Eldoret: Heads of Departments (HoDs) at both the national and county governments have been urged to help in communicating presidential messages in line with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). This initiative aims to reach out to the wananchi at the grassroots, ensuring that they understand and embrace priority government projects in their localities. This support is crucial for President Dr. William Ruto’s ambition of transforming Kenya into a first-world country.
According to Kenya News Agency, Uasin Gishu County Commissioner Dr. Eddyson Nyale emphasized the significance of making development information accessible to citizens at the community level. Speaking during a two-day workshop on BETA at an Eldoret hotel, Nyale affirmed the national government officials’ commitment to sensitizing residents on public priority projects and programs such as SHA registration, the Fertiliser Subsidy Programme, and Affordable Housing.
The sensitisation forum was led by the Executive Office of the President Secretariat (EOPS), spearheaded by Charles Kemboi. HoDs, particularly the National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs), were encouraged to utilize public barazas and other social events to communicate government development agendas and policies. ‘Communicate the message of the president down to the wananchi so that they may relate the information with the ongoing projects and programs in their areas,’ noted Kemboi.
Through the sensitisation, implementation, and dissemination of Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), the government aims to transition the economy from a ‘top-down’ model to a grassroots-driven approach. The overarching goals include fostering inclusive growth, reducing the cost of living, and eradicating hunger.
The sensitisation focuses on five core pillars expected to drive the country’s inclusive growth. Key areas include agriculture, with initiatives like subsidised fertiliser, Kenya Integrated Agricultural Management Information System registration, coffee sector reforms, and livestock vaccination. The government also offers access to affordable credit through the Hustler Fund and supports ‘Mama Mbogas,’ besides developing County Aggregation and Industrial Parks (CAIPs) under the MSMEs economy pillar.
In housing and settlement, the government aims to accelerate the Affordable Housing Programme, providing jobs and affordable units for Kenyans. Under the Universal Health Coverage pillar, the state supports the Social Health Authority (SHA) and improves health infrastructure, ensuring every Kenyan has access to high-value health care.
The last pillar focuses on youth, emphasizing the digital superhighway and the creative economy. The government is expanding fibre optic networks and installing public Wi-Fi hotspots to ensure youth access online jobs and monetize their talents. Efforts are directed towards increasing internet connectivity in rural areas and training citizens on digital skills, enabling access to government’s e-citizen services.
