I believe we should debunk the idea that economic progress only flows from the pockets of the who-is-who and that the unskilled, the underemployed, the uneducated, and their kin and kith operating "informal businesses" should just play a spectator role with regards to investments creation and/or promotion. I am of the view that the aforementioned groups hold the key to an inclusive and stable growth. This is why.
Kenya does have very industrious people. The many unregulated, unsupported business minds dotting our streets and neighbourhoods attest to this fundamental point. We are moving too far yet we have the right mix here in front of us. Our Mama Mbogas deserve recognition.
Allow me to turn your attention to Lodwar town. For those of you who are unfamiliar with it, Lodwar is situated in the north-west of Kenya. The town wears many tags: it is both the administrative capital and the economic hub of Turkana County. If you may allow, the town embodies all the trappings of what can be termed as development linked to urbanisation.
That is one side of the story. The other side, and which features prominently as the identity of Lodwar is that, a huge proportion of the town's population remains at the peripheries of its growth. This stems from several things. One, apathy - both within and without - government circles. Two, poor connection between the town honchos and the large mass of small scale traders. Three, a mindset challenge: one that only sees traders as tax reservoirs and not partners in development. And four, little or no incentives to catapult the fortunes of Lodwar's small scale traders.
I know many of these challenges are systemic. They are old. And we will need considerable long periods of time and loads of energy to unpack them. Above all, I believe we must start from somewhere.
Urban Areas and Cities Act, 2011 empowers county governments to set up urban boards to oversee development of specific urban centers. It offers much greater latitude as pertains the management of urban areas as opposed to what used to happen during municipality days. Lodwar town of all places needs this board. It is a special case that should not be left in the hands of busy, often ill-informed bureaucrats.
Two, creativity is a requirement leaders should always bank on. To lean on government budgetary cycles to develop our urban areas (and of course our rural hamlets) will take us decades to unlock the econo-intellectual potential of our people.
Lodwar town needs a chain of satellite markets. By the way, this is not an expensive affair as most of us may believe. Satellite markets only need a roof, a water point and sanitation facilities. Aren't our leaders capable of implementing this in a matter of days? Is it late to think of municipal bonds?
Three, stop cornering our Mama Mbogas. County tax regimes must be tinged with realities on the ground. Governments should not over-reach our pockets in order to finance their functions. Protect and empower Mama Mbogas. Give them soft loans and skills.
Four, I know many enterprising youth and women operating without government support. Their rallying call has always been consistent: They do not need government largess. They are tired of hollow sympathy.
All they want is this: Tendering procedures should be guided by the spirit of promoting local talents and skills. There is no reason to lament about youth unemployment when we underestimate their capabilities. It is time we walked the talk.
To conclude, all these initiatives will amount to nothing if members of the public aren't informed. Public awareness is the pillar of socio-economic development. This is premised on the fact that a huge chunk of residents of Lodwar - and by extension, the whole of Turkana County - have little formal education. It would yield much impact if we partnered with the many NGOs crisscrossing this region.
I believe these can be done.
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