Kenya's shared prosperity is within ourselves, let’s go for it

 The reading of the popular version of the African Union’s Agenda 2063, aptly dubbed “The Africa We Want”, is succinct.

Its well-summarised seven aspirations crystallise pertinent matters on inclusive growth and sustainable development, good governance, democracy, respect for the rule of law, justice for all, shared cultural heritage, fidelity to values, people-driven inherent potential, and forging a united, strong and influential continent.

Looking at issues that have pained us as a country for years on end, one wonders, why look far while the solution in right within our reach?

The binding pact and commitment made by AU member states is the focus we need to reposition the country in all realms, especially during and after the Covid-19 pandemic.

The integration and full implementation of the aspirations contextualised to the Kenyan content matters is critical.

For instance, Aspiration 2: “An integrated continent, politically united, based on the ideals of Pan-Africanism and the vision of Africa’s Renaissance, the vision that sees Africa spurred by tenets of Pan-Africanism geared towards “self-reliance and self-determination of the African people, with democratic and people-centred governance”.

The aspirations, graduated into specific timelines, reverberate on the need to include and tap into the potential of the people of Africa to realise the rebirth goal.It would not be far-fetched to narrow the focus, interventions and reforms that are, and have been, towards this transformative framework.

All sectors need to tap into the thoughts of the proponents of the magnificent road map and without, and dovetail their respective dockets.

Those privileged to hold positions of influence and power should make it their unwavering call to always guide the masses towards such a progressive orientation.

Mindful of their shaping of national narratives, and consequent sway of the masses, this call could not have come at a better time.

Being the era of information and populace emancipation, it befits the citizens to take a personal initiative in acquainting themselves with such information.

This would ground and guide their constitutional right of call for accountability, inclusiveness and participation to persons and entities on their delegated authority.

It’s time we shifted our focus from formulating ‘paper’ policy interventions to hitting the ground running in implementing the labyrinth of legal and policy instruments that are never in short supply.

All know Kenya has human capital capacity and a host of other resources that can buttress our lead in the agenda.

MUTETHIA WA MBERIA, Nairobi

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The founding fathers fought for freedom so that we could access a competent education system, universal health, development and liberation from poverty.

But the heroes never tasted freedom and those alive are languishing in penury and disease.Winnie Mwai, Nyeri