By Kenya’s long-term plan, Vision 2030, aims to achieve middle-income status by 2030 through economic, social, and political reforms. While democracy in Kenya provides a platform for political participation and freedoms, it does not provide an equitable share of resources. Although Kenya has managed to sustain GDP growth exceeding 5% in 2023, she also solely relies on agriculture, growth, and manufacturing playing major roles in the contribution of this growth, which also includes the financial sector, which is robust and well developed. It all comes down to the rising cases of unemployment and poverty. If democracy is for the good, the common people should not face the same “promises” but no delivery. The manifestos crafted by the majority rule are nearly the same because of the mastery prevalence of economic hardship and the narrative of “the Israelites’ savior.”
SIMPLIFIED NARRATIVES
Before and during campaigns, these populists arm themselves with knowledge of manipulation and lies to secure their seats, cultivating an emotional connection with the public and looking and sounding relatable and empathetic, “understanding each other .They offer strategic solutions to problems, appealing to the public’s desperation and desires. While they frame themselves as the outsiders, Kenyans feel the need to connect, fight, and thrive, fusing that leadership.
HOPE
The economic hardships in the country play a significant role in this downfall. Cases of unemployment and limited access to essential services lead to economic discontent and disillusionment. The tactics are simple in that populists offer quick manifestos to relieve them from these hardships. While they promise new educational systems, subsidies on essential goods, mindfulness of the poor, and increased wages, it all sounds promising and relieving, giving a sense of hope.
CORRUPTION
While populists promise economic improvement and it goes unfulfilled, the cycle repeats: create a charismatic appeal of leadership and erupt a “war” narrative between “them” and “us.” Fighting corruption so everyone is equal.
TRIBALISM
In the midst of the war between “them” and “us,” the division grows and cultural tension rises. While hope, equality, accountability, and economic growth are the main terms in the battle, a sense of belonging comes up, political shifts occur, and division too, while each of them rises to the call of their “people.”
Kenya for its diversification and economic robustness, entices “wolves” in sheep’s clothing, snaring at the “profits.” Understanding democracy and educating people in addressing inequality and empowering citizens because if this remains, the country faces its prevalent enemy: poverty, inequality, youth unemployment, and external neglect.
