“I will make sure that my attitude towards involvement in Nation building is right and I am empowered enough to know exactly what to expect from my leaders; to abide by the same document that I approved and demand the same from both leaders and fellow Kenyans. I realize that the change has to begin by me; and it starts with my attitude!” – Cheryl Obedi
The second republic of Kenya was welcomed with much flare and pomp. It was a monumental occasion for all Kenyans. This was evident by the remarkable turn out at Uhuru park and by the millions of Kenyans who watched the promulgation event live from all over the world. It was a moment of pride for all Kenyans. Most of the online social networks were buzzing with Kenyan pride messages and on that day it was evident that many were proud to say “ninajivunua kuwa Mkenya”. The second republic has invigorated hope in the hearts of many Kenyans and many are optimistic of our future in a New Kenya. However, long after the buzz of the promulgation event has tapered off, I beg to ask what is my role as a Kenyan citizen in the second republic?
The second republic did not come easy; it came through years of struggle and sacrifice. In as much as we could celebrate the dawning of a new republic in a day the complete realization of a new republic will take time. Our success as a new Kenya deeply relies on how much we understand our role in the second republic and what steps we are willing to take to see change happen. It seems like a simple question but it is one we cannot afford to ignore. What is my role in ushering change in the second republic of Kenya?
The first critical component in realizing change for a New Kenya is to include the involvement of all Kenyans. It is time for Kenyans young and old, in the Kenya and in the Diaspora to get involved. We now have the institutional foundation that we have been yearning for but we have to realize that institutions will not change Kenya, but only Kenyans can change Kenya!
“Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” – Barack Obama
There are several avenues for Kenyans to get involved, varying from frontline politics, serving in the public service or just by being an enlightened citizen. The latter—being enlightened citizens—now more than ever is critical for all Kenyans. Kenyans have chosen to abide by a new governing document but the question still remains? How many Kenyans are knowledgeable of its contents? We have pledged our allegiance to the constitution but how well do we understand the contents? If we are to come to a place where Kenyans can hold politicians to accountability the citizenry has to be enlightened on their rights, roles and responsibilities. Furthermore the citizenry has to understand the offices and the arms of the government and the roles and responsibilities of those we are to elect in our representative form of government. Every citizen and not just those without access to formal institutions need this knowledge and insight so that they can fully understand their part in society. This will enable each one of us to act in the best interest of ourselves, families and communities. Empowered people making empowered decisions!
Besides being enlightened Kenyans the second republic introduces a wide array of new public service offices. We now have a county governments, gender representation in the public service and offices and representation for marginalized groups. The new republic is calling out to Kenyans to fill these posts. New Kenya needs Kenyans young and old who will answer the call, and serve “we the people of Kenya” with integrity and due diligence. To the women of Kenya, a special call has gone out; the second republic now officially recognizes the role of gender empowerment and requires your involvement. It is time for our mothers and daughters to help nurture Kenya back into a vibrant and successful state.
The second critical role for Kenyans is to help restore a national identity and adherence to our national values that are now embedded in Article 10. The process of the referendum voting was hailed to be transparent, free and fair with zero reports of any acts of violence. This was another huge victory for Kenya that brought worldwide acclaim from many international governments. But despite this victory the poll results of the referendum portrayed a lingering challenge for Kenya, evidence of tribal voting patterns. The poll results indicated that the Yes and No results aligned in voting blocks that are reminiscent of ethnic voting patterns. This is indicative that as we stride on into the second republic, there is a renewed call for change in our political culture. It is time we unite as ONE people and to promote a national identity. Kenyans of the second republic have to promote a social and political culture based on Unity and stay true to the words of our constitution “We the people of Kenya“.
“There will be NO great Kenya… until there is first a better Kenyan people. And no people are greater than their faith and values” - Wallace Kananda
The second republic of Kenya has inherited a political class and culture that is largely led by self interest which has in the past brought Kenya to the brink of ruin and has pitted political struggles that have seen Kenyans turn against one another in the name of ethnicity. As a society, we need to reorganize; reorganize socially and politically but we must do so in accordance to our national values. This should also be in realization that our problems and solutions run deep within us and not all can be resolved by documentation but by personal will and commitment to restore our broken social fabric. This calls for personal responsibility that will invoke change from within and a bottom-up change to mirror the top-down institution change.
In summary, Kenya is on the threshold of her success story and how well we understand our role as individuals and as a people in this process will determine our journey. We can change the annals of history, and reinvent a New Kenya whose power and success will mirror that of other great powers. It will take collective effort and for all Kenyans to rededicate themselves to rebuilding our nation. The implementation process has begun. Our role now is to mobilize ourselves and to act in the interest of implementing political, economic and social change under the guidance of new governing document. We are in a new Kenya and it is time to demonstrate our commitment to the second republic of Kenya.
“..ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country”. J F Kennedy
Source : http://epaper.thekenyamonitor.com/KM/KM/2010/11/01/index.shtml
Author : Jane Munga – Kenyans For Change Vice Chair