County governments should embrace thrift

Kenyans will not be surprised if the incoming county governors start demanding official residences, motorcades among other trappings of power.

It is a well- known fact that most of Kenya’s 47 counties are reeling in abject poverty while infrastructuresuch as roads, electricity, water, schools and health centers are very minimal and in some instances non - existent.

The first priority for the governors should be to fast-track development in their respective counties and to address the glaring poverty.

Let the urgent needs in Kenya’s counties spur our future governors to work towards leaving admirable legacies of economic prosperity and development.

A considerable number of leaders in Africa have always equated political offices with pomp, affluence, lavishness and unnecessary spending. Very few leaders in the continent view their offices as platforms and avenues to enhance efficient service delivery, sustainable development, jobs and wealth creation and selfless leadership.  

This belief by some Kenyan politicians that political power is a license to pilfer, spend endlessly and to reward political cronies is archaic.

Only a handful of leaders in Kenya have been genuinely concerned with leading transformation and rendering critical social and economic services to their countries.

In most instances, ardent stewardship of the public institutions that officials have been entrusted with has been wanting.

Authentic leadership has been lacking because a high percentage of public officials have always viewed themselves as bosses and lords to be served and not as public servants to serve the common man. 

In the words of writer Mitchella Wrong, some selfish politicians associate public offices with self -aggrandisement while lofty political placements have always meant ‘it is our time to eat.’

However, visionary and selfless leaders like Mahatma Gandhi of India, Nelson Mandela of South Africa, Wangari Maathai of Green Belt Movement, Mother Theresa of Calcutta, Dr. Lee Huan Yew of Singapore and Festus Mogae of Botswana became famous because of their diligence advocacy for thrift, austerity and frugality.

These leaders steadfastly encouraged moderation and thrift for the benefit of the nations and institutions that they were in charge of.

It does not therefore surprise many to know that Gandhi’s actions led to India’s independence while Mandela led South Africa in fulfilling his dream of a ‘rainbow’ nation.

 Similarly Dr. Yew together with like- minded leaders transformed Singapore from a Third World state to a First World country within a single generation while Mother Theresa gave hope to many of India’s poor.

Prof Maathai single handedly saved Uhuru Park and Karura Forest from being grabbed by the high and mighty while Festus Mogae led Botswana towards economic prosperity.