Jubilee Should Learn To Blow Its Own Trumpet

A common swahili saying goes ‘Tenda wema nenda zako’ (do well and move on). The truths behind that saying is one should not expect any good out of doing good.

This is because the nature of the human being is such that he/she forgets good deeds very quickly but remembers a single error for life. This narrative aptly describes the Jubilee government’s relation with Kenyans.

The Jubilee government came to power after a tightly fought race and immediately got to work fulfilling the colossal promises it had given to Kenyans.

The truth be told considering Kenya’s acrimonious political landscape, the promises given looked somewhat far- fetched.

Five years was such a short time to fulfill all these promises. From world class stadiums to free laptops, to industrial cities Jubilee’s ambition was quite astronomical.

Be it as it may, the numerous small victories that Jubilee has scored across board deserve acknowledgment.
Infrastructure remains a key determiner of growth for developing nations. The Jubilee government has invested heavily in the construction of roads and railways.

The Standard Gauge Railway with all its attendant criticism signaled the entry of Kenya as a competitive commercial hub in Africa.

The SGR once complete will single-handedly raise Kenya’s domestic and foreign income significantly.

Already during its construction, thousands of Kenyans have benefitted directly through the provision of skilled and unskilled labor, construction materials supply and provision of other commercial services.

As intended, local economies along the SGR route and surrounding areas have been revived. The lives of communities alongside this route and beyond will be transformed by the opportunities it provides.

The SGR will also significantly reduce the number of road accidents since 80% of cargo shall now travel via rail. The trucks will provide transport inwards to destinations not covered by the rail. The number of Kenyans who will benefit directly and indirectly from the SGR is quite high.

Though the famous By-Pass link roads were initiated by the Kibaki government, Jubilee has taken things a notch higher.
Ideally, the by passes were envisioned to redirect traffic from towns and cities but they have come with extra goodies to boot.

These roads other than easing traffic and shortening traveling hours have opened up hinterlands availing the much-needed opportunity for common wananchi to eke out livelihoods.

Places served by these roads have seen the rise of land value, sprouting of town centers and entertainment spots, hotels, and even settlements.

The Last Mile Connectivity program championed by the Deputy President has brought immense opportunity to otherwise forgotten areas of this country.

 The public schools' connectivity initiative has enabled far-flung schools to compete favorably with urban schools.

 Electricity has brought employment, improved security through masts and street lighting, has uplifted local livelihoods, improved health provision and boosted communication in many ways.

 Jubilee’s commitment to renewable energy is unparalleled. The wind, solar and underground energy sources have provided much-needed power to our national grid ensuring more reliable and accessible power.

Security wise, Kenya was on the verge of succumbing to threats by extremist groups but thanks to the unwavering commitment of the Presidency, these threats were quashed and though they lurk in the shadows.

Jubilee has invested heavily in the training, equipping and remuneration of our disciplines forces which in turn has resulted in a seamless security apparatus which has become the envy of our neighbors.

The reforms being undertaken in the education sector spearheaded by Cabinet Secretary Matiang’i have returned much-needed confidence in the sector.

 Our education is heading towards world class status with equal opportunity for both rural and urban children to prosper.
Though facing challenges after it was devolved to the counties, health in Kenya has never been more affordable.

The insistence of national government to invest in the health sector is out of the commitment it made to Kenyans to provide a more affordable and accessible health system.

The government has availed through leasing very expensive diagnostic and treatment health machinery which can be accessed in the various hospitals across the country.

 Services such as dialysis which previously were a preserve of a few are now available in many rural hospitals at very affordable rates.

Never in the history of Kenya has there been such a deep involvement of marginalized groups in government.

The constitution demanded this inclusion but the Jubilee government went a step further and gave life to this commitment, uplifting women, youth and persons with disabilities through various appointments and a 30% allocation of all Government tenders.

Further to this, the government operationalized the affirmative action funds through Uwezo, youth funds, and the women representative’s funds.

All in all, the Jubilee Government has outdone itself and scored thousands of victories for Kenyans.

 Corruption has stained the government’s otherwise exceptional record. The President has stretched himself thin fighting this vice.

 That said the onus is on Jubilee to keep re affirming to us that the glass is half full. Unlike the Wa Swahili, Tenda wema na utangaze! (Do good and show us!)