Yes, Kenyans must seize the unfolding economic moment

“There are certain things in which mediocrity is not to be endured, such as poetry, music, painting and public speaking.” French philosopher Jean de la Bruyere said this, emphasising the need to strive for the gold standard when speaking to a nation. It is possible that President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Madaraka Day speech will stand out as the most significant display of his oratory skills.

This came at a time when most Kenyans were wondering why, despite having secured political freedom 57 years ago, the promise of economic freedom has remained elusive. The speech neatly weaves together the foundational ideas that make Project Kenya a reality. In a remarkable departure from the political history often served to Kenyans during such national holidays, Kenyatta’s speech instead surveyed the economic history of Kenya and invites a new understanding of its core economic concerns.