Kenya Kwanza presidential candidate and Deputy President Dr William Ruto has pledged a Sh200 million constituency kitty to fund small and medium enterprises if elected president in forthcoming general elections.
Ruto has also faulted government officials manning security dockets in the country of abdicating their roles blaming it on the lawlessness situation that has seen Marsabit county residents subjected to a dusk to dawn curfew.
Speaking in Marsabit town Wednesday during a two-day campaign tour of the county, the Deputy President said that small scale businesses were the ultimate solution to the ever rising unemployment problem in the country and as such, his government would extend credit support to the youth and groups to start or boost their businesses.
The DP who was accompanied by UDA and other Kenya Kwanza Alliance leaders including Garissa town MP Adan Duale, Tharaka Nithi senator Prof Kithure Kindiki and a host of local leadership said his government would put in place measures to reduce the cost of living by subsidizing farm inputs and lowering taxes on essential commodities.
He said Kenya as an agricultural country has the potential to produce enough food to feed its people and a surplus for export if undertaken on the right strictures that also include effective extension services.
He added that a Kenya Kwanza government would initiate leather processing plants in every county in the pastoralist inhabited region in a bid to tap on huge potential in hides and skins.
The DP who had earlier conducted two peaceful rallies in Sololo and Moyale sub-counties said the largely untapped sub-sector would not only facilitate the industrialization pillar in his manifesto but create the much needed jobs for the youth and offer a market for hides and skins for the livestock farmers.
On health, the DP promised a reduction on monthly subscription fee from the current Sh500 down to Sh300 while the most vulnerable would be enabled to access the essential service free of charge.
Ruto further reiterated his commitment and that of the Kenya Kwanza Alliance government to fight graft once they ascend to power saying that institutions charged with the responsibility would be strengthened to enable them execute duty as expected.
The DP added that the independence of those institutions like Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), the directorate of criminal investigations and the office of the public prosecution would be respected and adequately facilitated to deliver on their mandate.
Regarding security, the deputy president chided Cabinet and Principal Secretaries who were involved in politics instead of concentrating on their duties adding that public servants would not be allowed to politic in his government.
He implored on the local electorate to vote for Kenya Kwanza Alliance candidates who include Mohammed Chute (Senate), Harsama Kello (governor) and Naomi Waqo (woman representative) in the August 9, polls.
Ruto told the hundreds of supporters that it was only in Kenya Kwanza where equity and fairness in development is guaranteed.
