Government Spokesperson Sen. Dr. Isaac Mwaura when addressing media at KICC. Photo courtesy
Today marks the second anniversary of the Kenya Kwanza administration, led by President William Ruto, which assumed office on September 13, 2022. In a comprehensive address, Government Spokesperson Hon. Sen. (Dr.) Isaac Mwaura highlighted the significant strides made under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) and laid out future plans.
Agriculture, a cornerstone of Kenya’s economy, has seen substantial improvements. Contributing 25 percent to GDP and employing approximately 40 percent of Kenyans, the sector has benefited from key reforms. The Fertilizer Subsidy Program, which digitally registered 6.15 million farmers, reduced fertilizer costs from Ksh. 6,000 to Ksh. 2,500. This initiative led to a 38.9 percent increase in maize production and a reduction in maize imports by 33.7 percent .
Additionally, the government’s support for various agricultural sectors, including tea, edible oils, dairy, and cotton, has significantly boosted productivity and farmer incomes.
The Kenya Kwanza Government has prioritized the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) sector, which employs 85 percent of the workforce. Key achievements include the refurbishment of 21 County Industrial Development Centers and the ongoing construction of County Aggregation Industrial Parks (CAIPs). The Hustler Fund, launched in 2022, has provided Ksh. 54.9 billion in credit to 21.87 million individuals, aiming to enhance financial inclusion and support economic growth.
In housing, the administration is working towards its goal of constructing 250,000 affordable units annually. To date, 112,405 units are complete or underway, creating 160,000 jobs. The Universal Healthcare program has seen significant enhancements, including the establishment of the Social Health Authority and improvements in health infrastructure and community health initiatives.
The government has made notable advancements in digital infrastructure, expanding fiber optic cable installation by 111 percent and setting up 274 Digital Hubs. The Ajira and Jitume Programs have increased digital job opportunities by 409 percent, and digitization of government services has surged by 5,859%.
The administration’s future focus includes investing in climate-smart agriculture, expanding the Hustler Fund, accelerating affordable housing projects, and enhancing digital connectivity with the rollout of 5G technology. The government also plans to support the creative arts and tech entrepreneurs, positioning Kenya as a global hub for innovation.
In response to recent misinformation regarding the Endarasha fire incident, the government has urged Kenyans to avoid propaganda and allow for proper mourning and investigation processes.
Regarding the proposed Adani JKIA deal, officials clarified that it was merely a proposal and emphasized that the government currently lacks the capacity to construct a 250 billion new airport terminal.
