Kenyans have been struggling to make ends meet with an average monthly income of Sh50,000.
This has been made worse by the fact that some vulnerable citizens, including pensioners, have not received their government support of Sh2,000 for months.
Meanwhile, senior registered nurses and clinical officers earn a basic salary of Sh51,000-54,000 while fresh graduate teachers earn Sh30,000 and police constables earn Sh33,000.
Despite these challenges faced by the electorate, they are expected to elect members of the county assembly (MCAs) who will represent them and legislate on their behalf.
However, many voters feel that the current crop of MCAs are not doing enough to improve devolved functions such as agriculture and water services. “I think we have gone from worse to worst,” said one voter.
The call for performance contracting for public officials has grown louder in recent times as citizens demand value for their taxes. “Talking of boils when a leper is around is being very selfish and mean,” said another voter.
In a recent incident that highlights the growing frustration among Kenyans towards their elected leaders, graffiti on a car read: “I didn’t die” – referring to an MCA strike over unmet pay rise demands.
Some voters believe that it’s time to make hard choices and remove this millstone from their necks. “It’s time MCAs and every other elected leader learnt some manners and never spit on the shoes of their hosts,” said one voter.
The sentiment among many Kenyans is clear – if they don’t see improvements in the delivery of devolved functions soon, they can do without their elected leaders.
