(Photos) Raila meets ambassadors, discusses reviving economy

ODM party leader Raila Odinga on Wednesday met ambassadors and heads of mission in a bid to get the economy back on track amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

Raila met nine ambassadors in Nairobi.

The ODM party leader was accompanied by Suna East MP June Mohamed and Ugunja's Opiyo Wandayi.

"I’m encouraged by the sentiments of Ambassadors and Heads of Mission from the EU, US, and UN regarding programs for our nation," Raila said.

"Particularly on helping get the economy back on track to cushion livelihoods, support for democracy and, the fight against Covid-19. We had a great discussion this afternoon."

Raila has been championing for an economy that befits all ahead of 2022 elections.

In July, the former prime minister said many Kenyans are struggling to make ends meet, and the only way this can be remedied is by building an economy that works for all.

He insisted that building such an economy will have to start with the promotion of small and medium enterprises.

Raila further outlined his economic vision to make Kenya the African continent’s headquarters for global business.

He said he imagines a country with a firm foundation for the rule of law backed by efficient government structures that can withstand pressure.

The ODM leader went on to highlight some of the things that need to be done, for this to be achieved, including; investment in manpower development through a universal top-flight public education system and enforce meritocracy when hiring them.

Last month, an audit from consultancy firm Deloitte said Kenya and Uganda's economy will recover faster at 6.3 percent this year.

The two East African countries countries will recover from slower growth of 0.6 percent and negative 2.1 percent while Tanzania's growth forecast has been slashed to 2.7 percent from 4.8 per cent projected last year. 

Generally, Eastern Africa countries are expected to bounce back from the Covid-19 pandemic to grow three percent up from 0.9 per in 2021, up from 0.9 percent last year. 

The region is estimated to have lost $4.8 billion in international tourism receipts in 2020 owing to a ban on international travel and national lockdowns across the globe that subsequently resulted in the loss of 2 million jobs.