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Government and Policy

Western Kenya Restless As Ruto And Raila Sideline the Populous Region In Their Broad-Based Government

BY Steve Biko Wafula · October 31, 2024 01:10 pm

KEY POINTS

The economic paralysis of Western Kenya extends deeply into agriculture, which has traditionally supported thousands of families in the region. Cash crops like sugar, maize, and coffee no longer yield the returns needed to sustain livelihoods, primarily due to systemic mismanagement, outdated farming practices, and deteriorating infrastructure.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

The escalating rate of crime is symptomatic of an environment where opportunities are limited, and desperation is on the rise. For many of the region’s youth, crime has become an unfortunate and dangerous outlet, especially as alternatives are few and access to capital and business support remains scarce. 

Western Kenya is a region that, despite its potential, has been left to stagnate under the shadow of political neglect, ineffective leadership, and a lack of vision for meaningful progress. With five counties within its territory, this region holds one of the highest literacy rates in the country, with 88% of the population educated and prepared for opportunities that rarely come.

Yet, youth unemployment sits at a staggering 87%, signaling a dire mismatch between potential and actual growth. Once industries like Mumias and Nzoia Sugar were not only the lifeblood of the local economy but also strategic contributors to the national economy. However, these and other factories that could offer employment, like the Pan Paper Mill, have long collapsed or fallen into disrepair, symbolic casualties of political mismanagement and sheer negligence.

The economic paralysis of Western Kenya extends deeply into agriculture, which has traditionally supported thousands of families in the region. Cash crops like sugar, maize, and coffee no longer yield the returns needed to sustain livelihoods, primarily due to systemic mismanagement, outdated farming practices, and deteriorating infrastructure. In Chwele, home to the country’s second-largest fresh produce market, produce withers before reaching consumers due to the lack of essential cold storage facilities. This glaring inefficiency is a prime example of the region’s plight—a vast potential for agricultural growth that is constantly derailed by infrastructure and logistical barriers, crippling both local and national economic benefits.

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While devolution was heralded as a means to catalyze development at the grassroots, it has brought minimal transformation here. The region’s leadership remains largely composed of long-serving politicians who have been in power since the Moi era and have done little to inspire or enact change. Instead, their tenures have been marred by stories of indulgence in luxury and personal gain, while constituents suffer. The result is a tragic and visible gap in the governance structure, where leaders neither champion the needs of their people nor utilize devolution funds effectively. The cries for more dynamic, forward-thinking leaders echo across the region, as current political figures remain woefully stagnant.

The healthcare crisis is perhaps the most heartbreaking and visible evidence of the neglect that Western Kenya endures. Unlike other regions, Western lacks a single ICU or HDU in any public hospital. There are no trauma centers, high-end labs for medical diagnostics, or even public mental health facilities across the five counties. Basic healthcare services are a challenge, with countless lives lost to preventable conditions due to a dearth of emergency medical resources. In a region where healthcare infrastructure is practically nonexistent, illnesses that would otherwise be treatable turn into death sentences, adding to the frustration and despair of the local population.

The perception that the central government holds a deliberate bias against Western Kenya is pervasive among the populace, and the absence of appointments in the so-called “broad-based government” has deepened this sentiment. The region feels as though it has been excluded from the national governance table despite its vast contributions and potential. It’s a common grievance that, in their campaign promises, both President William Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga often lauded the region’s importance, yet in practice, they have left it marginalized and isolated, missing out on both political influence and economic development.

A strategic approach to Western Kenya’s development could yield transformative effects. With its fertile lands and skilled workforce, the region could not only feed the entire country but also create jobs for millions of Kenyans. Experts estimate that with the right investments in modern farming practices, factory revitalization, and value addition, Western Kenya alone could contribute up to 40% of the country’s GDP. Such a move would not only alleviate poverty within the region but also substantially reduce national food insecurity, create employment, and decrease crime by addressing root economic and social issues.

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The escalating rate of crime is symptomatic of an environment where opportunities are limited, and desperation is on the rise. For many of the region’s youth, crime has become an unfortunate and dangerous outlet, especially as alternatives are few and access to capital and business support remains scarce. Young men unable to find employment have little option but to join the boda boda industry, while young women, often left without educational or career prospects, marry early. These outcomes are the direct result of a lack of regional development planning, a neglect that not only impacts Western Kenya but has broader implications for the country’s stability and growth.

Even as the government claims that Western Kenya has representation in key national appointments, the local population sees little impact. This token representation has done nothing to improve the daily lives of people who feel that those appointed are removed from the region’s actual needs. Broad-based representation is ineffective when those entrusted with positions of power do not work toward tangible results for their communities. This disconnect between political power and grassroots needs has led to growing resentment and frustration among residents.

The failure to establish independent power supply sources is yet another glaring infrastructure gap. Unlike other regions with dedicated power resources, Western Kenya relies on Kisumu for electricity, leading to frequent outages that disrupt both personal life and business. Reliable power supply is essential for industries, especially those reliant on continuous production, and without it, even the best efforts to revitalize factories will remain in vain. Such basic infrastructural needs should be a priority, yet they remain unaddressed year after year.

As more voices cry out for a reassessment of the region’s developmental needs, it is evident that both Ruto and Raila must revisit their approach to Western Kenya. This is not merely an economic imperative but a political necessity. With one of the highest populations in the country, the region holds a strategic position in national politics. Ignoring this population could spell significant consequences for any future political landscape. Furthermore, the high literacy level in the region means that residents are well aware of the shortcomings in leadership and governance, and are increasingly vocal about these grievances.

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The absence of a robust industrial base is a squandered opportunity that Western Kenya can no longer afford. With the restoration of factories and the creation of processing plants for cash crops, the region could not only provide local employment but also serve as a major exporter. Additionally, building a comprehensive infrastructure to support cold storage at Chwele and similar markets would enable local farmers to capture more value from their produce, thereby boosting both regional and national agricultural output.

If ignored, Western Kenya’s frustrations may well evolve into mass unrest. The youth, educated yet unemployed and witnessing the opulence of political elites, are reaching a boiling point. Without intervention, this resentment could morph into civil disobedience or targeted protests, especially against the affluent and those in positions of power. This could have profound implications, not only in disrupting peace but also in destabilizing the region further, deterring any future investment and deepening poverty.

Western Kenya does not seek handouts or charity; rather, it demands the dignity of being allowed to thrive and contribute to the nation’s progress. The current generation of leaders must recognize the urgency of revitalizing this region—not only to preserve its rich history but to pave the way for a future that harnesses its full potential. In the grand scheme, investing in Western Kenya’s growth is an investment in Kenya’s future. As a powerhouse in agriculture, trade, and education, this region stands ready to propel the nation toward new heights if given the chance. The government, in its wisdom, must heed this call and extend the genuine hand of partnership Western Kenya has been waiting for.

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Steve Biko is the CEO OF Soko Directory and the founder of Hidalgo Group of Companies. Steve is currently developing his career in law, finance, entrepreneurship and digital consultancy; and has been implementing consultancy assignments for client organizations comprising of trainings besides capacity building in entrepreneurial matters. He can be reached on: +254 20 510 1124 or Email: info@sokodirectory.com

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