Workers and a security officer at the construction site for the standard
gauge railway at Taru trading centre in Mombasa on December 7, 2014.
PHOTO | LABAN WALLOGA |
NATION MEDIA GROUP
President Uhuru Kenyatta and his top leadership were in Voi this
week to inspect the progress on the standard gauge railway and
indications are that the project is running on course.
In fact, the technocrats are upbeat that the project could be completed earlier than the 2017 deadline.
For
good measure, it was disclosed that discussions were under way to have
the railway extended from Nairobi, which was the original destination,
to Naivasha, an additional 120 kilometres, to tap the economic potential
of that region.
Yesterday, the President was in
Machakos to commission the school electrification programme, a prelude
to the rollout of the laptop project, a flagship project of the Jubilee
administration that has yet to take off.
Looked at
together, President Kenyatta is trying to make a point that he is
keeping focus on development projects and delivering on his campaign
promises. Coming against a background of runaway insecurity that has
undermined many programmes, that is commendable.
TOP AGENDA
Infrastructure
and economic development must remain at the top of the national agenda.
An efficient infrastructure and vibrant economy is part of the cure for
insecurity. A performing economy provides job and business
opportunities and empowers citizens to take charge of their destiny.
A
major cause of insecurity is hopelessness that arises from economic and
social deprivation and the inability to resource the security teams
adequately.
However, President Kenyatta must guard
against using the projects for public relations. They must be executed
and completed according to plan and without shortcuts.
If,
for example, the railway can be completed ahead of schedule, then it
would be logical to expand it to Kisumu and Malaba, not just Naivasha,
because that is when it will make good business sense.
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