23/07/2026
MY TAKE ON THE FUTURE OF KENYAN POLITICS AND THE UDA GOVERNMENT
The recently concluded Ol Kalou by-election has sent an important political message—not just to the UDA Government, but to every political leader in Kenya. It has demonstrated that the Kenyan voter is becoming increasingly informed, independent, and difficult to influence through traditional campaign tactics.
The era where handouts, token gifts, and last-minute empowerment programmes automatically translated into votes is steadily fading. Today's voter is asking a much deeper question: "How has my life improved?"
Since 2022, the Government has rolled out several major policy reforms, including the transition to the Social Health Authority (SHA), the Affordable Housing Programme, the revised NSSF contribution structure, and other statutory deductions. While these initiatives were introduced with long-term policy objectives, many salaried Kenyans—especially civil servants—feel the cumulative effect has significantly reduced their disposable income.
When deductions increase while the cost of food, transport, rent, electricity, school fees, and other household expenses remains high, families inevitably feel the strain. Every shilling deducted from a worker's payslip affects an entire household and the wider economy through reduced purchasing power.
Similarly, many Kenyans are still seeking greater clarity on access to affordable housing. Questions remain about eligibility, allocation, financing, and the practical pathway to home ownership. On healthcare, although SHA aims to expand universal health coverage, many citizens continue to report challenges accessing timely services, leaving a gap between policy intent and public experience.
Another issue that deserves urgent attention is the cost of fuel, because fuel prices affect virtually every sector of the economy. Lower transport and energy costs translate into lower food prices, lower production costs, and reduced inflation. A comprehensive review of taxes, levies, and other charges applied after the fuel landing cost could help create room for more affordable pump prices while maintaining fiscal sustainability. Such measures would have a direct and visible impact on the cost of living.
The Government's greatest political opportunity lies not in louder campaigns but in delivering tangible economic relief. Policies that increase disposable income, reduce the cost of living, improve healthcare delivery, and create jobs will speak louder than political rallies.
Equally important is the tone of politics. Leaders allied to the Broad-Based Government should avoid the politics of arrogance, chest-thumping, excessive displays of wealth, and tokenism. Leadership is not measured by the size of a convoy or the amount of money distributed at public gatherings. It is measured by humility, service, accountability, and results.
The Government should also deal firmly and consistently with political violence and organised goonism, regardless of political affiliation. Democracy can only flourish where citizens are free to participate without intimidation or fear.
Another reality that leaders cannot ignore is that social media has fundamentally changed Kenyan politics. Information now travels instantly. Citizens verify facts, compare promises with outcomes, and openly debate government decisions. Kenyans are no longer passive consumers of political messaging; they are active participants in shaping public discourse. This demands honesty, transparency, and continuous engagement rather than propaganda or personal attacks.
As we approach the next electoral cycle, politicians across the political divide should shift from personality politics to issue-based politics. Kenyans want practical solutions to unemployment, healthcare, education, food security, infrastructure, security, and the cost of living—not endless political contests.
Government resources should increasingly be directed toward programmes that create broad, lasting public value. Strong investment in quality education, accessible healthcare, youth employment, agriculture, and enterprise development has the potential to improve lives more sustainably than short-term political empowerment initiatives.
The lesson from Ol Kalou is simple: Kenyans are becoming smarter voters. They may appreciate campaign gestures, but increasingly they make their decisions based on their lived experiences rather than temporary incentives.
Ultimately, governments are judged not by the promises they make but by the lives they improve. If leaders listen with humility, respond to citizens' concerns, and focus relentlessly on improving livelihoods, they will earn public confidence. If they rely on handouts, rhetoric, and political bravado while everyday economic pressures persist, voters may once again separate campaign generosity from the choices they make at the ballot.
The future of Kenyan politics belongs to leaders who inspire trust through service, policies that deliver measurable results, and a political culture built on respect, accountability, and national unity. Kenya deserves nothing
Kenya Arena Daily
Parliament of Kenya