Our political landscape has undergone significant changes, especially following President William Ruto’s announcement of a broad-based government aimed at integrating diverse political factions, parties, and ethnic groups into key governance roles.

This approach has been promoted as an attempt to unite the country, which has been historically fragmented by political and ethnic divisions, especially during election periods. The frequent political transitions in the country have led to polarization, discouraging investment and negatively impacting our economy with key stakeholders raising concerns.

President Ruto’s handshake with his archrival in the 2022 general election marked the fourth time Raila Odinga has entered into a political agreement with his opponent, signaling a shift in the system inherited from the colonial era, which has often failed to provide stability after elections. The cycle of political leadership changes has not only disrupted governance but also created a volatile environment, dissuading potential investors and stalling economic growth.

Although political parties such as Wiper, DAP-K, and the People’s Liberation Party have announced themselves as the opposition, they are unlikely to be as influential as the ODM party, which now has a working Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the ruling party. This has set the stage for a governance system similar to China’s, where politicians focus on the country’s wellbeing through consensus.

It is often argued that less political infighting results in a more thriving economy, a theory that has proven true in China. Even my friend, an Associate Professor of Political Science at Susquehanna University, recently shared with me that President Donald Trump’s unilateral decisions have caused division in the U.S and likely to negatively affect their economy.

For years, the West, with its emphasis on “democracy,” has convinced African countries that frequent elections are the key to development. However, this system has often proven ineffective, especially in the context of Africa’s unique political environment. Regular elections in countries like Kenya have created political instability, reducing the potential for economic growth. Instead, African countries could take a page from China’s book by focusing on continuity, long-term governance, and policy stability.

Ruto’s broad-based government aims to align elements of inclusivity and stability, ensuring that everyone feels part of the administration, thus giving him ample time to fulfill his campaign promises. However, the question remains: will he be able to unite the country fully, especially with Odinga by his side?

Ruto’s model of governance bears resemblance to China’s system, as both emphasize national unity and stability, albeit within different political frameworks. While China operates under a one-party system, Kenya remains a multi-party democracy, which is a crucial distinction. However, the intent behind Ruto’s approach is to foster national cohesion and political stability in a country historically fractured by ethnic divisions. For decades, the leadership has been dominated by a few tribes, with others feeling excluded from key government appointments, as seen in Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment over remarks about “shares.” Such exclusionary practices have further polarized the country, but Ruto and Odinga now claim to be on the path to promoting inclusivity by appointing leaders from diverse political parties, regions, and ethnic backgrounds into key government positions.

The goal of this broad-based government is to ensure no group feels excluded from the decision-making process, thereby fostering national unity. By incorporating figures from opposition parties like ODM, Ruto’s administration hopes to create a sense of shared responsibility for Kenya’s development and peace. However, this approach operates within the framework of Kenya’s multi-party constitution, where political competition and civil liberties remain fundamental principles.

Similar to China, where the government emphasizes national harmony and works to integrate different ethnic communities into a unified national identity, Ruto’s broad-based government is designed to promote inclusivity. It seeks to ensure various political factions, communities, and regions are represented in the decision-making process, with the aim of healing past political rifts and avoiding ethnic divisions.

Since 1949, the Communist Party of China (CPC) has maintained the country’s unity and provided consistent leadership for its economic growth. The country’s rise on the global stage has been driven by effective governance and a capable government that has made long-term commitments, resulting in steady economic influence. Critics of the CPC often claim the party is dictatorial and lacks transparency, but this view fails to acknowledge that the Chinese people have chosen a system that works for them, independent of external pressures.

If Ruto manages to unite all political factions under his leadership and build a strong, broad-based government with little opposition, his governance model could closely resemble China’s system of centralized leadership. While Kenya remains a democratic country, the question of whether this centralized approach will promote stability and economic growth remains to be seen.

— The writer is a journalist and a communication consultant-