Trends are
pointing out that this year’s election will be peaceful judging from how
Kenyans and the IEBC have handled disputed nomination so far. But let us
celebrate this new trend with caution as we jointly work towards making this
year’s election peaceful.
The entire
electoral process is a nail-biting experience for everyone. It comes with a lot
of euphoria and a lot of anticipation. It pushes citizens, tourists, refugees and
investors to the cliff-edge.
Well, I have good news. Never had I been more optimistic than this time round, keenly watching what is happening in Kenya from the diaspora, that the March election will be something to smile about.
Election in
Kenya will soon be history just like it has been in countries such as Ghana, Senegal,
Lesotho, Egypt, Burkina Faso, and Angola. The interesting thing about these African
countries is that they have all conducted peaceful elections.
Is there likelihood
that history is treating African countries kindly regarding elections? Is Kenya likely
to benefit from this wind of change blowing across Africa from the four corners
of the continent?
It is a well-established fact that the journey to Kenya’s democratic transformation has involved blood, sweat and tears. All the sacrifice Kenyans have made should not go to waste. Like a wounded lion, it’s time for the country to win the battle – which I am convinced it will – due to her warrior-like strategies
One important
strategy Kenya has used, in her quest for nationhood, is that of imbibing the
character of our fore-fathers who believed that Kenyans work best when they are
free, a conviction that led to the birth of the new constitution – the second
liberation.
The constitution
has guaranteed all Kenyan citizens, tourists, refugees and investors
unalienable rights, justice and fair play. But there is a third liberation awaiting – economic liberation. The time is perfect for Kenyans to wake up,
smell the coffee and take advantage of the impressive economic recovery today compared
to where the country was after the last disputed election.
Improved
infrastructure, transport and communication in the country means a favorable environment
has been created for entrepreneurship. Decentralization of resources and power gives
room for development at the grassroots level and above all, a functional judiciary
means disputes, including electoral disputes, can be confidently settled in
courts in a civilized manner.
Democracy is
coming to Kenya and it does not really matter who is next president. Since
there is a new constitution, all that is needed now is a president who will safeguard
it and be a champion of the third liberation by forging sober trading
partnerships with other African countries to fast track Kenya towards achieving
vision 2030.
Kenyans have
reasons to be optimistic, the economic growth is projected at an average of 4.7
percent this year, interest rates have been lowered by the Central Bank, there
is a surge in agricultural output, oil and other minerals are being exploited,
Konza techno-city has just been unveiled, the local soccer premier league is
increasing its popularity in Africa, tourists are still visiting despite Alshabaab threats and Mau-Mau fighters are almost being
compensated. This is a true African renaissance that should not be obliterated
by the March elections.
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