BONYO'S BONE: Lead, not for awards or recognition

In the streets, they say the search for bread is constant, meaning everyone is looking for a livelihood by hook or crook!

In recent months, elected leaders—MPs, Governors, and even MCAs—have been parading through swanky hotels in Nairobi, all in the name of being "recognized or receiving awards."

The recognition? A flood of opinion polls, many of them with questionable sources whose credibility barely outlasts the lavish breakfast or dinner served alongside them.

Walk into some of the politicians' offices today, and you’ll be greeted by a gallery of certificates and trophies—empty tokens that mean nothing to the people they serve.

Opinion polls have long been used to gauge public perception. But in Kenya, they’ve taken a troubling, almost laughable turn.

Take this—some MPs are now ranked based on media appearances rather than their legislative work. Since when did being a frequent guest on TV become a measure of leadership?

Let’s get this straight: a Member of Parliament has three key roles—representation, oversight, and legislation. Full stop.

If there’s to be an appraisal, it must be on these parameters, not media airtime, not frequent travels to the constituency.

Governors and their executive teams have constitutionally defined roles. If performance is to be assessed, it is the electorate—not some obscure pollster in downtown Nairobi—who should decide.

But here’s what’s worse—these opinion poll awards are not just misleading; they are draining public funds. The attendant celebrations by the leaders and their hang-abouts are a waste of taxpayers' money.

And let’s be clear: bad leadership cannot be undone by trophies or titles. No amount of awards can mask incompetence.

While evaluation is important, even self-appraisal has limits. Kenyan leaders must step up and deliver—not chase clout through staged opinion polls.

And to the pollsters: enough of the hype over substance! When half the National Assembly walks away with a certificate, you have hit rock bottom.

Polling should be about credibility, not dispensing it at a fee!