The Curse of Independence: Has Kenya Truly Progressed?
At first glance, you might think the era of colonization is long gone, but take a moment to look around. Kenya, once held under the grip of foreign settlers, now suffers under the control of a new breed of elites. Yes, independence was achieved in 1963—an era marked by the joyous expulsion of white settlers and the end of foreign dominance. But what did that victory cost, and more importantly, what has it truly delivered? Has Kenya moved forward, or have we simply replaced one set of settlers with another?
The Unfulfilled Promise of Independence
Independence in Kenya was supposed to mean liberation—freedom from oppression, the ability to govern ourselves, and the chance to build a prosperous nation. Yet, decades later, millions of Kenyans still find themselves stuck in the same struggles that defined the colonial era. The roads once built by the white settlers are deteriorating, crumbling under the weight of neglect. The once-proud railway system has all but disappeared, a shell of what it once was, as the country’s infrastructure remains stagnant and outdated.
Where are the new roads? The highways promised to connect the regions of Kenya—where is the modern infrastructure we were all promised? Take a drive through Central and Rift Valley, areas that were once the heart of Kenya’s agricultural economy. Today, you’ll find dirt roads, abandoned buildings, and a complete lack of progress. The white settlers may have been harsh, exploitative even, but at least they left behind something tangible. What have the so-called “black settlers” left behind? Personal fortunes, empty promises, and a broken system that continues to benefit only the elite few.
A Nation Divided by Elites
It’s not just Kenya; the story is the same across much of Africa. The fight for freedom has too often been hijacked by those who sought power, not to uplift the masses, but to enrich themselves. The wealth gap in Kenya has never been wider. While a select few thrive in opulence, the vast majority of the population struggles to secure the basic necessities of life. What’s more, Kenya has 55 million people, yet only 7,200 high-net-worth individuals—a shocking statistic that paints a grim picture of the state of the nation.
The elites—those who promised change—have stolen the future of the people. In towns like Mandera, where clean water is a distant dream, the elites live in skyscrapers in Nairobi or other towns far away from Mandera, funded by the stolen wealth of the public. There’s no access to decent roads, schools, or healthcare, yet the few at the top continue to thrive. This is the curse of independence—freedom from colonization, only to be shackled by our own corrupt leaders.
The Cycle of False Promises
Kenya’s elections have become nothing more than a ritual—a recurring cycle where promises are made, votes are cast, and hopes are dashed. Every five years, we are told that this time, things will be different. But history tells a different story. The politicians are re-elected, they promise the world, and yet, the situation remains unchanged. The hospitals are underfunded, teachers remain unpaid, and farmers are left to fend for themselves.
The infrastructure that was supposed to be built by the leaders after independence never materialized. What happened to the billions of shillings allocated for roads, schools, and healthcare? The promises were hollow, and the people were left with nothing. The government that was supposed to serve the people is now a machine that serves the interests of the elite.
The Shiny Suits and Empty Promises
The politicians, dressed in their expensive suits, driving flashy SUVs, go from village to village making empty promises. But what have they done for the people of Kenya? The hospitals are still in shambles, the schools remain underfunded, and the roads continue to decay. These so-called leaders live in comfort while the masses suffer.
You see, they drive past you, waving and smiling, promising change, but what have they actually done? Nothing. They’ve stolen from you and your children. They’ve used their power to build empires while you struggle to put food on the table. The institutions that were supposed to hold them accountable—the Senate, Parliament—are now nothing but vehicles for corruption, serving the interests of the politicians, not the people.
Breaking the Cycle: A Revolution of Thought
The question now is: What can we do about it? How do we break the cycle of corruption and failure? The truth is, elections are not the answer. We’ve tried that. The same people continue to hold power, and the results are always the same. The only way forward is a revolution—not of violence, but of thought. We need a revolution of accountability, where leaders are held accountable for their actions, their corruption, and their failure to deliver on their promises.
Kenya needs a change in mindset. We need to stop celebrating these leaders who have done nothing for the country and start demanding real change. It’s time to stop waiting for someone else to fix things. The time to act is now. It’s time for a new kind of leadership—one that prioritizes the people over personal gain.
The Power is in Your Hands
The future of Kenya, and indeed, Africa, is in your hands. You have the power to demand better from your leaders. You are the one who can break the cycle of corruption. The time for complacency is over. The time to rise up and hold these leaders accountable is now. You deserve more than empty promises. You deserve roads that don’t collapse, schools that actually teach, and healthcare that doesn’t cost you your life savings.
Will you continue to let these corrupt leaders steal from you, or will you rise up and demand change? The power is in your hands, and it’s time to use it. Don’t wait for someone else to take action—be the change you want to see. The curse of independence doesn’t have to be your reality. You can break the cycle and demand a better future for yourself and for your children. The question is: What will you do with the power you have?
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