The government intends to introduce a program called the ‘Uzalendo Initiative’ which will be used as a tool to promote nationhood and patriotism in the country.
Touching on various issues that affect Kenya as a nation, the Government Spokesperson Dr. Isaac Mwaura expressed concern that there have been deteriorating levels of patriotism in the country.
“One of the key issues we are going to do is to help promote patriotism and nationhood as a key program for our office in order to ensure that Kenyans can love and be proud of their country so that they can give their best,” stated Mwaura.
He added that the Uzalendo Initiative will encourage young people and everyone to love their motherland, Kenya.
Addressing the media in Nairobi, Mwaura stressed that the Government’s commitment to efficiency and excellence remains unwavering as its performance and service delivery roadshow continues to get crucial scrutiny and feedback across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.
Further, he revealed that this strategic exercise aims to assess the performance of government programs and prospects in all ministries, Departments, and Agencies whereby about 14 ministries have so far been assessed.
“We have about 8 more to go. The roadshow captures the pulse of the government’s initiatives, tracking the progress of its commitments to Kenyans and establishing a way forward on yet-to-be-fulfilled promises,” he said.
Highlighting some of the achievements in the Ministries covered by the roadshow specifically under the Ministry of Health, Mwaura said that the Government is going to have another evaluation of the Ministry of Health at Cambridge.
At one point, according to the Government Spokesperson, the Social Health Insurance Fund is a stride towards achieving a more inclusive and accessible healthcare system in Kenya.
Mwaura cited the plight of the public who were unable to access medical care due to the fact that they did not have any form of insurance in the swing and much worse The National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) Act had already been repealed creating a lacuna because there was no law in operation.
On new charges, Mwaura emphasized that 54 percent of Kenyan hustlers will benefit from reduced NHIF contributions resulting in enhanced affordability for essential healthcare services.
“This is because the contribution per month is being reduced from 500 to 300. That is a clear reduction of 40 percent of the cost,” he said.
Similarly, Mwaura reiterated that the Act ensures fairness by introducing a modest 2.2 upward adjustment for 46 percent of the contributors, and since the Act is in place, the medical cover is going to have more hustlers.
By Peace Maziga and Kelvin Waribu
