Reflecting on President Uhuru's Ten Years
Celebrating an Extraordinary Diplomat, a Determined Visionary and a Statesman Stubborn in His Belief
Hello rafiki 😊
Welcome to the Not an Afterthought newsletter, where we lead the conversation on how to accelerate Africa’s socio-economic development AND use technology to drive economic growth that makes Africa not an afterthought.
President Uhuru Kenyatta has borne many names—master of soft power, a cunning strategist, and an intelligent Diplomat.
I want to propose one more—hero.
Ricky Martin said:
Amongst the qualities a hero should have, I would include determination, loyalty, courage, perseverance, patience, focus, intrepidity and selflessness.
Let's test his presidency against that definition.
President Uhuru Pursued Infrastructure Development with Dogged DETERMINATION
President Uhuru was determined to upgrade Kenya's road infrastructure to global standards.
His government completed more than 11,000km of tarmacked roads, including the expressway, which Kenyans might complain about but are mighty proud of.
The President's road projects connected different regions of Kenya as well as Kenya to other East African countries. A good example is the recently launched 42.22km Arusha-Holili-Taveta-Voi road that links Kenya and Tanzania.
He was often criticized for the many road projects. Still, he pushed on because he understood what research has proven—that road infrastructure is essential for alleviating poverty, eliminating hunger, and improving the quality of human life.
The better the roads, the easier it is to deliver finished goods and services to consumers. In turn, producers get money in their pockets to produce more which builds the economy.
President Uhuru was Fiercely LOYAL to Africa
Who can forget his historic directive that any African wishing to visit Kenya would be eligible to receive a visa on arrival? He did this without any demand or expectation for reciprocity.
Till today, countries like Mozambique require Kenyans to have a visa before visiting the country, but Mozambicans can receive a visa at any port of entry.
President Uhuru also directed that individuals within EAC only needed an identity card to do business, own property and farm in Kenya.
He traveled to South Africa and urged the President of South Africa to partner with Kenya for a Pan-African airway.
At every juncture, he urged for the unity of Africa. He advocated for the metaphorical abolishment of the borders that the colonialists left behind.
He takes his place next to the likes of Nkrumah and Mwalimu Nyerere as a true Pan-African.
The President Exuded COURAGE in the Face of Unexpected Odds
In the face of an unexpected global pandemic, the President courageously implemented policies and directives that steered Kenya to recovery—healthwise and economically.
Some of the policies were panned, but he never wavered. Two years later, the world bank confirmed that Kenya's economy demonstrated resilience in the face of the Covid19 shock. It is one of the faster-recovering economies in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The President Was an Extraordinary Diplomat with unmatched PERSEVERANCE
When it seemed like the regional integration and peace he had worked so hard for was fraying, he stood in the middle time and time again to broker peace and build bridges.
When South Sudan almost descended into war again in 2013, President Uhuru invited the warring parties to Nairobi to talk peace.
In July of this year, after pressure from the international community, the Tigrayan rebels indicated that they would be open to peace talks only if President Uhuru was willing to host them.
More recently, after war broke out in Eastern Congo, President Uhuru invited all the rebels to Nairobi to talk about peace. The rebels agreed to a cease-fire, but war broke out between Eastern Congo and DRC after a while.
Once again, President Uhuru was at the forefront of organizing a regional force deployed a few weeks ago to DRC.
He just did not quit. He persevered even when his efforts seemed not to pay off ad made Kenya a pillar of democracy.
It might not sound like something major, but I am sure most of you have seen the viral TikTok of people saying Kenya is the capital of Africa.
That is the result of President Uhuru's work to portray Kenya's commitment to peace, democracy, stability and respect for human rights.
Promoting Kenya globally ad regionally was a very deliberate act. In 2014, when President Uhuru first came to power, he developed a foreign policy that would:
project, promote and promote Kenya's interests globally through innovative diplomacy and contribute towards a just, peaceful and equitable world.
President Uhuru had the PATIENCE to Lay Down Policies That Would Pay Off Later
President Uhuru's government established the Special Economic Zones Act of 2015.
Special Economic Zones are designated geographical areas with unique business-enabling policies provided by the Kenyan government.
For example, when you launch a factory in Special Economic Zone, any machinery you import meant for the factory is duty-free. You will not pay any customs fee to import the equipment.
Another perk of setting up a business in a Special Economic Zone is that you do not pay any county levies. You will still be subject to KRA taxes, but that is all.
Kenya now has 20 Special Economic Zones, and 16 are public. President Uhuru's government launched the Special Economic Zones Authority (SEZA) to attract, facilitate and retain domestic and foreign direct investment in Special Economic Zones.
The President was hoping to replicate India and China's success. The two countries leveraged Special Economic Zones for success.
The fruits of these zones will be realized in the future, long after President Uhuru's term. Nevertheless, he was patient enough to lay the foundation for rewards that Kenya will reap in the future.
President Uhuru Had an Immovable FOCUS to Transform Kenya into Africa's Foremost Digital Hub
President Uhuru's contribution to technology is impossible to cover in full—it is that extensive.
His refusal to sign a controversial ICT bill that would have stunted technology development in Kenya is the best place to start.
Beyond that, he lobbied hard for big tech companies to set up in Kenya.
Microsoft opened the first Africa Development Center in Kenya under his reign.
Google opened its first product development center in Africa in Kenya during his presidency.
Huawei also set up in Kenya after the President pursued a partnership with the company to help equip government employees digitally.
Did you know he participated in a high-level dialogue with the CEO of Google, Sundar Pichai, and soon after, Google pledged $10 million to help with economic recovery?
The list goes on and on. The President never once wavered in his focus to make Kenya the Silicon Savannah.
The President had the INTREPIDITY (fearlessness) to Elevate Women in Areas That Were Traditionally Locked to Them
President Uhuru saw to the formation of the first all-female SWAT team. Such a team is a first in Africa.
Interior Cabinet Secretary presided over the graduation.
The President also oversaw the appointment of the first female Chief Justice—CJ Martha Koome.
He championed women so fearlessly that he received the Africa Gender Award 2022 for promoting gender equality.
President Uhuru was SELFLESS in His Service
The President gave himself selflessly in his service. That was evident in how much the military celebrated him.
During the celebrations, the Chief of Defence Forces, General Kibochi said, "Your excellency, you must be proud as you release your command on Tuesday to have left behind one of the finest military institutions in this continent."
It is impossible to impress an institution like the military without having served them with your entire heart.
Takeaway
Dear President Uhuru,
Yes, it was rough at times. Often, many Kenyans did not understand your decisions. Nevertheless, you threw yourself into serving this country with love and dedication that defies reason.
Your foreign policy was a thing of beauty. Your economic policies will continue to bear fruits long after your presidency. Your determination to make Kenya's name mean something is a legacy no one can take away from you.
Thank you, sir.
As you wrap up your presidency, and long after your presidency, may you always come back to this piece to remind yourself of the wonderful legacy you have left behind.
If this is your first time here, here are a couple of issues that you might have missed.
Frequently Asked Questions About The East African Community
Dissecting the East African Community’s Customs Union: How Has it Benefited EAC Citizens?