The decline in Kenya since 30th December 2002:
The accompanying image, courtesy of the "Sunday Nation" of 14th February 2021, captures in a sad and profound way, partly why Kenya has been in serious decline for 18 years now i.e. since 30th December 2002. The accompanying image was actually taken in 2005, not as indicated in the caption, during the time of the Coalition Government of 2008 to 2013 e.g. Moody Awori in accompanying image was not part of the Coalition Government of 2008 to 2013, having spectacularly lost his parliamentary seat to newcomer Dr. Paul Otuoma at the 2007 Kenyan General Elections.
The accompanying image, as mentioned, was actually taken in 2005 at the formal launch of Afrigas by Nakumatt Supermarkets. Also present at the function was Kalonzo Musyoka, though he is cut out of accompanying image.
How is the accompanying image a sad and profound projection of Kenya, and how is it linked to the decline in Kenya over the last 18 years?
In 2006, the year following when the accompanying image was taken, Uchumi Supermarkets collapsed, and had to be revived by an immediate emergency Kenya Government cash injection of 600 million Kenya Shillings.
The Minister of Trade at the time was Dr. Mukhisa Kituyi and the Permanent Secretary in the Trade Ministry at the time was Dr. David Nalo (RIP). Dr. Nalo presided over the controversial emergency cash injection of 600 Kenya Shillings, with opposing schools of thought feeling that Uchumi Supermarkets should have been liquidated, and the 600 Kenya Shillings used on other matters, if need be, the establishment of a brand new Kenyan supermarket chain. The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) is dear to many Britons, "The Beeb," as they refer to it, and Uchumi Supermarkets had become to Kenya and Kenyans what the BBC is to Britain and Britons.
It emerged that many powerful well connected individuals inside and outside the then Kenya Government were major suppliers of and at Uchumi Supermarkets, and therefore, Uchumi Supermarkets going down under or being liquidated, was not an option.
It also emerged that Uchumi Supermarkets had been making annual payments of statutory taxes, statutory duties and statutory levies, while Nakumatt Supermarkets had not i.e. Uchumi Supermarkets was playing by the rules, Nakumatt Supermarkets wasn't.
So what are the gentlemen in accompanying image toasting to at a year 2005 Nakumatt Supermarkets function, launching a gas cylinder that was thereafter merchandised through the Nakumatt chain of supermarkets?
They were toasting to the fall of Uchumi Supermarkets even though they continue to profess to targeting to create widespread opportunities and widespread employment in Kenya, including Kalonzo Musyoka, who was present, but is cut out of accompanying image.
Uchumi Supermarkets eventually went bust again and is now insolvent and in limbo, despite the hefty cash injection of 600 Kenya Shillings above of 2006.
One other thing i.e. the above events leading up to the demise of Uchumi Supermarkets is one of many negative incidents that took place under the watch of President Mwai Kibaki during his Kenyan presidency of 30th December 2002 to 9th April 2013 and it is baffling why Mwai Kibaki continues to be painted and portrayed as some sort of "Messiah" who saved Kenya from the "Jaws of Death," and who is the "best thing" to have happened to Independent Kenya so far;
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