Imagine by Wairimu Mukuria

Lately, I have been numb. I have been looking around, and the world around me is depressing. I read the newspapers; I am assaulted by information on death, abuse, corruption, hunger and famine,bad politics that have me saying (read yelling) to the speaker, “Shut up, what are you saying? Take a minute and listen to yourself. On who’s behalf are you speaking? Leech!”

I charge that the current dark cloud that hangs on our beloved country is a weight carried by all citizenry. No exemptions. I will not argue on the suppositions of Ifs. If there were no politicians we would have a better life, all round. No, no, no, no.

Imagine a Kenya where all farmers submitted their produce to the National Cereals and Produce Board, which in turn had the modality of working in liaison with the Ministry of Transport – arid and all other areas would receive food on time. No Kenyan would go hungry.

Imagine a Water Ministry that ensured water was conserved by harvesting rain water, recycling, building dams, encouraging irrigation, piping water to every home.

Imagine a Kenya where rest-stops were put up along the highway for long distance travels for both goods and people. 

Imagine a Kenya where highway patrol had the audacity to request you to slow down or be arrested, demand that you put warning signs once your vehicle stalls, further go ahead to help you seek assistance and gather the courage to stop your journey immediately you are deemed unfit to drive.

Imagine a Kenya where schools’ curricula were prepared with the forethought of guiding young people to discover and  build on their gifts.

Imagine a Kenya where when our youth think of the future, they are exploring options.

Imagine a Kenya where despair is met with empathy and a helping hand.

Imagine a Kenya where you worked hard and were rewarded by being able to meet your basic needs, to invest in your future and still have a little bit to hang out with your friends and enjoy a drink and a  bite.

Imagine a Kenya where our hospital staff had the time to listen because they are not suffering from burn-out due to long hours.

Imagine a Kenya where we happen to mind our own business and yet say hi to our next door neighbor.

Imagine homes that are not within the  confines of a 12-foot concrete and electrified wall, with Dobermans and Alsatians being guided by a contracted security firm, burglar proofing that is fortified with trip alarms, a maasai rungu and Somali sword lying under our beds. 

Forget rolling down your window on a hot sunny day, imagine a Kenya where you can drive a convertible in the CBD as you take in the sun.

I do not have the answers.

Just an imagination.

Imagine a Kenya where everybody knew what was expected of them as a Kenyan. Imagine you are that Kenyan.

When I opened my eyes, I felt renewed,I felt hopeful.

Wairimu Mukuria blogs her opinions and imaginations here  http://mtangasheha.blogspot.com/