By Aoma Keziah
Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura painted a picture of a dynamic Kenyan economy , highlighting key sectors driving the nation’s transformation.
He emphasized the government’s commitment to empowering Kenyans and fostering a thriving, inclusive economy.
Mwaura kicked off his address by emphasizing the critical role of agriculture in Kenya’s economy.
“Agriculture is the backbone of our nation,its direct contribution of 25% to the GDP and indirect impact on manufacturing and other sectors. With 40% of our population working in agriculture, it’s a core pillar of our Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA),” he declared.
He acknowledged the high cost of food, which constitutes a significant portion of household spending.
“We’re prioritizing lowering the cost of living through targeted agricultural reforms,” he explained.
Mwaura highlighted the success of the Fertilizer Subsidy Program, which has benefited millions of farmers and boosted maize production, reducing imports and lowering the cost of maize flour. Beyond maize, he celebrated improvements in key value chains like tea, edible oils, dairy, and leather, pointing to increased farmer incomes and job creation, stating that the people are seeing real progress.
Mwaura then shifted focus to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), the backbone of Kenya’s workforce, by highlighting the government’s efforts to revitalize County Industrial Development Centers, equipping them with resources to support various sectors like leather, textiles, and dairy.
“We’re not just talking about supporting small businesses, we’re building infrastructure for them to thrive,” he noted.
He further emphasized the ongoing construction of County Aggregation Industrial Parks (CAIPs) across 19 counties, creating jobs and offering crucial infrastructure for MSMEs.
The Hustler Fund, launched in 2022, was another major initiative lauded by Mwaura, providing crucial financial support and fostering entrepreneurship.
Touching on the government’s commitment to providing affordable housing, a key aspect of building a brighter future for Kenyans, he explained that the government is building homes, and in turn, creating jobs, highlighting the construction of over 112,000 housing units and the creation of 160,000 jobs.
Mwaura also addressed the government’s strides in healthcare, emphasizing the establishment of a new Social Health Authority to replace NHIF, bringing with it a new Social Health Insurance Fund and Primary Health Care Fund, affirming that the governmentis committed to achieving 100% Universal Healthcare coverage, emphasizing the government’s focus on ensuring access to quality healthcare for all Kenyans.
Finally, he looked ahead to the future, showcasing the government’s commitment to digital infrastructure. He highlighted the expansion of fiber optic installation and the establishment of Wi-Fi hotspots, creating opportunities for the youth in the digital economy.
“We’re building a digital superhighway to connect Kenyans to the future, the digitization of government services and its positive impact on revenue collection,” he stated.
He concluded by saying that the government’s commitment to a broader socio-economic transformation plan, is about improving livelihoods, reducing costs and ensuring inclusive growth across the nation,emphasizing the government’s dedication to building a brighter future for all Kenyans.
Mt Kenya Times 
Jerameel Kevins Owuor Odhiambo