May 23, 2020
Nairobi, Kenya
President Uhuru Kenyatta's address to Kenyans, unveils Sh54B 8-point economic stimulus package
President Uhuru Kenyatta favoured the local industry in the Sh53.7 billion eight-point economic stimulus plan that he unveiled on May 23.
While confirming 31 more coronavirus cases which brought the total to 1192, the President said the economy shall soon be opened but with strict health measures. The Head of State was addressing the nation from the State House Nairobi.
The Economic Stimulus Plan, he said, will help the economy to recover from the coronavirus crisis.
The Local Industry
As evident in Saturday’s briefing and other previous statements, the Head of State prioritized the local industry as the catalyst for recovery from the coronavirus crisis.
Mr. Uhuru said Sh5 billion will be directed towards the repair of roads that were damaged by floods in several parts of the country. He said materials and labour shall be sourced locally.
For the tourism sector, Mr. Kenyatta said he will fund operations of the country’s premier hospitality institution, Utalii College to guarantee the supply of highly trained and hospitality professionals. Also, he said Sh1 billion will be used to engage 5,500 community scouts under the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS).
In Manufacturing, Uhuru emphasized the ‘Buy Kenya Build Kenya’ campaign, and set aside
Sh600 million to buy locally made cars for use by State.
“Ksh.600 million to purchase locally manufactured vehicles. As a strategy, we will enforce the policy on “Buy Kenya Build Kenya”.I urge all of us to remain Kenya Daima; confident that the endurance we are so famous for will drive us to victory,” said Mr.President.
In the Sh6.5 billion directed to the Education Ministry, part of it will be used to procure 250,000 locally made desks.
For the hospitals, the Jubilee administration intends to put 20,000 beds with Sh0.5 billion. Uhuru insisted on the Jua Kali sector to take up manufacturing of the beds.
Other beneficiaries in recovery plan
- Sh3 billion for 200,000 small scale farmers to subsidize farm inputs.
- Sh470 million to Kenya Meat Commission
- Sh1.5 billion to cushion the horticultural sector.
- Sh 6.5 billion to the Education Ministry to hire 10,000 teachers and 1000 ICT interns to support digital learning, and procurement of 250,000 desks.
- Sh 10 billion for SMEs for payment of VAT refunds and pending bills.
- Hiring 5000 healthcare workers with degree or diploma qualifications.
- Sh 850 million for restoring water towers and rehabilitating water harvesting in Asals.
- Sh3 billion to be used as a seed capital for SME Credit Guarantee Scheme.
