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Government and Policy

Recycled Old Leadership: The Roadblock To Western Kenya’s Progress

BY Steve Biko Wafula · November 11, 2024 04:11 pm

KEY POINTS

Poverty, a blight on the region, stands at a staggering 79%. Despite high literacy levels, the people of Western Kenya find themselves trapped in a vicious cycle of poverty. The old leaders, in their myopic vision, have failed to harness the potential of the educated youth. The young leaders, with their fresh ideas and dynamic approach, could break these chains and uplift the region. Yet, the old guard clings to power, like a dog to its bone.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Electricity, the spark of modernity, is but a distant dream for many in Western Kenya. The darkness that envelops the region is not just physical but symbolic of the leadership's failure to illuminate the path to progress. The youth, with their innovative ideas and technological prowess, could light up the region, bringing it into the 21st century. But the old guard, stuck in their ways, have left the region in the dark.

In the heart of Western Kenya, where the sun rises over lush landscapes and fertile soils, lies a paradox of potential and stagnation. The region, rich in natural resources and human capital, finds itself shackled by the chains of outdated leadership. The elders, revered for their wisdom, have become gatekeepers of progress, ensuring that the young, vibrant minds remain on the periphery of power. As the ancient proverb goes, “A tree that does not bend with the wind will break.”

Education, once the beacon of hope, now stands as a relic of the past. Institutions that were meant to nurture the minds of tomorrow have become ghost towns, echoing the silence of missed opportunities. The youth, armed with knowledge and ambition, find themselves trapped in a cycle of unemployment and despair. The old guard, in their quest to maintain control, has neglected the very foundation of progress—education.

Healthcare, the lifeline of any community, lies in ruins. Hospitals and clinics, once bustling with activity, now serve as grim reminders of neglect. The elderly leaders, in their complacency, have failed to address the basic health needs of the people. The young, who could bring innovative solutions and fresh perspectives, are left watching from the sidelines. As the saying goes, “A stitch in time saves nine,” but the old guard seems to have lost their needle and thread.

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The roads, or rather the lack thereof, are a testament to the region’s stagnation. Farmers, who toil day and night to feed the nation, find themselves cut off from markets. The absence of infrastructure has turned the fertile lands into isolated islands. The young leaders, with their vision and energy, could pave the way—literally and figuratively—for a brighter future. Yet, the old guard remains steadfast, unwilling to pass the torch.

Electricity, the spark of modernity, is but a distant dream for many in Western Kenya. The darkness that envelops the region is not just physical but symbolic of the leadership’s failure to illuminate the path to progress. The youth, with their innovative ideas and technological prowess, could light up the region, bringing it into the 21st century. But the old guard, stuck in their ways, have left the region in the dark.

Poverty, a blight on the region, stands at a staggering 79%. Despite high literacy levels, the people of Western Kenya find themselves trapped in a vicious cycle of poverty. The old leaders, in their myopic vision, have failed to harness the potential of the educated youth. The young leaders, with their fresh ideas and dynamic approach, could break these chains and uplift the region. Yet, the old guard clings to power, like a dog to its bone.

The broad-based government, in its quest for stability, has ignored the cries of the youth. By recycling old leaders, they have created a fertile ground for crime and unrest. The young, feeling disenfranchised and ignored, turn to crime as a means of survival. The old guard, in their complacency, has failed to address the root causes of this unrest. The youth, with their energy and passion, could bring about the much-needed change. But the old guard remains oblivious, like a frog in boiling water.

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The potential of Western Kenya is immense. The region, if properly harnessed, could contribute 46% to the nation’s GDP and create millions of jobs. The young leaders, with their innovative solutions and fresh perspectives, could unlock this potential. But as long as the old guard remains in power, the region will continue to stagnate. The ancient proverb, “You cannot teach an old dog new tricks,” rings true in this context.

The youth of Western Kenya are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the leaders of today. They have the solutions to the region’s problems and the energy to implement them. The broad-based government needs to recognize this and give them the platform they deserve. The old guard, in their quest to maintain control, has failed the region. It is time for a change, for the winds of progress to blow through Western Kenya.

In conclusion, the region’s stagnation is not due to a lack of potential but a lack of vision. The old leaders, in their complacency, have failed to address the region’s needs. The young leaders, with their fresh ideas and dynamic approach, have the solutions. The broad-based government needs to focus on these young leaders and give them the platform they deserve. Only then can Western Kenya realize its true potential and contribute to the nation’s growth. The time for change is now. The youth are ready. The question is, is the government ready to listen?

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

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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