The government remains firmly committed to implementing the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report, strengthening anti-corruption measures, stabilising the economy and advancing youth and social empowerment programmes, Government Spokesperson Dr. Isaac Mwaura has said.
Speaking at the Office of the Government Spokesperson (OGS) Harambee House Annex in Nairobi, Dr. Mwaura dismissed claims that the administration lacks commitment to the NADCO roadmap, describing such assertions as misleading.
“The whole issue of the NADCO report is critical to us. Anyone saying we are not committed is misguided,” Dr. Mwaura reassured.
He outlined a three-track implementation strategy that includes administrative action across all 54 state departments, legislative reforms through 16 bills currently at various stages in Parliament, and proposed constitutional amendments that will require a referendum on two of the ten agreed agenda items.
“Eight of the proposals can be implemented administratively, but two require a referendum guided by Articles 255, 356 and 357 of the Constitution, as they affect the structure of the Executive and Parliament,” he explained.
On corruption, Dr. Mwaura reiterated the government’s commitment to accountability, noting that senior public officials found culpable have faced disciplinary action.
“From CEOs of state corporations to Chairpersons of Parastatals and even Principal Secretaries, those found culpable have been forced to step aside,” he highlighted.
Further, Dr. Mwaura pointed out that the digitisation of government services has significantly reduced revenue leakages, adding that more than 23,000 services are now available through the e-Citizen platform, improving transparency and revenue collection.
“Leakages and seepages have been sealed, and at times we are collecting up to a billion shillings a day,” revealed the Govt. Spokesperson.
He added that progress has been made in rolling out the e-procurement system, which is aimed at reducing human interference in public procurement, noting that earlier technical challenges have largely been resolved.
On education, Dr. Mwaura announced that the government has successfully transitioned over 90 percent of Grade 10 learners, supported by expanded classroom infrastructure and teacher recruitment.
“We have increased the number of teachers to 100,000 as promised, and we plan to recruit an additional 16,000 to address the existing deficit,” he reported.
The Govt. Spokesperson acknowledged challenges in implementing the Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) curriculum but assured that reforms are stabilising through improved planning, timely capitation disbursements and expanded infrastructure, including plans to construct 1,600 laboratories.
He additionally disclosed that the government has settled Sh4.6 billion owed to booksellers.
On health financing, Mwaura urged Kenyans to enroll in and contribute to the Social Health Authority (SHA) programme, reporting that more than 29 million Kenyans are currently registered, up from eight million previously.
“This is the closest Kenya has come to universal health coverage. Insurance works when everyone contributes honestly,” he stated, calling on private hospitals to adhere to SHA billing procedures and avoid fraudulent claims.
On taxation and payroll reforms, Mwaura reiterated that Kenyans earning Sh30,000 and below now qualify for tax-free Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE), with additional relief expected in the coming year.
“About 1.5 million Kenyans will benefit, and deductions such as the housing levy are already delivering results, with housing projects rising across the country,” he mentioned.
Equally, Dr. Mwaura added that improved savings mechanisms could enable Kenya to save up to Sh1 trillion annually, strengthening domestic financing for pensions and national development.
On the other hand, the Govt. Spokesperson highlighted progress under the NYOTA youth enterprise programme, which he said is empowering 121,800 entrepreneurs nationwide.
“More than two million Kenyans applied, confirming the enterprising nature of our youth,” he asserted.
So far, Dr. Mwaura divulged that 114,240 beneficiaries across 44 counties have received Sh2.856 billion, following mandatory business skills training as final disbursements are scheduled for Garissa, Mandera and Wajir counties between February 11 and 12.
“This programme combines funding, mentorship, and training to ensure sustainable youth-led businesses,” affirmed Dr. Mwaura.
As well, he linked the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Plan to a broader national ambition referred to as the “Singapore Dream,” aimed at positioning Kenya as a high-income economy.
Mwaura cited improvements in key macroeconomic indicators, including a reduction in inflation from 9.6 percent in 2022 to about 4.6 percent, lower interest rates, and a stronger shilling, currently averaging Sh129.5 to the US dollar.
“Kenya’s foreign exchange reserves now stand at over USD 12.3 billion, covering 5.3 months of imports, while the country has risen to become Africa’s sixth-largest economy,” he established.
The government Spokesperson also pointed out to gains at the Nairobi Securities Exchange, which he maintained has added more than Sh1 trillion in market value over the past year.
Notably, Dr. Mwaura responded to concerns over police shootings, stray bullet deaths and recent church invasions, condemning violence and confirming that investigations are ongoing.
“We strongly condemn the invasion of churches. Such actions cannot be tolerated,” he emphasised, adding that the killing of a Huruma resident by a stray bullet ‘must be fully investigated’.”
Likewise, he encouraged political tolerance as the country heads toward the 2027 election cycle, cautioning that political competition should not undermine national unity.
“Political differences do not mean enmity. We have only one country,” implored the Govt. Spokesperson.
Meanwhile, Dr. Mwaura urged Kenyans to support ongoing reforms, acknowledging that some government policies have been difficult but necessary.
“Some decisions were painful, but they are now bearing fruit. Kenya is rising,” he said.
By Naif Rashid
