The Kenya Kwanza government has outlined its progress in stabilizing the nation’s economy, with government spokesman Isaac Mwaura emphasizing the administration’s resilience in overcoming challenges.
Mwaura noted that the government’s ongoing efforts are aimed at building a country where no Kenyan is left behind.
During his address on Monday, Mwaura outlined five key pillars driving the economic transformation under Kenya Kwanza:
Agriculture, Affordable Housing, Universal Healthcare, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), the Digital Superhighway, and the Creative Economy.
Mwaura highlighted the government’s success in stabilizing the Kenyan shilling, boosting investor confidence, and ensuring overall macroeconomic stability.
He also pointed to Kenya’s timely repayment of the Eurobond, which has strengthened the nation’s credibility in global financial markets despite tough global economic conditions.
In the tourism sector, the introduction of Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) has modernized the entry process, helping increase tourist arrivals from 1.48 million to 2.5 million.
In healthcare, Mwaura shared that the government has engaged 107,000 Community Health Promoters (CHPs) to enhance the national healthcare system.
These CHPs have already registered 7.8 million households with the Social Health Authority (SHA), with a goal of reaching 12.5 million households.
They have also screened millions for conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, referring thousands for further care, and have assisted in identifying and referring 247,000 pregnant women for essential maternal health services.
The launch of Taifa Care has led to over 16.5 million Kenyans registering for the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), including 5.6 million transitioning from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).
In agriculture, the government’s fertilizer subsidy program has significantly reduced fertilizer costs by 67%, from Sh7,500 to Sh2,500 per 50kg bag, leading to increased food production.
This has strengthened the national food reserves, with substantial stocks of maize, wheat, and rice.
The cost of maize flour (unga) has dropped by 52%, from Sh230 to about Sh100 per 2kg packet.
Mwaura also pointed out growth in the dairy industry, with farmers now earning 33% higher than the guaranteed minimum returns, with milk prices rising from Sh33.11 to Sh50 per liter.
Additionally, the leather industry has seen a 23.5% increase in employment, generating 21,000 new jobs.
The government’s affordable housing initiative is progressing with 124,000 units in various stages of construction, and 4,888 units available for sale through the Boma Yangu platform.
Over 550,000 Kenyans have registered for homeownership, and the program has already created 200,000 jobs, with a target of one million by the completion of additional housing units.
The government has also trained and certified 213 artisans through its artisan development program.
Addressing concerns in the healthcare sector, Mwaura noted that the Ministry of Health and the Council of Governors (CoG) have signed a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) to ensure that medical interns receive a salary increase to Sh206,000 per month, up from Sh70,000, alongside the settlement of salary arrears.
The government has also digitized over 20,855 services on the eCitizen portal, improving transparency, service delivery, and revenue mobilization.
Kenya is positioning itself as a regional leader in digital innovation, with 274 digital hubs already operational and plans to establish 1,450 more across the country in partnership with the private sector.
Through initiatives like Ajira Digital and Jitume Digital, the government has equipped 690,000 citizens with ICT skills.
The Jitume hub at the Rift Valley Institute of Technology (RVIST) has already created employment for over 200 youths, generating more than Sh3 million in revenue.
Looking ahead to 2025, Mwaura emphasized that the government will continue to build on these achievements, focusing on enhancing productivity, fostering innovation, and ensuring inclusivity across all sectors.
Despite ongoing challenges, including global economic pressures, he assured Kenyans that the government remains committed to fulfilling its promises and urged citizens to stay optimistic and actively participate in shaping the nation’s future.
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