Successful implementation of Medium-Term Plan 4 (MTP4) 2023–2027 is expected to raise the country’s GDP from 4.8 percent to 7.2 per cent.
Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome has praised the projects lined up under the MTP4, saying that once implemented, the country’s economic growth will grow by a big percentage.
During a consultation forum on the plan at Murang’a University on Wednesday, Wahome said the government is currently implementing MTP4, noting that already some positive effects of the economy are being realised.
She underscored the strategies being employed in various economic sectors, like agriculture, ICT, and infrastructure, which are helping reduce the cost of living.
The CS, who was accompanied by Mining Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi, explained that the provision of subsidised fertiliser and certified seeds by the government has led to an increase in food production, thus boosting food security.
“In the MTP4, we target to produce 400, 000 metric tonnes of rice, 50 million 90-kilo bags of maize, and distribute 846, 260 metric tonnes of subsidised fertiliser annually.
Already, farmers are accessing subsidised fertiliser and certified seeds. This has seen lowering costs of foods,” she explained.
The MTP4, which is derived from Vision 2030, Wahome observed, cannot be effectively implemented without the support of Kenyans.
She defended the move by the government to expand the tax collection base, saying funds were needed to implement the earmarked projects.
“Kenyans need to support the government by paying their taxes. Evading the responsibility of tax payment will force the country to rely more on expensive foreign loans,” she stated, while faulting those who are politicising the Finance Bill 2024.
The CS further highlighted that in the MTP4, the government targets to construct 6, 000 kilometres of classified roads across the country.
“The plan also touches on the construction of an additional terminal facility at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and the construction of 250 footbridges. These projects need money, and Kenyans should not be swayed,” she explained.
The CS further lauded the progress of affordable housing, saying they are targeting to build 200, 000 house units by the end of the MTP4.
“Already 48, 000 house units are under construction, and another 52,000 units are at the procurement stage. By 2027, all the proposed 200, 000 units will be constructed. The housing levy is greatly supporting this project,” she averred.
On his part, the PS highlighted that Murang’a County is expected to benefit from tarmacking of nine roads during the implementation of the MTP4.
Mwangi remarked that by 2027, more than 5, 000 hectares will be put under irrigation and five weirs will be constructed in parts of lower Murang’a.
“Currently, 220 affordable housing units are being constructed in the Makenji area; plans are at an advanced stage to establish and operationalise new flagship Export Processing Zones; and all this will create employment opportunities as we elevate the county’s economy,” he averred.
Mwangi called on the residents of Murang’a to support the government so as to attain its development agenda, saying the implementation of some projects needs collaboration between the national and county governments.
He said his ministry is working to improve the welfare of artisanal miners by ensuring they are licensed and registered in cooperative societies.
“We are spearheading the registration and licensing of all artisanal miners so as to ensure they operate under stipulated laws and also enable them to access various government’s incentives,” added Mwangi.
By Bernard Munyao
