The government is determined to deliver high quality infrastructure projects across the country with the potential to contribute to the growth of the economy and benefit the people.
Deputy Chief of Staff in the Executive Office of the President, Performance and Delivery Management Eliud Owalo says the government is keen to deliver infrastructure projects which will enable economic activities to thrive.
Mr. Owalo was speaking to the media at the Kenya School of Government (KSG) Mombasa where his office organized a stakeholder’s engagement forum.
He says the government is cognizant of the fact that infrastructure development promotes trade and drives economic growth.
Owalo, whose office is in charge of the delivery management function of the national government, says he will track implementation of national government projects to enhance transparency and accountability.
The former ICT Cabinet Secretary says he is in Mombasa and will later travel to Lamu to visit numerous priority project sites and gather firsthand information on their status.
Owalo stated that during the electioneering period in the run-up to the 2022 general election the Kenya Kwanza brigade has promised Kenyans to fully implement initiatives and projects with the potential to contribute to the growth of the national economy.
“The government is committed to actualizing the country’s economic potential through mutual understandings and partnerships from all the stakeholders,” he said, reiterating the government’s commitment to creating a favorable business environment.
The Deputy Chief of Staff was accompanied by Mombasa Speaker Aharub Khatri, Coast Regional Commissioner Rhoda Onyancha, Mombasa County Commissioner Mohamed Noor, head of the Government Unit Lee Kyonzo and Sherry Ariko who is in charge of the Government Delivery Unit in the coastal region and a host of MCAs.
In Mombasa Owalo visited the Sh. 54 billion Dongo Kundu Bypass Highway, the Sh. 40 billion Mombasa Special Economic Zone Development Project, the Sh. 1.5 billion Liwatoni Fishing complex, the Sh 7 billion Nyali Affordable Housing Project and the Sh. 25 billion Mombasa-Malindi Dual Carriageway.
He says the investment in mega road transport and port infrastructure projects will in the long run enhance regional connectivity and boost export efficiencies.
“Mombasa will undergo significant socio-economic transformation once all these multibillion shilling projects are completed,” he said, noting that his office is impressed with the progress so far and anticipates even better developments in the future.
He also highlighted other top ongoing projects in the coastal region as the Sh.20 billion Mwache Multipurpose mega dam and the Sh 2.6 billion Shimoni fish port project both in Kwale County.
Owalo said the Shimoni fishing port project is 80 percent complete, marking a major milestone in the country’s push to revitalize its coastal economy and transform the fishing industry.
He called on the 47 devolved units to work closely with the national government in a bid to deliver projects that meet stringent standards for the people.
He also says the government is committed to ending poverty in the country through effective social protection measures and policies through the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
BETA is premised on the pillars of Agricultural Transformation; Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Economy; Healthcare; Housing and Settlement; and Digital Superhighway and Creative economy.
Owalo says the government is also keen on establishing a digital economy which would improve efficiency of government businesses and services.
“The government recognizes the digital economy as a key driver of economic growth and development and we have taken steps such as digitizing over 1800 government services,” he said.
He also says the Hustler Fund and the Affordable Housing Programme which are signature projects of President William Ruto are all designed to promote the increased resilience of livelihoods of the people.
“The government is also out to expedite food self-sufficiency by developing irrigation infrastructure and increasing agricultural production,” said Owalo.
In Lamu Owalo and his team will visit the Lamu sea port, the Lamu-Ijara-Garissa road, Mokowe smart jetty and the Manda airport expansion.
Speaker Aharub Khatri welcomed the infrastructure projects being implemented in the coastal region saying it’s crucial for economic growth and citizens’ wellbeing.
“We welcome the tour of Mr. Owalo and his team to the coastal region and meeting all the stakeholders as it will address concerns about the governments’ stewardship of public resources,” said Khatri.
He said transparency in infrastructure projects is vital for accountability, efficient and prudent use of public resources and trust in government.
Jemimah Kutata, a civil society activist, welcomed the move by the government to engage the public in such forums which she said encourages citizen participation and feedback in infrastructure development projects.
By Mohamed Hassan
