A message from ODM-Kenya Presidential Candidate to the People of Kenya
My Fellow Kenyans,
I would like to thank all Kenyans and ODM-Kenya supporters in particular for their trust and confidence in nominating me the party’s presidential candidate for the December 2007 general elections. I would like to recognize Hon. Dr. Julia Ojiambo for her participation in the competition for nomination, and wish to congratulate her for her subsequent nomination by the party as the presidential running mate. This achievement is one that all the women of Kenya should feel proud of.
I have a vision of Kenya; a vision of Kenya as a united and prosperous, nation that espouses the principles of democracy, equality, justice, peace and freedom. Having grown up in a poor village in a semi-arid area, I understand what hunger, poverty and insecurity mean. These continue to hurt most of our people and must now be eradicated from our midst. I pledge to provide you a Presidency with a major difference. I pledge to provide you servant presidency that is committed to bring about change that will in turn end poverty and all other social, economic and governance ills that every single Kenyan family and community live with every day.
I pledge to work with all Kenyans to bring about fundamental positive changes in the following priorities areas:
1. Governance
Government will be taken to the people through a devolved and participatory process. Corruption will be a practice of the past because it will be punished without fear or favor. Security will be guaranteed for all Kenyans
2. Economy
A productive and fast-growing 24-hour economy will be created. Jua Kali enterprises will be developed and graduated into cottage industries. A fast, consistent and sustainable double-digit economic growth rate will be attained. No Kenyan community or group shall henceforth be referred to as “marginalized.”
3. Poverty and Unemployment
A 24-hour work cycle will be introduced so that production capacity is put to optimal use to create more jobs. Regions that have historically suffered from social and economic neglect will receive special equalization funds so that they can realize accelerated development in priority sectors. The critically poor will receive direct cash allowances.
4. Welfare
Education: Early childhood, primary and secondary education will be free and Linkages will be created between universities and industry for their mutual benefit.
Healthcare: The number of Kenyans dying from preventable and curable diseases will be drastically reduced and All children will receive free health care
People with disabilities: Kenyans with disabilities will receive equal opportunities in the economy, governance and the rest of society
Water: A program to provide clean water and guarantee food security – the two most essentials requirements for life - will be implemented
5. Infrastructure
More funds will be invested in infrastructure through partnerships with the private sector in what is referred to as Build, Operate and Transfer method as well as the Build, Own, Operate and Transfer method.
6. Youth and Women
Involvement of youth and women in development will be ensured through affirmative action.
7. Workers
The labor sector will be reformed to ensure that workers receive better wages and conditions.
8. Investors and Employers
Investors and employers will be assisted to realize meaningful returns, increase re-investment, and thereby create more jobs for our people.
The main feature of our manifesto which we now unveil is the Komesha Umaskini principle that runs through the entire document. ODM-K has carefully considered the programs it proposes in this manifesto in close consultation with Kenyan professionals and experts and we all are satisfied that the programs are good for our people and our country and, most importantly, they are practicable.
I now urge all the people of Kenya to support ODM-Kenya so that we can provide you with servant leadership that you deserve.