Why medium-term plan is important for progress

The Ministry of Devolution and Planning last December embarked on the preparation of the Third Medium-Term Plan, which outlines the national development focus for the next five years. The key drivers include the achievement of 10 per cent GDP growth and ensuring the transition into a middle-income economy.

Medium-term planning is a constitutional process to inform budgetary spending in five-year phases, guided by the overarching goals of Vision 2030. It is spearheaded by the Planning ministry with the participation of line ministries, county governments and government agencies. The MTP integrates the inputs of the private sector, youth and international organisations through working and thematic groups. It also incorporates county consultations for views on priorities to enhance planning. The MTP3 preparation is on course, with county sensitisation forums set for June 12 to 19. After the August 8 elections, the draft will assimilate the winning party’s manifesto to ensure that the incoming government adopts a well-informed and representative agenda. In September, the draft will undergo validation and approval. This will entail a national validation forum, as well as discussions and approvals by the Cabinet, national and county governments and parliamentary committees. The final MTP3 will be launched by the President in December and become operational next January. The MTP2 achieved a GDP growth of 6.2 per cent in December last year, with vital gains in transport, energy, oil and gas. The transport sector made tremendous progress, easing movement of goods and people. Besides the standard gauge railway, other gains include the second container terminal at Mombasa Port; terminal 1A at JKIA, Nairobi; rehabilitation and modernisation of airstrips; developments in the Lapsset corridor; and building of roads and bridges.

POWER CAPACITY

In Energy, the installed power capacity increased from 1,690MW to 2,341MW last year, making it more affordable and accessible to households and industry. Schools were also connected and transmission networks expanded. The oil and gas sector was strengthened by the construction of the Mombasa-Nairobi and Nakuru-Kisumu pipelines. By 2015, some 74 oil exploration wells had been drilled and blocks increased from 46 to 63. So far, 36 blocks have been licensed to 18 oil companies. National security improved with the reactivation of emergency numbers, installation of 3,100 surveillance cameras in Nairobi and Mombas, and recruitment of 26,000 police officers. These efforts contributed to the tourism industry’s recovery.

Health developments include the implementation of the Managed Equipment Services Programme in 98 hospitals, expansion of NHIF coverage and benefits, introduction of free maternity services, increased immunisation coverage and a decline in malaria and HIV prevalence.

Other achievements include Huduma Centres to improve public services; empowerment of youth and women; the Inua Jamii programme to provide a safety net for the elderly and orphans; the Digital Literacy Programme to integrate ICT into the curriculum. There is also the competency-based education and training curriculum to prepare students for future opportunities; enactment of the Climate Change Act; digitisation and automation of land records and services; and ICT improvement to enhance connectivity. The MTP2 faced challenges requiring improvements in devolution, financing, land acquisition for infrastructure projects. The MTP3 will address service delivery between the national and county governments. It will also seek to ease land acquisition for flagship infrastructure projects and boost reforms to promote national values and improve accountability.

PRIORITISE TRANSFORMATION

The MTP3 will prioritise structural transformation of manufacturing and industry, increasing exports, growing micro, small and medium enterprises, irrigation and food security, water access and sanitation, job creation and security. The blue economy and maritime sector will also be emphasised to tap into the vast marine and fisheries resources. The plan will integrate Sustainable Development Goals and climate change measures into programming and budgeting across ministries, counties, agencies and departments. Ultimately, its success will depend on the participation, goodwill of all Kenyans as well government commitment to deliver the best quality of life to all.

Irungu Nyakera is the principal secretary for Planning and Statistics.