Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has called for an urgent and strategic shift from aid dependency to fostering trade and investment as the cornerstone of Kenya’s economic growth. Speaking in Geneva, Switzerland, Mudavadi emphasized that Kenya must adopt aggressive policy shifts to generate adequate resources for its critical programs.
Mudavadi noted that the era of relying on donor aid is coming to an end, and Kenya, alongside other African nations, must identify sustainable alternatives to support its economy. He pointed out the changing geopolitical and global financial dynamics as indicators that self-reliance is imperative for the country’s future.
“We cannot afford to prevaricate. Other countries are making their moves; we must make ours now,” Mudavadi stated, underscoring Kenya’s need to act swiftly.
The Foreign and Diaspora Cabinet Secretary highlighted Kenya’s strategic position as a regional economic hub, affirming that the country has an advantageous position to attract trade and investment. He urged Parliament, county governments, and the executive to expedite decision-making on economic policies while strengthening partnerships with the private sector across various industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, finance, and technology.
Mudavadi warned that nations dependent on foreign aid must be wary of global financial shifts, particularly Washington’s withdrawal from key funding commitments. He likened the situation to the colonial-era “Scramble for Africa,” asserting that Africa must now scramble for its own investments and resources.
His meeting with Peter Sands, the Executive Director of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, further reinforced his stance. Sands warned that the Global Fund is facing financial constraints, with major donors like the U.S. reducing contributions. This, Mudavadi cautioned, paints a grim picture for countries reliant on aid for their health programs.
He stressed that Kenya must urgently address the financing gap in its health sector. Universal Health Care (UHC), he said, should no longer be viewed as a controversial government program but rather as a lifesaving initiative. With international health organizations uncertain about their funding sustainability, Kenyans must prepare for a future where donor support is minimal.
“Kenya at least funds 40% of its own health resources, with 60% coming from partners. If this funding is cut, what happens to the 1.3 million Kenyans relying on donor support for health services like ARVs?” he questioned.
Mudavadi called for financial adjustments and structural reforms to ensure UHC’s sustainability, stressing that Kenya must take ownership of its health sector and economic development before external aid diminishes further.
