Raila's Plan to Lower Cost of Living in First 100 Days in Office

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga during the launch of the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition party manifesto at Nyayo Stadium on June 6, 2022.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga during the launch of the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition party manifesto at Nyayo Stadium on June 6, 2022.
Twitter
Sabina Chege

Azimio presidential candidate, Raila Odinga, has detailed how his government will reduce the cost of living within the first 100 days of assumption of office.

Speaking during an interview with the media on Tuesday, June 28, Raila stated that he would make adjustments to the national budget to channel more funds to programmes that will see the reduction of prices of basic commodities.

He explained that the money would enable the government to grant subsidies to some of the essential products such as fuel, which determine the cost of other products.

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua posing for their campaign photos.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua posing for their campaign photos.
File

"We will look at the budget and make some adjustments in terms of expenditure both recurrent and development so that we can feed the people.

"We are talking about reducing the price of essential commodities such as maize flour, cooking oil and petrol," the former Prime Minister explained.

Raila expounded that his government would work with local and foreign companies supplying the products to develop a cut-out plan that would see them subsidize some of the costs while ensuring that they still remain in business.

The Azimio flagbearer noted that his government would also ensure implementation of projects that would create employment opportunities that will enhance the purchasing power of Kenyans.

While chipping in, his running mate, Martha Karua, noted that the two would borrow some of the strategies used by the late President Mwai Kibaki's administration.

Karua further defended Azimio over not being able to do anything over the current cost of living, sating that while Raila enjoys a close relationship with President Uhuru Kenyatta, the best he can do is to advice the Head of State.

"Azimio is not in the government, but it is true that there is a relationship between Raila and Uhuru. We are not able to do anything - all we can do is maybe Raila to speak to the President, but at the moment we are not privy to the on-goings of the government," she stated.

On his part, Raila reiterated that he can only make recommendations to the President, whom he defended, stating that Uhuru's bid to save Kenyans from the inflation was hindered by the infighting in his Cabinet

"I have spoken with the President and I know he has other challenges including the fact that there is a split in government with one side opposing the other. All I can do is advise and make recommendations," he added.

President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga during the ODM NDC at Kasarani, in Nairobi on February 26, 2022.
Former president Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga during the ODM NDC at Kasarani, in Nairobi on February 26, 2022.
Courtesy

 

  • .