By Eddah Waithaka
The Kenyan government has introduced an ambitious initiative designed to address urgent issues and create a sustainable future for its citizens. During a presentation at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre, Government Spokesperson Hon. Sen. (Dr.) Isaac Mwaura outlined important reforms focused on enhancing transparency, ensuring justice, and stimulating economic growth.
Recognizing corruption as a significant national issue, the government has put forth extensive legislative reforms aimed at increasing accountability. Proposed changes to the Evidence Act and the Criminal Procedure Code are designed to expedite investigations, setting a six-month goal for resolving bribery cases.
To foster public engagement, new provisions in the Witness Protection Act will prioritize the safety of whistleblowers, enabling citizens to report wrongdoing without fearing retaliation. Furthermore, the digitization of procurement processes will enhance transparency and minimize opportunities for unethical practices.
The government has emphasized its dedication to justice in light of recent protests that led to injuries and heartbreaking fatalities.
Investigations conducted by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), alongside oversight from the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), are focused on holding accountable those responsible for any violations.
Dr. Mwaura assured the Kenyan public that safeguarding human rights and delivering justice continue to be paramount concerns for the administration.
Healthcare reform is a key priority for the government. In an effort to address the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) debt, the government has allocated Kshs. 938 million to faith-based hospitals, with further payments anticipated.
The move to the State Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) has successfully enrolled more than 14 million Kenyans, marking a significant step toward achieving universal healthcare access. Citizens are encouraged to register with SHIF to take advantage of enhanced health services.
Kenya’s economic outlook appears bright, bolstered by a 17-year low in inflation at 2.7%, which is alleviating the cost of living for many citizens. Significant investments in agriculture have yielded record production levels, creating surpluses in key crops like maize and sugar.
Additionally, the decrease in prices for essential goods such as milk, unga, and fuel underscores the government’s efforts to support households. Dr. Mwaura emphasized that these successes align with President William Ruto’s vision for a self-sustaining economy.
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To foster opportunities for young people, the government is leading initiatives such as the Affordable Housing Project, which has generated 160,000 jobs. Furthermore, the export of labor to countries like Canada, Saudi Arabia, and the UK has increased, with over 105,000 Kenyans finding employment overseas.
On the local front, digital hubs and programs like Jitume are providing young individuals with essential skills and linking them to online job opportunities.
Education has also seen significant advancements through ongoing investments in the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). So far, over 16,000 classrooms have been constructed, and a historic 56,950 teachers have been hired to facilitate the implementation of this educational framework.
Additionally, funding for universities has been effectively managed, with more than Kshs 41 billion allocated since 2023 to guarantee that students receive high-quality education.
Dr. Mwaura reiterated the government’s dedication to upholding constitutional integrity and promoting good governance. The decision to reject the proposed extension of elected officials’ terms exemplifies Kenya’s commitment to democracy and the principle of regular elections.
He emphasized that these reforms highlight the government’s goal of addressing the concerns of citizens while striving to create a prosperous and inclusive nation.
