Kenya has reiterated its unwavering commitment to democratic governance and global standards, as outlined by the United Nations, reaffirming its dedication to inclusive reforms and economic empowerment.
Speaking at the “Democratic Governance: Shaping Future International Cooperation and Partnerships” conference in Nairobi, Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Performance and Delivery Management, Eliud Owalo, emphasized Kenya’s steadfast approach to upholding international legal frameworks that promote governance and public participation.
Owalo highlighted public participation as a cornerstone of Kenya’s governance strategy, stressing that the Kenya Kwanza administration remains committed to involving citizens in decision-making processes. He underscored that ongoing reforms reflect the government’s inclusive approach, ensuring every stakeholder’s voice is heard and valued.
One of the administration’s landmark reforms is the transformation of the healthcare sector through the establishment of the Social Health Authority (SHA), replacing the now-defunct National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF). This restructuring aims to provide equitable health services to all Kenyans, bridging gaps in healthcare access and affordability.
Additionally, in a bold move to empower historically marginalized groups economically, the government introduced the Hustler Fund. This initiative has significantly reduced loan interest rates from 17 percent to under 10 percent, allowing easier access to financing for youth and women entrepreneurs through mobile platforms, thereby fostering financial independence.
To tackle the high cost of living, the government has taken measures to lower agricultural production expenses, consequently reducing food prices and easing financial burdens on households. This economic strategy aligns with Kenya’s broader digital transformation agenda, which includes digitizing over 20,000 government services and constructing ICT hubs in all Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions. Furthermore, plans are underway to deploy 100,000 kilometers of fiber optic cable across the country to bolster a more inclusive digital economy.
The international conference, hosted by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, convened policymakers and development experts to address economic and governance challenges, including climate change, corruption, and debt management.
Participants underscored the need for strengthened international cooperation to combat emerging threats such as climate change and geopolitical instability. The conference concluded with leaders reaffirming the vital role of democratic governance in fostering global stability and addressing interconnected challenges.
