In Kibaki’s memory: Ruto’s regime lacks policy guidance

President William Ruto’s government is grappling with significant governance challenges as Kenya grapples with mounting socio-economic difficulties.

The President’s critics argue that the administration’s reliance on rhetoric, coupled with a lack of visionary leadership, has led to a dysfunctional, quarrelsome government disconnected from its citizens.

This has fostered widespread disillusionment, particularly among the youth, who are forced to live with economic hardship, police brutality, and abductions amid endless political squabbles.

Public discontent is palpable, with daily lamentations on the streets signaling a loss of faith in the government.

Yet, some remain optimistic about Kenya’s future, citing the resilience of its people.

“We shall surely rise like the proverbial phoenix from the ashes. As President Mwai Kibaki did years ago, a leader of integrity, Solomonic wisdom, and steadfast patience will emerge to guide us,” said Peter Kagwanja, a keynote speaker at the second Mwai Kibaki Memorial Lecture in Nairobi.

In his Easter message, Archbishop Anthony Muheria of Nyeri Catholic Archdiocese echoed this optimism but urged Kenyans to take charge of their destiny rather than relying solely on leaders or political parties.

“It will take time before we see change,” Muheria said, emphasizing that the country’s citizens’ desire will not be shaped by political leadership or academia alone but by those who translate hope into action.

Observers contrast the current administration with that of President Mwai Kibaki, who governed from 2002 to 2013.

Kibaki’s tenure was marked by selfless, passionate, and visionary leadership underpinned by emotional intelligence. His ability to unite people and manage conflicts constructively stands in stark contrast to the current leadership, which critics argue lacks these qualities.

The result is a Kenya that “citizens don’t want,” characterised by despair, particularly among the youth, who endure systemic challenges without clear solutions.

Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, who served as Minister for Planning and National Development under Kibaki, reminisced about the economic recovery during that era.

When Kibaki took office, Kenya’s economy was almost stagnant, growing at a mere 0.3 per cent. Through strategic policies, his administration achieved one of Africa’s fastest growth rates, enabling transformative initiatives like free primary education.

Prof Nyong’o’s reflections highlight a leadership style rooted in competence and results, qualities many feel are absent today.

President Ruto’s assurances that his government is committed to meeting its targets, particularly with the inclusion of Raila Odinga’s ODM allies in the Cabinet, have done little to quell criticism. Instead, the move has amplified concerns about political expediency over merit.

Analysts argue that Ruto could elevate Kenya’s regional and global standing by prioritizing national interests in treaty-building and partnerships, rather than making impulsive decisions.

A recent experts’ meeting in Nairobi underscored the need for robust foreign policy, stronger trade relations, and fidelity to the Constitution to address these shortcomings.

Former United Nations Conference on Trade and Development Secretary-General Mukhisa Kituyi, who served as Minister for Trade under Kibaki, criticized the Kenya Kwanza administration’s diplomatic missteps.

Speaking at the Mwai Kibaki Memorial Lecture at Nairobi’s Serena Hotel last week, Kituyi questioned the rationale behind hosting groups like Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) without clear alignment to national interests.

“The country wakes up to find rebel and militia groups signing agreements and holding meetings here, with little consideration of how this serves Kenya,” Dr Kituyi said.

Kituyi contrasted this with Kibaki’s era, where collective Cabinet decisions ensured coherence, unlike the current administration, where key commitments often appear to be unilateral.

He cited complaints that the Cabinet is merely a rubber stamp for personal decisions, undermining governance. Former Head of the Civil Service Francis Muthaura, another speaker at the lecture, highlighted Kibaki’s transformative approach to economic development.

Muthaura noted that without imposing heavy taxes, Kibaki spurred growth in the housing and digital sectors through strategic decisions.

“At the time, Nairobi had few high-rise buildings beyond Nyayo Highrise and some residential units in Kariokor and along Outer Ring Road,” Muthaura recalled.

Kibaki’s administration, he said, opened up areas like Upper Hill, Kilimani, Parklands, Westlands, Southlands, and Eastlands for mixed-use development by improving infrastructure, such as roads and utilities. This attracted investors who replaced bungalows with multi-storey office buildings, creating thousands of jobs in construction, transport, hospitality, and corporate sectors.

In contrast, President Ruto’s housing scheme, funded by a controversial housing levy, a mandatory deduction from employees’ salaries, has sparked widespread discontent.

Critics, including employees and policy experts, argue that governments should not be in the business of constructing private homes.

Muthaura praised Kibaki’s reliance on think tanks, such as the Economic and Social Council (ESC), which developed evidence-based options for development.

“Kibaki used the best available options to set targets and told us, ‘Don’t talk too much; people will appreciate what they see,’” he said.

Kibaki’s administration also prioritised the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector by recruiting experts like ICT Minister Mutahi Kagwe and Principal Secretary Bitange Ndemo, who brought technical expertise from the United States. Today, many Cabinet Secretaries are appointed based on political loyalty rather than competence, leading to decisions made without broad consultation.

Former Attorney General Justin Muturi recently alleged that Ruto single-handedly approved a multi-billion-shilling contract for the expansion of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport by India’s Adani Group, despite its questionable terms. The deal was canceled only after the US government exposed the company’s involvement in international corruption networks.