Presidential Promise: Policy or Politics ?

It was reported in Kenyan dailies that the Government plans to inject about Sh2.6 billion towards the elevation of Kisumu Airport to international standards. This promise was allegedly made by President Kibaki during his official opening of Kisumu Regional ASK Show on August 3, 2007.

Whereas such news should ordinarily be celebrated, especially by residents of Kisumu, we at Kisumu Democracy Institute (KIDI) take a cautious approach and urge the Government to move away from rhetorical sideshows devoid of policy follow-through or consistency.

It must be noted that sometime in September last year, Dr Mukhisa Kituyi, the Minister for Trade and Industry, made promises similar to the President's. The Minister went further by confirming that a project feasibility study was completed in 2005, and funds amounting to US$ 8 million allocated for the Airport upgrade. President Kibaki's speech given on August 3, 2007, seems to contradict the status report given, by Dr. Kituyi, a year ago and there is an urgent need for clarification on the matter.

Without repeating the overdue need for elevating the status of Kisumu, we at Kisumu Democracy Institute (KIDI), wish to challenge the President and his Minister to reconcile their facts and confirm to the people of Kisumu, and entire Nation, the true status of Kisumu Airport expansion project. Of specific concern is the fact that this government seems to be perpetuating the isolation of Kisumu and its environs as sadly exhibited in all development indicators.

President Kibaki reportedly asked locals "to concentrate on development as politics would not help them". We also ask him to give us a fair share of the national cake so we can have little to "cry about".

Simon Agwanda Owuor
For, Kisumu Democracy Institute (KIDI)