In other quarters they are trade unions.
These groups fight for their members.
They influence decisions to favor their members.
The key goal is to put pressure or lobby,
So that their members can benefit.
In Kenya we have KNUT, KUPPET and KMPDU,
Think of Kenya without these interest groups.
Absence of interest groups denies workers decent pay,
and subjects them to poor working conditions.
Without interest group there is no respect.
A people without interest group are powerless,
Why do musicians and artists die poor?
They have no serious group to fight for them,
When you see people in streets with placards,
It is their rights they defend.
But, who funds these groups?
These interest groups are funded by their members,
Through membership fee and monthly contributions.
The strength of KNUT, KUPPET and KMPDU is in its funds,
The monthly membership commitment can paralyze a whole nation.
They can organize successful strikes and demonstrations.
These groups have well-furnished offices,
And employees who are paid monthly by members.
Who get help from these offices and employees?
Only members who pay monthly contributions.
If an interest group is not well off,
It is assisted by sister interest groups in other nations,
That is why interest groups in Kenya receive donations.
Now, church is an interest group,
But many people do not understand that.
Church bring Christians in a given area together.
Church lobby for decisions that favor Christians,
Without church Christians are exploited.
But, who funds activities of your church?
A church without resources is like MCSK.
It has no voice.
It is sad to say most churches are neglected,
Some do not even have employees,
They have volunteers.
Reason being members do not make contributions.
Do you make contributions in your church?
When you go to your church empty handed,
You make your interest group to be weak.
Church an Interest Group,
By Gichuka Waithira
