The government of the day continues to make interesting choices on national matters. It is interesting to see how we progress, judging that ongoing suggestions of economic revival are less practical than people would have hoped. Initially, those 'responsible' for the election outcome had many expectations for the incumbent. Slowly, I am coming to terms with the fact that real progress will not be attained during the first two years. There was a promise of hope. Most of us felt that change was imminent. Five months in, there is very little change. It is increasingly becoming ludicrous to defend our choices in the August elections. Instead, the Kenyan shilling is still weakening; food prices are rising. It is no wonder that visa applications are on the rise. We are a country that thrives on the mediocrity of our leaders. Already there is a request by a member of parliament calling for a salary increment.
Ironically, the reason for that plight is the high cost of living in the country. Isn't it satisfying that the people responsible for creating and implementing policies and laws that facilitate smooth transactions are still in the same predicament as us, the common citizens? If only we had a system that worked for all of us. Looking at current events, it is impossible to gauge our trajectory into the near future. News is filled with headlines culminating from trying to even the score. Rather than focusing on progressive improvement, the current state of matters suggests that, as a country, we are suffering from Stockholm Syndrome. We have been accustomed to ignorance and negligence that we do not get to the streets for demonstrations. We have yet to pronounce activists driving development agendas in the public domain. I guess that is why a majority of the Kenyan youth are striving to have a “Kwaheri Kenya” moment.
Not only does activism matter because of the hope it inspires for protecting human rights across the globe, but it also matters because of the outcomes it produces. Individuals and communities wherever in the globe may take advantage of the direct approach and powerful instrument of activism. While private people may lead and organize activism, as is the case with many organizations, the majority of an activist group's power comes from the contributions of volunteers from the general public. Since this is the case, they have a lot of weight for those who want to help the country's economy. Essentially, it is becoming hard to live in the country and that is why people are opting to leave the country. Unless both the public and private entities rise to the occasion, we are in for a tough ride as a nation.
To ensure that policy decisions are well-rounded and reflect people's lived experiences, our leaders must constantly welcome public input. The legitimacy of policies will increase, and popular support for their execution will increase. Besides fostering elitism and exclusivity, hiding policymaking in obscure executive and parliamentary circles leads to insensitive legislation. Implementing such measures might be seen as the administration imposing its will on the people, which could adversely affect democratic processes, national security, and fundamental human rights.
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