By Billy Mijungu
Seemingly, the election cycle has kicked in in earnest. With barely fifteen months to the next General Election, the political temperature feels hotter than at any other time in our history. Rallies are intensifying, alliances are shifting, and the national conversation is slowly being swallowed by 2027.
Yet beneath the noise of politics lies a fragile economy.Kenya’s economy is tinkering on the edge due to massive public debt, expensive mega projects, and the persistent cancer of corruption. Our repayment obligations continue to exert pressure on revenue, while ordinary citizens grapple with the high cost of living. This places the country in a very precarious position and demands absolute duty of care from leadership across the divide.
History shows that election cycles often slow down investment, weaken the currency, and create uncertainty in markets. Businesses adopt a wait and see attitude. Investors become cautious. Government spending patterns shift toward politically attractive projects rather than economically sound ones. If not carefully managed, this season can erode the gains painstakingly built over years.
The security system must therefore stand at its highest patriotic alert to transition the country safely through this delicate period. We must not allow lawlessness to thrive, especially in our streets where daylight robberies are becoming common and criminal gangs operate with growing boldness. The perception that goons are sponsored or shielded by political actors, whether state aligned or opposition linked, is dangerous. On this matter, every sector of the political class must accept responsibility. We must change.
The economy cannot thrive where fear reigns. Investors do not invest where instability is normalized. Citizens cannot innovate or build wealth where insecurity stalks their daily lives.
There is also a deeper structural issue. The presidential system, as currently experienced in Kenya, has proven deeply divisive. It turns every election into a high stakes winner take all contest that fractures communities along ethnic and political lines. Perhaps it is time to seriously consider a softer parliamentary route that diffuses power, strengthens institutions, and reduces the toxicity of national elections.
As we move toward the next election, every actor must show clear direction and accountability. Why are we not safeguarding economic gains? Why are we tolerating insecurity? Why are we normalizing divisive politics?
Fifteen months is not a long time. If we get this season wrong, the economic consequences could last far beyond the ballot.The choice before us is simple: responsible transition or reckless competition.
