By Hon. James Wanjohi
As Kenya approaches the 2027 General Election, we face a defining moment in our democratic journey. The question before us is not merely who will win political contests, but what kind of leadership we choose to entrust with our future.
At the heart of this decision lies the role of the Member of Parliament (MP)—a position too often misunderstood, underutilized, or reduced to symbolism. If Kenya is to progress socially, economically, and institutionally, we must commit to electing MPs who perform.
Members of Parliament are not elected to be ceremonial figures or crowd-pleasing entertainers. They are lawmakers, overseers of public resources, and defenders of the Constitution. Parliament shapes the laws that govern our economy, our education system, our healthcare, and our freedoms.
When MPs fail to legislate effectively, skip parliamentary sessions, or neglect committee work, the cost is borne by ordinary Kenyans in the form of poor services, weak accountability, and stalled development.
A performing MP is one who understands that representation goes beyond election season. It means consistently articulating the needs of constituents in Parliament, participating actively in debates, and contributing to meaningful legislation. It means scrutinizing government spending, demanding transparency, and standing firm against waste and corruption—regardless of political convenience. Oversight is not opposition; it is patriotism.
Equally important is the responsible management of devolved funds, including the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF). These resources are intended to expand access to education, improve local infrastructure, and uplift vulnerable communities. Electing MPs with integrity, competence, and a track record of results ensures that such funds are used efficiently and equitably, rather than lost to mismanagement or patronage.
Kenya’s challenges today—youth unemployment, rising cost of living, public debt, and strained public services—demand serious, informed leadership. We cannot afford leaders who confuse noise for impact or loyalty for performance. Parliament needs men and women who read bills, understand policy, consult experts, and place national interest above personal gain.
The power to change the quality of our leadership rests with the voter. As citizens, we must look beyond handouts, slogans, and last-minute generosity. We must ask hard questions: Has this MP attended Parliament? Have they sponsored or contributed to laws that improve lives? Have they been accessible, ethical, and effective? Performance is measurable, and information is available to those willing to seek it.
The 2027 election offers Kenyans an opportunity to reset expectations and raise the standard of leadership. By electing performing MPs, we strengthen Parliament, deepen democracy, and lay a firmer foundation for inclusive development. Our future depends not on promises made, but on work done. Let us choose performance.
Hon James Wanjohi is a well known business mogul and an aspiring member of Parliament. Kabete constituency
