Musalia Mudavadi, Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary, emphasizes the need for the nation to transition from aid dependency to attracting trade and investment, during a speech in Geneva. He warns of the end of the aid era and calls for strategic policy shifts to generate resources. Mudavadi highlights Kenya’s role as a financial hub and urges swift governmental actions, particularly in healthcare, where reliance on external funding is no longer viable.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has declared the necessity for Kenya to pivot away from reliance on foreign aid, advocating for the establishment of a framework to attract trade and investment. Addressing an audience in Geneva, Switzerland, he emphasized the importance of strategic policy shifts to effectively generate resources for essential programs in Kenya.
Mr. Mudavadi cautioned that the era of dependency on aid is concluding, urging Kenya and Africa to pursue rapid and sustainable alternatives to bolster their economies. He remarked on the current geopolitical climate, stating, “The geopolitics and shifting global dynamics being witnessed is a clear indicator that we should be looking at ways of being self-reliant moving into the future.”
He underscored the critical role of Kenya as a regional economic and financial center, encouraging swift decision-making by Parliament and urging collaboration between county governments, the executive, and the private sector across various industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, and technology. Mr. Mudavadi stated, “Parliament must be quick in decision-making on this agenda.”
Mudavadi further advised nations reliant on foreign aid to remain vigilant regarding global shifts, especially in contexts driven by key international capitals. He articulated a call for African nations to engage actively in securing their investments, likening the current scenario to the colonial period’s scramble for resources. He proclaimed, “But now, it is our turn as Africans to scramble for our own investments.”
In the healthcare sector specifically, Mudavadi asserted that Kenyans must now assume responsibility for their health programs, stating, “Healthcare sector programmes would no longer be underwritten by donors or partners.” He urged the public to embrace sustainable healthcare solutions, framing Universal Health Care as a vital initiative. He added, “The Universal Health Care must now shift from the angle at which it was being seen to now be seen as a serious lifesaving program for the people of Kenya.”
Mudavadi has also called for a review of the implementation framework of Universal Health Care, emphasizing the need for financial reassessments due to uncertainties concerning funding from entities like the World Health Organization. He reported that Kenya currently finances approximately 40% of its healthcare resources, with the remaining 60% funded by partnerships.
In conclusion, Musalia Mudavadi’s advocacy for Kenya to transition from aid dependency towards self-reliance highlights emerging opportunities for trade and investment. His address emphasizes the critical role of internal policy reforms and partnerships between government and the private sector in fostering sustainable economic growth. The call for enhanced responsibility in healthcare reinforces the necessity for an adaptive approach in addressing national challenges.
Original Source: www.kenyans.co.ke
