Economy focus: Raila unveils rural transformation blueprint

ODM party leader Raila Odinga has unveiled various measures that he says will eradicate poverty and make Kenya prosperous.

In a statement on Tuesday, Raila said transforming rural areas will be key in improving the economy.

“Transforming Kenya from a poor to a prosperous country will require a very deliberate focus on turning around the fortunes of rural Kenya. It has been done in other countries. I believe it can be done in Kenya," he said.

"To ensure a more balanced growth, Urban Regeneration will need to go hand in hand with a very deliberate policy of Rural Transformation that makes rural life more livable and migration to cities unnecessary."

Raila said massive investment in rural infrastructure, providing reliable and cheap electricity and clean water will also boost rural areas.

"...pursuing massive investment in development planning that is specific to rural areas is a major step in spurring development," he said.

He said the provision of reliable, efficient and quality health care resources to people residing in rural areas will better the lives of many people.

“As Prime Minister, I championed slum upgrading as a means of ensuring those fleeing rural areas do not end up in more deplorable urban dwellings,” he said.

On food production, Raila said the government should ensure farmers reap big from their farming activities.

The AU envoy further recommended the provision of high yielding seeds, drying machines and storage facilities to farmers.

He also proposed the organization of food markets and helping farmers in the transportation of food products.

"The government will also need to help the farmers transport food from where surplus is to where it is in short supply. The end result will be the creation of functional and rich villagers who have money in their pockets living dignified and decent life in rural Kenya," he added.

Last month, Raila asked the government to roll out economic stimulus programmes to reinvigorate the country's economy.

He urged President Uhuru Kenyatta to ensure the programme is implemented immediately to cushion Kenyans who are suffering from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

"The nation is in dire need of economic stimulus programmes to give a lifeline to the many suffering Kenyans. We must also encourage our people to embark aggressively on farming," Raila said.

Raila said the March 2018 handshake between him and Uhuru has borne fruit.

Nyanza, Raila's support base, has benefited from multi-billion shilling development projects since 2018.

Raila said the problems afflicting the country such as poverty, illiteracy and be addressed in an environment of disunity.

Raila said the BBI initiative was meant to steer the country into a path of reform and a new beginning for Kenya.