Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki has confirmed that the government has developed policies to rescue the economy and ensure farmers get the highest earnings from their produce.
Speaking at a Thanksgiving mass at Riiji Catholic church service in Central Imenti constituency, Meru, the deputy President said Kenya Kwanza administration has already developed strategies and policies to rescue the economy and ensure farmers get value for their produce
“Coffee was selling at Ksh 50 two years ago, and now it is selling at Ksh130-150. We have realized the highest prices over the last 35 years. This has been achieved due to subsidized fertilizer and inputs. Tea and milk prices are also going up. The price of Unga has dropped. The dollar has also declined, oil and petrol prices has also gone down,” DP Kindiki said.
He said due to the resurgence of the economy, the Kenya Kwanza administration is committed to finish all the stalled projects before their tenure ends, adding that in 2022, Kenya was ranked the eighth largest economy in Africa noting now it is number six in the entire continent.
Kindiki stressed that the national government coffers were in deplete making the economy stressed to a point of stalling initiated projects, further saying government has set aside enough funds for the stalled projects and contractors are currently on ground.
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“We now have enough funds for the stalled projects and contractors are currently on ground. All the stalled road projects will be accomplished before next general elections. In 2022, Kenya was ranking the eighth largest economy in Africa now we are number six in Africa,” Kindiki said.
Speaking separately in Kiambu, the Deputy President reaffirmed the government’s commitment to Kenyans economic empowerment announcing an ambitious development plan targeting small-scale traders in Kiambu County.
Also speaking at St Peters ACK Secondary school, he announced the construction of 23 modern markets in the area emphasizing a decisive policy shift from elite-focused economic strategies to a “bottom-up” model designed to uplift ordinary Kenyans.
“For a long time, we have focused on big businesses and influential businessmen. Now it is time for those at the bottom.” said Kindiki said.
The bottom-up economic model, a flagship promise of the Kenya Kwanza administration, seeks to empower everyday traders.
Kindiki said the initiative is targeting mainly mama mbogas (vegetable vendors), boda boda operators, and small-scale entrepreneurs.
The 23 new markets under construction are aimed at giving structural conducive working environment to thousands of informal traders who have long operated in substandard conditions.
The DP emphasized the importance of financial support in order to boost small-scale traders to improve their lives and grow economically. He rather didn’t shy away from criticizing those he claims are against the government’s efforts to boost the country’s economy terming them as enemies of developments.
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“Those who are opposed to the empowerment of small-scale traders should come out in broad daylight and tell us if they are not enemies of developments,’ said Kindiki.
Kindiki outlined key pillars of the administration’s economic focus by expanding opportunities for small-scale traders, modernizing infrastructure, and improving critical agricultural sectors including coffee, tea, and milk.
His remarks also carried a message of national unity, with a strong appeal to maintain peace and cohesion across regions.
‘We stand for one Kenya because we know the people of Central Kenya are traders and are found everywhere in Kenya. We want a peaceful Kenya so that our people can live wherever they want in peace and harmony,” he added.
The Deputy President’s visit and his commitments were met with enthusiasm by local traders, many of whom see the new markets as a transformative shift in their day-to-day operations.
“I’ve been selling vegetables on the roadside for years. If we get a permanent market with clean stalls and running water, it will change everything,” said Grace Wanjiku, a mama mboga from Ndumberi.
By John Majau
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