Press Statement by Government Spokesperson

Press Statement by Government Spokesperson, Dr Isaac Mwaura on September 13th 2024

We are commemorating exactly two years since the ascension into power of President Ruto to the Presidency. Where are we now versus where we were two years ago? 

The BETA (Bottom up Economic Transformation Agenda) as the backbone of Government vision was built on key pillars: Economy, Affordable Housing, Digital super highway, Universal Healthcare and Creative economy. Alm the above pillars have had positive steps so far. 

Agriculture. This is the backbone of our economic growth. 25% of the country's GDP is based on agriculture and approximately 40% of employment is in the agricultural sector. The Government has always acted on a priority to reduce the cost of living considering 54% of household expenditures goes to food. The removal of VAT on locally produced tea has increased farmer earnings. The dairy sector has seen a boost of 13% on production. 6.15 million farmers have been registered digitally to enable the distribution of low cost fertilizer. As a result, maize production has gone up from 61.74 million bags to 85.7 million bags. As a result, maize flour prices have gone down. We no longer import maize while at the same time boosting local production. 

Also related to agriculture we have the following achievements. Leather Value Chains in Suneka, Isiolo and Malindi. The local production of leather processing has increased by 30%.  Textile Value Chains in Mwea, Kitale and Embakasi North. Cotton production has gone up, boosting the textile industry. Cotton cultivation has expanded due to expanded seed distribution and pesticide distribution.          Dairy Value Chains in Machakos, Kajiado Central and Iten.                                                             Edible Oils Value Chains in Othaya and Londiani.                                                Construction and building Value Chains in Kirinyaga. Ongoing construction of county aggregation Industrial parks across 19 counties. 

Pesa Mfukoni. The Hustler Fund was established in 2022 to provide affordable credit to Kenyans. 21.87 million Kenyans have received this loan and the disbursed amount has reached Ksh 54.9 billion. 637,340 savings groups have also received the disbursement. In the building and construction industry, more than 6,000 Kenyans have been employed and as a result home ownership will go up through affordable mortgages. 

Universal Health Coverage. NHIF used to be very fraudulent hence the need to replace it with SHI. The premiums have been reduced from Sh500 to Sh300. Through KEMSA, medicines will be distributed even to the most remote areas. New level 4,5 and 6 will have an impact upon the health sector. 

Digital Super highway. Increased fibre optic. Even with this increase, we plan in future we will use electric wiring by KPLC so we will not have to be digging up tunnels. 

All the promises made in 2022 will be fulfilled e.g extending the SGR railway line from Suswa all the way to Kampala in Uganda while benefitting the country's transport in the process. Finally, the Government has ordered the inspection of all schools to ensure the safety of students in their dormitories.