Yes, we have a dream, but we lack the will to see it through

The famous leader of the civil rights movement Martin Luther King Jr once dreamt of a better America where people would be recognised for what they are capable of rather than by the colour of their skin.

Many of those who listened to him then — both white and black — were quite skeptical and did not really believe that such a time would come.

Looking at American life today one would say that King’s dream of a free society for all was spot on in spite of all the challenges.

It is important to dream if one has to get somewhere or achieve anything. When many if not all serious organisations craft their strategic plans, they begin by stating what their vision is.

This is the mental image or the dream of what they intend to be and how they would want other people to perceive them. Even nations are led by people who are ready to dream and do what it takes to achieve those dreams.

WE ARE NOT THERE YET

The founding fathers of our nation dreamt that a time would come when poverty, ignorance and disease would be eradicated. Due to some reasons — some of which are not so dignified — we have not quite got there but the journey was begun.

When I hear what many of our politicians both at the county and national level have to say, I often have doubts as to whether they had any dream or vision other than just ascending to power.

That is why I think that a lot more of us should be involved in dreaming and creating a vision of what kind of Kenya we want for the future. Some ten or so years ago, a vision was crafted.

This came after a strategy for economic recovery had been developed and Vision 2030 was born. That is only sixteen years to go. I wonder how different will Kenya be from what it is today?

WHAT WILL OUR POLITICS BE LIKE?

Shall we be hearing the same noise we hear today about county assemblies wanting to impeach their governors?

Will the political leaders of 2030 be people who are only focused on good pay for themselves, good cars, security and opportunity for foreign travel?

Shall we have a political class that is sincere and interested in creating an economy that focuses on the good of all Kenyans? Will the politics of the day be issue-based rather than personality-based?

Is there going to be a police force that is dependable and free of corruption? How about social security matters such as medical cover for the aged and unemployed, retirement benefits and the like?

Political activity that does not focus on these and other human development issues has no vision.

Father Wamugunda is Dean of Students, University of Nairobi; [email protected]