This archive report was first published on 23 May 2020.
On May 23, 2020, President Uhuru Kenyatta unveiled a massive stimulus programme worth Sh53.7 billion to jump-start the country's economy, which has been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The programme, aimed at mitigating the effects of COVID-19, focuses on key sectors including infrastructure, education, health, agriculture, and tourism. Other sectors that will benefit from the 8-point stimulus programme include the SMEs sub-sector, environment, and manufacturing.
“To combat the effects of this downturn, my administration has had to take additional measures. Today I am happy to announce the rolling out of my 8-point stimulus programme amounting to some Sh53.7 billion. The injection of this money into the economy will stimulate growth and cushion families and companies as together we navigate our way out of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Kenyatta said.
As part of the stimulus package, the government has set aside Sh2 billion to support the renovation of facilities and the restructuring of business operations in the tourism industry. Hotels in tourism destinations across the country remain closed since March when the country confirmed its first case of coronavirus.
The government is also spending Sh250 million every week to support vulnerable groups in the country who have been worst hit by the impact of coronavirus. A further Sh1 billion has been set aside for flood control measures after devastating effects caused by heavy rains across the country.
Additionally, the government will rehabilitate wells, water pans, and underground tanks in the Arid and Semi-Arid areas at a cost of Sh850 million. The government also intends to engage 5,500 community scouts under the Kenya Wildlife Service at a cost of Sh1 billion.
Furthermore, support will be made available to approximately 160 community conservancies at a cost of Sh1 billion. There is also Sh3 billion set aside for the supply of farm inputs through e-vouchers, targeting 200,000 small-scale farmers, with a further Sh1.5 billion allocated to the flower and horticultural producers to access international markets.
