President Kenyatta's first term was faced with strong opposition led by Raila Amollo Odinga.
The second term will not be different either given that Odinga is yet to unveil a program for civil disobedience, non-cooperation with and resistance to what he terms as an illegitimate government.
The plan by opposition to establish people's assemblies in "all" counties is also alive. This means that Uhuru's term will not be a smooth one in terms of attempts by the opposition to frustrate government efforts, programs and other organizations that the opposition deems government friendly.
Due to a lot of politicking during his first term, the nation didn't achieve much in terms of development- and socio-economic growth.
Below are some reasons why president Uhuru will steer the development agenda in earnest despite political developments:
1. LEGACY
It's every leader's desire to leave behind a good name and tangible programs that would improve the livelihoods of the people and that people can attach his name to. Due to this, the president will do all he can to ensure that there is equal roll out of development programs across the nation.
This will relieve him the marginalization blame burden. Due to his young age compared to successive presidents, it would feel proud for him to see good work he did whilst in power as he enjoys his retirement.
2. NOTHING TO LOSE POLITICALLY
Since President Kenyatta has achieved political apex as far as our political structure is concerned, he can steer the development agenda thoroughly even when it doesn't favor some of his supporters for the simple reason - he will not seek re-election. This could make naysayers within the Jubilee Party label him as autocratic. It won't bother him much.
3. IT'S ON JUBILEE'S AGENDA
President Kenyatta is the leader of Jubilee Party. During the campaigns, the party unveiled its progressive blueprint for this nation with color and pomp. It's now time to implement.
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His performance will be measured against the manifesto policies his party presented to Kenyans during the electioneering period.
4. HIS CHILDREN
Either of President Kenyatta's sons could conceive presidential ambitions in future. This pattern/tendency of people from the same family seeking positions their parents/relatives held is common world over. It will be easy to sell any of his sons if he will have left a good legacy. It will be difficult if otherwise since we are moving to times when political leaders will be chosen based on their track record/character as opposed to their tribe or social status.
5. POST PRESIDENCY ASSIGNMENTS
Uhuru Kenyatta is fairly young compared to his predecessors. This means that he is eligible for international assignments after the presidency. The international community will look at his track record before giving him any role. They will also look at whether he was able to keep the country stable during his tenure.
6. KENYA IS LAGGING BEHIND
It's said that Kenya was once at par (economically) with countries like Malaysia and South Korea. These countries are competing with other economic giants in the world favorably while we continue to struggle out of what could be termed as economic turmoil/malfunction. He really has to work hard to elevate Kenya to the next economic level. We've been stuck here for so long.
Conclusion
It will be a win-win for Kenyatta and for Kenya as a nation if he thoroughly and absolutely implements the development policies outlines in Jubilee Parties manifesto. I wish him well as he begins his final term.