by them plunged us into a lot of crises that were unbearable for the common mwananchi. Our leaders proved they were more of politicians than leaders with their interests always coming first rather than those of electorates.

The IDPs resettlement exercise which was to be completed this year never happened. What our leaders did was move around the country making empty promises and selling elections ambitions for next year.

Homeless homeowners

The most heart-rending act by the Government that drew everyone’s attention was the Syokimau demolitions. After Syokimau, several others followed in Nairobi and Mombasa, leaving thousands of residents homeless. So many families were left to spend nights in the cold. This brought to question the Government’s commitment to protect citizens’ interests. The only excuse the Government advanced over the city demolitions, though not convincing, was the security of airports.

The recent tragedy was the paralysing of the public sector, the doctors’ strike which came just months after the teachers’, the nurses and that of public universities’ lecturers and non-teaching staff. All workers who went on strike had a common mission: To seek improvement of working terms and conditions, following prevailing hard economic times. The last half of 2011 was full of industrial actions by workers thanks to the Government’s inactivity to safeguard our welfare.

As we close 2011, many Kenyans hope we are going to end it peacefully and start 2012 at a very high note. Come the General Election, which could be held in August or December — the courts are yet to determine the dates, hopefully we are going to elect responsible leaders who are considerate to the electorates’ needs. We need to go for real leaders and not politicians.

Merry Christmas and Happy 2012 to you all!

{Nixon Kanali, Nairobi}