Welcome Evolution of The Kenyan Political Culture That Needs To Be Safely Guarded

By Mwangi Wanjumbi- Newtimes BS Chief Strategist,Trainer & Researcher

Finally, Kenya could be back to work after being bogged down by the long electioneering process. That leads to need for clear comprehension on how politics could continue affecting our economic activities. But first, ever heard of the expression culture shock?  That is the experience people go through upon encountering unexpected changes, especially when negative impact is involved. Think of somebody who suddenly loses a job.  Consider also losing a relative or suddenly learning that one is suffering from a terminal disease. It becomes difficult to adapt not just to the news, but also the changed circumstances.

That culture shock is precisely what our politicians could understandably be going through, even before they settle down, as the impact of the Kenyan constitution of 2010 dawns on them. The ones that are hardest hit are those who have served in the previous parliament(s).  One may need to appreciate some realities, to get a clear picture of the prevailing predicaments.

Firstly, even before taking up their seats in parliament, they are already agitating for higher pay. In the previous parliaments, nobody could prevent the waheshimiwas from hiking their salaries at will. That is besides deciding what allowances and benefits that they were entitled to.

More still, nobody could dare impose tax on their hefty packs. Sadly for them, the respective powers are now vested on the newly introduced salaries commission that regulates the remuneration for all public servants. The same reduced the earlier packs, to the surprise of the members of the 11th parliament, many of whom had seemingly been attracted by these earlier hefty packs.

Secondly, becoming a legislator was perceived as the height of power and influence. It was associated with opportunities of wielding state power as ministers or assistant ministers, especially for those able to strike the eye of the president. Appointment meant influencing government contracts as well as employment opportunities for homeboys and girls.

Above all, it was accompanied by opportunities of acquiring personal wealth.  These dockets are now referred to as cabinet secretary positions, which are supposed to be filled by non-elected but qualified Kenyans. The president is mandated to carry out the selections, but subject to parliamentary approval.

Thirdly, opportunities for all legislators have been associated with implementation of constituency development fund (CDF) projects. This revolutionary idea by former MP and now Senator Muriuki Karue was one of the greatest things to have happened during the tenure of President Mwai Kibaki. Many Waheshimiwas used it wisely to bring development and progress in their constituencies.

Actually, one only needed to use these resources effectively and efficiently to be guaranteed of continued re-election. However, some used it to intimidate and deny opportunities for the regions that did not support them. Stalled projects were synonymous with this latter phenomenon. In the present set up, the legislators have little influence in CDF operations. Ideally, they are only left with the responsibility of coordinating the CDF committees.

Fourthly, Legislators have had the opportunities of riding on political party influences, especially during campaigning. As proven in the elections of 2013, the performance and personal attributes of candidates presenting themselves to the electorate, will now count more than party orientation. That is why we now have legislators who were elected as independent candidates. These MPs owe their allegiance to the electorate and have nothing to do with political parties.

Fifthly, influence of money in electioneering is waning. Quite a number of MPs in the 11th parliament have secured their seats not because they were endowed with resources but rather as the natural choices of the electorate. Some as was evident in Meru County and others were provided with campaign support by the electorate, who had no time for the wealthy competitors.

Sixthly, reduced packs may lead to continued evolution of the political order. Professionals had been abandoning their careers to venture fulltime into politics. We may need to borrow a leaf from Philippines. Politics there is not a fulltime occupation. Politicians are professionals, athletes and other vocations first, capable of carrying out other nation building activities before, appearing for legislative duties only after 5.00 pm.

It is not surprising therefore that there is an international boxing legislator in Philippines. Here at home, we already have an international athlete. He will represent his constituency as an independent candidate, whenever not on duty in the global athletics arena.

Seventhly, devolution of the nation into 47 counties has led to development of new and powerful centers of power, now led by the governors. There could be lively political activity in the counties, especially with regard to putting governors to account for their leadership. Ostensibly, the same governors can be recalled for wanting performance.

In other words, political culture is changing. Further, political leadership will no longer be the prerequisite of the wealthy. In the future, it is likely that the electorate will be deciding who to lead them long before the elections, which may thus end up becoming mere formalities.

Hopefully, President Uhuru Kenyatta will keep legislators in check. That is through refusing to assent to constitutional changes destined to perpetuate their personal interests. A good example is the threatened reversal of regulations set by the salaries commission.

Seemingly, the evolving political direction will most likely adopt a life of its own, leaving the economy to operate without the usual undue influence. More importantly, political candidates may no longer be imposing themselves on the electorate. Instead, they may become more of servant leaders rather than the bosses of the electorate, as has largely been the case.

Most likely, a bottom up approach to leadership could actually be looming in very near future. Indeed, the electorate and politicians may now brace for REAL leadership going forward. The Kenyan nation could most likely be managed like business, as the electorate takes the place of shareholders. Quite some welcome occurrences in a fast changing world. Is that not so?

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