This archive report was first published on 2 December 2019.
As Kenya marks a decade since President Uhuru Kenyatta outlined his Big Four agenda, it is essential to assess the progress made on these key initiatives.
Launched in 2017, the Big Four agenda aimed to improve food security, affordable housing, manufacturing, and universal healthcare in Kenya. However, critics argue that little progress has been made on these fronts.
President Kenyatta's vision for the Big Four was rooted in his desire to address the country's most pressing challenges. However, the lack of tangible progress on these initiatives has raised concerns about the effectiveness of the government's strategy.
One of the key questions surrounding the Big Four agenda is why the fight against corruption was not included as a major agenda item. Corruption remains a significant challenge in Kenya, with many citizens feeling that the government has not done enough to address this issue.
Furthermore, the current leadership has been criticized for its lack of philosophical underpinnings, unlike previous presidents who have written extensively on their vision for the country. Founding president Jomo Kenyatta's 'Facing Mount Kenya' and former president Mwai Kibaki's Sessional Paper Number 10 of 1965 are notable examples of such works.
As Kenya continues to grapple with corruption, debt, tribalism, and ineptitude, it is essential that the social media, press, and intelligentsia play a more active role in combating these issues. A digital referendum on borrowing could also be a viable option for the future.
Ultimately, the success of the Big Four agenda will depend on the government's ability to address these pressing challenges and deliver tangible results to the Kenyan people.
