Kenya has been in a political crisis for months, leading to concerns. According to multiple sources including the BBC and CNN, protests have been going on in Nairobi and several other cities for several months after the government’s announcement of the unpopular tax bill. Amidst the protests, the government has by this time withdrawn the controversial tax bill but protests have been continuing, leading to the deaths of dozens of people driven by the clashes between the government force and protesters. Though the protests started in response to the tax bill, anti-government protesters now call for the resignation of President William Ruto, along with several other demands including addressing mal-governance and corruption.
It is notable that Kenya, a low middle income country in East Africa, has been facing mal-governance and corruption for years, leading to the mismanagement of the economy, hindered economic growth and other negative outcomes that impact the mass people — driven by a variety of reasons including political interference in the judiciary, tribalism and nepotism in public appointments and a culture of impunity — for years. Diverse economic problems including, but not limited to, the rising cost of living and inadequate income opportunities, which exacerbated the financial burden on individuals and families and impacted various aspects of their daily life, that led to the protests last year and dozens of deaths fueled the current anti-government protest. But limited income opportunities badly affected many Kenyans.
The government has taken legal, institutional and other steps to address various concerns of the protest movement, which is largely co-ordinated online by young Kenyans, leading to some positive outcomes. Along with the withdrawal of the tax bill, the government has dismissed the entire cabinet last week in response to protests, while the head of the police force reigned. Among others, the government has taken steps to address mal-governance and corruption, along with addressing the economic problems including tightening monetary policy and addressing supply chain issues. The establishment of anti-corruption agency such as the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission has shown some progress in fighting corruption in Kenya.
There are, nonetheless, various flaws in the steps in addressing mal-governance problems and economic trouble, though the government has accepted most of the protesters’ demands, leading to inadequate outcomes in addressing crucial economic problems and mal-governance issues in Kenya. There remains an inadequate implementation of economic policies and a lack of transparency in resource allocation — needed to improve the economic conditions of many Kenyans. The lack of accountability exists in the law-enforcement agencies and other government departments of the country. Consequently, there is still a long way to go in ensuring transparency and accountability in Kenya.
The concerns of protesters that are addressable need to be addressed. Given the extent of the protest movement, it remains unclear whether the President will stay in power. Talks with the protesters may help reduce tensions, though protesters have already disregarded it. Steps are also vital to hold those who are responsible for the deaths of dozens of demonstrators at recent rallies accountable. No matter, whether there is a presidential resignation or not, Kenya needs to take planned measures, short and long-term, to improve its economic conditions and address corruption.
Amir M Sayem
Chief Editor
Dhaka Opinion Magazine
