Kenya as a nation has had its fair share of turning points, right from the declaration of independence in 1963, which ended the era of colonialism and ushered in self-rule, to the attempted coup of 1982, the struggle for multi-party democracy and the current stalemate.
Good, stable and predictable institutions of governance and economic activity leads to confidence and trust of leaders and Government while unstable systems and institutions will discourage investors and hamper economic progress.
The enactment of a modern constitution that occasioned monumental disruptions to the nation’s governance systems, particularly in the electoral and public finance management arenas. This has since proved to be a double-edged sword capable of causing a sharp turn in our country’s trajectory on the one hand, and on the other, laying bare the means and mechanisms of embracing and rewarding the creativity and industry of all Kenyans in an all-inclusive economic system.
Those who have great ideas are able to start or carry on their businesses in an environment of free, inclusive markets that not only give people the liberty to pursue their dreams but also provide a level playing field. How each country and each region affected by disruptions of this magnitude deals with and addresses the impact marks the critical difference between the success and failure of a nation. And depending on the source and force of the disruption, the dimensions affected will also be different – ranging from cultural and social to economic and political.
Some nations have very strong and well-entrenched governance and economic institutions that are able to weather the storms while others crumble and take decades to find a new compass. Examples abound – Somalia, South Sudan and Central African Republic to mention a few. Believe it or not, our country is right now going through the labour pains of a very critical moment in our history. As Kenyans, we must rise and stand strong, with confidence and faith in our nation. We must not delude ourselves and we must not be introspective.
We have travelled to the edge of a cliff, where our nationhood has been threatened, and we have come back to safe ground. Our Judiciary has done its part and the majority of Kenyans believed that the Supreme Court would live up to what James Madison, the fourth American president, prescribed: “The public good, the real welfare of the great body of the people, is the supreme object to be pursued.”
You may wonder; why not choose peace and put our beloved country on the path of progress? We have to understand what drives top leaders and why the politics of some politicians tend to foster economic stagnation while others tend to promote prosperity for the majority of citizens. It is not about what they say or do but more about a society’s collective wisdom and trust in the ideology of their leaders!
This therefore is a moment in our history for a true statesman to emerge, whose vision and resolve will transcend current and future generations, regional and international boundaries to secure the progress and continuity of our country.