Building a Stronger Kenya.

How the Government Can Reclaim Trust and Empower the Common Mwananchi in Kenya's Political Storm.

by Joseph Owino Adongon,

Kenya's political landscape in 2025 feels like a storm that has yet to settle. What was once seen as a bright promise during the 2022 elections has slowly turned into growing frustration. The hope many had is now being replaced by fatigue, criticism, and a deep sense of betrayal. For ordinary Kenyans, life is becoming more difficult by the day. The cost of living is relentless,  unga remains unaffordable, and electricity bills just keep climbing. For the average mwananchi, every day feels like a battle just to survive.

President William Ruto, who once won the hearts of many as the "hustler's champion," is now facing mounting criticism. His vision for a bottom-up economic model is being questioned, especially as inequality seems to be growing instead of shrinking. Many of the so-called “hustlers” still feel left behind, and the youth, in particular, feel ignored jobless, struggling, and locked out of the opportunities that were promised during campaign speeches.

But amidst all the noise, one thing is clear: there is still hope for change, but only if the people realize the power they hold and start to act strategically.  The passion for reform still burns in the hearts of many, and now is the time to stoke that fire with focus and determination.

 The political landscape in Kenya is tough, no doubt. But if the government focuses on a few key areas, we can get on the path to a better future. Here’s what the government needs to do to rebuild trust and empower everyday Kenyans:

1. Engage with citizens where they are through  Digital platforms.

 Social media is where a lot of conversations are happening today, it’s the place where we voice our concerns, share our frustrations, and, sometimes, demand change. And it’s clear that the government needs to meet us where we are online. In 2024, Kenyans used social media to organize protests against tax hikes. The #StopTheTax movement spread like wildfire and forced the government to take action. The government needs to embrace these platforms and use them for real, two-way conversations. It’s not enough to just broadcast policies, it’s time to listen, engage, and respond to what the people are saying.

2. Give Kenyans a real seat at the table.

Decisions that affect us are often made behind closed doors, and that's got to change. The government needs to do more than just invite the public to "comment" on new policies, it needs to create real opportunities for people to be heard and involved in the decision-making process. Look at the 2023 housing policy debate, for example. When people raised their voices through public forums and town hall meetings, the government listened and adjusted the policy. That’s the kind of genuine engagement that needs to happen more often. If the government really wants to serve the people, it needs to make sure we’re all at the table, not just the elite few.

 

3. Protect press freedom and civil rights.

A free press is absolutely essential. The government needs to stop attacking journalists who speak the truth. They are often the ones holding the government accountable and giving us the information we need to make informed decisions. When the government cracked down on the media in 2020, Kenyans stood in solidarity with journalists who were being silenced. The government needs to protect freedom of the press and ensure that journalists can do their job without fear of harassment or intimidation. When the press is free, the people are free. And that’s how a real democracy works.

4. Invest in local communities, not just big projects

It’s great to talk about big national projects, but the government must not forget that real change often starts in the community. There are so many local initiatives out there doing great work, whether it’s groups offering job training for young people or those helping improve healthcare in rural areas. The government needs to put more resources into these grassroots movements. It’s not just about building grand infrastructure projects; it’s about empowering communities to take control of their own development. When local communities thrive, the whole country does. The government must start looking at what’s happening on the ground and invest in projects that directly impact people’s lives.

The government has the power to make a real difference, but it needs to start acting in the best interest of its people. Change is possible, but it requires the government to listen, engage, and put the people first.