JAMILA’S MEMO: Jobs for loyalty

Recent remarks by a local leader in Central Kenya have prompted me to reflect on a worrying trend — the apparent barter trade involving the exchange of public sector jobs in exchange for political loyalty. Murang’a Woman Representative Betty Njeri Maina made headlines after speaking in her county following a visit to State House.

"Juzi tuliitwa huko State House na nitasema peupe, tukapewa barua za walimu, zile constituency wabunge wao hawakukuja watoto wa hiyo constituency hawakupata nafasi ya kuajiriwa. Mimi nilienda na wabunge 11 wa Kiambu. Kila mtu akipewa barua ishirini, wabunge wao walienda na barua 220," she said.

In essence, she implied that those who were not part of that delegation did not receive employment letters from the Teachers Service Commission — as though job opportunities were a reward for political allegiance rather than a response to merit and need.

This completely ignores the fact that schoolchildren across the country are waiting for teachers — not political alliances.

This has confirmed what has long been suspected: the exchange of political favors for loyalty.

As the President speaks of 76,000 teachers employed, maybe it is time we audited the process of recruiting. Granted, they could be qualified, but the process is important. If this was an election, it would be nullified.

She went further to suggest that legislators who did not accompany the delegation had failed their constituents, having lost out on job opportunities they "could have secured" for them. This kind of rhetoric is not just unfortunate; it is dangerous.

Public service is not a loyalty reward scheme. Political loyalty should never be used to disadvantage a section of the population. It goes against the very essence of democracy and equal representation. Every Kenyan, regardless of who they voted for or which leader they support, has a right to equal opportunity and access to government services.

This trend where development projects and public resources are directed only to areas whose elected leaders are seen to support the government of the day is deeply unfair — and frankly, unconstitutional. It punishes ordinary citizens for political choices made in good faith and further deepens national divisions.

But what are the people in those "unfavored" areas supposed to do? Do they not have the freedom to choose leaders who challenge or hold the government accountable? What does this mean for our democracy, for the idea of a healthy opposition?

If legislators are being forced to sing the government’s tune just to receive development in their constituencies, then we are not practicing democracy — we are operating under coercion disguised as politics. The opposition becomes ineffective. Dissent is stifled. And citizens are forced to weigh survival over principle.

This kind of conduct is not only unjust but also undermines the principles of transparency, fairness, and merit that are enshrined in our constitution. It denies qualified, deserving Kenyans the opportunity to serve their country simply because they lack the “right” political connections.

Leadership should be about service, not favors. Jobs should be given based on competence, not allegiance. Development should be guided by need, not loyalty.