Jamhuri Day and highlights of the Kibaki Presidency

On Wednesday, Kenyans will be celebrating 49 years of independence. The occasion will also mark the last Jamhuri Day for Mwai Kibaki as the President of the Republic of Kenya.

Truth be told, President Kibaki’s ten-year reign has had some remarkable successes as well as some significant lows. But for now, let us focus on the positive side of things.

As President Kibaki prepares to go to his retirement home in Othaya in less than three months, it is only fitting that we give the man his due.

Kenyans will remember him for the significantly improved infrastructure ranging from roads to telecommunications and IT sector.

Kibaki will also be remembered as the President who patiently and against myriad odds, midwifed a new Constitution for the country. Indeed, we are starting to see the fruits of the new Constitution in various critical sectors.

Without the new Constitution, Kenyans would not be having a Judiciary that is now beginning to resonate with the cherished words of our national anthem, “Justice be our shield and defender”.

As Kibaki marks his last Jamhuri Day as President, Kenyans should also appreciate the fact that he has not been an overbearing political president.

That trait of character in the man has, in a very significant way, given space for other institutions – which had been stymied by an overbearing presidency – grow and claim their place in the sun.

The onus now will be on the next president to take us to the Promised Land. President Kibaki has cleared the path, charted the way, and showed us the direction.