Having spoken, it is now time to act

Njoki Karuoya

A nation that cannot take its leaders at their word is a nation that will remain stuck in the mud. Our leaders have never hesitated to make commitments at national, regional and international level.

As a country we never hesitate to sign and, therefore, to our credit, we have signed onto various human rights instruments and also developmental goals such as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

At the national level, our leaders proclaim party manifestos that capture the aspirations and imagination of Kenyans when seeking public offices.

The commitments range from eradicating poverty, introducing affirmative action for women, improving security, fast-tracking the constitutional review process.... the list is endless.

Unfortunately, however, it is increasingly evident that as far as our leaders are concerned their responsibility does not extend to giving effect to that which they have signed onto.

Extreme poverty

Take the MDGs for example. In 2000, Kenya committed itself to eradicating extreme poverty, achieve universal education, promote gender equality, empower women and reduce child mortality by 2015. In addition, the country was to work towards improving maternal health, take steps to combat HIV and Aids, malaria and other diseases and ensure environmental sustainability.

The eighth goal is to develop a global partnership for development. Although the Government has on several occasions stated it is unlikely to achieve all but one of the goals, the concern is that substantial progress can be achieved through the exercise of executive will and responsible leadership.

Even when it comes to matters relating to the stability and prosperity of the nation our leaders will still not actualise their commitments. This is evident especially with regard to the increasing inertia in the implementation of the National Accord and Reconciliation Agreement.

In the wake of the last year’s post-election violence, the two principals appeared to agree that impunity would be a thing of the past. The Waki Commission report was unanimously adopted by Parliament.

Continuing circus

A key recommendation was establishment of a local tribunal to try the perpetrators of the post-election violence. Subsequent to the adoption of the report by Parliament, the principals signed an agreement on December 16 for the implementation of the Waki Report.

For the leaders to continue blowing hot and cold in regard to the establishment of a local tribunal is incomprehensible. The question, however, should no longer be whether we establish a tribunal but rather when we shall honour our word.

Granted, the Government’s plate is full. The country has embarked on constitutional, land, electoral, judicial and police reforms. Sadly though, not much progress is being made owing to the fact that little or no attention is paid to the fundamentals.

A key prerequisite on which these reforms must be grounded is accountability and transparent leadership. The continuing circus around the reappointment of Justice Ringera as Director of the Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission illustrates the painful truth that we are yet to get off the starting blocks.

To comprehend the gravity of the situation, we must remember it is only in recent times that we swept the Sh4 billion maize scandal, the Sh7.6 billion fuel scandal and the Sh64 million tourism scandal under the carpet.

Consider too the re-emerging of the Anglo Leasing contracts, the Kenya Pipeline scandal and the disappearance of billions of donor funds intended for the education programme.

Conduct audit

It is evident Kenyans are in for a rough ride and we can now affirm there is no intention to reform. An audit of the conduct our leaders and especially of those who appended their signatures either as the principals or members of the dialogue team gives cause for alarm.

It is not a light matter that these are the same persons who have been most vocal either by action or omission to oppose the various reform initiatives. For a country looking to celebrate its 50th anniversary of independence, it is a shame that we rely on international conscience to prick us to direct us on the right path.

The question then that is left begging for an answer is whether the expectations Kenyans have that their leaders will honour their word is legitimate. At the very least, can leaders deliver on that which they have signed onto?

|   |    |    Comments (0) |   Add Comment