More by this Author
The New Year has always been a time for introspection, setting new goals and working to better ourselves.
The year 2020 gives us a perfect opportunity to reflect on the year that was and see how we can work together to improve our lives.
As it is difficult to reflect on everything that took place last year, it is best to identify an overarching theme, and deduce lessons learned which are relevant to Kenyans.
Despite the fact that many things took place in 2019, two reccurring themes were in the headlines, the future of Kenyan democracy and the issue of national unity.
Although it began on March 9, 2018, everyone will agree that 2019 was the year of the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI).
The BBI taskforce visited Kenya’s 47 counties and listened to citizens’ suggestions as to how to make Kenya a better place for all.
This initiative is designed to enable our democracy to soar to new heights, allowing people to have their opinions heard as they partake in shaping the future of Kenya.
As the world-renowned advocate for democracy Mahatma Ghandhi once said, “I understand democracy as something that gives the weak the same chance as the strong”. What could epitomise this pillar of democracy better than the BBI?
The strengthening of our national unity was a defining moment in the year that was. Divisions are easy to create.
However, only true leaders can see beyond party politics and put the people’s interest first. Such was the case with in the famed March 9, 2018 handshake between President Uhuru Kenyatta and Opposition leader Raile Odinga. The handshake reverberated across the nation throughout 2019.
This unity has kept tribalism at bay, with no significant outbursts of fuelled violence in Kenya occurring in the past 12 months. But the BBI has brought with it controversy.
The opponents of the BBI appropriately made use of the democratic space, expressed their lack of acquiescence with sections of the report.
They even tried to push their own alternative constitutional amendments through Thirdway Alliance Party leader Ekuru Aukot’s Punguza Mizigo Bill in the counties.
But unlike the old days, we have managed to avoid violence; keeping the debates peaceful and productive; pragmatic and progressive. This is a major step in the development in Kenya’s political system.
One needs to look back to see the dangers that discord can sow in our country.
The 2007-2008 Post-Election-Violence led to loss of at least 1000 of lives. This is an example of the cost of disrespect for the democratic process and the tragic price we pay as a nation for the lack of unity.
Uhuru’s desire to preserve both of these aspects, the democratic rule of law as well as national unity, throughout 2019, has enabled our country to focus efforts on other issues pertinent to our future.
These include development projects, such as the opening of the railway line linking Naivasha to Nairobi, a project which, despite the critics, will facilitate the growth of trade beyond the capital.
The country has attracted significant foreign investment, including $1.5 billion in Chinese investment for the funding of the railway as well as significant investments in revolutionary projects such as Tatu City.
None of this would have been possible without security, improved democratic space and national unity.
We could not end 2019 without discussing the strengthening of our regional ties. President Kenyatta and his team have solidified our ties with our neighbours like Ethiopia.
Regional relationships will continue to provide strong opportunities for cooperation in security matters, economy and the environment.
This is true of our relationship with Rwanda, Uganda and Tanzania, all of which are regional partners on a host of issues.
As the old saying goes, “You must have a good relationship with yourself before you can have a good relationship with others”.
A positive relationship among Kenyans which was cultivated throughout 2019, will enable our country and our people to grow as a beacon of African success in 2020.
Related reporting
More Columns And Opinions →