Kenyans must vote wisely for true democracy to take root

Democracy in all of its classical and contemporary forms, has played a pivotal role in shaping conceptions of public education. The importance of education is implicit in the history of democracy itself.

Some of the earliest philosophers, Plato and Aristotle among them, shared a concern (born of elitism as much as intellect) about rule by those deemed less qualified to make decisions - the poor.

Over time, these concerns were muted by an understanding of the larger conditions necessary for a just democracy, including respect for minority rights, support of basic economic and personal freedoms, and the need for an educated citizenry.

For if such decisions as affairs of state are to be left directly to citizens or their elected representatives, the need for citizens to be educated assumes profound importance. Education in this vision of democracy calls on the classical notion of an informed citizenry-individuals who are able to think, reason, analyse and reflect without discrimination and care.

Kenya and some African countries have poor education systems which have left more than 75 per cent of our graduates unemployed. Any schooling system should at the bare minimum produce a pool of well-informed scholars, not 'crammers'. There is need for more fluid investment capital to ease social mobility and create a set of youth entrepreneurs. As against this, the less educated or the illiterate make it a point to cast vote.

But they are also easy prey to bribery by politicians. With a majority of the illiterate casting vote, there are strong possibilities of tainted and corrupt leaders being elected to office. It is the high time the educated elite realised that better people, when elected, can reduce the level of corruption and malpractices in the system.

So instead of just putting blame on the system, people should come out and vote, exercise their right and express their views. By casting your vote you would help elect a good leader who will put the interests of the public first. Democracy in our country will be effective only when people will vote wisely.

Education and democracy will actively and meaningful give citizens participation and complicity in public affairs meaning that citizens will in Kenya and Africa will change their mindset and start demanding for increased space and public participation.

And as we approach the next general elections, it is our responsibility to elect the right set of people to lead the country. Only those who perform their duty towards the nation have the right to raise their voices against the system. It is our duty to vote for our representatives. Voting is the most effective medium of communicating our grievances about the system.

We should never allow anyone to bribe their way into office so that we can be accountable and ready to ask for better service from our leaders. We should elect leaders who believe in the fundamental goodness, freedom and dignity of all people.

Leaders must be keen to work with others to create opportunities for the youth to allow them to participate in nation building.

Genuine democratic leaders will often consult and listen to others, they will appropriately delegate, share power, make corporate decisions and give credit where it is due. It is good to remember how Jesus corrected his disciples who wanted to wield all power and have all credit come to them.

Truly democratic leaders welcome the emergence of young leaders and do not sack those who are courageous enough to express their dissenting personal view.