President Uhuru Kenyatta. [Photo/ HapaKenya]
The long season of campaigning is finally over, and Kenyans are ready to cast their votes for the presidential candidate who has a strong record of development. Here is why I think President Uhuru Kenyatta will be re-elected by Kenyans: 1. Free maternity care — The Jubilee administration’s free maternity care, which was rolled out immediately after ascending to power in 2013, has helped millions of mothers, saved lives and led to the vaccination of more babies. It is one of the many promises that President Kenyatta kept and Kenyans find him trustworthy because of it.
2. Electricity connectivity — In just four years, President Kenyatta has connected more Kenyans to the national grid than the number who had been connected between 1963 and 2012. More than 34.1 million Kenyans now have power, with all primary schools in the country connected. The president has promised to ensure every Kenyan has access to electricity by 2020.
3. SGR project — The Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project, finished ahead of time, has been a tremendous success ever since it was launched in June. It has made it possible for Kenyans to travel between Mombasa and Nairobi in just over four hours, and in a means that is safer and more convenient. That is why SGR trains have recorded an average of more than 95% occupancy since it started operations. The extension of the project to Naivasha is nearly complete, with funding already secured to take the project to Nakuru and eventually Kisumu. 4. Huduma Centers — Everyone agrees since these centers were set up, in nearly every county, getting government service has been very easy. People don’t need to travel to Nairobi to get government services. More than 45,000 Kenyans get served daily at the 41 Huduma Centers countrywide, with at least 95% satisfied with the services offered. 12 million people have been served at the centers since they were established. 5. Cash transfer program — It is no secret that President Kenyatta is very popular with elderly Kenyans. And one of the reasons is his cash transfer program, which provides a monthly cash stipend to the elderly. This initiative has brought dignity back to the old people, enabling them to afford the basic needs of life. The president intends to expand the program even further from next year. There are many other reasons why President Kenyatta is likely to beat NASA’s Raila Odinga, but in my view, these five are among the top.