Dr. Gilbert Ang'ana

Political risk presents a strategic challenge and a call to enhanced due diligence. Kenya has been lauded as a democratic anchor in the region, but is simultaneously characterised by cyclical electoral tensions, political fragmentation, and increasing civic unrest, especially in the last twenty years. To secure long-term sustainability, the business community must invest in political order, advocate for institutional reforms, and...

Kenya's democratic experiment continues to face a litany of contradictions, one of the most glaring being the paradox of poor leadership representation in a country that prides itself on universal suffrage. Despite recommendations from civil society and the EACC, candidates with pending cases or who fail integrity vetting have rarely been barred from contesting. Citizens must be knowledgeable about MPs' roles...

While the Judiciary remains riddled with corruption and inefficiencies, it receives far less scrutiny from these organisations. This selective activism undermines the credibility of Kenya's civil society movement. Despite its constitutional mandate to uphold justice, the Judiciary in Kenya has been marred by corruption, inefficiency, and lack of accountability. Whereas I acknowledge there are good judicial officers with the responsible...

While the economic dimensions of these crises are well-documented, my focus is on the leadership and governance aspects. This angle can offer deeper insights into decision-making, crisis management, and institutional resilience. In 2023, the country’s debt-to-GDP ratio exceeded 70%, with debt repayments swallowing over 60% of government revenue. The government continued to borrow heavily despite unstable revenue streams, much like...

One of the Judiciary’s main shortcomings in Kenya is the persistent delay in administering justice. This issue is not new but is becoming increasingly troubling. The Judiciary often presents itself as the defender of democracy, stepping in to check the excesses of the other arms of government. This is commendable, but it cannot be a one-way street. The principle of...

African countries' current model of addressing national needs is fraught with inefficiencies and discontinuities, primarily driven by the cyclical nature of electoral politics. To maintain relevance and adaptability, the framework would include a mechanism for periodic reviews every five years, allowing for adjustments based on progress and emerging challenges. Rwanda’s Vision 2050 showcases the nation’s remarkable advancements, particularly in information and...

We must prioritise credible leadership over populist narratives to address our socio-economic challenges, strengthen our democratic institutions, and reclaim our position as a regional leader. Former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s ascent to power in 2013 leaned heavily on the narrative of being a victim of the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) prosecution and a unifier of ethnic groups. Populist politics appeal to emotions...

A significant issue impacting the effectiveness of checks and balances in Kenya is the persistent power struggle between branches. African principles such as Harambee in the East, Ubuntu in the South, Ummah in the North, and Sankofa in the West underscore the cultural value of unity and collective responsibility, emphasising community and mutual support. Leaders must recognise that checks and balances...

SHIF aims to reduce financial barriers for many underprivileged households, protecting them from the risk of escalating health costs. I believe the government has not adequately thought through this aspect, and if they have, they’ve certainly failed to communicate the detailed framework to the public effectively. To build trust in this new system, the government needs to open up more on...

Social media has become a battleground where insults are traded, and public disagreements are aired out in the open, often with little regard for the potential consequences. Young leaders, in their quest to differentiate themselves from the old guard, are quick to call out corruption, inefficiency, and injustice. The current generation of leaders, many of whom benefited from mentorship and the...