Why President Uhuru’s appointments were unfair to the youth!

Ever since President Uhuru Kenyatta appointed key Parastatal heads, critics of Jubilee government have expressed their displeasure over the appointees. In as much as he did everything within the constitution and even included persons from all the 47 counties, opposition leadership as it were cannot give him any breathing space to rule Kenya in peace.

The President however, went ahead with his mandatory right in the appointments of the State corporations rewarding Kenyans in a long list of representatives from not only all regions but ethnic groups as well. However, nobody questioned the appointment of the Army Chief, General Samson Mwathethe replacing General Karangi who is the President’s kinsman, yet it has been a traditional gesture that had been practiced in the country for decades.

Uhuru’s maturity act ashamed many. He demonstrated that his administration is without questionable doubt, a reflection of the actual face of Kenya. However, it is certain that sons and daughters of prominent political figures of the land were rewarded.

However, it was not good for the President to ignore the youthful lot. They are not only the majority, but they form the clicks that drive any political wheel that electrifies campaigns in any given election. The President need not forget this! By recycling the old political lot, he is doing himself a lot of injustice. Such a move not only discourages the youth who are said to be the “leaders of tomorrow” but demotivates them politically as well.  They need to be given a chance now as they are educated, energetically productive, able to use innovation and technology over the analogue compatriots.

Critics have opined that the President’s gesture was designed for political gain come the 2017 general elections. The politicians therefore are the main beneficiaries of the entire appointment exercise. There is a common Swahili phrase that goes “Kazi kwa Vijana, pesa kwa Wazee na kazi mingi mshahara kidogo!” which translates to (work for the youth, money for the old and a lot of work with little pay!). The opposition uses this phrase to discredit the government in preparation for the 2017 general elections.

The appointments however have caused so much anger from the youth. Having realized that what they had been promised during the 2013 political campaigns, that Jubileee administration was going to offer jobs to the youth, was a big lie. There was hope then, but now they realise that employment is actually been handed to the ‘who is who’ in this country.

• .

  Keep Reading

• 
  Isolating Uhuru? Ruto took his base, party and now has Raila
• 
  Uhuru earns rare praise as Mt Kenya leaders extend olive branch
• 
  Uhuru eulogises ex-police boss King'ori Mwangi as dedicated officer

The appointments represent a Kenya without the young citizens, where friends and acquaintances are favored.  In the near future, the country may not be in a position to sustain itself because the future belongs to the young people.

Kenya appears to be one of the most unequal societies in the world. The creativity and innovation of our youth can easily be harnessed to create opportunities for all by blocking the loopholes that entrench corrupt practices in public offices. We can improve if our youth and women are given the opportunities to lead. The country must rid inequalities in our society if we will move to the next level!

The President therefore, must be advised accordingly in so far as public jobs are concerned. What is said must also be reflected in reality. The Head of State needs to know that selfish interests will not solve the country’s problems but will continue to make the majority youth and women poor and hopeless!

Is a lecturer at the School of Information Sciences,

Moi University – Eldoret