Kenya’s unity during and post-Covid-19 era is vital

It may take years to overcome the devastating effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on Kenya’s economy.

Many jobs have been lost, while companies have lost billions of shillings due to travel restrictions. Sectors such as the flower export market and tourism have been hit harder.  

During such times, our unity as a nation is paramount. This unity has been on the lips of many Kenyans since the 2018 handshake between President Uhuru Kenyatta and opposition leader Raila Odinga.

This led to the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) initiative. How simple it is to blame others for our own misfortunes.

The pandemic can undermine the hard-earned gains, especially our unity as was highlighted in the President’s message to Kenyans during Easter. “Kenyans have been tested many times before and we have always done what is necessary to pull through all difficulty and adversity. We have always found inspiration in ourselves and each other to find the sunshine after the storm,” he said.

Covid-19 will come and go; the unity that emerges from this pandemic will make us stronger as a nation. 

There is need to form a government of national unity. Those who are against this unity say we need to focus on the fight against Covid-19 and restoring our economy.

Although Covid-19 continues to be on top of our immediate national agenda, the struggle for national unity must remain the ultimate priority.

It is only by putting a firm end to divisive politics that the lives of Kenyans will be improved.

The fact that national cohesion is a necessary prerequisite for ensuring stability is now a talking point repeated by many local leaders. 

To put out country back on track after the Covid-19 pandemic, unity is important for the implementation of President Kenyatta’s flagship projects in the Big Four Agenda.

Unity is needed if our Parliament is to prioritise the needs of our people and institute good legislation.

Coalition governments have in the past been instrumental in saving our nation. This was seen in the aftermath of the 2007-2008 Post-Election Violence which left over 1,000 dead and our economy in shambles.

It was the Raila-Kibaki unity that enabled the swift rebuilding of our nation.

So far, 50 Kenyans have died of coronavirus. This is lower than the death toll from the 2007-2008 ethnic clashes.

Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it. President Kenyatta understands the importance of a united nation.

MOSES MUSAU, Ndalani, Machakos