Inside Raila’s 13-point agenda that seeks to reboot the economy, social transformation

Azimio la Umoja presidential hopeful Raila Odinga yesterday pledged to pump his energy into different talents if the coalition gets elected come August.

The Azimio team, led by Raila and his running mate Martha Karua unveiled benefits that the public will enjoy should they form the next government.

Raila’s promises range from debt management, war on corruption, economic stimulus programs, manufacturing, agriculture, infrastructure, entrepreneurship, improving the ease of doing business, energy, tourism, and building a digital economy.

“This manifesto embodies the hopes and aspirations of our people, and outlines how they would like the business of government to be transacted on their behalf,” Raila said during his manifesto launch.

The coalition also pledged to undertake massive social-economic transformation by implementing policies aimed at drastically reducing the cost of living within the first 100 days in office.

In an ambitious manifesto based on a 13-point agenda, Raila mainly focuses on rebooting the economy, social transformation, and restoration of the rule of law.

The coalition also identified 10 areas of focus, among them the promotion of innovative and entrepreneurial approaches, investing in the mechanisation, digitization.

Application of science and technology in agriculture is also part of the Azimio’s plan.

Raila promised poor families a Sh6,000 stipend in addition to universal quality healthcare, under a program to be known as Babacare.

The former premier also said it will facilitate the “Fukuza Njaa” program of ensuring no single Kenyan ever sleeps hungry which will be achieved by increasing food production through collaboration between national and county governments.

According to the presidential hopeful, the facilitation will ensure the availability of food through adequate stock holding in the form of strategic food reserves.

In agriculture, Azimio has pledged to put in place measures to ensure the sector contributes 30 per cent of GDP.

If elected Raila will develop a new manufacturing policy and strategy to guide, encourage, support, promote and coordinate the sector.

According to the Azimio coalition the strategy will promote accelerated development of primary, secondary production, and value addition as well as implement direct interventions such as government investment, credit, tax reforms, and preferential treatment to promote a new industrial revolution

Raila is locked in a political duel against his nemesis Deputy President William Ruto of Kenya Kwanza as both leaders seek to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta in the fast-approaching August polls.

The former premier is making a fifth stab at the presidency.

He took the opportunity to urge Kenyans that his administration will be a fresh start for Kenya.