Principal Secretary (PS) for Economic Planning Dr. Bonface Makokha has called on religious leaders to partner with the Government in advancing the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), saying the country’s economic development depends on faithful stewardship, integrity and collective responsibility.
Speaking during the Brethren to Brethren Prayer Breakfast at Pan Africa Christian (PAC) University in Nairobi, Makokha noted that the church plays a critical role in shaping values that complement government efforts to achieve inclusive and sustainable development.
He further observed that the government’s development priorities are anchored on biblical principles of stewardship, urging Kenyans to faithfully manage the resources, talents and opportunities entrusted to them.
“Prayer without stewardship produces hope without harvest, while stewardship without God produces effort without lasting purpose,” Makokha echoed.
Equally, the PS identified stewardship of land as the foundation of national development, noting that agriculture remains central to the BETA agenda despite advancements in technology.
He highlighted that government interventions, including subsidised fertiliser and increased investment in agriculture, have significantly boosted food production and strengthened food security.
“The first assignment God gave humanity was to work and take care of the land. Anybody who invests in agriculture is investing in the future,” he emphasised.
On stewardship of gifts and enterprise, Makokha affirmed that every Kenyan has a God-given responsibility to utilise their talents productively, adding that the government continues to create an enabling environment for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and youth entrepreneurship through targeted empowerment programmes.
“God blesses the work of our hands. Show me what you are doing and the blessing of multiplication will rest upon it,” he expressed.
Additionally, the PS linked stewardship of families to the Affordable Housing Programme, stressing that decent housing strengthens families, restores dignity and creates employment opportunities while supporting economic growth.
He further emphasised stewardship of health, urging Kenyans to enroll in the Social Health Authority (SHA) to improve access to affordable healthcare, saying a healthy population is essential for increased productivity.
Makokha also challenged the youth to embrace innovation and digital technologies, pointing out that the Government’s Digital Superhighway and Artificial Intelligence initiatives are preparing Kenya’s workforce for a competitive global economy.
Calling for stronger collaboration between the church and the government, Makokha rallied religious leaders to continue praying for the nation, while encouraging citizens to support development programmes under the BETA agenda.
By Sharon Njeru
