Monday, Dec 30, 2002
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By Batuk Gathani
The most significant aspect of the election is the political maturity of some 10 million Kenyan voters who overcame tribalism — a traditional African political hang-up where tribal loyalties are given precedence over political agenda. Further, ever since its independence from the British colonial rule in 1963, the twin factors of corruption and tribalism have been blamed for Kenya's economic decline, though it has the potential to be one of Africa's most prosperous and stable countries. Often called the western world's `blue eyed baby', Kenya has attracted a significant amount of foreign investment and it continues to remain a dominant economic power in the east and central African region. However, a vast majority of the 30 million people live in poverty and under development. After 24 tainted years in office, Mr. Moi is finally stepping down paving the way for Mr. Kibaki, former Vice-President and Finance Minister in the Moi Government 10 years ago. It remains to be seen what political and economic reforms are initiated under the new regime, which has vigorously campaigned for corruption-free and transparent governance. Mr. Kibaki is a veteran politician who is an economist by profession. He has lost two presidential elections against Mr. Moi, but has currently managed to unify the fissiparous Opposition. Mr Kibaki, like Mr. Kenyatta is a Kikuyu, the largest and dominant tribe but has attracted support from Kenya's major non-Kikuyu tribes. However, there are many question marks on Kenya's turbulent political and economic horizon. The new Government faces a huge challenge of reviving the agricultural sector and arresting the flow of migrants to major metropolitan areas. The disparity between the rich and poor is growing at an alarming pace. The crime wave in major cities is throttling foreign investment. Some seven per cent of Kenya's African population is Muslim and in the wake of the Al-Qaeda led terrorist attacks on the U.S. embassy in Nairobi, the security agencies are supervising more closely the growth of many radical Islamic centres.
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