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Why Don’t Government Officials Ever Mix with Ordinary Kenyans?


The chasm between government officials and ordinary citizens has never been more apparent. Our leaders often seem removed from the daily challenges faced by millions of Kenyans, seemingly shielded in a bubble of privilege that prevents them from experiencing the realities of life in Kenya. This disconnection isn’t just a symbolic issue—it has profound implications on how policies are crafted and implemented, leading to decisions that feel foreign and irrelevant to the people.

One striking example is the travel experience of government officials. While the average Kenyan endures long waits, crowded terminals, and substandard facilities at the airport, government officials are driven directly to and from planes, escorted to VIP lounges, and handled with special treatment that most Kenyans never see. These leaders are shielded from the realities of our airports—delayed flights, frustrating security checks, and a lack of essential services. In their separate world, they don’t encounter these inconveniences and have little incentive to improve these public services. This detachment is emblematic of a broader issue in our governance: officials are insulated from the everyday struggles that their policies are meant to address.

This kind of separation becomes even more damaging when it leads to poorly informed policies. When leaders lack firsthand experience of the struggles Kenyans face, they end up relying on secondhand reports and statistics that fail to convey the true depth of issues like poverty, unemployment, and inadequate public services. Instead of policies that tackle the root causes of these problems, Kenyans often see surface-level changes that offer little improvement. Leaders may implement sweeping reforms on paper, but these changes rarely translate into tangible benefits for those on the ground. They simply do not feel the pulse of the nation.

For instance, take the rise in the cost of living—a crisis that has hit the poorest Kenyans hardest. Leaders in government, enjoying high salaries and a lifestyle far removed from the average citizen, may understand inflation as an economic statistic, but they don’t experience the daily anxiety of stretched budgets or empty pantries. Without knowing the true impact of rising prices, they miss the urgency felt by the public. Policies addressing the cost of living, instead of offering relief, often become entangled in bureaucracy and political maneuvering. Consequently, the solutions provided feel like an afterthought rather than a genuine response to the suffering of Kenyan families.

In contrast, former President Mwai Kibaki’s administration serves as a reminder of what happens when leaders actively engage with the concerns of ordinary Kenyans. Kibaki’s government was not without its flaws, but the people could tangibly feel the difference in how their lives were impacted. Infrastructure was improved, businesses flourished, and ordinary Kenyans experienced economic growth in ways they had not seen before. Kibaki didn’t have to go to great lengths to explain his policies; they spoke for themselves in the improvements Kenyans could see in their communities and daily lives. His administration showed that when leaders focus on the public’s real needs, they don’t need PR campaigns to prove their effectiveness.

Today, the situation feels markedly different. Government officials often appear more focused on defending questionable decisions and promoting policies that seem to address invented issues rather than the real concerns of Kenyans. The current administration seems fixated on presenting a facade of progress, often with great fanfare and empty promises. But these efforts are easily seen through by the public. Kenyans are painfully aware of the disconnect between leaders’ words and the reality of their lives. Trust erodes when citizens witness their leaders crafting policies that ignore the stark realities faced by the majority of Kenyans. The perception that leadership is motivated by self-interest and corruption rather than service amplifies public discontent.

Kenya’s leaders must step out of their insulated world and connect with the experiences of the citizens they represent. Imagine if, instead of watching from afar, our officials lived among us—commuted on our roads, relied on public hospitals, navigated congested markets, and sent their children to local schools. This direct exposure could serve as a powerful reminder of the issues Kenyans grapple with daily, giving them an intimate understanding of how deeply the public is affected by decisions made in government offices.

This proximity to the people could reshape policy-making by grounding it in reality. Leaders with firsthand knowledge of these issues would be more inclined to push for sustainable, effective solutions rather than token gestures. They might realize the importance of investing in infrastructure, reforming healthcare, and boosting the economy in ways that directly uplift the lives of Kenyans. Policies would be grounded not just in numbers but in the lived experiences of the people.

Kenya deserves a leadership that understands and genuinely empathizes with the lives of ordinary citizens. Leaders who isolate themselves behind walls of privilege are not only out of touch but also incapable of fully addressing the complex issues facing our country. To truly serve the nation, they must break down these barriers and engage with the reality of life in Kenya. Only by doing so can they craft policies that resonate, build trust, and genuinely improve the lives of Kenyans. If our leaders could live even a day in the life of an ordinary citizen, perhaps Kenya would finally see the progress it has long been promised.

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