- From agriculture to housing, health, and digital infrastructure, Kenya is advancing towards economic inclusion and prosperity.
- The BETA agenda, with its focus on the bottom of the pyramid, is proving to be a transformative model for addressing socioeconomic challenges.
Image: PCS/ FILE
In two years under President William Ruto’s leadership, Kenya has made significant strides in agriculture, demonstrating a clear commitment to reduce the cost of living. He is shifting focus from consumption subsidies to enhancing agricultural productivity. A striking 514 per cent increase in fertiliser distribution from 1.4 million bags in 2022 to 8.6 million in 2024 is an emblem of this strategy's success.
This intervention in the agricultural sector has significantly lowered the cost per bag of fertiliser by 58 per cent, from Sh6,000 to Sh2,500, making agricultural inputs more affordable for farmers. Maize production has risen by a remarkable 38.9 percent, adding 24 million 50kg bags of maize reducing Kenya's reliance on maize imports by 33.7 per cent.
These developments signify a well-coordinated effort by the government to boost food security, enhance farmers’ livelihoods, and create more jobs in the agricultural sector.
This growth in agricultural production has wide-ranging impacts on both farmers and consumers. Agricultural production growth means farmers are now using better techniques, improved seeds and fertilisers, and have access to more farmland, supported by modern irrigation systems. The result is a higher yield of food crops such as maize, which not only feeds more people but also lowers the cost of food. Increased production leads to a reduction in food prices, as seen in the 23.3 per cent drop in the cost of maize flour. This makes food more affordable for all, while also reducing Kenya’s dependency on expensive imports.
Increased agricultural productivity also creates jobs—not just in farming but in transporting, selling, and processing food. As more crops are grown, more hands are needed to bring those crops from the farm to the table, which in turn stimulates local economies. The job creation linked to these gains in agriculture gives Kenyans more opportunities to earn a livelihood, particularly in rural areas, where farming remains the primary source of income.
In the realm of small and medium-sized enterprises, which employ 85 per cent of Kenya’s workforce, the government's efforts to revitalise the sector have yielded notable results. The establishment of 21 County Industrial Development Centres across key sectors, such as leather and textiles, has given rise to enhanced value chains. With significant investments, such as the opening of Kariokor’s Common Manufacturing Facility and construction of effluent treatment plants in leather hubs such as Kenanie Industrial Park, the sector has seen a 30 per cent increase in processing capacity. Equally noteworthy is the expansion of livestock insurance coverage by 65.5 per cent; it now provides more farmers with a safety net in case of adverse conditions. These initiatives are emblematic of a government focused on boosting production capacities and empowering local industries, especially those at the lower end of the economic spectrum.
Furthermore, the rollout of the Hustler Fund in 2022 has been a game changer for financial inclusion, with 21.87 million individuals benefiting from affordable credit. The fund has disbursed Sh54.9 billion, providing a lifeline to micro-enterprises, while encouraging a culture of saving through its innovative model. Notably, 673,340 groups have also subscribed to the fund, accessing credit for collective economic growth. Through such initiatives, Kenya’s MSME sector is poised to play an even greater role in driving economic transformation and reducing income inequality.
Affordable housing, another pillar of the BETA agenda, has also witnessed remarkable growth. The government has increased the number of affordable housing units from 8,872 in 2022 to 103,000 in 2024, a 1,061 peer cent increase. The incentives offered to developers, such as reductions in taxes and levies, have spurred this dramatic rise. In tandem with these efforts, the number of jobs in the housing sector has skyrocketed, with 188,256 jobs being created since 2022. This growth is crucial, not only in addressing the housing deficit, but also in providing employment opportunities for Kenya’s youth. The construction industry, through such projects, is emerging as a key driver of economic development and urban transformation.
With the establishment of funds such as the Social Health Insurance Fund and the Primary Health Care Fund, the government has laid a solid foundation for accessible and affordable healthcare. The increase in community health promoters receiving stipends from 29,000 in 2022 to 107,000 in 2024, a 269 per cent surge, indicates the government's commitment to grassroots health interventions. Additionally, the increase in primary care networks and the opening of regional drug distribution centres signify that healthcare access is becoming more decentralised and efficient. The enactment of health-related legislation, such as the Primary Healthcare Act 2023, further reinforces this agenda, providing a strong legal framework for the expansion of UHC.
Kenya’s digital infrastructure has seen a significant boost, with fibre optic cable installations more than doubling from 8,900 kilometres in 2022 to 18,767km in 2024. This expansion means more Kenyans have access to reliable, high-speed internet, essential for online education, business, and e-commerce. Programmes like Ajira and Jitume have increased digital job opportunities for youth by 409 per cent, underscoring Kenya’s role as a leader in Africa’s digital transformation. By enhancing digital infrastructure, Kenya is driving innovation, job creation, and economic growth.
From agriculture to housing, health and digital infrastructure, Kenya is advancing towards economic inclusion and prosperity. The BETA agenda, with its focus on the bottom of the pyramid, is proving to be a transformative model for addressing socioeconomic challenges. The leap forward in each of these sectors is not merely numerical; it reflects a nation on the cusp of a new chapter of growth and resilience. This momentum, if sustained through this year and next, will have a profound impact on the socio-economic landscape.
Political commentator