Orange Democratic Movement Party Leader, Raila Odinga, has continued to make promises as the race for the country’s top seat heats up.
Odinga has now promised to offer interest-free loans to Kenyans wishing to start businesses should he be elected president in the upcoming elections.
Speaking in Kwale County on November 16, 2021, where he popularized his Azimio la Umoja, the ODM chief reiterated his commitment to supporting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME).
“Those who want to start their businesses will get loans from the government and will not pay anything till the lapse of seven years so that their businesses get to flourish,” said Odinga.
“The businesses will be protected by the government such that they are not unfairly targeted by the Kenya Revenue Authority,” he added.
The former Premier said that the loans would be offered with a grace period of seven years, during which the beneficiaries will be monitored to ensure they seize financial freedom.
In the coastal tour, Odinga also touched on the pertinent issue of historical land injustices that has bedeviled the region since independence.
He asked ODM-allied legislators to review existing laws on land injustices and fishing policies, urging them to recommend amendments such that they are helpful to the coastal counties.
Odinga, who was accompanied by several elected leaders from across the country, told off critics who were dismissing his social protection program of paying Ksh6, 000 to vulnerable families and unemployed Kenyans.
He stated that he would seal loopholes that facilitated theft of public funds, saying that the funds would be directed towards such initiatives as the social protection program and a robust medical cover for the elderly persons.
Odinga has recently held spirited campaigns as he looks forward to succeeding president Uhuru Kenyatta when he retires next year.
Last week, the ODM leader’s presidential bid received a major boost after three Ukambani governors threw weight behind him.
