Inclusion does not equate to Representation

So we passed a beautiful new constitution that promised more inclusion. We assumed that we would be better represented because each of us had one of our own to take care of our needs. It turns out we were wrong. We are no more represented now than we were when we knew nobody in power.

Women

After the last elections, there was an avalanche of women entering all sectors of leadership. All this was thanks to affirmative action. Each county had to elect a person into the National Assembly to represent women. However, there was a catch. This person had to be a woman. It was the logical conclusion that with the inclusion of more women in parliament, women would be well represented. As to whether this worked out according to how it was envisioned, the jury is still out there.

Minorities

The last election was one of many firsts. There were not just many new faces in various offices; there were also many new groups finding their way into positions of power. Thanks again to affirmative action, minority groups such as people with disabilities had to be included in certain offices, ostensibly, to fight for the rights of those they were to represent.

Children

The rights of children were elaborately spelt out in the new constitution and a lot of other recent legislation. Inclusion of children’s interests is not in doubt. This inclusion has however failed to translate into actual representation of children.

Youth

The youth have been treated like a minority in many ways although am not sure if they are demographically a minority. Special seats have been created for them and even money set aside to help them start businesses. The future for the youth looks very bright – on paper! On closer inspection, it appears like their lot has not improved. If anything, their chances of success in life seem to have dwindled. It has instead been replaced by them being blamed for failing to take advantage of all the ‘favours’ that have been bestowed upon them.

Fake IDPs

Since the last ethnic fighting occurred in this country in 2007, many people were displaced from their homes and they have never gone back. Efforts have been made to either resettle them on their own land or acquire alternative land for them. The different IDP groups have often elected representatives from amongst themselves to follow up on these resettlement offers by the government. After many meetings and media reports of budgetary allocation and disbursement to the IDPs, their status has not changed. They are still displaced. What happens to their representation?

Ethnic Balance

The President has been advised, through the constitution, that he has to consider ethnic balance in addition to women, youth, and special groups, in giving out senior government positions. The reason for this, I believe, is to have inclusion of all the diverse people of Kenya, in the government. This then means that most tribes or tribal groupings are included in the government. If the poverty and problems inherent in all communities across Kenya is anything to go by, then this inclusion of all sorts of tribesmen has not translated to representation.

Corruption

I know the Layman has painted a grim picture of how unrepresented we are but, all is not lost. There is one thing that is truly Kenyan and even Mugabe of Zimbabwe is green with envy about it. Everybody is represented in this one characteristic feature of Kenyan society. Corruption in Kenya is all-inclusive. Those without the opportunity to be corrupt are envious of those who do. Parents are advising their children who get ‘good’ jobs not to slumber, but to get as much as they can while they can. Relatives and village mates think of their own who are corrupt as heroes. The electorate no longer hide their intention of electing certain people – to enrich themselves while they can. As far as corruption is concerned, every Kenyan is well represented.

P.S. Is Burundi included in the agenda of the African Union? Is the African Union interested in getting people off charges of crimes against humanity or preventing those who are committing such crimes from doing it?