We made great strides but failed where it mattered most

Kenya Defence Forces soldiers patrol a street in Mandera, which is prone to terror attacks. Despite great achievements like an Oscar for a Kenyan actress, sporting prowess and the launch of major development projects, the country has not had the best of years. FILE PHOTO | NATION MEDIA GROUP 

In Summary

• Despite great achievements like an Oscar for a Kenyan actress, sporting prowess and the launch of major development projects, the country has not had the best of years.
• The horrendous Mpeketoni and Mandera attacks, where defenceless civilians were senselessly slaughtered were some of the lowest points in the country’s recent history.
• It is noteworthy that the passing of the amendments in the National Assembly was in itself acrimonious with the opposition Cord and the ruling Jubilee reducing parliamentary debate to a shouting match.

The last Sunday of 2014 provides a perfect opportunity to reflect on the triumphs and trials of the past year.

Indeed, the sense of renewal at this time of year is an important element in looking forward to 2015 – in making individual resolutions and pursuing the nation’s aspirations.

The political leadership, whose actions affect the wellbeing of the country in a system such as Kenya’s, should particularly use this moment for self-examination.

Despite great achievements like an Oscar for a Kenyan actress, sporting prowess and the launch of major development projects, the country has not had the best of years.

Insecurity has particularly been an intractable problem with the Somali-based al-Shabaab proving to be the single biggest headache. The terrorists appear to mutate fast and have in the last few months turned their evil strategy on soft targets. 

HORROR

The horrendous Mpeketoni and Mandera attacks, where defenceless civilians were senselessly slaughtered were some of the lowest points in the country’s recent history. It was particularly disappointing that some of the attacks happened less than one year after the Westgate Mall siege, which was considered a defining moment that was supposed to be followed by a “never again” promise.   

While there have been efforts by the security agencies to tackle insecurity, it appears there is need to rethink the strategy. The government showed its hand recently with the passage of the Security Laws (Amendment) Act. Proponents of the new laws say they make the work of security agencies and prosecutors more effective and efficient.

But opponents have in the last few weeks pointed to clauses they claim are unconstitutional and infringe on basic rights. The dispute is in court.

It is noteworthy that the passing of the amendments in the National Assembly was in itself acrimonious with the opposition Cord and the ruling Jubilee reducing parliamentary debate to a shouting match. Some analysts have said the scenes the MPs displayed reflected the kind of division the country has been experiencing since the elections last year.

It appears matters of cohesion, which were part of the Agenda Four items after the 2007 elections, should be revisited more robustly for the wellbeing of the nation.

As covered in our review of the year, the Jubilee government has promised to continue with the pledges it made last year. On its part, the Opposition has committed to keep the government in check.

In all this, we hope 2015 will bring better tidings.