In every election cycle, Kenyans are treated to grand manifestos, bold pledges, and soaring speeches about change. Yet, once the dust settles and the winners take office, many of these promises quietly fade into political amnesia. This cycle of unmet expectations erodes public trust and weakens the foundation of good governance — accountability.
Good governance is not an abstract concept; it is the practical expression of integrity, transparency, and service. It means ensuring that public resources are used efficiently, that decisions are made in the public interest, and that leaders remain answerable to the people who elected them. At its core, good governance is about keeping promises — because promises are not just political tools, they are social contracts between leaders and citizens.
When a governor promises to build hospitals, improve schools, or end corruption, those commitments become the benchmarks by which their leadership should be measured. Unfortunately, Kenya’s political culture has normalized broken promises. From unfulfilled infrastructure projects to unimplemented policy reforms, many leaders retreat into excuses rather than results. This betrayal of public trust not only fuels cynicism but also undermines development.
The consequences are real and painful. Poor governance translates into poor service delivery — delayed healthcare, inadequate housing, unreliable water, and crumbling roads. Citizens are left disillusioned while public officers enjoy the privileges of power without the burden of accountability. In such an environment, corruption thrives because systems that should check leadership excesses become compromised or ignored.
Fulfilling promises is, therefore, not just about politics; it’s about dignity and respect for citizens. When leaders deliver on their word, they strengthen democracy by proving that public office is a space for service, not self-interest. It inspires hope, invites citizen participation, and builds credibility in government institutions.
To achieve this, Kenya’s leaders must adopt a new ethic of governance — one rooted in measurable performance and constant engagement with the people. County governments should publish clear progress reports, while national leaders must allow independent audits of their manifesto commitments. Parliament and county assemblies, too, have a duty to hold the executive accountable for every pledge made.
Citizens also have a role. Voters must move beyond slogans and charisma to demand evidence-based leadership. In the digital age, it is easier than ever to track promises and follow up on their implementation. Accountability should not end at the ballot box; it should be an ongoing civic responsibility.
Kenya’s future depends on a culture shift where promises made become promises kept. Good governance begins the moment leaders choose honesty over convenience and service over politics. Keeping one’s word is not just moral — it is the truest test of leadership.