As we start the New Year, I am sure we have all set the resolutions we would like to achieve in 2024. It is therefore a good time to also help our beautiful nation set up its 2024 resolutions.
We can start by all agreeing that Kenya's future is not predetermined; it is sculpted by the choices we make today. There are priorities that Kenya must set if we want a better year than 2023.
Kenya stands at a pivotal juncture. The echoes of the 2022 election still linger, and the weight of expectation for a brighter future presses heavy. But where do we turn our gaze? What should be the guiding stars for our nation in the momentous year that lies ahead?
We can all agree that the country has achieved a lot in the last decade but the time has come for us to do even more. It is time to build on the good foundation that we have been laying in the last couple of years and take this county to greater heights.
From where I sit, five key resolutions should guide Kenya’s priorities in the New Year. We must focus on them to ensure that we move this country to the next level, especially at a time when more Kenyans need to see individual and collective progress.
Our first resolution should be economic revitalisation. Kenya's economic engine sputtered in 2023, weighed down by inflation, global uncertainties and lingering debt. In 2024, a laser focus on economic revival is paramount.
This means fostering entrepreneurship, attracting foreign investment and nurturing key sectors like tourism and agriculture. Streamlining bureaucracy, investing in infrastructure and prioritising green energy initiatives are crucial steps in building a resilient and inclusive economy.
There must be a great focus on employment creation as a way of boosting the country’s economy. The millions of unemployed Kenyans can contribute more to the economy if we ensure that they secure jobs in 2024.
We must also focus on ensuring that our farmers get the markets they need locally and internationally. We must work on value addition for local productions coming from all our sectors.
The second resolution we set for Kenya should be healthcare for all. The right to health is not a privilege, it's a fundamental human right. Yet, healthcare access remains a challenge for many Kenyans.
2024 must be the year we bridge this gap. Strengthening public healthcare infrastructure, expanding insurance coverage and investing in medical research are critical for ensuring quality healthcare for all, regardless of socioeconomic background.
Kenya’s third resolution must revolve around education as a bedrock of progress. A nation's future is built on the education of its youth. In 2024, Kenya must prioritise quality education that equips its citizens with the skills and knowledge to thrive in the 21st century.
This means investing in early childhood development, advanced tech training such as coding, improving teacher training and making vocational and technical education readily available. Additionally, fostering critical thinking, creativity and innovation in classrooms is vital for preparing a generation that can compete globally.
The fourth resolution revolves around security and stability. A nation cannot prosper without security. In 2024, Kenya must continue its fight against crime, terrorism and corruption.
Strengthening law enforcement agencies, promoting community policing and addressing the root causes of insecurity are essential for creating a safe and stable environment for all citizens.
The fifth key resolution should revolve around environmental stewardship. Kenya's breathtaking landscapes and diverse ecosystems are not just scenic backdrops; they are the lifeblood of our nation. 2024 must be the year we turn the tide on environmental degradation.
Protecting our water resources, combating deforestation and promoting sustainable practices are not just ecological imperatives, but economic ones as well. A healthy environment is the foundation for a healthy and prosperous future.
Let 2024 be the year we choose unity over division, progress over stagnation, and sustainability over short-sightedness. By focusing on these critical priorities, we can usher in a new era of prosperity, security and well-being for all Kenyans.
The time for action is now. Let us not wait for another crossroads; let us build the Kenya we dream of, together.
