Uhuru, Ruto must give Kenyans reason to continue believing in them

By Kilemi Mwiria

 Uhuru and Ruto should be aware of bureaucrats who may want to undermine reforms

I will never forget the enthusiasm, emotion, excitement and sacrifice of the majority of those who filled Kasarani on Uhuru Kenyatta’s inauguration as Kenya’s fourth President. Most walked long distances because they could not afford bus fare and were at the stadium by 6am.

They shouted their voices hoarse through the ceremony although most may not have had a decent breakfast and were unsure of the next meal. Their joy was more obvious than was the case for the few hundred dignitaries, some who were more concerned about where they were to sit, invitation to the State House dinner or which plum jobs they were likely to be offered.  This ceremony, just like with the cheering of our national sports’ heroes was clear demonstration of who the true Kenyan patriots are; it is those at the base of our social ladder.

That is why they must have been happy to hear of what the Uhuru and Ruto government planned for them, including allocating the billions of shillings that were to be used for the second round of the presidential contest to employment creation; enhancement of employment opportunities through investments in tourism, an enabling business environment, support to small scale farmers and strengthening of local industry, sports’ promotion, construction of schools, hospitals, roads, devolution and more.

These Kenyan patriots were delighted to know that they will not pay for basic health care services, including child deliveries.

The possibility that their children will be entitled to a laptop on entering primary school was for them stuff of which dreams are made, the computer being a luxury reserved for children of the rich. Yet, IT along with the quality education promised in our public schools, are the best promoters of equality.

These promises are placed in the wider context achieving equity and justice for all, irrespective of social, religious, regional, physical status, gender and who one voted for; and a united Kenyan.

Little will be achieved without peace and stability. Such peace, Uhuru emphasised is more than about the absence of conflict, but more about creating employment and wealth opportunities that will make our youth economically independent and less amenable to manipulation by those who care the least for them.

These good intentions may, however, not materialise without the right structures and personnel. It will thus be necessary to reorganise government bureaucracy to ensure that those who lead the reforms proposed have a missionary commitment to their new responsibilities. Uhuru and Ruto should beware of sitting bureaucrats who may want to rock the boat of reform either because they belonged to the opposing political camp, have established vested interests to defend, or because they are more committed to procedure than the bigger picture.

 There will also be need to negotiate reform with key stakeholders (civil servants, the private sector, donors, civil society, etc) for the best use of available recourses’ and to get these players to own the reform movement.

The key to success however will be the unwavering, courageous and visible leadership of Uhuru and Ruto in steering implementation of the promises they have made, aware as they should that Africans are very respectful of authority; especially if the cause they stand for is for their good.

The two have a great opportunity to guarantee re-election in 2017 if they fulfill their promises.