Tinderet residents use Madaraka Day to, highlight corruption , unemployment and rising cost of living
Residents of Tinderet say Madaraka Day should be a time to reflect on corruption, unemployment, healthcare, education and the rising cost of living affecting Kenyans
Nandi Governor Stephen Sang during a recent public engagement in Nandi County. Photo/Courtesy
By Ruth Sang
As Kenya marks the 63rd Madaraka Day celebrations, residents in Tinderet Sub-County said the day should be more than just a national celebration. They urged leaders and citizens to pause a bit and reflect on where the country is going, and the daily problems that keep showing up.
Yes, people acknowledged Madaraka Day is important in celebrating Kenya’s self-governance, but many residents argued it also gives a chance to take stock of the nation’s wins and also the weaknesses in different areas.
A number of them pointed at corruption, stubborn economic struggles, problems around education, and gaps in health services as some of the issues that keep pressing hard on ordinary Kenyans.
Joseph Kiprotich, a tea farmer from Songhor , said corruption is probably the biggest block to real progress.
“Each year leaders talk about development, but corruption keeps blocking wananchi from getting quality services. Funds for roads, hospitals and schools often vanish before they reach the actual projects. Until corruption is handled firmly, many Kenyans will keep suffering even with the progress the country is meant to achieve,” he said.
Residents also said that even after some gains in democracy and governance since independence, many of the promises linked to self rule have not yet been fully realized
Mary Chepkemoi, a parent from Songhor, raised worries about education, explaining that many schools still struggle with enough resources and consistent staffing.
“Our children are learning in tough conditions. Schools lack teachers and learning materials, and many parents find it hard to pay school fees. Education was once seen as the great equalizer, but now many families fear they may not be able to afford decent education for their children,” she added.
Youth leader Peter Kibet said unemployment is still a major worry , especially for young people who have finished their studies but cannot land jobs.
“Many young people have completed college and university, yet they stay jobless. We celebrate self-rule today , but real empowerment will happen only when youth get decent jobs and earn a dignified living,” he said.
There were also concerns about healthcare. Community health promoter Beatrice Jelagat said many facilities are facing shortages of medicines, equipment and even health workers.
“Healthcare facilities continue to experience lack of medicines, equipment and personnel. Patients are often forced to go very long distances or spend a lot of money chasing treatment. Access to quality healthcare should not be a privilege, but a right for every Kenyan,” she noted.
Meanwhile, businessman Samuel Kirwa mentioned how household budgets and small enterprises are being squeezed by the climbing cost of everyday items.
“The cost of food, fuel and other basic commodities keeps going up. Small businesses are struggling, and many families can barely make ends meet. The government should focus on policies that support economic growth, and also create opportunities for ordinary citizens,” he stated.
In the end, the residents said they still have hope that national leaders will use the Madaraka Day mood to respond to these concerns, and push for better livelihoods across Kenya.
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