The Journey towards Freedom
Image Credit: Anastasiia M|Getty Images
December 12th 1963 is a year that is memorable and holds a significant place in the history of our nation. It is a time when we got ourselves out of the entanglement of our colonizers. blood was shed but for a noble course. Everything that we enjoy now, the freedom that we experience, the strides made through our self-rule, and many other stuff are a result of someone's blood. The journey has not been easy for most of us. Some Kenyans, especially those born in the early and late sixties are privileged to have experienced all five presidents of our nation, under different dispensations; Jomo Kenyatta's regime, with all the bright minds that called the shots, some of whom, word had it that they would have made the best leaders. The Kenyan 2030 economic blueprint was a result of a sessional paper done by the genius Tom Mboya.
Then came the Moi regime, which led the country for 24 years. What we can remember him for is the maziwa ya nyayo, and his love for education. It is like he opened schools wherever he went. His spell was not the best, but to those of us who drank the milk, we appreciate him for that haha. Kibaki's regime came into force in 2002, amidst a serious anti-moi wave, who at that time had seconded the immediate former president Uhuru Kenyatta. Kenyans, except those from Rift Valley, and a few from central Kenya voted against the then president's choice, but as forward to 201, the rock that was rejected by the builders, became precious.
Kibaki's regime is remembered for the economic turnaround, and the free primary education, that ensured that all children received free primary school education. It was during this time that the constituency development fund was introduced, and people started "complaining" that "hadi sikuizi hatuwezi okota pesa kama siku za Moi." At least during this regime, development was felt at the constituency levels, and school-going children received bursaries. One other thing that Kibaki will be remembered for is the Thika Superhighway, which brought to a halt the challenges of traffic along Thika Road.
Uhuru's regime was characterised by the Big Four agenda which saw major infrastructural development in our country. During his reign, we saw the construction of the Standard Gauge Railway, the Kenol-Muranga road, major dams, the inception of the Galana-Kulalu project, the Outering road, and the Expressway which also sorted the traffic along Mombasa road. We are done with one year into Ruto's Kenya Kwanza regime, and today he is leading Kenyans in his second celebration of Jamhuri Day. There was much hype and promise during the campaign period, but little if not none has been replicated. Kenyans have lost hope, and only wish that life will be better soon.
The youth have been at the centre of most campaigns in most parts of the world. The main slogan during the 2022 electioneering period was Hatupangwingwi, a word that resonated so well with the young people. Another term was hustler, with many politicians claiming that they would have the issues of the hustlers who majorly are the youth, at the core of their manifesto. Jobs were promised, hopes were raised, and many promises were made. Most of us expected that the very youth that made the campaigns move with ease, and the reception that we gave these leaders and elected them into office, would get a slot or two or even three in the cabinet. Without getting into details, all that I can say is that it was all in vain. In a youth event, attended by the president, during the campaign, where he was seen being pushed on a wheelbarrow, the MC of that event, a youth whose name I cannot mention, recently claimed that he was never paid for the gig. So the question is, has the youth been considered? The Jamhuri day celebrations come at a time when the Africa Youth Connekt summit that was held in Nairobi concluded yesterday. We hope that this time round it will not be all hype, but actions will supersede the words.
Happy Mashujaa Day, Fellow kenyas.