The peaceful elections saw a smooth transition of power and
the ongoing deliberate efforts by the Jubilee government to form an inclusive
government has rekindled a sense of national exuberance. Our nation turning 50
is an icing on the national cake, thanks to our founding fathers whose struggle
has seen us soar this far.
However, such jubilations, hope and euphoric expectations
are being tamed by the economic realities of poverty and unending rise in price
of basic commodities; social inequalities such as unemployment are unmatched;
and political drumbeats never cease to brew Ethnicity, Violence and Hatred
amongst us. This beckons the question: as a nation where did the rain begin
beating us? Moreover, what legacy will history tell of us to the future
generations?
Kenya is a land of plenty and abundance, you have to labor
hard if you want to earn a living and if you find yourself living on the verge,
you live at the brink of – hand to mouth. Opportunities abound in Kenya but
grasping them requires well-earned skills for seeing the profit beyond the
obstacles. Alarmingly, unemployment rates have risen absurdly with the youths
making up 70% of this unfortunate lot when things are neither promising for those
who are employed but still grapple with the idea of making ends meet since it
is either you are exploited, underemployed or doing an indecent job which you
already might have earned a name or a scorn from. Here, of importance is proof
of the chronic neglect Youths have fallen prey to, hence bringing forth the
thorny issue of the existing large social inequalities in Kenya, which goes
hand in hand with social cohesion- this throws to doubt the idea of building
trust across all these antagonizing groups.
Amidst all these trials and tribulations facing the Kenyan
Youth, signs of triumph of the future are elusive. We have succumbed to
manipulation and have been entangled in the shackles of tribalism and hatred;
poverty and exploitation; pitiable victims of moral decadence and disease. We
have been reduced to slaves- guns for hire by our hero -worshiped leaders who
like duck to water, take to gross graft and condone a vicious system of
exploitation and privilege because it is rewarding and profitable.
Consequently, it’s important for us to embark on an
inclusive and collective effort whose course means well to all and sundry for
in us lays great wealth and potential which if well channeled, great strides
shall be realized in the realization of our Vision2030. This will aid us play a
pivotal role in the world’s map. It is in this regard that we all have a moral
inclination and obligation in ensuring that we help make a country that is a
safe haven to both us and future generations in all spheres of our activities.
My clarion call is that we then have to avoid practices that
evoke insensitivity, inequity and hatred in others. This may sound an arduous
task but it takes optimism as your fuel of life, hard work as your recipe and
above all, determination and dignity as the hallmark of your actions. With
these you may be an inch closer to an Oscar like Lupita, a second away from
breaking the world record like Rudisha or even ride in the high pedestals in
the corridors of power like Sakaja; for IF A CHILD WASHES HIS HANDS, HE COULD
EAT WITH KINGS(This I’ve known ever since I was a child). So I guess it’s time
you ceased that showy-worship of your favorite avaricious politician and
engaging in unnecessary rhetoric to
seeing the bigger picture-Horizon Beyond, for it’s all within you because You
Have The Yam And You Have The Knife. Forget your woes, unburden your soul and live
a life for you. No matter how dark the cloud may seem, there’s always a thin
silver lining that we must look for; that silver lining will come, if not for
us then for the next generation or the one after that and maybe with that
generation the lining will no longer be thin. Furthermore, is the darkest hour
not before dawn??
A LUTA CONTINUA.
Major In Literature & Political Science
Author & Poet
Vice Chair SADASA.
STEVE ANTONY OUGO ALIAS MALIPS.
