NAIROBI — As the Kenyan flag was hoisted to mark the 62nd Jamhuri Day, two distinct narratives emerged: one of high-flying ambition from the capital, and another of gritty caution from the counties. While President William Ruto used the national dais to reiterate his vision of transforming Kenya into a Singapore-style economic powerhouse, governors and citizens across the devolved units painted a starkly different picture—one of anxiety over security and frustration with unfulfilled government pledges.

The disconnect was palpable. In Nairobi, the mood was buoyed by the return of officers from the Haiti mission, celebrated as heroes. Yet, just kilometers away in the estates and further afield in the counties, the conversation was not about global peacekeeping, but local survival. With the Christmas festivities approaching, the recurring theme from county bosses was a stern warning: the festive cheer is at risk unless the state guarantees safety and honors its financial commitments.

Security Fears Overshadow Celebrations

Security remained the top agenda for governors, particularly in the North Rift and Coastal regions. Despite the fanfare surrounding the modernization of the police force, county leaders expressed deep concern over a resurgence in localized crime and banditry.

In Kakamega, Governor Fernandes Barasa did not mince words, urging the national government to move beyond rhetoric. "We cannot celebrate freedom when our people are afraid to travel for Christmas," he noted, reflecting a sentiment echoed by leaders in Lamu and Baringo. The fear is that as families gather for the holidays, the security apparatus may be stretched too thin, leaving vulnerable communities exposed.

• The Haiti Paradox: While the return of officers from Haiti was lauded, critics pointed out the irony of exporting security while domestic muggings and banditry persist.
• Festive Warning: Traders and transport stakeholders warned that travel bookings are sluggish, partly due to safety concerns and the biting economic crunch.

The 'Singapore Dream' vs. Broken Vows

President Ruto’s address at the national celebrations focused heavily on the future, promising that Kenya is on the trajectory to attain "first-world status." He cited the digitization of government services and the controversial privatization of state firms as key drivers. However, this optimism was met with skepticism by civil society groups and opposition figures, who termed the speech the "same old script" of lofty promises.

The phrase "unfulfilled promises" dominated speeches in opposition strongholds. Leaders pointed to the delayed release of exchequer funds to counties, which has paralyzed services in several devolved units. Furthermore, the sale of state corporations has raised eyebrows, with critics drawing uncomfortable parallels to the asset-stripping scandals of the 1970s.

"We are hearing about billions in new projects, like the proposed Thika Road Expressway, yet our dispensaries lack basic drugs," remarked a civil society leader in Kisumu, highlighting the gap between the President's macro-economic data and the mwananchi's empty pocket.

Echoes of Gen Z and Calls for Unity

The ghost of the 2024 protests still lingers over the nation. Families of young Kenyans killed or injured during the Gen Z demonstrations used the Jamhuri Day platform to renew their calls for justice. Their demand for accountability provided a somber counter-narrative to the state's celebrations, reminding the government that true unity requires justice.

In a surprising gesture of political bridge-building, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja urged President Ruto to name the upcoming Talanta Sports City stadium after opposition veteran Raila Odinga. "Let this be a symbol that our history is shared, regardless of our political divides," Sakaja stated. Whether this call for unity will translate into tangible political goodwill—or merely serve as a festive soundbite—remains to be seen as the country heads into a tense and cash-strapped Christmas season.