Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, once a respected law professor, now spends much of his time at public rallies handing out money to youth, women, and persons with disabilities.

These events are marketed as part of the government's commitment to uplifting vulnerable groups. However, behind the staged photo-ops and speeches, many Kenyans are questioning whether these gatherings offer anything of lasting value.

Empty Envelopes and Broken Promises

Beneath the veneer of generosity, troubling stories have emerged. One widow, leading a group of 31 members, reported that her entire group received only Ksh 2,000—equivalent to roughly Ksh 64 per person. Another group of 18 people living with disabilities received Ksh 20,000, not even enough to cover the cost of travel to the venue.

These experiences highlight a growing concern: the government's so-called empowerment efforts may be more performative than practical.

From Bottom-Up to Trickle-Down?

During the 2022 campaign, Kenya Kwanza won public support by promising a bottom-up economic model—an approach that would invest in ordinary citizens through systemic reform, access to credit, and entrepreneurship support.

What many Kenyans are seeing now feels familiar—and disappointing. Handouts at public events, large cheques displayed on stage, and limited follow-through resemble the trickle-down politics voters rejected. Instead of sustainable development, citizens are being offered symbolic aid.

The Illusion of Empowerment

In the iconic Kenyan play Betrayal in the City, a character remarks that young people “only have money in theory.” That line continues to ring true. Many Kenyans watch as promises are made in speeches, only for reality to return unchanged once the cameras are gone.

There is little transparency on how beneficiaries are selected, how funds are distributed, or whether there's any follow-up. Instead, public projects often feature the faces of politicians, reinforcing the idea that services are personal favours, not rights guaranteed by the constitution.

Kenyans Deserve Better

More than half a century after independence—and more than a decade since a new constitution promised devolution and dignity—many Kenyans are still waiting for real empowerment.

Kenyans did not vote for charity. They voted for dignified, accountable systems that allow them to thrive without relying on political handouts. Leadership should be about building those systems, not staging temporary shows of generosity.

As the government reflects on its performance halfway through its term, one message is clear: Kenyans want policies, not performances. And real empowerment means building lasting structures—not giving away envelopes at rallies.