Why Kenya Needs a Homegrown Governance System – A Call for Change
The time has come for Kenya to reconsider the system of governance we’ve followed since independence. For more than 60 years, we’ve modeled our democracy after Western nations, but the results have been disappointing. We’ve endured tribal clashes, corruption, and leadership failures. This isn’t just a passing phase; it’s a deep-rooted pattern. So why do we keep repeating the same mistakes?
Learning from America: Building a System that Works for Us
Over 200 years ago, the United States broke away from Britain’s rule. They didn’t adopt the British monarchy. Instead, they created a system from the ground up, designed for their unique needs, culture, and aspirations. The Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution established a government that was radically different from the British model—a system without monarchy, where power was distributed between three branches: Congress, the Executive, and the Judiciary.
Kenya can take inspiration from America’s example. We don’t have to continue copying Western models that don’t work for us. We can create a system tailored to our unique culture, values, and traditions.
Kenya’s Tribal Diversity: A Strength, Not a Weakness
Kenya is home to 47 diverse counties, each with its own culture, traditions, and languages. Why not celebrate this diversity instead of allowing it to divide us? Tribalism, corruption, and constant political strife have plagued Kenya since independence. Every five years, we are dragged into tribal elections that tear families and communities apart.
But what if we could break this cycle? What if we could design a system that embraces our tribal diversity and allows each county to have a voice?
A New Vision for Kenya: Distribute Power Across the Nation
The Western-style democracy hasn’t worked for us for over six decades, so why continue on the same path? Let’s craft a system that doesn’t replicate foreign models but celebrates our own unique culture. Imagine a system where we abolish the presidency and instead have a council of governors. Each county could take turns leading the country, with one governor serving as the head of state for one year.
This way, every county would have a chance to lead, and the tensions that come with elections could be reduced. Over 47 years, every region would be able to showcase its leadership, helping to break down the tribal barriers that divide us.
Returning to Our Roots: Learning from Our Traditional Systems
Before colonization, Kenya had local chiefs and councils who understood their people. They worked within their communities to maintain peace and order. Why did we abandon this system in favor of foreign models? It’s time to go back to our roots.
By embracing a governance system rooted in our own traditions, we can better serve the needs of the people. The idea isn’t to throw away modern governance but to merge the best of both worlds.
Kenya’s Future: Celebrating Our Tribes and Cultures
We need to rethink what it means to be Kenyan. For too long, tribal identities have been seen as a source of division. Let’s change that narrative. Our tribes are not a weakness—they are part of what makes us unique. Why should we abandon our languages, customs, and traditions to fit into a foreign mold?
Countries like Germany, France, and England proudly celebrate their cultures, and so should we. Christianity doesn’t require us to abandon our heritage. It asks us to live justly, love mercy, and walk humbly. Why can’t we celebrate our cultures while practicing our faith?
Breaking the Chains of Colonial Legacy: It’s Time for Change
For too long, colonial powers have convinced us that our traditions and heritage are something to be ashamed of. But it’s time to reject that. Our culture is a strength, not a weakness. Let’s build a governance system that celebrates every Kenyan, regardless of tribe, ethnicity, or background. We need to embrace our diversity and use it as the foundation for a better future.
A Call to Action: Let’s Build a New Kenya Together
So, is it possible that our inability to create a homegrown system of governance is the reason we haven’t developed? Could it be that by rejecting our culture, we’ve weakened ourselves? It’s time to acknowledge that we are a unique people with our own way of life. Our system of governance should reflect that.
Kenya belongs to all of us. Together, we can create a country where every Kenyan has the opportunity to thrive, where our unity is based on mutual respect, and where we honor our cultures and traditions. We have the resources, knowledge, and ability to build a system that works for us—if only we have the courage to make it happen.
Let’s Shape Kenya’s Future Today
Kenya is ours to shape, and we have the power to build the future we want. Together, we can create a governance system that respects every Kenyan, no matter their tribe, and celebrates the diversity that makes us unique. The time for change is now. Let’s start today, and may God bless this land as we work towards a prosperous and peaceful future.
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