To make true his promises he needs money and plenty of it so, the Kenyan President is off to the United Kingdom where he is expected to make a fresh pitch for his Big four agenda projects at the inaugural UK-Africa Investment summit which kicks off Monday.
In February 2018, President Uhuru unveiled the manifesto of his Jubilee administration for the next five years in what he called the Big 4 Agenda. These were: manufacturing, affordable housing, food security, and universal health care. Two years later and the Big 4 agenda has largely remained just that, impressive on paper with nothing much to show on the ground.
Mr. Kenyatta will be seeking the support of potential investors to put money in projects that include manufacturing, building houses, agriculture and health.
National Treasury Cabinet Secretary Ukur Yatani, Housing Principal Secretary Charles Hinga and Central Bank of Kenya Governor Patrick Njoroge among others will be accompanying President Kenyatta and attend the summit.
Kenya Private Sector Alliance CEO Carole Kariuki, Equity Group CEO James Mwangi and Centum CEO James Mworia are also expected at the event.
On Saturday, outgoing Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs Monica Juma touched down in UK ahead of President Kenyatta's visit to smooth the way for him.
The Kenyan High Commissioner to the UK Ambassador Manoah Esipisu has said the summit will provide an opportunity for a robust discussion between the Governments of Kenya and the UK on areas of cooperation.
“As you know, Kenya has always trumpeted trade and investment, and we do expect that these are the areas that they will focus on for the prosperity of the people of Kenya as well as the prosperity of the people of the United Kingdom,” Esipisu said on Saturday.
Organizers of the summit say they expect the event to create new lasting partnerships that will deliver more investment, jobs and growth for all participants.
“We want the UK to be the investment partner of choice for Africa,” a statement on gov.uk says.
