The problems facing Kenya

 

Image: Pexels.com: Kenyan flag

Kenya is a nation that's growing faster in terms of infrastructure, technology and more. Despite being among the best economic wise countries in East Africa, the challenges are many than the solutions. 

In this article, I will discuss the troubles Kenya has been facing.

The obstacles experienced by this nation are as follows:

1. Abundant corruption 

The bribery began to be evident after Kenya attained its independence in 1963. In all organisations there's a trace of corruption starting from the Executive, Legislature, Judiciary and the ordinary Kenyan society. It's sad when a young man and woman is expected to pay KSH 500,000 and more to secure a job in Kenya Police service or even in the Kenya Defence Forces. Corruption is every where as most people have acquired the formal education. At Kilindini Harbour, the products that are brought to Kenyan market are not well scrutinized. Even in political society, the leaders accused of corruption before are retained in their positions and even getting opportunity to hold top leadership positions in the country.

2. Tribalism and nepotism 

Kenya has more than 42 tribes. This tribalism has divided the country especially in government positions. The people are judged based on where they come from. You will undertake this problem if you happen to apply for a job opportunity. This challenge of favoritism has grown even in our close family members. A person can't help another without requesting about their brothers or even parents.

3. Poor leadership 

Kenya still blames the colonialists and the predecessors leaders. This happens where the ruling leaders always speak about the past. This is a problem as it denies the citizens opportunity to get developments and resources they need as individuals. The poor leadership is evident where a well stipulated constitution says a leader should have a degree certificate but the leaders end up fabricating documents but the Judiciary postpone the ruling until the matter is forgotten. 

4. Long due process

As everyone loves fair judgment, the judicial system is long and cannot be relied. For instance an election case will take a shorter period to be solved. However, the case of a chicken theft would even take years before the ruling is done.

5. Inadequate support of talents

Efforts of supporting art is minimal in Kenya. Millions of football talent players are joining gangs and beginning drug trafficking. The problem is not money, but the individuals holding the money. The problem becomes worse when you realise that the leaders who are given the mandate of governing youths are not even familiar with the nature of football or even music. It's sad even to know that youth are not benefiting enough from their crafts.

6. More licenses

To start a company is not an easy step when you have dream of earning something from your investment. As an entrepreneur, the business should have a long term goal. The licenses are many. If you calculate your profit, you realize that you’re only feeding an ungrateful government. This license issue has scared most investors from gaming, manufacturing and entertainment industry. 

7. The culture importing more 

There's no problem in importing products. However, I don't see any relevance in importing foreign clothes while we can manufacture our clothes from cotton. A country that is known for agricultural knowledge even imports Maize from South American countries. Why don't we irrigate these dry areas like Marsabit and Wajir?

8. Interference of media

Without the media, the world cannot get information. Kenya is experiencing this problem as government arms are even attempting to frustrate media houses and media personalities who points the root of the problem. Why subbotage their freedom of expression? 

9. Lack of effective education curriculum 

The 8 - 4 - 4 model supports employment more than investment. That's the reason there are more jobless graduates. Although the C.B.C curriculum is implemented, there's a lot of confusion as those responsible don't have adequate ideas to handle the new era. This C.B.C thing would be effective if they focused more on the strength of a child.

10. Embezzlement of funds

This happens in most institutions. For instance a whole cabinet Secretary finances trips that do not reciprocate to the development on the ground. There's also emergence of ghost workers in county governments and some top National government positions. This is a problem as the progress in on a negative trajectory. 

©️ Kelvin Munene 

11 - 3 - 2024