Focus on projects is good for economy

President Uhuru Kenyatta and his top leadership were in Voi this week to inspect the progress on the standard gauge railway and indications are that the project is running on course.

In fact, the technocrats are upbeat that the project could be completed earlier than the 2017 deadline.

For good measure, it was disclosed that discussions were under way to have the railway extended from Nairobi, which was the original destination, to Naivasha, an additional 120 kilometres, to tap the economic potential of that region.

Yesterday, the President was in Machakos to commission the school electrification programme, a prelude to the rollout of the laptop project, a flagship project of the Jubilee administration that has yet to take off.

Looked at together, President Kenyatta is trying to make a point that he is keeping focus on development projects and delivering on his campaign promises. Coming against a background of runaway insecurity that has undermined many programmes, that is commendable.

TOP AGENDA

Infrastructure and economic development must remain at the top of the national agenda. An efficient infrastructure and vibrant economy is part of the cure for insecurity. A performing economy provides job and business opportunities and empowers citizens to take charge of their destiny.

A major cause of insecurity is hopelessness that arises from economic and social deprivation and the inability to resource the security teams adequately.

However, President Kenyatta must guard against using the projects for public relations. They must be executed and completed according to plan and without shortcuts.

If, for example, the railway can be completed ahead of schedule, then it would be logical to expand it to Kisumu and Malaba, not just Naivasha, because that is when it will make good business sense.