Every November, Americans gather for Thanksgiving Week, a time dedicated to gratitude, reflection, and celebrating the good things in life. The tradition dates back to early settlers and their successful harvest, and while it may have evolved into a commercialised, turkey-and-pie-filled affair, the heart of Thanksgiving remains gratitude.
And what if, instead of adopting a day dedicated to giving thanks, Kenyans embraced the opposite: a National Whining Day? I have been toying around with a crazy idea – a public holiday set aside for just complaining. At the moment there is nothing good to write home about Kenya, politically speaking. Kenyans are hurt and hurting people hurt others. We need a ‘National Suggestion Box’ so we can raise our complaints and feel relieved.
The idea of a National Whining Day for Kenyans might sound ridiculous at first, but let’s consider the concept. Kenya, like many other nations, is no stranger to challenges. From political turmoil and economic struggles to infrastructural deficiencies and everyday frustrations, there’s always something to grumble about. Whether it’s endless traffic, corrupt politicians, skyrocketing food prices, or unreliable public services, Kenyans have a list of complaints long enough to fill several notebooks.
So, what if we had one day – just one – when the nation comes together and openly vents? A National Whining Day could be a cathartic release, a chance to air grievances, express frustrations, and, hopefully, inspire change. In a society where many people feel voiceless and frustrated by the slow pace of progress, such a day might offer an outlet for collective dissatisfaction. While Thanksgiving Week encourages Americans to reflect on blessings, National Whining Day could allow Kenyans to unleash pent-up frustrations in a healthy, organized way.
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Kenya is a country where many citizens are encouraged to “stay strong” in the face of adversity. We’re often told to soldier on, make do with what we have, and keep our heads down. While resilience is important, constant endurance without acknowledgment of hardship can be exhausting. National Whining Day would allow Kenyans to break from the facade of strength and be open about their struggles. It would encourage honesty about how tough things can get, without the need to coat it in false positivity.
From failing healthcare systems to underfunded schools and corruption scandals, the issues Kenyans face are not just minor annoyances but deep-rooted problems. Political promises are often unfulfilled, the cost of living continues to rise, and unemployment is widespread. These are not simply trivial matters that can be brushed aside with a smile; they affect everyday life in significant ways. National Whining Day could serve as an opportunity to voice these concerns collectively.
Forced Optimism
The culture of forced optimism can be draining. Social media is filled with messages about “hustle culture,” “stay positive,” and “keep grinding.” While it’s important to have hope, there’s value in acknowledging when things aren’t going well. National Whining Day could be a break from that constant pressure to be positive. It could be a day when people can say, “You know what? Today, I’m not okay, and that’s fine.”
Complaining, when done in moderation, can foster empathy and community. On National Whining Day, Kenyans would share their struggles, and others would listen, nodding in understanding. Realizing that your neighbor is also frustrated by power outages, that your colleague is equally stressed by high school fees, or that a matatu driver shares your anger over potholes can create a sense of solidarity. It would remind us that, despite our individual struggles, we are not alone.
To make National Whining Day effective, it would need some structure. This wouldn’t just be a day for endless negativity or unconstructive complaints. The goal would be to vent frustrations, but also to look for solutions or to bring attention to systemic problems that need addressing. Here’s how it could work:
On National Whining Day, people could take to social media to share their biggest frustrations with the hashtag #KenyaWhiningDay. Whether it’s about poor service delivery, corruption, or daily struggles with the cost of living, everyone could join the conversation. Politicians, influencers, and businesses would be encouraged to tune in and listen to the grievances of the public, potentially sparking conversations about solutions.
Bottling up frustrations can lead to burnout, while letting them out can provide a sense of relief.
Set up community forums and Olopen mics. Communities could organize open forums or “venting sessions” where people could gather in local halls or public spaces to share their complaints. These events would be moderated to ensure that grievances are aired constructively. Additionally, there could be open mics where people can humorously rant about their frustrations, adding a bit of levity to the day.
Encouraging constructive whining. National Whining Day wouldn’t just be about complaining for the sake of it. The emphasis would be on constructive whining—highlighting the problem and, where possible, suggesting potential solutions. It could encourage civic responsibility and dialogue between citizens and leaders.
Believe it or not, complaining can have benefits when done properly. It can serve as an emotional release, lowering stress levels and improving mental health. Bottling up frustrations can lead to burnout, while letting them out can provide a sense of relief. A National Whining Day would give Kenyans permission to acknowledge that things are tough and that it’s okay to express dissatisfaction.
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Moreover, airing grievances publicly can bring attention to problems that may have been ignored or minimized. Leaders and decision-makers, if they are paying attention, could use the insights from National Whining Day to address pressing issues more effectively.
While Thanksgiving Week in the U.S. emphasizes gratitude and reflection, Kenya might benefit from a different kind of national tradition — one that embraces the act of complaining as a legitimate emotional and civic exercise. National Whining Day would allow Kenyans to release frustrations, build solidarity, and, ideally, inspire solutions to the many challenges the country faces.
Rather than seeing complaints as negative, we could view them as a starting point for change. After all, sometimes it’s only by first acknowledging what’s wrong that we can begin to fix it.
Kamomonti wa Kiambati teaches English and Literature in Gatundu North Sub County.
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