From the Handshake to the Nine Building Bridges Initiative Agenda
Background Information
For quite some time now, Kenya's political arena has seen general elections that have been marred by chaos, rigging, and unprecedented ethnic and political storms. The record of political violence is clear, and there is no doubt that it has been ethnically mobilized and exacerbated by goons and militia funded by the elite political class.
It goes back to the era of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and Jomo Kenyatta when political parties were based on tribal formations. These ethnic alliances led to disputed elections, displacement of people, killing of innocent civilians, and a resurgence of clashes between tribes, and consequently sank the country's economy.
Up to the last general election of 2017, nothing much had changed. The leader of the opposition Raila Odinga boycotted the presidential results citing irregularities and went to the Supreme Court to file a petition. He however demanded the resignation and prosecution of the 'rotten' Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) officials.
A few days later, the Supreme Court unleashed a landmark ruling where the presidential elections were declared null and void and ordered a fresh presidential election within 60 days. The opposition chief felt vindicated and quit the poll re-run which was scheduled for October 26, urging for a 'credible election' and urged his supporters to abstain as well.
All these developments have led to the birth of the famous household mantra 'The March 9th Handshake', which saw President Uhuru Kenyatta and opposition leader Raila Odinga come together and put their political differences aside and embark on serving Kenyans.
The Handshake
On March 9, 2018, everyone woke up to 'resonating' news through unexpected occurrences. It was a deal dubbed 'The Handshake' between opposition leader Raila Odinga and President Uhuru Kenyatta. This ingratiating effort made by the two leaders to unite Kenya shook the whole country as no one could believe that these two leaders who were at the helm of political escalation and tossing insults at each other could bury the hatchet.
Although some leaders in the opposition as well as others in the government felt betrayed, the two handshake principals strongly believed that Kenya was once again up on its feet, free of turmoil, and could thrive again economically and politically. This brokered deal not only ended the animus between Mr. Odinga and Mr. Kenyatta but also sparked the 2022 succession politics, with the Deputy President's presidential bid being thwarted.
The Building Bridges Initiative Report
Since the quest to enhance governance and give justice to all Kenyans was perpetual, the President and the opposition leader formed a steering committee under gazette notice 264, which was published on January 10, 2020, and led by Senator Mohamed Yusuf Haji who was deputized by professor Adams Oloo.
This task force was mandated to validate the Building Bridges Initiative report to a more united Kenya through discourse with citizens, cultural leaders, civil society, private sector, and religious organizations and come up with administrative policies and constitutional changes where necessary, and implement the recommendations contained in the report.
After thorough consultations through public participation, the committee came up with the following nine nagging problems that they believed have tormented Kenya since independence: -
Divisive elections
After every five years, Kenya goes through an electioneering period that brings the country almost to a standstill especially when it comes to the cut-throat competition in the presidential race. Economic activities and the normal livelihoods of civilians are thwarted due to violence, and to end this, the committee proposed a new executive formation that is more inclusive and one that will end bitterness and hostility.
Ethnic antagonism and Competition
Ethnicity has been a threat to the development and success of Kenya and to strengthen unity among the citizens, it was recommended that the ministry of education introduces teaching of national unity in the curriculum and review existing policies that enhance social integration.
Corruption
Dishonest and fraudulent conduct by those in power has been experienced in almost every arm of the government and this has been the leading threat to the wellbeing of this nation. It was passionately proposed that there should be speedy prosecutions, stiffer sentences, protection of whistleblowers, and quick recovery of stolen resources.
Inclusivity
Religious, economic, and political inclusivity has always been desired by Kenyans to ensure an equal share of national resources. The marginalized, the poor, women and girls, the youth, and people living with disability were to be included in sharing of resources and no one should be termed as a foreigner in his or her own country.
Shared prosperity
When it comes to shared prosperity, the lack of jobs especially for the youth is the major problem and this needed to be addressed to grow the economic sectors that would provide sufficient employment. It was recommended that the cost of business be reduced, lending to small businesses be increased, and provision of reliable and affordable digital services to the grass root level be done.
Lack of national ethos
Since the last regimes have made less effort to make Kenyans subscribe to national ethos and patriotism, it was proposed that the government should promote Kiswahili and encourage the study of literature materials published by local authors.
Devolution
The transfer and delegation of power to the county government by the central government was initially received with jubilation but various concerns were raised which hindered the devolved units from achieving much. Many proposals were made which included increased allocation of money to counties, total transfer of functions to the counties, and restructuring of the health care systems.
Safety and Security
These two core issues were of great concern to Kenyans. Natural disasters, food insecurity, terrorism, violence, and cybercrimes sparked the need for a new approach to providing security. Streamlining police systems, strengthening of Nyumba Kumi Initiative, and improved working environments for the disciplined forces were all proposed.
Responsibilities and Rights
Parents, teachers, the media, elders, clergy, and leaders across the political divide took the role of imparting ethics and responsibility to children and young people through mentorship programs.
