Mwananchi Mina, a young university graduate, writes to the President of Kenya about the need to polish up our reputation
Dear Mr. President,

Mwananchi is saddened by the bad publicity our country is receiving.Not long ago, Mwananchi brought to your attention the childish behavior that was being displayed in at the August House.

I am not surprised that it caught the attention of some international organizations and now our Members of Parliament are ranked amongst the greediest public servants in the world.Very unflattering, I must say.As the five East African countries have merged to form the East Africa Community, another recent report showed that Kenya is ranked second as the most ‘corruption infested’ country; so much for our ‘economic giant’ paradoxical reputation. This relationship between the perceived economic prosperity and the perennial corruption puzzles me, by the way.It doesn’t then come as a surprise that within the East African Community, Kenyans are generally viewed with plenty of skeptical sentiments by the rest of the community. In some cases, we are seen as the ones who will rush to milk others dry of their available resources, grab most of the investment opportunities and do anything to benefit optimally from this alliance. Honestly, Mwananchi is curious to know what you say in your meetings with the other East African Heads of State.
Sir, Mwananchi is definitely happy about the prospects that come with this venture for all the partakers of this big East African cake. While there may be a valid reason for some of our brothers to view us with suspicion, Kenyans still have plenty of benevolence and dignity left in them to make good partners. This, your Excellency, is the message that Mwananchi would like you to pass on to your fellow Heads of States as you sip coffee in your luxury lounges. Just renew the vow of commitment of zero tolerance to corruption with the same fervor as you did few years ago. This time, Sir, mean what you say.  Please don’t forget to remind them to reinforce the same message to their citizens.
Most Kenyans are hardworking, friendly and accommodating. Our diversity allows us to be flexible when it comes to intercultural interactions. We are open minded, foresighted and are willing to learn from others. Yes, Mr. President, while I know you are a busy man, Mwananchi would like to point out that these are some of the many qualities of Kenyans that are being overshadowed by the negative publicity that results from a brood of people who are determined to drag our Great Nation’s name through the mud.
Frankly, Your Excellency, this is exasperating. However, Mwananchi and all noble Kenyans are hopeful that there is a remnant ready to salvage our country’s reputation today. If you subscribe to the notion that it’s not possible to slay the monster of greed and corruption, I beg to differ, Sir. We are committed to development and we are determined to do things the right way. Welcome, East Africans, to the new Kenya.

Yours faithfully,
Mwananchi Minah.