Saturday, January 21, 2012

Elections to test Kenya's recovery - Raila


Elections to test Kenya's recovery - Raila

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Prime Minister Raila Odinga makes his remarks at the 27th meeting of the National Economic and Social Council at Nairobi Hotel on January 20, 2012. PHOTO / PMPS
Prime Minister Raila Odinga makes his remarks at the 27th meeting of the National Economic and Social Council at Nairobi Hotel on January 20, 2012. PHOTO / PMPS  
By LUCAS BARASA lbarassa@ke.nation.co.ke and BERYL WAMBANI bwambani@ke.nationemdia.com
Posted  Friday, January 20  2012 at  12:45
Prime Minister Raila Odinga has said Kenya's next general election, whose date is still unclear, will be a credibility test to the nation's recovery efforts from the 2007 - 2008 post elections violence.
Mr Odinga said on Friday that the next elections will test Kenya’s commitment to the ideals of democracy and the sanctity of the ballot.
“Our country is poised for watershed elections. It will be the first election under the new constitution and the first to be held after the failed one of 2007. These elections will test our institutions,” Mr Odinga told the 27th National Economic and Social Council.
Speaking at Mayfair Hotel in Westlands, Nairobi on Friday, Mr Odinga said the elections will test the country’s ability to “learn from our past mistakes.”
“We have a task to help restore confidence in our nation. We have a task to assure those watching us…and make no mistake the whole world is watching us,” Mr Odinga said.
The PM said the country’s leadership has to reassure the world and citizens that the elections will be free, fair and transparent.
He said, “We have to ensure that the elections will be held in an atmosphere that meets the best international standards, that they will take place in an atmosphere free of intimidation, blackmail, victimization and ethnic mobilization.”
And added, “We must and we shall use the coming elections to show that we are marching forward sadder, but wiser.”
He expressed confidence that the country’s new and vibrant institutions were gearing up for this role.
“They look equal to the task, ready to stand up for the nation. Let us do our part; then together we shall rise again,” he said.
On the economic front, the PM asked NESC to help Kenya defy recent negative global economic trends, noting with wise counsel and the resilience of the private sector, the country’s economy could grow at least by 5.2 per cent this year.
Saying concerted efforts were needed to bring down the cost of living, Mr Odinga noted with concern that the high cost of maize flour makes it to be beyond the reach of many Kenyans while the high cost and erratic supply of energy are making it very difficult for local industries to compete.
The Prime Minister also touched on bank interest rates, saying the rates had been let to stay at the current high levels for too long after they were raised to stabilize the shilling sometimes last year.
He said it was a matter of great concern that the lending rates rose very sharply while the rates the banks pay to their customers for their savings did not increase as much.
“This means that banks are making even more profits while the savers earn less. Something has to be done,” he added.
Mr Odinga noted with satisfaction that in its agenda the NESC will look at the role it can play in the implementation of devolved structures of Government, and asked the council to recommend policies that will enable Kenyans to cultivate shared values for nation-building, cohesion and peaceful co-existence.
On job creation, the PM lamented that unemployment subjected the youth to deprivation and suffering adding it is was also a loss to the economy because it meant the county was not making use of the rich human resources in the country.
“I am happy that the council will be discussing policy options that will create jobs,” he added.
He also spoke about Credit Guarantee Schemes and expressed shock that only $ 88.5 million of credit guarantees are available to small businesses in Kenya. Noting the figure was inadequate Mr Odinga urged NESC to recommend how Credit Guarantee Schemes should be strengthened to better assist small businesses.

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