President Uhuru Kenyatta on Friday launched the post Covid-19 socioeconomic recovery strategy for Counties. The plan which prioritizes key sectors like agriculture, urban development, transport, health, education among others will be implemented over three years, and Kshs 132 billion will be set aside for it. Speaking at the event in Nairobi, where the construction of a 50-storey G47 Ugatuzi Tower was launched, the President urged Governors to focus on implementing the recovery strategy, noting that the strategic plans at both the County and national levels depend on limited resources which have shrunk even more due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
He said the strategy is expected to drive real growth and economic rebound in the Counties as the national government rolls out similar initiatives aimed at reviving the economy. “These limited resources must be utilized strictly for the purposes of elevating our nation. They must be used faithfully, and with the utmost of transparency and accountability,” he said, adding that if this chance is wasted then Kenya will be consigned to years of being mired in economic slowdown and social injustice. he also urged oversight bodies to be vigilant to ensure the funds are used properly. The financing of the recovery strategy will be drawn from the budgets of County governments over the next three years, coupled with resources from development partners.
The President pointed out that the relationship between the national government and devolved units has improved during the Covid-19 period, “Together we have expanded our physical healthcare infrastructure, installed new and more medical equipment, recruited additional healthcare workers, upscaled our health services labour force, and deployed a testing and contact-tracing system that has been a role-model for other African nations,” he said.
The Head of State also reminded foreign agencies not to interfere with Kenya’s affairs, and seeking to direct the country on the path it should take, “Let’s also make it clear that while we appreciate your support and look forward to collaborating, we must always remember that kenya has its owners and its owners are fifty million Kenyans.” The function was attended by other leaders led by Deputy President William Ruto, Devolution CS Eugene Wamalwa, Council of Governors chairman Wycliffe Oparanya among others.