Vision 2030: Party manifestos silent on vital funding

By Stephen Makabila

NAIROBI; KENYA: Leading coalitions have unveiled campaign manifestos in lavish ceremonies.

So, how practical are the manifestos churned out by presidential candidates and do they rhyme with the current’s Government’s development blue-print – Vision 2030?

The country’s economic development agenda is anchored on Vision 2030 blueprint, and there are those who feel political party manifestos must not be in conflict with national aspirations.

Joseph Magut, a political scientist at Kenyatta University, notes that while most of the manifestos are line with Vision 2030, they lack a clear roadmap on how the pledges would be funded given our ‘struggling economy.’

“In this country, we have the habit of dishing out goodies on paper which never materialises. There is need to audit these manifestos and hold whichever government that would be formed after March 4 to account,” Magut told The Standard On Sunday.

He added: “Most of what is promised do not come to fruition. If one promises a million jobs, let him or her explain the kind, quality and how they would be created.”

Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (Kippra) CEO Eric Aligula, said the CORD and Jubilee manifestos are undergoing review to decide whether they are practica.

“I cannot comment on the two because we are reviewing them. We are awaiting manifestos of the six other presidential candidates for review,” he added.

Jubilee presidential candidate Uhuru Kenyatta and his running mate William Ruto released their manifesto last Sunday.

They anchored their manifesto on what they termed their promise for the youth and tools for uniting Kenyans through reconciling communities that have been traditionally hostile to each other.

In January, CORD unveiled its manifesto pegged on a 10-point programme.

Copy paste

CORD presidential candidate Raila Odinga said he intends to enhance land reforms, food security, universal healthcare and fight poverty if he succeeds President Kibaki.

“We want to build an economy that works for everyone. This is what is contained in this manifesto. Jobs remain top on our priority. Today, we launch a 10 point agenda for our people,” said Raila.

Mr Oduor Ogwen, one of the key researchers in CORD, told The Standard On Sunday the manifesto was well thought out and exuded confidence it would be approved by Kippra.

“In coming weeks, we are going to release plans on how each of the proposals will be funded and source of the funding. This coming week, we will start with education and health sectors and Kenyans will know how reforms in the two sectors will be under-taken, including the source of funding,” added Ogwen.

Though Amani coalition is yet to officially launch its manifesto, it has developed one.

Kippra is yet to receive manifestos from Amani, Martha Karua’s Narc-Kenya, Peter Kenneth’s Eagle Alliance and Restore and Build Kenya of Prof James ole Kiyiapi.

Most manifestos have prioritised food security, health, education, corruption, infrastructure and job creation.

“When you look at some of them, you think it is just copy and paste. What is so big in creating a million jobs for example?” posed Magut.

Maseno University lecturer Martin Mulwale said: “Most manifestos of political parties are never designed to be a commitment but are flavoured to win voters. They are often open-ended promises. Political parties make multiple promises but only deliver on one or two which they keep bragging about.”

 In its manifesto, the Jubilee highlighted various strategies, programmes and policies they intend to roll out with focus on agriculture, infrastructure, health and education sectors.

CORD promised to transform the public service, restructure police force, empower youth and women, improve food security, boost investments, address historical injustices such as the land question and protect water towers.

“There was adequate consultation and research on all proposals made by CORD in its manifesto,” added Ongwen.

Amani Coalition presidential flag bearer Musalia Mudavadi has scoffed at manifestos unveiled by his opponents, claiming they are unsustainable.