Building Bridges Initiative promises new dawn for Kenyans
The release of the much-awaited Building Bridges Initiative task force report—if well implemented—marks the beginning of yet another sociopolitical and economic dawn.
Crafted in the spirit of reconciliation and rebirth of the nation, the report captures the entire gamut of what ails the country and proposes remedies—a re-organised leadership structure and measures to streamline and regenerate national ethos to ensure inclusivity, transparency and cohesion.
It also aims to address the tragic fact that for almost 30 years, Kenyans spend two of every five-year election cycle salvaging a declining economy owing to high-octane politics and divisive polls.
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Wily politicians, who are adept at driving partisan agenda, thrive on ethnic diversity to play communities against each other or make polls a do-or-die affair, could be unmasked.
The taskforce sampled public views from individuals and interest groups—including professionals—before compiling the report being officially launched today at the Bomas of Kenya to kick start a national conversation.
Among its highlights, it proposes a paradigm shift in public finance management to ensure Kenyans get value for money. The report also addresses lack of shared ideals and aspirations and proposes a bottom-up approach—from family, community and country—on initiatives that embrace positive cultures and beliefs.
The report also captures the need to empower youth, who comprise 75 per cent of the national population by proposing entrepreneurial avenues that could open more opportunities to them.
Another radical proposal is the creation of new governance structure—including the slot of prime minister and addressing gaps in other leadership positions—that could ensure inclusivity, gender parity and transparency.
As the report, which is a product of the Handshake between President Uhuru Kenyatta and opposition leader Raila Odinga that calmed the tension caused by the controversial 2017 poll, is launched today, we implore on Kenyans to read it through to enable them engage in meaningful discourse bereft of emotions and suspicions that have dogged the BBI process for close to two years.
This is a chance for all Kenyans to grasp and own the change process in our history by putting country above selfish and narrow considerations.
