A number of economic models have been used to pursue economic development. The most popular one that is currently being pursued worldwide is the Gandhian model as consolidated in the sustainable development goals.
It states in part that truth, change through non-violence, and sustainable economic development are being advocated as the basis for all human activities and decisions that would ensure food, clothing, shelter, education, health and employment for all.
These are the issues that should inform the 2022 election campaigns. We the people of Kenya, like the rest of the world, are facing difficult political, economic and social situations aggravated by Covid-19.
According to United Nations multi-institution agencies report released on July 13, 2021, in the last five years alone, the number of Kenyans who are unsure of their next meal has increased by 10 million.
Thirty-six million Kenyans are faced with uncertainty about getting food, or are at risk of skipping meals or might be forced to compromise their nutrition. The number of Kenyans living below the poverty line has increased by 10.6 million from 25.4 million in 2016.
The causes of growing poverty and food insecurity, specific to Kenya, include the role of Kenya’s history, which has been reduced to narratives of development, corruption, repression, weak moral foundation, selfishness, clamour for constitutional change and tribalism.
Charles Hornsby points out that Kenyans are also determined to replay the divisions of the past, and real and imagined injustices that have emerged to create conflicts and entitlements that in turn drive contemporary politics.
The common root causes of poverty covered in literature include lack of good jobs to support a growing economy; lack of a well-resourced education system; lack of government support policies; lack of infrastructures; lack of food and water; and social injustice, warfare and conflicts.
But some of the political elites in Kenya are out of order, economical with the truth and pursuing extreme populism to mobilise votes. They have decided to play politics using populism cards, which are divisive, reckless, selfish and personalised.
Populism in politics is associated with authoritarianism; where a politician in a pandering manner renders political parties impotent as they appoint themselves to top positions; and manipulate voters by over patronising them, instilling fear and killing enthusiasm.
As a result elections become mere formalities, held just to serve to confirm the authority of populist politicians; but without regard to the consequences for the country as a whole, including corruption, and unsustainable inflation and debt.
The legislative arm, namely the 11th and 12th parliament, though debatable, is considered too ineffective, corrupt and captured by the executive and judiciary arms to pass laws to oversight and call politicians to order.
Therefore we, the people of Kenya, owners of sovereign power, need to call populists politicians to order. We must engage the politicians constructively and tell them of our needs. We must also initiate development of job descriptions for elective positions beginning the 2022 general election.
The job description should include leadership and integrity as contained in Chapter Six of the Constitution; and to legislate fit and proper moral standing of candidates’ psychometrics tests at the political party level with assistance from the IEBC or PSC.
The overarching objective is to elect leaders who are competent and courageous to address corruption; weak moral and spiritual foundation; selfishness leadership; and bequeath constitutionalism, political unity, and sustainable economy to Kenyans.
Even though we are racing against time, it is doable. Mainstream religious groups, civil society and NGOs should provide leadership. Malawi and Ghana did it.
Consultant in finance, governance and devolution
