Graft could jettison Big Four Agenda

Sometimes I think that we Kenyans are a formidable people. We go through crisis after crisis but somehow, we seem to always get over it and move on.

Right since independence there have been moments of serious turmoil but most of that is now behind us.

The question I often ask myself is whether we really learn anything from our mistakes and the consequent dangerous episodes that arise.

When you look at some things, we would have to conclude that we do not really learn.

Take this war on corruption that has been declared. All Kenyans who think objectively would have to agree that this is a cancer that must be fought.

CORRUPT ACTIVITIES

Of course, it would be difficult to expect that those who are directly involved and benefit from corrupt activities would want to see it this way. They must have some kind of reasoning that justifies the things they do and certainly do not see their actions as corrupt.

Many times, I have pointed out in this column that there is a way of thinking in this country that seems to suggest that the government is a cake that must be eaten in the here and now, and not one to be baked for the good of all. Does that not explain all the noise surrounding the issue of corruption and all that goes with it?

The bigger question, however, is whether we can really achieve our aspirations if the stories we hear are true. Some time back, we set 2030 as the deadline for when we should have arrived at a certain level of our national development.

BIG FOUR AGENDA

More recently, our President declared a four pillar agenda of what he wants to leave as his legacy. When one looks at the Big Four Agenda, it does sound like a brilliant idea, and indeed, if it is correctly implemented, it will be great for this country. One major dimension of our existence that must be put into serious consideration as we try to put in place all four, is the question of safety.

Any legitimate government has the obligation to see to it that its citizens are safe at all costs.

It is, therefore, critical even as we try and achieve acceptable levels of food security, to make sure that all elements of food are safe for human consumption.

This includes sugar and that is a discussion that can be put into context in our present circumstances.

Housing has also to be safe for human habitation just as health care and industrial outfits. The current outcry about unsafe sugar meant for Kenyans is a great example of what corruption can do. Do we really have standards?

Fr Wamugunda is the Dean of Students and a Lecturer of Sociology at the University of Nairobi.