Former presidential candidate Professor James Ole Kiyiapi has raised concerns over how national conversations in Kenya are increasingly diverted from critical issues.
He observes that discussions about unequal distribution of resources are often dismissed by targeting political figures, rather than addressing the actual challenges.
According to Kiyiapi, this trend undermines meaningful debate and shifts public focus away from legitimate concerns about fairness in development. He stresses that regional imbalances should be addressed based on facts and merit, not on the personalities raising the issues.
“Equity is not a slogan—it is a constitutional principle,” Kiyiapi said. “Every region has a right to benefit from national growth. Highlighting disparities is about justice, not division.”
He points to Narok County as an example. The county contributes significantly to the national economy through tourism, agriculture, and natural resources, yet it has very few top-level public secondary schools with modern facilities.
Kiyiapi questions why quality learning institutions remain concentrated in some areas while others, despite contributing heavily to national revenue, are left behind.
Kiyiapi urges Kenyans to move away from personality-based politics and focus on solving structural inequalities. Addressing disparities in infrastructure, education, and public services, he emphasizes, is a matter of national responsibility.
“Honest leadership requires acknowledging uncomfortable truths,” he added.
“Meaningful development will only happen when we deal with problems instead of silencing those who point them out.”
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Politics