Deputy President Prof Kithure Kindiki has emphasized that the government is fully committed to uplifting those at the bottom of the economic pyramid through grassroot empowerment programs.
Speaking on Saturday during the Molo Constituency Economic Empowerment Forum held in Molo town, Nakuru County, Kindiki defended the government backed empowerment programs and initiatives which targets savings and credit cooperatives.
Addressing a mammoth crowd, he urged Kenyans to stay focused on economic transformation rather than be swayed by political noise from opposition quarters.
“The economy is built from the bottom going up. That is why we are empowering those at the grassroots, the ordinary Kenyans because they are the engine of our national progress,” he said.
The DP noted that while major infrastructure projects such as roads, healthcare facilities, and electricity expansion remain vital, they must go hand-in-hand with economic empowerment for the ordinary citizen.
According to him, national development must be people-centered, and every effort must reflect the government’s commitment to better livelihoods.
“As we build more roads, increase electricity connections, improve healthcare and turnaround farm productivity, we will continue to support ordinary wananchi with whatever we can to better their lives,” Kindiki affirmed.
Infrastructure Milestones
Highlighting progress in infrastructural development, Kindiki announced that plans to dual the Rironi-Mau Summit highway are on track, with the groundbreaking scheduled for the coming weeks.
“We will break the ground in a few weeks and ensure construction of the road that will see the economy of Nakuru and other counties along the highway rise significantly,” he said.
The second in command reiterated that development is not just about building roads or hospitals, but about enabling people to take advantage of those opportunities to improve their income and quality of life.
Agriculture and Markets Get a Boost
The Deputy President further highlighted the government’s efforts in agriculture, including continued subsidy on fertilizer prices, the cost that dropped from KSh 7,000 to KSh 2,500 per bag.
To further support economic activity, modern markets are being constructed across the country.
Molo Constituency is already benefitting, with two new markets being set up in Molo and Elburgon towns aimed at giving local traders a clean, safe, and functional environment to do business.
He added that the government’s rural electrification initiative is also gaining momentum with Molo receiving an allocation of KSh 257 million for last-mile electricity connections to homes and businesses.
Warning to the Opposition
In a politically charged moment, the Deputy President warned the opposition to prepare for issue-based campaigns in the future, saying the government will present its performance record to the people.
“We will come with our scorecard and challenge them to show what they’ve done. Our focus is development, not empty rhetoric,” he said, drawing applause.
However Prof Kindiki at the same time warned Kenyans against falling in the trap of the opposition divisive politics.
He noted that economic empowerment is not divisive but country’s shared development goal.
“Let us unite around development. Let us empower our people. That is how we build a strong and resilient Kenya,” he noted.
