Following the decline of the Kenyan economy
in the 90s, thanks to the authoritarian regime led by President Daniel Moi and the
Structural Adjustment Programmes enforced by the International Monetary Fund, many career professionals
opted to flee the country in search of greener pastures.
This brain drain saw the country’s potential diminish, as most skilled workers and graduates left. It was only until the dawn of the Kibaki era that the optimism of the new nation brought them back to the country.
By then, more than 10 years had gone to waste. Ten irrecoverable years of some people’s youth destroyed just because the government engaged in wanton behaviour. By the time these people were getting back to their feet, they were well past their youth.
As American humourist Mark Twain once said, “History does not repeat itself, but it rhymes”, so is this particular moment rhyming with the 90s in terms of the economic performance. While it is indisputable that the government is doing well macro-economically (inflation, value of the shilling to the dollar, debt repayments, etc), the microeconomic situation (the state of individual households and businesses) begs to differ.
It is for that reason, then, that most young people have been contemplating leaving the country in search of job opportunities abroad. Those who made the decision to exit the country in the 90s faced a similar situation.
The fact that they came back eventually should be a point to note for those thinking of leaving. That no matter how much prosperity, development and peace you experience abroad, you will always have the desire to be at home. Your home. However much the place you seek refuge is developed, you will never be at peace if your country back home is undeveloped. In fact, the contrast will be so disheartening to you.
With this in mind, then, why don’t we work on making our country the best it could be? Instead of seeking to flee due to its inhabitability, we could make it habitable for ourselves. Remember how we were taught that ‘Tomorrow belongs to you?’ Well, the said ‘tomorrow’ is here with us, and it’s our time to act.
We can start by identifying the root cause of our problems. If you believe that politicians are the cause of the problems, then you can do everything in your power to get rid of them. Remember, there exists no opposition politician to fight for your rights (Raila Odinga is gone, RIP). You are the opposition now.
The 2027 general election is around the corner. In case you intend to unseat your local politician, then your efforts should begin as soon as tomorrow. Begin by mobilising the young people to register to vote. Some civic education would also go a long way in helping.
One thing that’s commonly misunderstood is the role that each elected representative plays, especially the MCA, the MP and the governor. These are the most crucial administrative roles (since the senator mainly plays an oversight role) and much caution should be considered when voting for the next in line.
If there isn’t a suitable candidate in your area, then you should stand up and take the mantle. Remember, be the change you want to see. The stakes have never been higher. The number of youths currently stands at 15 million. That is enough people to galvanise support for yourself. It is enough for us all to make a statement. To have a seat at the table. To put across our demands. To get a share of the cake. And to have a functioning system.
This is our only time, and if not now, then never. It is very imprudent to flee the country now, because, east or west, home is the best. Therefore, let us stay home and make this country work in our favour.
Founder and executive director of Qwani
