How difficult would it be for the Kenya Kwanza government, under the able hands of our President Ruto, to establish trust amongst each other to some level with the opposition, and most crucial, with the electorate.
When you look at the sentiments of some of those that are supposed to represent the government and advise on various issues of national importance, then you really wonder what level of responsibility, patriotism and trust there is amongst those that are supposed to work together.
When you think about the outcry by the Opposition every now and then on a lot of matters of national interest, then you realise that unity may never be part of our society for some time, unless we work towards improving our social cohesion.
Then you hear daily sentiments of the majority of citizens on new ad hoc policies, and how our daily needs are handled and the level of trust citizens have towards those that are supposed to represent them in policy making and implementation. It is then that you notice that we need to have our leaders work harder towards improving the daily life of citizens, even from the basic level.
Kenyans, who are the electorate, went to vote based on the manifestos that were tabled by both divides, while some also voted in the pretext of the how religious Ruto, his family and his running mates expressed themselves.
When you are elected in the name of being a God-fearing person in Africa, and Kenya for that matter, then know there are many people who have placed their hopes in you and have trusted that you will deliver promises and rule as Christ-like person.
But let me not go on and on about God and religion, as it may not be representative of everyone’s beliefs. Kenya has a diverse population, from Muslims Hindus, Sikhs, Baháʼís and even pagans, all adhering to various beliefs, but what ultimately ties us together is humanity and trust.
According to Our World in Data, trust is a fundamental element of social capital, which is widely regarded as a key contributor to sustaining well-being outcomes, including economic development.
The online publication elaborates that virtually every commercial transaction has within itself an element of trust, especially commercial transactions conducted over a period of time. Our commercial transactions here would include the day-to-day running of the government through taxation and service delivery.
The government needs to then demonstrate through worthwhile activities and projects that the taxes collected are used in proper accountable ways.
When there is accountability, then there will be trust amongst those running the government, and some level of trust between the government and the Opposition.
Establishing trust through citizen participation in the democratic and development process might also be a big factor to Kenya’s economic progress. Let us remember that this peaceful collective decision-making will help towards improving economic inequality as this is linked to trust.
The author is a communications researcher and scholar, currently pursuing Peace and Development Work Studies in Sweden