Six months after the new government came into office, several emerging issues calls for the attention of the new regime.
First, the perpetual rising cost of living is turning out to be a major concern for many Kenyans. Of greater concern is the rising cost of education following the implementation of the CBC. In addition, the impending increment in the cost of the university education paints a gloomy future for thousands of households. The government must act in haste to ensure the burgeoning cost of living is brought under control.
Secondly, the government should know the limits it has in its drive to raise funds through taxation. Kenyans remain highly taxed in the region. This coupled with the rising cost of living has reduced peoples purchasing power. This explains the sluggish economic growth and slowing business across different sectors. It should be noted that over-taxation of businesses could be counterproductive in the long run and will likely cause investor flight to countries considered business-friendly in the regions.
Another agenda that should be in the president’s in-tray is the perennial youth unemployment. Many youths feel left out or rather forgotten by successive governments. The fact that the previous administration promised to deliver a million jobs annually and failed to do so in 10 years left the majority of youth disillusioned and contemptuous of the government’s ability to tackle the issue. Despite coming up with affirmative action mechanisms to improve access to employment by the youths, nothing tangible has been realized.
As the new administration takes shape, millions of unemployed youths in Kenya hope that the existing institutional bottlenecks will be urgently addressed even as the government works towards creating employment to take advantage of the massive human resource that the youth bulge is creating. Access to health care is a big challenge to Kenyans especially those living in poverty and in rural areas.
The government must step in to address the perennial shortage of healthcare workers, and shortages of essential and basic medical supplies. Equipping of medical facilities in rural areas must be given priority to counter the rising incidence of chronic diseases such as cancer. More needs to be done by the incoming government to ensure Kenyans can afford and access quality healthcare services regardless of their socio-economic status.
Lastly, multi-agency efforts to protect water catchment areas must be put in place. For a long time, focus has been on the large and protected areas such as the Mau Complex. However small water catchment areas across Kenya are fast disappearing due to poor agricultural practices. For instance, in the north rift region, the situation is dire and has been worsened by the planting of eucalyptus in water catchment areas. This is exacerbating food insecurity and access to clean water in Kenya. To protect riparian lands and water catchment areas, a collaboration between the county and national governments is crucial.
Overall, the new government should prioritize the welfare of its citizens as it seeks to progressively grow the economy.