By David Wanjala
From strikes to famine, our country is under siege with no solution in sight. What is more, those tasked with finding solutions only seem capable of concocting temporary ones. And so the cycle goes, on and on.
Consider drought: half of the country’s counties are affected. It would be a little understandable if this were something new; it is not. But every time, government seems as surprised as its citizens when the inevitable happens.
Things have been in a terrible state to the point that assailants attacked a Red Cross convoy to steal relief food in Baringo County. It is extremely disturbing that people have been forced to such acts –stealing relief food – because it is the only way they can feed themselves. A hungry man can do anything.
To make matters worse, the same county has been experiencing violent clashes that have left scores dead. While government agencies say they are unaware of the cause, local leaders have come out to say the fight is about territorial expansion.
It is even more disturbing that organizations like Red Cross, which try to provide to those affected by these calamities, are not protected. One would think that – it being that they are supplementing government efforts –they would get enough security, especially with the current situation in these regions.
In the case of strikes, there is need for permanent solutions, regardless of who is in the wrong. As things stand now, the only person suffering is the common man. The doctors’ strike is now on its third month, a result of which has been the suffering and death of hundreds of patients across the country who cannot access this basic service elsewhere.
The striking bug also bit lecturers, who decided to go on strike as well, paralyzing learning in public universities. As a result, students are losing precious time – which will need to be made up for later – and whose spiral effect will spill over to those aspiring to join university this year. Is this what we can expect should the current government retain power?
The question on the minds on many Kenyans now is, “What’s next”?
The concerned ministries need to hasten the negotiations with lecturers and doctors to alleviate the suffering of Kenyans. This needs to happen as a matter of priority – both because it is the right thing to do, and because it is a legitimate expectation of Kenyans.
