The recent philanthropic efforts of YouTuber Mr Beast have shone a sobering light on the state of access to clean water in parts of Kenya. In a video titled “I Built 100 Wells in Africa,” the popular content creator built numerous wells providing potable water to underserved communities – the majority located in Kenya.
However, it was his closing statement that gave pause: “I know it’s weird that a YouTuber has to do all this stuff, but someone’s got to do it, and if no one else is, we are gonna do it, as you can tell it really does change the lives of communities where we build them.”
While Mr Beast’s altruism is praiseworthy, his sentiments reveal an inconvenient truth. In Kenya, access to clean water remains a persistent struggle for rural communities despite billions of shillings allocated to counties annually to provide this basic necessity.
Where are Kenya’s elected leaders in all this? Shouldn’t the construction of wells and ensuring citizens’ access to clean water fall under their purview? After all, that is presumably what the taxpayer-funded county budgets are for. Yet a foreign YouTuber has had to step in to fill the void.
Unlike publicity-loving politicians who never miss a chance to cut ribbons amid much pomp and pageantry, Mr Beast quietly came in, built the wells, and left – his good works speaking for themselves. No flashy PR stunts or speeches heaping praises on his own magnificence. Just a humble desire to help others.
Sadly, many politicians treat taxpayer-funded projects like personal trophies to embellish their legacies rather than solemn responsibilities. More emphasis is placed on sensational headlines and glittering ceremonies than on ensuring sustainable outcomes for constituents.
It’s no wonder citizens across Kenya report dysfunctional ghost projects dotting their counties – from shallow wells running dry after a photo op to half-built health centers abandoned after the last election.
Meanwhile, ordinary Kenyans continue scrambling for the most basic necessities. Mothers watch helplessly as their children fall ill from drinking contaminated water. Young girls miss school because they spend hours walking miles to fetch water for their families. Access to clean water remains a pipe dream for entire communities.
But politicians would rather splurge on flashy SUVs, luxury hotels and first-class air travel than invest in life-changing infrastructure for the electorate. Thanks to sky-high salaries and perks, they are insulated from the harsh realities of citizens struggling to survive.
Mr Beast’s video was a sobering case study on how those tasked with governing often neglect the governed. While governments spend billions vainly chasing lofty visions of economic prosperity, citizens lack even the most elementary requirements of life.
Kenya’s leaders could learn a thing or two from Mr Beast’s brand of servant leadership. It entails addressing real problems at the grassroots level without the need for fanfare. Getting hands dirty building real bridges with – not just for – communities. Empathizing with peoples’ daily struggles instead of making grandiose promises during elections.
Questionable priorities within government have forced well-meaning outsiders to intervene out of moral necessity. But sustainable progress requires homegrown leaders willing to serve with integrity. Leaders who walk the talk translating budgets into real outcomes for taxpayers. Leaders who lead by example – not by love for privilege and pomp.
Mr Beast has set the bar high even as a foreigner. But he cannot do it all. The question is – how much longer will elected leaders continue playing politics with peoples’ lives before stepping up to the plate? For there is no shortage of problems to solve if one’s heart is inclined towards service.
