Parties rush to polish manifestos

With 100 days to the General Election, presidential aspirants are fine-tuning the manifestos they will sell to voters.

Food security, unemployment, corruption, internal security, national cohesion and healthcare feature prominently on some of the policy documents seen by the Nation.

Implementation of the Constitution, devolution, agricultural reforms as well as improved fiscal management are also at the top of the lists.

Some aspirants, including Kenya National Congress’s Peter Kenneth, Narc-Kenya’s Martha Karua and Narc’s Charity Ngilu have already launched their manifestos.

ODM’s Raila Odinga is set to share his with the public on December 7 when the party’s National Delegates Conference relaunches his bid.

The National Alliance’s Uhuru Kenyatta and United Republican Party’s William Ruto have drafted their but are said to be preparing to harmonise them if they seal a coalition deal.

It is not clear if the United Democratic Forum’s Musalia Mudavadi and Wiper Democratic Movement’s Kalonzo Musyoka have prepared theirs or if they will come up with a single one if they sign a pact. (READ: UDF, Wiper yet to decide on flag-bearer)

Mr Kenyatta says in his draft manifesto that his government will focus on three pillars – Umoja (Unity), Uwezo (Empowerment) and Usalama (Security). He says he will focus on creating wealth through job creation and investment opportunities.

“Our philosophy, policies and programmes aim to transform the way politics is conducted in Kenya and Africa as a whole. We seek to unleash the energy, dynamism and strength of Kenyan people,” the draft says.

On his website, Mr Odinga says he will form an inclusive government that promotes the rule of law and protects the rights of citizens. He also says he will “consciously strive” for equitable resource allocation as well as wealth creation and job opportunities.

“I will promote social protection, cushion the urban and rural poor and marginalised and vulnerable populations. I will promote nationalism and Kenyaphilia; the love for our country among our people under the banner of One Kenya, One People, One Nation,” he says.

When Mr Mudavadi left ODM, he said his government would focus on restructuring agriculture “where eggs produced in Kenya should not be more expensive than those imported from Israel.” The Sabatia MP said this would create about 1.5 million jobs.

In education, he said he would ensure every child acquired secondary education and technical skills by equipping 1,000 polytechnics.

Mr Ruto says economic development through devolution will be a key priority and promises to fast-track the transition to county governments. URP also says infrastructure development and cheaper energy will help create jobs.

“We shall robustly combat corruption through transparency, accountability and the rule of law,” the manifesto says.

Mr Kenneth says he will focus on unemployment and food security and improve infrastructure, security, the environment, education, healthcare and water. Tourism, agriculture, manufacturing and technology will be the key drivers to achieving his goals, he says.

Fighting graft, infrastructural development, jobs and food security will be Ms Karua’s priorities. Also on top of her list are universal healthcare, a comprehensive education system and a robust foreign policy.

The Gichugu MP also says farmers are the key to food security and her government will commit 10 per cent of the annual budget to agriculture.

For Ms Ngilu, food and water, healthcare, education, women empowerment and wealth creation top the list of priorities.