3rd January 2024
The Prelude of Promises and Power
In September 2022, Kenya experienced a pivotal moment as Dr. William Samoei Ruto was inaugurated as the President, marking a significant shift in the nation’s leadership. His ascent to power was buoyed by a compelling transformation and prosperity narrative resonating deeply with a population yearning for change. Central to his campaign was the ‘hustler narrative,’ a concept that promised to elevate the common ‘wananchi’ (citizens) by creating opportunities and levelling the playing field. This narrative was not just about economic empowerment but also a philosophical shift towards recognizing and uplifting the everyday struggles of ordinary Kenyans.
President Ruto’s administration came in with several promises to revamp Kenya’s economic landscape. Among the key pledges were reducing endemic corruption, a vice that had long crippled public trust and efficiency. Enhancing public services was another pillar, with commitments to improve healthcare, education, and infrastructure, thereby improving the quality of life for all Kenyans. Perhaps most pressing was the vow to alleviate the cost of living, a critical concern for the majority of the population grappling with escalating prices and stagnating wages.
However, as the nation looks forward to the 2027 general elections, the initial enthusiasm that greeted President Ruto’s tenure has significantly waned. The rosy picture painted during the campaign period has gradually faded, revealing a landscape of discontent and disillusionment. The promises of rooting out corruption seem to have been overshadowed by reports of continued graft and mismanagement. While improved in some areas, public services remain inadequate or inaccessible to many, and the cost of living has continued to rise, further exacerbated by global economic pressures and local policy decisions.
The Escalating Cost of Living
Under President Ruto’s regime, Kenyans have been grappling with an increasingly unmanageable cost of living. The economic pressures felt by households nationwide are multifaceted, ranging from heightened taxes and levies to the skyrocketing prices of essential goods and services. The financial burden placed on the average citizen has been relentless and unforgiving.
Taxes and levies, critical sources of government revenue, have surged to unprecedented levels. The controversial housing levy, once declared unconstitutional, is rumored to be making a comeback, stirring public unrest and legal debates. The cost of importing vehicles has also dramatically increased, reflecting a broader trend of rising expenses that affect various aspects of daily life. Fuel prices, a key driver of inflation and economic indicators, have been on an unremitting upward trajectory, affecting transportation, manufacturing, and, ultimately, the cost of goods and services.
The KES-USD exchange rate is another vital indicator of economic health, often reflecting broader trends in trade, investment, and confidence in the local economy. As the famous British economist John Maynard Keynes once remarked, “The foreign exchange market is like a mirror, which, though sometimes foggy, reflects the essentials of economic health and disease.” In Kenya, the depreciating currency is a clear signal of distress, mirroring the country’s economic challenges and affecting everything from the cost of imported goods to international debt repayments.
Despite the public outcry and the palpable impact on daily life, these financial burdens have only intensified. The government’s response, or lack thereof, to these economic pressures has been a source of frustration and disillusionment. The administration’s failure to effectively address or mitigate these issues has not only squeezed the average Kenyan’s budget but also raised questions about the government’s commitment to its citizens’ welfare.
Accumulation of Wealth and Power: A Divisive Reality
In Kenya, a disturbing trend has emerged amidst the backdrop of economic hardship faced by the masses: a conspicuous accumulation of wealth and power by those within the inner circles of government. As ordinary citizens navigate the turbulent waters of an escalating cost of living, reports, and allegations have surfaced, pointing to a stark contrast between the struggling populace and the opulence of the political elite.
The controversial oil deal involving businesswoman Ann Njeri Njoroge is a case in point. Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has brought to light allegations that the government, through Treasury Cabinet Secretary Prof. Njuguna Ndung’u, financed Ms. Njoroge in a contentious Ksh.17 billion fuel deal. According to Omtatah’s revelations on X (formerly Twitter), the state purportedly funded the businesswoman in June to import fuel, using her as collateral in a wider scheme. He cites a past gazette notice dated July 13, 2023, where CS Ndung’u authorized the withdrawal of Ksh.17.2 billion from the Consolidated Fund to subsidize what is essentially a ‘private enterprise.’ This incident, emblematic of deeper systemic issues, has sparked outrage and debate nationwide.
Further exacerbating the perception of unchecked elitism is the lavish spending reported within the presidency. The office of the President, as noted by the Controller of Budget, has seen its expenses soar to about 24 million KES monthly between July and September 2023. This extravagant expenditure contrasts the economic realities of everyday Kenyans, who face constant increases in government levies and taxes, as revealed through weekly gazette notices.
The accumulation of wealth and power by a select few at the top has not only deepened the economic divide but has also eroded the trust and hope placed in the government. Once promised empowerment and equity, the ‘hustler’ narrative rings hollow as the majority grapples with economic survival. The promised upliftment has been overshadowed by stories of greed and corruption, leaving citizens disillusioned and exhausted.
This sense of betrayal is palpable across the country. The dream of prosperity and fairness seems increasingly distant as the political elite appear to prosper at the expense of the very people they vowed to serve. The reality of the situation has led to a growing demand for transparency, accountability, and a reevaluation of the leadership’s priorities.
Forgetting and Forgiving: A Cyclical Dilemma
As the 2027 general elections inch closer, a peculiar yet familiar political phenomenon emerges in Kenya – the cycle of amnesia. Despite enduring hardships, controversies, and broken promises under President Ruto’s regime, there’s an underlying fear that the electorate may once again forget the misdemeanours of their leaders. But why does this happen? The reasons are multifaceted and deeply rooted in the socio-political fabric of the nation.
Firstly, there’s the allure of campaign rhetoric. Promises of change and development are fervently peddled every election cycle, creating a sense of hope and renewal. This often leads to collective amnesia about past grievances as the electorate clings to the possibility of a better future.
Secondly, the distribution of wealth plays a critical role. It’s an open secret that the current government has been amassing personal wealth by siphoning public funds. These amassed resources are not just symbols of power but also strategic tools intended to lure the electorate in the 2027 campaigns. The belief within the corridors of power is that despite the administration’s shortcomings, they can utilize these funds to ‘buy’ their way back into government. By investing in vote-rich areas, initiating last-minute development projects, or even outright bribery, the leadership aims to overshadow their past misdeeds with a show of generosity and progress.
However, this isn’t just about the leaders’ machinations; it’s also about the voters’ vulnerability. Economic hardships, lack of education, and political fatigue often lead to a situation where immediate relief, in any form, overshadows the need for accountability. As a result, the cycle of electing the same individuals or parties continues, driven by short-term gains rather than long-term visions.
Despite these challenges, there’s a growing awareness among Kenyans of the need to break free from this cycle. Civil society, media, and various watchdog groups continue highlighting the discrepancies between promises made and actions taken. A testament to the vigilant efforts of these watchdog entities is the recent investigative work carried out by NTV. Following a recent statement made by President Ruto, NTV embarked on a comprehensive fact-check to verify the claims against available records and reports. This initiative highlighted significant discrepancies in the President’s report concerning the revenues and profits of key public entities.
For instance, NTV’s investigation revealed that Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC) management announced a collection of KSh 956 million for the financial year 2022/23, contrasting the President’s claim of only KSh 29 million in potential revenues. Similarly, the Auditor General’s reports indicated that the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) recorded a substantial profit before tax—KSh 7.5 billion in June 2023 and KSh 6.2 billion in June 2022—contradicting the President’s assertion of its financial performance. Such discrepancies are not just numbers; they represent the vital interests of millions of Kenyans whose lives and futures are directly impacted by the economic health of these entities. These revelations by NTV and similar efforts by other groups underscore the vital role of media and civil watchdogs in fostering a culture of accountability. By rigorously examining and exposing the inconsistencies between official statements and factual data, these entities empower citizens with information, enabling them to demand transparency and hold their leaders accountable for their words and actions.
Looking Forward to 2027: A Crossroads for Kenyan Democracy
As Kenya approaches another critical juncture in its democratic journey, the nation stands at a crossroads. The question that looms large as we look toward the 2027 elections is whether the electorate will break the amnesia cycle or succumb to it again. Admittedly, skepticism prevails in many quarters. The patterns of the past, coupled with the gullibility that has often characterized the electorate, paint a grim picture. Many fear that the seductive rhetoric of politicians, often cloaked in religious and populist narratives, will once again sway the public into voting against their best interests.
The concern extends to the mechanics of democracy itself. Observers have pointed out the strategic silence around the reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). This lack of discourse and urgency, particularly in a country where electoral fairness has been historically contentious, is a precursor of the ruling elite’s potential manipulation and further entrenchment of power. If left unchecked, such maneuvers could usher in another term characterized by rampant corruption and unaccountable leadership, leading to more years of public frustration and despair.
However, despite these valid concerns, the future is not set in stone. The nation’s fate lies as much in the hands of its leaders as it does in the collective will of its people. The power of the vote and the demand for accountable governance are not just theoretical concepts but real tools at the disposal of every Kenyan. The electorate has the potential to demand more from its leaders, to scrutinize their records and promises, and to make informed decisions that prioritize long-term prosperity over short-term rhetoric.
As we move closer to 2027, Kenyans must reflect deeply on the future they want for themselves and future generations. Will the allure of charismatic but ultimately self-serving political narratives continue to dictate the country’s trajectory? Or will there be a collective awakening to the power of informed and critical voting, leading to a leadership that truly reflects the aspirations and needs of all Kenyans?
The answer to these questions will not only determine the outcome of the next election but will also shape the nation’s very soul in the years to come. So, as Kenya strides toward this decisive moment, one must ask: Is this the path we want to continue down, or do we dare to envision and work towards a different, more hopeful future? The choice, as always, lies with the people.