Counties offer solid platform to kick-start economic revolution
What you need to know:
- We are at a point in Kenya when the promise of an economic takeoff seems so realistic. We have had plenty of political challenges which, thanks to the tribal nature of our engagements, is still a problem.
During the late 1980s to the 1990s there was talk in global circles of the German economic miracle.
Having risen from the ashes of the Second World War, West Germany went into a drive to modernise her ruined economy. Aided by America, the Germans began to industrialise and opened up new fronts, especially in manufacturing.
By mid to late 1980s, West Germany had established itself as the third richest economy in the world behind USA and Japan. By the time unification was formalised in 1989, and with the fall of communism, Germany was raring to go. By the 1990s, the German Deutschemark had become one of the most valuable currencies in the world they later adopted the Euro.
This is the sort of economic miracle all counties in Kenya should be looking forward to. A study of the Germany model reveals a great focus on economy and business with sharp political management both at the state and national levels. No wonder talk of Germany dominates the Eurozone today.
Takeoff
We are at a point in Kenya when the promise of an economic takeoff seems so realistic. We have had plenty of political challenges which, thanks to the tribal nature of our engagements, is still a problem.
We have serious security challenges, infrastructure woes, massive unemployment, collapse of social structures, skewed development, as well as a myriad other challenges, but Kenya still holds a great economic promise.
Reforms in the economic paradigm initiated by the Mwai Kibaki administration have been a game changer. I have been to several counties, some which had seemed stuck in a rut in the past, but the changes I have seen augur well for our growth Machakos stands out, as do Kwale, Uasin Gishu, Nakuru, Murang’a, Narok, Taita-Taveta and Nyeri, among others.
If these counties implement their economic blueprints as envisioned, they will certainly become models for others to emulate.
Counties, I believe, are the way to attain uniform economic growth. The momentum is on but the ultimate measure will be on the delivery of the promise made.
The multi-faceted approach adopted by the devolved units promises to transform our economy, and that momentum needs to be maintained.
Harisson Ikunda, Nairobi.
