Government Effectively Implementing Beta to Enhance the Livelihoods of Kenyans

BY EVALYNE GITHINJI

The Government is on the right trajectory in the implementation of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) Pillars that are aligned with Kenya’s Vision 2030 for development of the nation.

The Principal Secretary, State Department for Broadcasting and Telecommunications, Prof. Edward Kisiang’ani clearly articulated the BETA Pillars during the inaugural Programme of ‘TheShift’ at the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) TV which will be airing every Tuesday to expound the progress of Government projects.

The PS highlighted the key priority areas under BETA, namely: Agriculture; Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Economy; Housing and Settlement; Healthcare; Digital Superhighway and Creative Economy; Environment and Climate Change.

He noted that BETA is anchored on inclusivity and empowerment for economic transformation, “when President Ruto assumed office, he highlighted his priority areas which are based on addressing the immediate needs of the people. And he said he wants to lower the cost of living, eliminate hunger, create jobs, stabilise foreign exchange and expand the tax revenue.”

PS Kisiang’ani remarked that the Kenya Kwanza Government has a unique characteristic of communicating through actions reiterating that the nation is enjoying bountiful agricultural produce and food items such as maize flour, selling at a lower price in comparison to how they were retailing two years ago.

The PS emphasized that the Government has put in place measures that have stabilized the foreign exchange rate, created jobs through the Affordable Housing projects that are ongoing in various parts of the country and other projects under BETA that are of benefit to the welfare of the citizens.

The Digital Superhighway and Creative Economy, the PS stated, plays a pertinent role in enabling the realization of other BETA Pillars. Prof Kisiang’ani revealed how the Ministry of Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy, under the stewardship of Cabinet Secretary Dr. Margaret Nyambura Ndung’u, has made significant strides in advancing Kenya’s digital landscape through strategic digitization programs. These initiatives are central to the Government’s efforts to actualize BETA, which prioritizes inclusive growth and equitable economic empowerment.

Notably, the Ministry’s programs focus on leveraging technology to streamline Government services, improve access to information, and create a digitally inclusive environment where all citizens can participate in and benefit from the digital economy. This aligns with the Government’s vision of making technology a key enabler of economic transformation across all sectors.

Through a robust framework, the Ministry has implemented measures aimed at increasing connectivity, supporting innovation, and building capacity within the digital ecosystem. These initiatives are designed to bridge the digital divide, empowering marginalized communities and enhancing market access for small and medium enterprises. The digitization drive also ensures that public services are accessible and efficient, reducing bureaucracy and fostering transparency. By strategically integrating technology into everyday governance and business operations, the Ministry is not only contributing to economic growth but also setting the foundation for a sustainable, knowledge-based economy. The Ministry, more specifically, continues to play a pivotal role in steering Kenya towards becoming a hub for digital innovation and economic empowerment.

The PS accentuated that the Ministry has partnered with Kenya Power to avail fibre network connectivity up to the grass root levels, further stating that through the Ministry’s Jitume Hubs, youths are acquiring digital skills enhancing job creation in the digital space, “our Ministry plays a role of bringing all those BETA Pillars together because it is the petrol that runs this country. The President is keen to migrate all Kenyans to the digital platforms.”

Currently, the Ministry has connected approximately 57 hospitals to internet under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC), Installed 1,491 Public Wi-Fis across Counties and sub-Counties, On-boarded 17,668 services to E-citizen portal, Produced and disseminated BETA sector-based publications amongst other achievements.

PS Kisiang’ani also pointed out the significance of the Government's Affordable Housing initiatives noting that they are not only meant for improving housing and settlement but are instrumental in creation of jobs and preserving fertile land that is essential for food production.

“Housing is about planning how to construct houses in lesser productive areas and retain the land that can produce food, create jobs in the process and widen the revenue base,” he said.

The PS indicated that the country is importing less food products owing to the bumper harvest, attributed to the Government’s subsidized and good quality fertilizer given to farmers.

The Government is on the right track, assured the PS adding that, “failure is not an option in this country, we are on the right track. This Government has an Agenda and at the end of five years, it shall be judged along the BETA Pillars. We shall present our report card to the people of Kenya.”

Ends……