Service delivery by government is a legitimate right, not favour

The essence of governance lies in service to the people. When Kenyans elect leaders or pay taxes, they do so with the expectation that government will, in return, deliver services efficiently, equitably, and transparently.

Unfortunately, recent political utterances by leaders including elected Members of Parliament and Cabinet Secretaries wooing regions they come from as a political bait for to realise development projects suggesting that development should depend on political allegiance, reflect a dangerous and undemocratic mindset that undermines the very foundation of public service.

Public resources do not belong to any political party or leader; they belong to the citizens. Roads, schools, hospitals, water, and electricity are not gifts from politicians but rights enshrined in the Constitution. Article 43 of the Constitution of Kenya guarantees every citizen access to basic services, including health, education, and social security.

When leaders treat these as personal favours to reward supporters or punish opponents, they violate the principle of equality and the rule of law.

This culture of patronage and political favoritism has long haunted Kenya’s development agenda. For decades, regions perceived as opposition strongholds have often been sidelined in budget allocations, infrastructure development, and government appointments.

Such discrimination fuels marginalisation, breeds resentment, and perpetuates inequality. In a democratic society, government must be neutral in delivering services regardless of how citizens voted or what party dominates a region.

Service delivery is not a political tool; it is a social contract between the state and its people.

When politicians distribute development selectively, they convert public goods into instruments of control. This mindset keeps citizens beholden to individuals rather than institutions, weakening democracy and fostering corruption. A government that only serves its supporters ceases to be a government for all it becomes a regime of exclusion.

True leadership demands fairness and accountability.

President William Ruto’s administration must reaffirm that every Kenyan whether from whichever part of the country is entitled to the same quality of services. It is the duty of elected leaders to serve every constituency equally, not to hold development hostage to political loyalty. If anything, a region that voted for the opposition still contributes taxes and deserves equal treatment.

Kenya’s Vision 2030 and devolution framework were designed to eliminate this culture of selective development. Devolved governments and national agencies must therefore operate under the principle of inclusivity, ensuring that service delivery is based on need, not politics. When citizens see that government services are impartial and accessible, trust in institutions grows and so does national unity.

Ultimately, service delivery is a moral and constitutional obligation. It is not an act of generosity but a test of integrity and justice. Politicians must remember that they are public servants, not patrons distributing handouts. Kenyans, on their part, should demand accountability and refuse to be manipulated by the false notion that development is a favour bestowed by the powerful.

A truly democratic government does not discriminate, instead, it delivers. Because in Kenya, service delivery is not a privilege; it is a legitimate right.