Raila: What Azimio gov’t will do in first 100 days
Presidential hopeful Raila Odinga began his official campaign in earnest on Monday, June 6, 2022, with the launch of his manifesto.
Raila, who is running for the presidency under the Azimio la Umoja - One Kenya coalition party, unveiled the economic 'blueprint' at a colourful ceremony held at the Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi on Monday night, a day after getting clearance from the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
Inside Azimio's blueprint
In his speech, the former Prime Minister promised to prioritise policies that will reduce the current high cost of living in the Azimio government's 100 days in office.
"Our government intends to hit the ground running and implement interventionist policies that reduce the cost of living from day one," Raila said.
According to the ODM leader, his administration will focus on three key pillars within the first three months if elected. These are; economic revolution, social transformation and good governance.
Economic revolution
Raila said he would lay out and roll out an economic stimulus and recovery plan aimed at maximising production in all sectors including agriculture, manufacturing and the digital economy.
He will also prioritise policies on revolutionising the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) sector.
This, he said, includes implementing ‘Recognition of Prior Learning’ (RPL) certification program to award certificates to artisans, craftsmen and technicians who have obtained skills and knowledge through apprenticeship and work experience to enhance their employment opportunities, by empowering their efforts - “Shahada la Jitihada”.
Raila's promise to Jua Kali artisans
He also promised to adopt the Affordable Housing Program Jua Kali Production Manual for purposes of ring-fencing the 69 items earmarked for juakali production with the aim of expanding local manufacturing as well as creating a financial institution that will provide low-interest credit to Boda Boda and other small scale entities.
Social transformation
Raila promised to review the cost of living with a special focus on the pressure of fuel, unga, mobile data and energy.
Through his social assistance program, Raila said he will give needy and vulnerable families a stipend of Ksh6,000 to meet their needs. He also promised to ensure single mothers have access to social support as well as implement a social protection program for unemployed youths modeled around Kazi Mtaani.
He also promised to prioritise healthcare through the Baba Care program and also ensure all unemployed youths are absorbed by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
Good governance
In his manifesto, the candidate said the Azimio administration will prioritise policies aimed at curbing the corruption vice in the country.
“We will declare corruption a threat to national security and establish a specialised department in the security agencies for corruption surveillance. We want to ensure that Kenya moves away from the league of third world economies,” said Odinga.
Raila also said he will firmly deal with the issue of conflict of interest by ensuring civil servants do not engage in commercial/business activities with the government whatsoever.
He also proposed purposeful negotiations to reduce Kenya's public debt.
“We will commence negotiations for debt restructuring/management to ease the burden on Kenyan taxpayers,” he said.
