Uhuru Kenyatta’s Jubilee government has about two years to complete what it promised Kenyans for its reelection in 2017.
The party’s manifesto was one that reeked of hope and inspiration and which showed that the government was indeed the transforming entity that Kenya needed.
The introductory message by Kenyatta reads, “Kenya has immense potential for growth, modernisation and prosperity. Growth that leaves no one behind; modernisation that secures our future for generations to come; and a prosperity that we can all share and enjoy.”
Everyone Left Behind Except the Politically Connected
Despite the assurance, the government has so far proven that it cannot keep its word. Everyone, including Uhuru’s deputy William Ruto have been left behind.
The dynamic duo had promised to work hard alongside all Kenyans across the country to create “a vibrant and modern Kenya that provides us all with the platform to achieve our true potential.” It was a lie!
The manifesto’s charm by the president was, “We are building a 21st Century hi-tech industrial revolution in Kenya. Our plan is to continue to develop our nation’s transport, ICT and energy infrastructure so that Kenya attracts global industry and, with it, a huge expansion in sustainable, high quality, hi-tech jobs for everyone, young and old.”
Again, this is a lie since companies have been closing down with thousands of Kenyans losing their jobs.
The ruse was that the Jubilee government had already delivered improved security, economic stability, jobs, expanded access to affordable health care and modernised public services.
“We must now redouble our efforts to build upon the foundations of success. The task is not yet complete. The work must continue and should not be derailed.”
Looking at the reality on the ground, the picture is far from what the Uhuruto government had planned or- may be- envisioned. The cracks in government mean that the achievement of these promises will remain a dream.
The NHIF, for instance, is robbing Kenyans blind and denying them services due to some archaic rules they have implemented, voluntary contributors cannot get services since the accounts are compromised while civil servants are planning a walk out of the hegemonic entity.
The promises that Uhuru has to deliver in the next less than 24 months were based on his government being re-elected.
According to the manifesto, the Jubilee government was to:
- Create 1.3 million jobs every year and work with county governments to establish at least one industry in every county.
- Establish a government-sponsored apprenticeship programme of up to 12 months for all university and TVET graduates.
- Double the number of vulnerable citizens supported through the cash transfer programme (Inua Jamii) from 700,000 to 1,400,000. This will include all citizens above the age of 70; in addition, all citizens above the age of 70 will obtain health insurance cover through the NHIF.
- Expand the free primary school programme to include free day public secondary schools in Kenya.
- Facilitate mass housing production of at least 500,000 affordable homes in 5 years across the country by working in partnership with financial institutions, private developers, manufacturers of building materials and cooperatives to deliver homes faster and reduce the cost of construction by at least 50%.
- Expand free maternity care to include government-funded NHIF cover for every expectant mother for one year.
- Ensure every citizen is connected to reliable and affordable electricity (on or off-grid) by 2020.
- Expand food and agricultural production, double the fertiliser subsidy initiative, reducing the cost to farmers to less than Ksh1,500. Expand the programme to include all crops with a resultant increase in production and support the expansion and capacity of local fertiliser manufacture.
- Complete the 57-large-scale dam construction programme, support small-holder agricultural irrigation and work with the private sector to enhance food and agricultural production on at least 1.2 million acres.
- Make government more transparent and accountable through the digitisation of all government procurement; expand and deliver e-government services through the growing network of Huduma Centres.
These 10 things were to be accomplished under three pillars. The pillars were Transforming Lives, Transforming Society and Transforming the Nation.
Delivering the manifesto, Uhuru said, “I seek to continue to serve as President of our great country because I have the vision, experience, skills and trust to deliver the stability, continuity and responsible governance that our country needs at this critical moment in our development journey.”
Only time will tell if he indeed was a visionary or it was just all on paper via Cambridge Analytica.
