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The most important qualification for office is INTEGRITY

 


Fellow Kenyans, as we strive toward Vision 2030, I believe the most important qualification for anyone in public office is integrity. It’s not grades, tribe, money, or tailored suits that will push us forward; it’s the moral backbone to serve honestly, transparently, and responsibly. Without integrity, no amount of academic excellence, wealth, or charisma can create the genuine progress Kenya needs. We’ve seen the effects of placing the wrong priorities in leadership time and time again, with resources misused, promises broken, and an endless cycle of corruption that drains both the economy and our collective spirit.

When I look at the state of our nation, it becomes clear that without integrity, the ideals of Vision 2030 are in jeopardy. Public office is a role of trust, where leaders are supposed to protect our resources and make decisions that benefit all Kenyans. But how often has this trust been betrayed? How often have leaders put their personal interests above the nation’s needs? Integrity is not just about following rules; it’s about respecting the role you’ve been given and putting the people’s welfare first. Without it, even the best-intentioned policies fail to reach the people they’re meant to serve.

Integrity in leadership is also the only way to tackle the deep-seated issues of tribalism and favoritism, which hold Kenya back. Too often, people vote based on tribal affiliations, and this has led to leaders who serve select groups rather than the nation as a whole. But real progress will only come when we have leaders who look beyond tribe, beyond their own interests, and see the big picture. Integrity is what guides someone to be fair, to treat every Kenyan equally, and to make decisions that benefit the country as a whole, not just one community. We need to ask ourselves: Are we voting for the right reasons, or are we letting shallow divisions determine our nation’s future?

I urge voters to reflect on what we’re really looking for in our leaders. Are we impressed by flashy campaigns, degrees, or appearances? Are we swayed by money and tribal loyalties? If so, we’re choosing style over substance, appearance over integrity. And when we prioritize the wrong qualities, we get leaders who abuse their power, leaders who waste public resources, and leaders who ultimately betray the trust we’ve placed in them. When we vote, it’s not just about choosing a candidate – it’s about choosing the kind of Kenya we want to live in. Do we want a nation ruled by corruption and favoritism, or one where honesty and fairness guide every decision?

As voters, we have a responsibility to hold leaders accountable and demand integrity from those in public office. It’s not enough to criticize after the fact; we must actively seek out and support leaders who prioritize honesty and transparency. Let’s move beyond the empty promises and look at the actions, the record, and the moral character of those we’re considering. Kenya’s future depends on leaders who will serve with integrity, not with an eye on their personal gains.

If we’re serious about achieving Vision 2030, we can’t afford to elect leaders who see public office as a stepping stone to wealth or influence. True leaders are those who act with accountability, who respect the trust placed in them, and who are willing to make tough decisions for the good of all Kenyans. As citizens, we have the power to demand this integrity, and we must use our votes to do so. We have to recognize that real change starts with us – with our commitment to vote not for the flashiest candidate or the wealthiest, but for the one who will stand by their principles even when no one is watching.

In the end, the kind of Kenya we’ll leave for future generations will be shaped by the choices we make today. Integrity in leadership sets an example for the youth, showing them that honesty and responsibility matter. If we want a country that prospers, where resources are used wisely and everyone has a fair chance to succeed, then integrity must be at the heart of our leadership. Vision 2030 can be more than a dream – it can be our reality – but only if we have the courage to choose leaders who value integrity above all else.

The future of Kenya is in our hands, and it’s time we choose integrity over everything else.

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