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Uhuru Kenyatta outlines 'Big Four' progress

Big Four agenda’s massive opportunities for local and global private sector, says President Kenyatta

NAIROBI, 6 March 2018 (PSCU) – President Uhuru Kenyatta has said the Big Four agenda offers many opportunities for the private sector to create wealth for the country’s citizens.

He said the agenda, which focuses on manufacturing, universal healthcare, affordable housing and food security, is aimed at boosting Kenya’s development, create wealth and employment for the youth.

“I have given priority to four key areas to spur economic growth, create jobs for our young people and improve the quality of life of our people over the next five years,” said President Kenyatta.

President Kenyatta spoke today at the technology innovative centre I-Hub, Nairobi, where he was the chief guest at the opening of the Africa-France Business Forum and the launch of the Stars in Africa’. The programme focuses on youth entrepreneurship and innovation.

The Head of State said Africa was looking for a partnership with the private sector that could create opportunities for the youth and reduce challenges such as migration of youth to Europe in search of jobs.

“Let me welcome you to partner with us on a win-win basis. That partnership will deliver jobs that our youth are looking for; and on your part, you will make a rewarding return on your investment,” President Kenyatta said.

He said in the next five years, the Government intends to expand manufacturing and increase its contribution to GDP from 9 per cent to 15 per cent; achieve universal health coverage, facilitate the construction of half a million low-cost houses and ensure food security.

The President said Africa was also keen to transform itself into an ideal place of doing business and has undertaken reforms in the last ten years to create a conducive environment for business.

“In the past 10 years, we have made significant improvement in the ease of doing business, reformed our judicial systems, changed labour laws and made clarity on how to protect investments. These measures point to an Africa that is seeking investment and growth,” said President Kenyatta.

The Head of State said his administration has encouraged the private sector to invest in power generation in its effort to deliver jobs.

He assured foreign investors that Africa is now ripe for investment and prosperity, saying its youthful, creative and innovative entrepreneurs are bold and resolute in implementing their ideas.

“Africa is marching away from a narrative of helplessness to that of hard work and prosperity, anchored on investment and trade,” said President Kenyatta.

He said Africa’s youthful population, lifted by a global technology wave, has for the first time led to a generation of young people around the world who have similar aspirations.

He said the narrative of poverty, underdevelopment and lack of infrastructure that have been associated with Africa is fading fast, conquered, in part, by the energy and drive of its young people.

The President said, coupled with a crop of new leaders determined to change the fortunes of their people and to promote inclusive growth and prosperity, the continent is poised for economic take off and greater heights of development and prosperity.

“We are, yes, at a stage in our development where we are confronting challenges such as poor infrastructure and underdevelopment,” he said, but pointed out that the challenges facing the continent now represent opportunities and huge potential that can be exploited for the benefit of our people.

President Kenyatta cited the energy sector where French investments are substantial. He urged more entrepreneurs to take advantage of the opportunities.

He said the Government looks at energy access as a national priority and a key booster for investment and growth.