It is crystal clear that Kenya led by President William Ruto is at one of its lowest moments. A period of despair, population which is demoralized, diminished hope and economic meltdown.
The struggling economy, heavy public debt, chocking wage bill with extremely less resources available to cause any impactful development.
The President has on countless times admitted that there is only two ways for Kenya to move forward; either borrowing or raising taxes.
While the Government has focused to the latter option, the same has met resistance to the point of collapsing the nation, if the recent demonstration is anything to go by.
While there exists other third possible option of cutting down on expenditures that includes managing the ballooning wage bill, the same has serious political and governance ramifications and seems a hot potato to hold.
Unfulfilled Promises and Trust Deficit
This aside, the most dangerous problem being a population which seems to have lost confidence in the leadership of the country both at the Executive and Legislature.
The citizens are crying for the blood of their Parliamentarians who have failed on their constitutional mandate, they can’t be trusted and lack capacity to execute on their principal mandate as provided for within Chapter Eight of the Constitution of Kenya 2010.
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The Constitutional values and principles of leadership within Chapter six of the constitution cannot be attained, at least for now due to entrenched culture of impunity and systematic challenges.
While the President may have good intentions, his administration has failed to deliver on their bottom-up agenda as contemplated within Kenya Kwanza (KK) manifesto.
Mention of many projects they envisioned that include emancipation of hustlers, affordable housing, Universal health coverage and realize that the proposals are not feasible within the remainder period of KK leadership.
A Roadmap to National Renaissance
The regime has failed to win trust and confidence of Kenyans, and this cannot be reversed within the next two years before the country enters another election cycle.
With this factual realization, President William Ruto can instead decide to lead Kenya to a renaissance in the following manner.
Ensure the pending recruitment of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairman and Commissioners is finalized.
He can use his influence to ensure only competent men and women of integrity with public confidence are recruited. While ensuring constitutional and legal requirements are met in the hiring process, encourage the team to have face of persons that Kenyans have confidence with.
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William Ruto Winning Public Trust
Public trust is critical for such sensitive body. In my view, he can ensure persons such as Retired Chief Justice David Kenani Maraga is recruited as the Chairman of the Commission.
With such persons who enjoy fair public confidence, the Commission would win public trust and goodwill.
The second phase of the journey to rebirth of new Kenya would entail the President to make declaration that he will serve for a single presidential term and focus his energy to ensuring appropriate structures to guarantee harmonious transition to fresh leadership in 2027.
While undertaking the above steps, the President can begin to do what is right, reshuffle the cabinet and put competent people in public office within his powers and control, fire and hire as appropriate with focus to ensure delivery of his vision for the remainder period.
There will be no political ramifications for his actions since he will have no interest for 2027 election contest.
I believe in doing so, President Ruto will guide the nation to a new beginning while winning public trust and accolades. His most important legacy would be having led the nation to a rebirth.
Author: Paul Makokha He is Advocate of the High Court of Kenya and Corporate Governance Specialist.
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