The people need to change for gains to be tangible

By Kanyi Gioko

Kenya is taking a turn around for the better and surely things will be better in a matter of time. The pillars of democracy have been cast, now going trough the treatments phase so that they stabilize and offer reliable pedestals for national growth.

Many happenings today can be viewed across the conservatism prism versus the progressive forces that are bent on national healing and stabilization of the hard earned space for mutual benefits.

The old school is scared of losing grip and slow but surely they have put all resources and formulae to work to derail the common course for selfish gain. The constitution that we overwhelmly voted for has been mutilated and customized to accommodate the very same malicious attributes that are tethering us to the ground.

The swearing in of Mr. Kimaiyo is a good pointer of how far we have come. He was the best in the interview and we wish him well. Support by all the arms of the government will be crucial in propelling us towards our goals.

On the flip side there are other interviews that are raising issues in the public domain i.e. TSC and PSC. Why can’t the candidates and their scores be published on the local dailies? Why have expensive interviews and then pick a winner outside the ranking? What is the point of subjecting highly qualified candidates in public office in interviews and then pick the winner at random?

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We need to break free of this retrogressive culture with the realization that our march towards 2030 can only be achieved on the train of transparency.

Our fixation with politics is our own undoing. Whereas the playing field and rules have changed the voters have remained cast in the past. The average Kenyan voter sniffs for a better deal.

This explains the mammoth crowds that greet all manner of wannabes on their campaign trails; it’s always the same crowd albeit in the correct colours of the day. For as long as we keep saying a politician is not good because ‘hatoi kitu’, then we are a disgrace to our progeny.

If an array of party T shirts, caps, handouts, lessos and the ubiquitous packet of unga will cajole one to make a choice; then we are in for a long wait for Canaan.  The average Kenyan needs to rise up against tribal shackles, ignorance, petty inducements and reflect deeply on the need to have a better life.

I was moved by the gesture of the Citizens of Tonga who sold all their Gold trinkets so that they can move their country out of debt and today they stand proud, brimming with patriotism with a GDP most can only dream of.

The average Kenyan needs to awaken to the much potential that’s this country has for growth. There is need for a radical shift in our thinking and aspirations. Having a sibling in power will not lead to automatic ugali for you but every effort you make to make your life better through hard work will assure you of freedom in days to come.

Make a choice and spur change we need to grow this noble country into a socioeconomic giant.