Kenya operates on a model that was created to exploit the country’s poorest citizens — an administration structure that has been wary of and patronising toward the poor since colonial times, preferring to see them as undesirable and burdensome lots rather than full citizens who should be engaged rather than outmuscled around. In a nutshell, Kenya is not a place for the poor.
More than half of Kenyans say they are unhappy with their country’s leadership and the economy as the government is planning for a difficult national election this year. Apart from economic difficulties, government corruption is often seen as a serious issue in the country.
While Kenyans consider corruption to be one of the most pressing issues to solve, they see little chance for significant progress. Furthermore, there is a significant ethnic gap in these concerns, with the Kalenjin and Kikuyu people much happier with existing conditions than the Luhya and Luo.
For too long, politicians and humanitarians have viewed Kenyans, particularly the poor, as roadblocks to development and conservation, rather than the cause for their pursuit. The government appears to have no feeling of obligation to them.
Unfortunately, in Kenya, concepts like “transformation” can justify the eviction of people because they have nothing to do with uplifting the livelihoods of the impoverished. Decades of economic expansion have failed to create quality jobs. The much-ballyhooed road-building spree has not only displaced but also killed a large number of the impoverished. Pedestrians account for approximately 40% of road deaths so far this year, according to estimates from the National Transport and Safety Authority, making them by far the most vulnerable group of road users. Moreover, the roads were constructed with little regard for how the great majority of Kenyans (who mostly walk everywhere) would use them.
The recent displacement followed a pattern that has become all too familiar. High-level decisions are made with little regard for those who will be most affected. A notice of eviction is given, with affected communities having few options and the state making no plans for new housing. Bulldozers arrive, supported by armed police, and demolish everything, sometimes even denying residents the chance to retrieve goods from their condemned homes.
Kenya’s underprivileged face a harsh deal even when it comes to education. In recent years, when the government offered free primary education to much worldwide hoopla and praise, notably from former President Bill Clinton, a million more children showed up for class. However, the system was inevitably swamped due to a lack of investment in expanding the number of schools, and even more egregious, the policy was imposed during a teacher hiring freeze. As standards fell, parents flocked to private schools, driving up their costs and trapping the poor in a failed public system.
Notwithstanding their concerns about significant development difficulties in their nation, Kenyans, particularly those under the age of 35, are hopeful about the future. Kenyans, in particular, believe that education and health care, two development concerns that the public has identified as top priorities for the country, would be considerably better when today’s children reach adulthood. Despite widespread disgust with political corruption, a majority of respondents believe ordinary individuals can influence government policy.
Read more: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/global-opinions/wp/2018/07/31/how-kenya-runs-over-its-poor/
