Tribalism, corruption and politics are the triplets killing Kenya

Tribalism, corruption and politics are the triplets that are dragging Kenya from fully achieving Vision 2030. For this vision to be achieved Kenya should seek to promote the spirit of togetherness, harmony and unity which hitherto since independence remains a pipe dream.

When we read in the Bible about the creation of the earth, the bible does not tell us whether man was white, black or colored, instead it says man was created in the image of God. It means we are all His children and we have to be together as one.

In Kenya, the situation is different though, these three issues are inseparable. A majority of Kenyans align themselves along tribal lines supporting politicians and elites from their tribes with the ‘watu wetu’ mentality in their minds. This is one of the reasons why some members of certain communities have complained of being targeted in the recent list of shame released by the President Uhuru Kenyatta in March.

Corruption is the main reason for underdevelopment, staggering poverty and low rate of life in Kenya. Kenya was ranked the 3rd most corrupt country in Africa in 2014 according to a report released by Transparency International in February this year. The report states that 74% of the Kenyan respondents paid bribes to access government services. 95% said they felt that the police were very corrupt. Asked why they paid the bribes, 56% said they did so to get faster services, while 36% paid bribes because they would otherwise not obtain the service. A 2012 World Bank report indicates that 12% of the funds allocated for public procurement (enough to create 250,000 jobs annually) went to bribes.

During independence, Kenya was at par with countries such as Malaysia and Singapore who are now miles ahead of us. Billions of shillings have been embezzled by successive governments with the common mwananchi feeling the pains of poor roads, lack of proper well equipped hospitals and high rate of inequality. The gap between the rich and the poor is so wide.

Scarcity of jobs in Kenya is also a major contributor to corruption and tribalism. With many graduates desperate to secure well-paying jobs each year, one has to part with ‘kitu kidogo’ to be considered.

We can argue that tribalism originated from independent Kenya where the colonialists used the divide and rule tactic magnifying differences among communities who fought each other to protect their territories. This became a breeding ground for tribalism and embedded it in our blood. There is need for mindset change and avoid stereotypes based on where we come from.

Kenya needs to arise! Where are the real Pan- Africanists who voiced the concerns of the people without fear and favor? There is need to Provide true African leadership without failure. Politicians need to build consensus and tolerate dissent. Let us put an end to hatred and seek to work together regardless of our race, tribe, color, origin or religion.