Kenyans should stay on reform path

These – coupled with constitutional revision – are by far the most important elements of the reform agenda. The reform agenda, and even the results, are not, in themselves, a panacea for the problems that Kenya faces.

The reforms – if fully carried out – will put in place constitutional provisions, laws, and mechanisms to deal with four major issues – lack of accountability, the culture of impunity, ethnic tensions, and lack of land reform – which have plagued Kenya for over four decades.

We must be realistic in appreciating that it will likely take decades and generations to change the underlying attitudes that help fuel such problems.

In this process the Members of Parliament will be tested to demonstrate whether in fact they represent a force for constructive change.

Will Parliamentarians be more responsive to the people – leading reform efforts, genuinely hearing constituent concerns, passing relevant legislation that is in the interest of all Kenyans, and paying a fair amount of tax – or will they instead become enmeshed in the old ways of doing business?

While progress is being made, it is important to note what has not yet been accomplished. There has been no sign of movement for a serious overhaul of the police.

Some of the bills passed by Parliament have not yet been signed into law while judicial and prosecutorial reforms need to be addressed.

In order to build a more positive future, Kenyans have no choice: the reform agenda must become history in the making.

Given what this country experienced less than a year ago, and given the devastating consequences of such a difficult period, Kenya’s start toward economic and political recovery is nothing short of extraordinary.

But serious questions must be asked. Will Kenya’s political class truly heed the lessons of January and February?

Will Kenya’s private sector, religious communities, and civil society leaders maintain the drive and momentum of earlier this year that will ensure the reforms which are so necessary are enacted?

Will the media play the same kind of responsible role that it played during the crisis, or will it instead focus on sensational journalism focused on a glass half-full perspective?

Will we be able to say in 2012 that those who led Kenya from the despair of 2008 implemented the changes needed to ensure that nothing like that could ever happen again?

I am also a realist, someone who recognizes that, while calls for reform are often enthusiastically voiced, meaningful and lasting reform can only come about through concerted and sustained action.

At risk