In governance, citizens, just like spectators at a football match, are always at ease and quick to spot the challenges and incompetence of players.
And unless the victory falls in their favour—in this case, according to the campaign promises—the electorate always walks dejectedly at the ability of the leader. Little do we realise that every opportunity comes with unique dynamics that are absolutely clear only to the player.
It was such a respite from the usual, listening to the President's first address to the nation. At least, true to the hustler tag, I heard and felt a leader with a real touch on the common man's life.
The mention of mulika mwizi phone and what Sh500 can do to Mama Mboga and other local phases painted a portrait of a man certain of Wanjiku's issues. As it is, a problem rightly diagnosed is half solved, though there is a maxim that 'it's easier said than done'.
But wait, whose responsibility is it to walk the talk?
In my community, on the slopes of Mt Elgon, the name Raphael Chesori stands tall; he is a vice president of the International Youth Nuclear Congress, chairing international forums on clean nuclear energy.
Taraja Kipchoke is another brain, actively engaged in securing education for the less fortunate in Mt Elgon; Abraham Kiboki, too, is an entrepreneur keen on farmers' capacity building, value addition, and market linkages through The Mountain Berean Ltd; and other influential figures with alacrity to inject positive impact to society.
Every community in Kenya has these instrumental personalities, but what recognition, concern, or cooperation do they receive from the local political leadership? Zero!
Sometimes, I think leaders choose to complicate their job. A leader's key responsibilities are understanding society and painting the desired future; the rest lies in inspiring and supporting men and women who know how to drive the wheels in that direction, as he ensures discipline is keenly instilled.
It's not a leader's job to break a sweat and shed blood in the name of bringing development. The real breakthrough in governance is in ensuring that every citizen's effort counts towards the desired common vision.
The President spoke passionately and sympathetically on real issues affecting the country. He highlighted various steps he is initiating to see us off this economic quagmire, not to mention his unwavering determination to hold on to the responsibility.
And that really made sense, especially at this distressing moment. But he can't do this alone.
This economic cold should act as a wake-up call to our leadership. It's no longer time for supremacy battles; all patriotic and enterprising entities must be reached out to for support and ideas on how they can contribute to recuperating our ailing economy.
Competence must be upheld; there is no point in favouring an individual on a relational basis and attracting a collective loss, as was previously the case in the Galana-Kulalu agricultural scheme that cost taxpayers billions of shillings due to personnel incompetence
It's therefore time the government seizes the silver lining to this economic test by reaching out to every concerned individual and enterprise for insight and cooperation with the target of tapping the untapped potential to ensure that every effort is funnelled toward our collective course.
Good governance advocate
