By Masila Kanyingi
“The buck stops here” encapsulates the essential principles of leadership as articulated by Harry S Truman, the 33rd President of the United States. He prominently displayed this phrase on his desk to serve as a continual reminder to himself and the American public that they should expect their President to fully accept accountability for the outcomes that occurred during his tenure.
Such expectations necessitate a courageous, self-assured, and accountable leader who can establish and maintain high standards of responsibility.
This context partially elucidates my dissatisfaction with our government over the past few months, particularly in light of global standards for authentic leadership. I find myself increasingly disillusioned with the escapist behaviours exhibited by our current political leadership.
To illustrate, let us examine the floriculture sector, which stands as one of the country’s leading foreign exchange earners. Unlike government officials, who have access to fuel-consuming vehicles that allow them to traverse deteriorated road conditions without concern, I do not enjoy such luxuries. Consequently, when I travel to visit flower farms in regions such as Kericho, Eldoret, Naivasha, Nyahururu, Nanyuki, Kitengela, and Nakuru, I am compelled to question how the government can continue to undermine this vital foreign currency earner. The condition of the roads in these areas is profoundly disheartening. Each time I navigate these routes, I am confronted with the reality that my mechanic eagerly anticipates the need for repairs. Nevertheless, trucks transporting flowers utilize these routes daily, raising the question of how much these businesses are spending on repairs.
In June, I attended a live address delivered by the Cabinet Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development. While I appreciate his efforts, I believe he could have provided more than mere declarations of government intentions. What is necessary are tangible outcomes.
The investment policies in this sector should be enhanced through the taxes collected and other initiatives. Having dedicated nearly three decades to this industry as a writer, I now advocate for the designation of all flower farms as export processing zones, especially considering that only a few currently hold this status. Regrettably, it appears that the government remains inert, metaphorically hiding its head in the sand, as it fails to acknowledge that “the buck does not stop there.”
Logistics, the second-largest export earner, and anticipated to surpass the first in importance. The timeline for this development remains uncertain. While the government has made commendable progress in phytosanitary measures, one persistent concern pertains to logistics. It is widely recognized that Kenya Airways is progressively embodying its motto, “The Pride of Africa,” becoming one of the most efficient airlines in the region; however, it is evident that it is unable to meet the demands of the expanding flower sector. It is imperative for the government to respond to our appeals for improvement.
Issues related to security, political leadership, and human resources are all matters that can be effectively addressed with appropriate measures.
In relation to Generation Z, there are suggestions to disregard their contributions. However, this sentiment is misguided, as the economy suffers during periods of unrest. It is essential for the government to collaborate in finding solutions to these pressing challenges. This task, while seemingly straightforward, proves difficult to achieve. The consideration of security remains paramount.
The flower grower’s ongoing struggles to secure a fitting tribute to the marble of President Calvin Coolidge should not be overlooked. Many individuals are unaware that this president, who was known for his reticence, made one of the most insightful observations in the realm of achievement: “Nothing in the world will take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful individuals with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education alone will not; the world is full of educated failures. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan ‘press on’ has resolved and will always resolve the challenges of humanity.” This remark should ensure that President Coolidge’s legacy endures in history. Therefore, I urge you to “press on!”