'More Of A Humble Curator, Amplifying Africa's Voice'

Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary For Foreign Diaspora Affairs, Dr Musalia Mudavadi, spoke exclusively to FORBES AFRICA on the country’s achievements and the road ahead as it prepares to celebrate its 60th birthday in December.

- TERRYANNE CHEBET

Q. | As Kenya marks six decades of independence, could you share your perspective on the most remarkable achievements and challenges that have characterized the nation’s journey?

A. In the realm of democracy, Kenya is a beacon on the African continent. We take immense pride in our commitment to democratic principles, evidenced by our successful transitions of power over several decades through democratic processes.

The re-introduction of multi-party politics in 1991 under President Daniel Arap Moi heralded a new era for Kenya. This move shattered the chains of single-party rule, paving the way for increased political pluralism and a vibrant landscape in the exercise of freedoms.

Amidst these triumphs, however, our nation faced a grave challenge during the 2008 post-election violence. This dark period, marred by tribalism and electoral disputes, resulted in significant loss of life and displacement. We are resolute in our determination to prevent such a tragedy from recurring.

Meanwhile, the adoption of the new Constitution in 2010 marked a monumental milestone for Kenya. This transformative document introduced sweeping political and governance reforms, including the decentralization of power to counties through devolution. By empowering local communities, this constitutional shift promotes equitable development, ensuring that progress is felt in every corner of our nation.

Kenya’s pioneering role in the mobile banking revolution has transformed the financial landscape. Services such as M-PESA, the mobile phone-based money transfer facility, have democratized financial transactions, making them accessible to a broader population. The M-PESA brand application is globally accessible.