Theatrics of all kinds already unfolding as we head to the polls

Kenya is a country of drama and Kenyans are fond of theatrics of all kinds. Our most exciting drama, of course, comes every five years and the fifth year is now with us. That drama has already begun. The other day we saw the launch of something called the Nasa by one faction of our political class. Then there was the launch of a smart card for the registration of party members by the other faction. Yes, the drama is here with us and, for all one can see, we are in for an “exciting” time for the next seven months or so. There are, however, certain supposedly “non-political” activities that are taking place as we talk which are, in my view, a little worrying. Doctors have been on strike for over a month and citizens are dying as a result. Both teaching and non-teaching staff in our public universities have now shown the red card and want to also down their tools. The phenomenon of the drama of elections mixed with the heat of strikes is not anything to write home about for anyone who cares about the progress of our economy or the provision of services.

A COINCIDENCE

The question that comes to mind right from the word go is whether this is just a coincidence or there could be a connection between the two. Such strikes will easily be good fodder for a section of politicians who will be more than happy to discredit their opponents. The other matter that is of concern is the length of time that it takes to resolve the issues that are the cause of these strikes. I know one country, Italy, which I think has the most strikes in any one year. The longest strike there is a day to a day and a half. Some of them are even half a day.

There are administrative questions that must be asked. Take the doctors’ complaints; We hear the Collective Bargaining Agreement they are talking about was not even registered with the relevant legal offices. Who should have been responsible for that? We are told that there was no input of the Salaries and Remuneration Commission. Could there be people who did not do their part and waited until now?

The story could be the same with the university staff. One hears the narrative that when they arrived for negotiations last week, the university management and government had no offer, so the unions were agitated. What would they continue negotiating about? What had not been done and who did not do it? Which other sector is about to go on strike?

Fr Dominic Wamugunda is dean of students, University of Nairobi.

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