Path for Change: My People-Centered Economic Development and Service Delivery Model for Kenya (Policy Statement)

Policy Statement

1. In 2010, People of Kenya promulgated a new modern transformative Constitution of Kenya. This was the culmination of almost five decades of struggles that sought to fundamentally transform the backward economic, social, political, and cultural developments in the country.
2. The Kenyan people chose the route of transformation to end their poverty, deprivation and regain their dignity as well as sovereignty. They chose a state that is accountable, horizontal, devolved, democratized, and responsive to the vision of principles and values of the new Constitution.
3. Promulgating 2010 Constitution of Kenya on August 27, 2010 was not an act of political benevolence or magnanimity. It was landmark culmination of individual and collective will of the people of Kenya struggle for self liberty, freedom and human dignity. It was third crucial achievement after independence and restoring multiparty. Our country has entered fourth decisive struggle: Human and Economic Freedoms.
4. Today, I am outlining to the People of Kenya my New Economic Development and Service Delivery Model. The model is built within the existing constitutional framework. This is vision of development which makes the promises of the 2010 Constitution effective. It is a credible and achievable path of change for the country.
5. My New Economic Development and Service Delivery Model shift the way we conceive development.  My model provides development as PEOPLE.  It is anchored in the principles of human, inclusion, participatory, equity and sustainability.  The future of our country as a globalized competitive knowledge based economy is only possible when all Kenyans and diverse actors prioritize human needs and adapt to the changing realities in the world.
6. This Model speaks to the changing demographics. It focuses on bringing the historically excluded groups, especially young people and women who thirst to be equipped with the means to decide for themselves on their life path, into the center of participation, inclusion and empowerment.
7. Kenya has huge exceptional development potential. Her most vital asset is the industrious, hardworking and educated human capital.  Our ability to mobilize this population and all its diverse capabilities is at the heart of my new economic development and service delivery model.  This Model essentially  based on  mobilizing all of the country’s human potential by placing people at the heart of public policy priorities, both bearer and beneficiary of the economic and services processes. It is in line with our constitutional order and the pressing expectations expressed by Kenyans desire for participation, empowerment and recognition.
8. This forward-looking Model is propelled by a sense of belonging to a single cohesive country based on principles of diversity, equality, sustainability and inclusion in keeping with the spirit of the Constitution, and building on a common rich heritage. The Model builds momentum to bring together all Kenyans and build a prosperous future based on a strong shared civic spirit, a sense of solidarity, and ensuring the well-being of all.
9. There is enough evidence that People of Kenya are yearning for change and different model of development. This change is centered on eagerness and the desire to exploit their capabilities, ingenuity and knowledge to better seize emerging opportunities and technological innovations to advance and protect individual and collective human and economic freedoms beyond their differences.
10. Our Country potential for inclusive sustainable development is tremendous. Time has come for people of Kenya to define new national development compact. It must be human centered and people-oriented compact.  This compact must guarantee every Kenyan, community and regions economic equity and human freedoms, innovation and change, and unity in diversity.
11. Kenya is in strategic location.   It has geopolitical and economic leverage that is underutilized with her enormous unique immaterial capital and the potential of its population, the country has what it takes to be a major player and competitive, inclusive, and sustainable economy in the region while confronting new challenges and seizing emerging opportunities.
12. We need bold visionary leadership in all sectors with competence and capabilities of harnessing the country’s full potential, placing people at the heart and center of priorities through effective participation, empowerment and recognition. The leadership show have wherewithal for full-fledged mobilization of the country’s  talents, who should be empowered and whose capacities need to be strengthened in order to be geared to tackle the country’s development challenges in an increasingly complexity and uncertainty world.
13. In order for this path for change to be meaningful, effective and efficient, the country has to address itself to the following systemic problems:
    1. Incoherence of vision for people centered development and public policies both vertical and horizontal. Public policies and reforms are developed in silos, with no common frame of reference and set of priorities that are compatible with the country’s resources and capabilities. 2010 Constitution of Kenya gave the country a vision.  This is the beginning point
    2. Structural transformation of the economy. Our economy is impeded by high factor costs and an environment that is not conducive which restricts competition and innovation. The country has inefficient regulation, and a flawed system of economic that favors rent-seeking behaviors in traditional sectors and helps preserve particular interests at the expense of the public good and interest
    3.  Limited capacity of the public sector to design and implement accessible and quality public services that cover the essential needs for Kenyans. Public sector is rent seeking edifice. Though the 2010 Constitution fundamentally altered the character  and values of the public service, it still remains highly centralized and top-down with little attention to end-results, and no strategic vision that enable it to initiate and drive people-oriented  human dignity development
    4. Overhaul of security system for safety and services of all Kenyans, major reforms of the prosecutorial service, and creating judicial predictability as custodian of the rule of law and resolving disputes.
14. The Covid-19 health crisis has exposed the deeply seated economic and social inequalities. This calls for different paradigm of social and economic development to build a better society that is more inclusive, humane, equitable and sustainable.
15. This model calls for a state that guarantees the security, dignity and freedoms.  A state upholding the values of a plural, dynamic and responsible society that empowers and fosters the autonomy and liberty of the individuals and communities. A Society that is able to cope with the growing complexity of the world, the systemic nature of development challenges and the preservation of natural ecosystems and resources. This means a responsible society that is able to take its destiny into its own hands, with the support and partnership of the State that sees to the respect of the constitutionally shared vision, the rule of law and enabling the unleashing potential, empowerment and accountability.
16. This new people centered economic and service delivery model will be based on the framework for building trust and accountability in order to strengthen the legal and moral security and ensure the primacy of common interest. The building blocks of this framework are strengthened justice, clear laws, transparent rules applicable to all, public service accountability through regular performance reviews, and strict compliance with values of ethics and morality. This framework is necessary to guarantee an open and constructive space of expression for all those willing to contribute to the country’s development, and to strengthen the sense of citizenship and civic duty.
17. The model upholds the 2010 Constitution principles of balance between a strong state and a strong citizenry. It reinforces the legitimacy of all Kenyans and enshrines their representativeness and participation. It broadens their scope of intervention and their contribution to value creation. It holds them accountable for the implementation of the new model and promotes synergy and complementarity between their interventions.
18. The model approach demands making strategic choices that unleash a new dynamic of value creation that is structurally inclusive of all citizens and that sustainably harnesses the country’s potential and seizes opportunities. Some of these choices are consolidating the existing policy programs and accelerating reforms, while others represent a disruption in direction and will require in-depth changes in mindset and approach of both Kenyans and public service.
19. The model proposes acceleration to the structural transformation of the economy making it more dynamic, diversified, and competitive, creating added value and decent employment, and generating resources to finance social needs. The economic model will restructure and democratize a country’s economy. The  structural transformation of the economy requires:
    1. Unleashing private sector initiatives and entrepreneurship through a transparent, secure and predictable business environment, streamlined and simplified regulations and independent regulation, promoting the entry of new and innovative ideas
    2.  Overhaul  the competitiveness of the productive fabric by significantly reducing production  costs especially  energy and logistics
    3.  directing private sector investments, especially small and medium enterprises towards growth and high-potential sectors and  upgrading of production systems through a suitable incentive framework, greater access to diversified financing mechanisms and support for enterprises to strengthen their managerial, organizational and technological capacities
    4. Shifting the social economy and establishing it as a pillar of development and a source of decent job creation across the country
20. The Covid 19 demonstrated the weakness of our education, health, food systems and social safety. The model proposes major reforms to introduce a more systematic and efficiency governance systems of the sectors at the local level to build resilience and sustainability as well as better coordination at the strategic policy and operational levels. The Model proposes to have more public investments and expenditure to guarantee equity in education and health while supporting transformation of the food value chain, and reforming the social safety systems.
21. Specifically on  health care system  and education, this new path to change model will invest in the following:
    1. Substantially strengthen the provision of health and education public services throughout the country and ensure fair and equal access to them. Private sector be part of the services provision but acting as a responsible and ethical partner
    2. Specific attention will be paid to standards and quality assurance of services as measured by the achievements of pupils, by the proficiency level of students and their access to jobs, and by improved health coverage and health outcomes for the population
    3. Significant investment in human resources and strengthen their capacities, particularly teachers and healthcare professionals.
22. In both education and health sectors, improving the performance and quality of services will require efficient governance at the local level and greater autonomy for schools, universities and hospitals. This must all be achieved within a framework of accountability centered on results, performance based commitments and regular evaluation mechanisms.
23. Public schools will receive major infrastructural, staffing and equipments investments. Schools must be vectors for the transmission of values. This will strengthen citizenship values, promote tolerance and respect of diversity, strengthen the sense of common good and the primacy of the active citizenship, encourage citizen participation, and foster the feeling of belonging to the national community and the commitment to the pillars of 2010 Constitution of Kenya.
24. On health, the model is drawing the experiences and challenges raised by the Covid-19 crisis. The risks of future health crises make it necessary and urgent to strengthen the health system’s capacity for surveillance, prevention and resilience. This should be done in parallel with efforts aimed at addressing structural problems and sluggish health sector reforms. Additionally, strong action  will be taken to support health sovereignty through a pharmaceutical and medical industry capable of producing drugs, vaccines, tests, medical equipment and other critical consumables to meet both our  own needs and regional.
25. Skilled human capital is vital to achieving a globalized democratized competitive economy and transforming human lives. The model will be investing in knowledge and skills of the workforce. The human capital will be strengthened and empowered to face the future with agility, and dynamism social mobility.
26. The 2010 Constitution of Kenya has enshrined the national values and principles. This model seeks to inclusion and preservation of human dignity is essential to promote a harmonious and peaceful society that supports strong social ties and ensures equal participation and opportunities for all Kenyan citizens. An Inclusive Kenya requires:
    1. Supporting, in a proactive and deliberate effort, women’s empowerment and participation;
    2. Promoting the inclusion and participation of youth in mainstream economy and governance
    3. Providing social protection to all citizens especially the most vulnerable in order to strengthen resilience and inclusion and consolidate solidarity and equity
    4. Mobilizing cultural diversity as a driver of openness, dialogue and social cohesion
27. The model believes in devolution of powers, resources and services for equal society and sustainable country. The model shall strengthen county governance systems and institutions. It is at the county where development dynamics take place, where citizens’ quality of life will be improved, and where natural resources are protected. To achieve this, the model proposes to act on:
    1. Accelerating true devolution and decentralization with effective transfers of powers, functions and resources to ensure that County goverments are able to fully carry out their functions and prerogatives
    2. Reviewing the administrative  and governance architecture at the local level  to remove duplications and leverage respective synergies across devolved units to improve the quality of services delivered to citizens
    3. Simplifying the governance of urban development and adopt a housing policy and approach to urbanization that promote social diversity, support socioeconomic inclusion, and improve the quality of life through better access to social services, mobility solutions and improved connectivity
    4. Strengthening the protection of natural resources and biodiversity and support of more efficient uses given the scarcity of this vital resource at local level
    5. Making Counties most dynamic and attractive economic and knowledge hubs and as a drivers for enhancing the country’s assets and moving to a greater integration of global value chains.
28. 2010 Constitution of Kenya envisions a different public service and administration. This model seeks to fundamentally change and modernize the country’s public service and administration institutionally, structurally and operationally including leveraging digital solutions. The new model requires a modern and efficient administration dedicated to the public interest.  There will be different strategic and public falling within the political sphere, regulatory aspects that are within the realm of permanent administration structures and the operational aspects of implementation and monitoring. Public service must guarantee Kenyans get value for their tax.
29. This path to change model will ensure a competent and accountable public service focused on performance and results; transparent and accountable for its actions and its ability to take initiative and drive change. The model will transform performance of the country’s administration and state-owned enterprises requiring simplification and streamlining of governance management systems, fully digitalizing them, and providing Kenyans with access to public data enabling them to regularly assess the quality of services. State-owned enterprises will be drastically reduced and reformed to only essentially services where there is added value. 
30. The world is in information and technological revolution era.  This model believes that digital technology is an essential driver of change and development. Kenya must become regional technology hub.  The model seeks to simplify procedures of technology start-ups and better quality services will make the State-citizen and State-enterprise relationship more seamless and transparent. The country’s digital transformation requires a rapid upgrade of the digital infrastructure, with cheaper high-speed broadband connection, training of a large number of skilled workers, and the completion of the legal and interoperability framework to digitalize end-to-end public services and strengthen digital confidence.
31. To realize the policy programs in this new model for economic and service delivery, there is to be clear authentic financing strategy. Before Covid-19 crisis, the country had preexisting fiscal constraints and debt distress. Covid19 has exacerbated the situation. However, this new model envisions that the transformational reforms of the development will generate growth and a substantial return on investment and ensure the financial sustainability of the model in the long term. The rationale for realizing the financing of the model will be based on properly sequenced, prioritizing those with a strong and rapid impact, and allowing for resources to be generated for the financing of long-term projects that require significant spending on a recurring basis.
32. The initial plan for funding the new development model is dependent on fundamentally changing the public expenditure and adapting to targeted resources allocation that give immediate returns. For structural reforms, including those related to human capital and social development, funding will be mobilized from capital markets and international partners provided that the proposed development path is credible and that the resources mobilized are specifically targeted to transformational projects aimed at spurring economic growth and social stability. There will be major reforms on budgeting process to ensure any budgetary allocation is justifiable and targeted in results.
33. For economic development and infrastructure projects, additional resources will mobilized from national and international institutional and private investors seeking investment in highly profitable sectors of vital importance for the future. The mobilization of these funds, which would optimize the allocation of budgetary resources, would require the creation of space for public-private partnership investment with clear transparent regulatory legal regime as well as foreign direct investment. This implies the identification and preparation of a pipeline of bankable projects with an acceptable level of institutional risk.
34. Further under this economic development and services delivery model, sustainable financing of the development model will see accelerated major overhaul state’s shareholding policy, restructuring of certain institutions and commercial state-owned enterprises by transforming them into public limited companies while making the best use of their assets, and opening up their capital to public participation to finance their development. This will be carried out alongside the implementation of certain key sectoral reforms especially power, water, logistics, and financial sector) of the economy to ensure quality and low-cost services to citizens and to boost the competitiveness. These reforms, along with independent regulatory bodies that meet international standards, are vital to increase private investment and support uptake of financial instruments with high leverage potential. The model will see the end of highly inflated costs projects in public sector.
35. Finally, this new economic development and services delivery model requires an implementation plan with strong leadership to create the conditions for buy-in by all Kenyans and to monitor its results. This is why the model seeks to make major changes in public service and administration. Further, the implementation  plan will be  backed by effective communication and public participation  mechanisms on the new development model; public evaluation instruments to facilitate the coherent and effective implementation of the development model; ensure that the strategies and reforms proposed for the implementation of the model are consistent with the frame of reference;   monitor the implementation of the strategic projects conducted by the relevant authorities and share progress within time bound;  and drive change management by contributing to the development of strategic projects in support of the relevant authorities and entities, to the experimentation of innovative projects and to the development of targeted skills  training relevant fields for change management within the public sector.