From: dick aduonga

Kenya is the largest economy in the East African trading block. A successful economy largely depends on an educated and innovative middle class in not only a predictable but equally progressive political environment.

At this moment in our political development Kenya needs men and women of unfailing characters whose convictions cannot be contaminated by the hostility of the state as they pursue national ideals beneficial to the national good of the nation. These young but assertive middle class generation need to be the driving force behind the reforms by repelling anti-reformist, inward looking forces.

A recent survey showed that a greater majority of Kenyans are not satisfied with the performance of key national institutions and individual politicians. It also noted that while the public have fully embraced the changes as anticipated by the new constitution, our politicians have not moved at the same speed with the public and are still taking voters for granted.

Today there are more graduates from institutions of higher learning than in the past three decades and yet some politicians have not taken notice. A growing educated middle class are self confident and are ready to fight for fairness and equity while ensuring justice prevails to all irrespective of one’s status in society.

Since this is an electoral period, the middle classes must have the courage without fear to demand accountability from all the politicians and others vying for public office. Leaders should be ready and willing to convincingly explain to the voters how they will address key issues such as endemic corruption, unemployment of the youth, inadequacies in education and health.

The struggle continues.
By Dickson Aduonga