KANU: Sing happy-birthday to oldest party in Kenya as it turns 60 years ~Gideon Moi

The KANU Party is today marking its 6th decade since it was formed on 14th May 1960 and subsequently spearheading the attainment of independence. Eradication of poverty, disease, and ignorance was our cardinal objective after forming the first independent African government.

African Socialism was KANU’s path to Africans for Africa economic model. Thus, our socioeconomic development was guided by a set of national values summarized in the Nyayo philosophy of peace, love, and unity. These are the values that we still hold dear to date and continue to pursue them even at the national stage.

Our path as a party is punctuated by ups and downs, but resilience remains our greatest source of fortitude. In this regard, we recognize that we have a past of mixed fortunes.

We made monumental strides through the attainment of independence, heavy investment in education, girl child empowerment, opening up space for multiparty politics and even relinquishing power at a time when it was unfashionable to do so.

But in there lurked missteps, too, that we acknowledge. Therefore, as we look into our past, we also draw great lessons for the present, both of which will inform our trajectory into the future.

Whereas in normal circumstances we would be celebrating our 60-year long existence, this commemoration comes at a peculiar time for Kenya, and by extension, the world. Covid-19 is threatening our very existence as a people by edging the world to a near shutdown.

These happenings are the reasons why, as a party, we have begun relooking into our policies that inform what we envision for this country. Forward-looking and sustainable strategies now define our policy infrastructure.

One thing we have for so long paid lip service to is our ecology. The environment in which we live must be jealously guarded against desecration.

KANU, in conjunction with other non-governmental organizations, has begun laying down a policy framework for curbing climate change. The recurrent floods we are witnessing, droughts, and diminishing aquatic life are the consequences of climate change.

Furthermore, the livelihoods of our people are at risk. KANU has been categorical about the protection and promotion of the local economy through our Local Content Bill that seeks to ensure proceeds from local resources benefit the locals more.

And reaffirming our belief in the local solutions for local problems is the mass production of masks, PPEs, and ventilators in various parts of the country.

However, we cannot achieve this without institutionalizing political parties with meaningful solidarity around issues that advance the course of humanity. Parties must allow young people to initiate programs and participate in them as they climb the leadership ladder.

Our present and future as a party are in the expansion of the already existing safe space for youths, women, and people with disabilities to thrive. Once this pandemic ends, we will roll out a comprehensive plan for our members, some of which have been ongoing.

God bless KANU and protect Kenya.