Why 2022 Won't Be Another Wasted Year

2021 was different things to different people. To many folks, it was one marked by endless struggles heartlessly brought about by Covid-19 and endless political shenanigans—with agendas either accelerated or filibustered, depending on which side one was.

2022 comes as the year when Kenyans have herd immunity for both Covid-19 and politics given their widespread nature. We must however not throw caution to the wind for truly weak moments come unannounced and can be devastating.

But all matters remaining constant, a president exiting the stage has a strong and lasting legacy firmly in his mind. With hardly 8 months to go, the president will be keen to lend economic momentum to the present experiences of Kenyans. Clearly, this gives him little room to leave the economy on autopilot in an election year where many of his senior officers are leaving government to contest for gubernatorial and parliamentary seats.

Succession politics, the high stakes therein notwithstanding, must translate to tangible gains in the pockets of the hoi polloi and the middle class alike if a strong and fitting legacy is to be achieved. It is politics that must be left on autopilot.

The ordinary Kenyan, over the past four years, has been inundated with huge political agendas coming one after another and has watched the titans fight these out to the point where despite 2022 being an election year, it won't create the shock that usually happens when the high voltage campaigns atmosphere stunts the economy for a year. No one is dazed or can afford to. The lines are drawn, ideologies spelt out and the players known in advance. But the ordinary folks want uninterrupted economic activity.

They are a toughened lot and when the going gets tough the tough keep going.

With the elections in August being the only certain thing, and with the high hopes that no further lockdowns will come, most people are keen to have a hustle free year where the grind happens from January to December.

So, with a president keen to exit peacefully with a fitting legacy, and a population doubling up as the electorate wanting a full year of economic activity, political Johnny-come-lately types not aligned to major formations are in for a rough time. Last year was reserved for articulating policies that Kenyans have noted. This year is reserved for working, save for election day.

Everyone is working their arithmetic around success. The politicians are focused on 50%+1 in the first round and Kenyans are focused on getting it right with revenues. Unless you pay a listening allowance, let Kenyans work their trades.

The last two years were steep learning curves seasons with plenty of accumulated wisdom that is already in use today. That wisdom is centred on applicable technologies that leave no room for time wasters to seek attention.

2022 is now 8 years away from 2030, the timeline set for Kenyans to attain a middle-income status characterised by a high standard of living. In many ways, the majority are in 1989. They have 8 years to overcome 33 years of backwardness. Technology, and not politics, is standing in the gap for them. That is affording them the opportunity today to live in 1989 Kenya whilst serving clients in a part of the world already experiencing the promised lifestyle of 2030. If we don't allow Kenyans to work freely and in a fulfiled manner, they will immigrate to suitable environments. Immigration is an indictment on the country's leadership for failing to provide an enabling environment. So, just let Kenyans work.

Anyone hoping to gobble away Kenyan opportunities in 2022 had better rethink their strategies for the citizens want nothing short of a full working year. The intrays are full and can wait no more. Twende kazi.