Uhuru: Stimulus plan bearing fruits

By FRANCIS NGIGE

Finance Minister Uhuru Kenyatta says the Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP), a key pillar in attaining Vision 2030, has started bearing fruit.

Uhuru said the next phase of boosting the establishment of small industries at the grassroots was on course, with development partners expected to pump an extra Sh3 billion into the kitty.

The Deputy Prime Minister said the Government had submitted funding proposals to donors for consideration ahead of the next phase of the ESP. "We want to encourage the establishment of local industries, which will employ young people and help the country attain Vision 2030 goals," said Uhuru.

Uhuru spoke in Mukurwe-ini while launching a ceramics project funded by the Constituency Development Fund, and other development organisations.

The minister, who was accompanied by Mukurwe-ini MP Kabando wa Kabando, said establishment of local industries would make procurement in Government easier.

He said local entrepreneurs had benefited from the scheme as a result of Government procurement policy.

Local supplies

"All Government departments are procuring furniture from local industries and this has boosted the local economy. We envisage a situation where Government supplies would be sourced locally," said the Finance Minister.

He said a review of projects under the ESP had shown great success but added that there was room for improvement.

"The projects are a boost to areas they were established and if Kenyans concentrate on development, then attainment of Vision 2030 would be easy," he said.