County governments need to invest in and utilize interactive communication channels with broad reach and provide adequate notice for such fora to enable citizens to plan accordingly for the meetings. In regard to engagement between elected leaders and citizens, there is a clear need for leaders to set aside specific days to engage directly with citizens as low opportunities of engagement diminish the citizens’ ability to hold their leaders to account
Corruption starts a long chain of wrongful benefits that, when abandoned, can save millions in valued time and resources. Many Kenyans know that a visit to the county or social services office demands patience, and to beat the long lines, many wake up before sunlight only to wait for a government official that will show up 4 hours past opening hours. Data from Transparency International indicates that at least a quarter of African’s youngest and poorest citizens must pay bribes every day to survive.
Mental health issues are on the increase as COVID-19 cases increase in the country, further paralyzing the lives of Kenyans. The government measures to cushion the spread of COVID-19, which include school closure, banning social gatherings, and temporary unemployment, which has led to a long period of isolation. The psychological impacts for many people include high levels of stress, fear, and anger, which may be a result of unplanned changes. For many people, fear has been triggered by the awareness by a low probability of survival.
