By Steve El Sabai
Hon. Sen. (Dr.) Isaac Mwaura, CBS, the Government Spokesperson, emphasized Kenya’s commitment to safeguarding its global reputation, strengthening its economy, and advancing critical reforms across healthcare and education.
Dr. Mwaura expressed concern over the increasing use of technology to spread misinformation and disinformation, including AI-generated content and deep fakes, which undermine Kenya’s credibility. He urged Kenyans to embrace constructive dialogue and avoid actions that tarnish the country’s image internationally. Such actions, he noted, harm Kenya’s foreign relations, discourage investors, and negatively impact Kenyans working abroad.
The government reassured citizens of its dedication to addressing challenges through transparent, inclusive engagement and called on the global community to collaborate in addressing shared risks.
Under the Taifa Care program, which now covers over 17 million Kenyans, the government aims to ensure accessible and affordable healthcare. Measures are being implemented to address malpractice and discrepancies in healthcare payments, with citizens encouraged to report violations. This initiative builds on lessons learned from past inefficiencies, such as fraud within the NHIF.
Dr. Mwaura also urged clinical officers to resolve disputes through dialogue instead of strikes to avoid jeopardizing lives.
Kenya’s economic ambitions received a significant boost with the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Signed on January 14, 2025, this agreement marks a milestone as the first of its kind between the UAE and a mainland African nation.
The agreement aims to expand access to UAE markets for Kenyan goods, double Kenya’s trade with the UAE by eliminating trade barriers, create jobs, foster innovation in fintech and digital services, and promote sustainability through clean technologies. Dr. Mwaura highlighted that this partnership aligns with Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA Plan), which includes initiatives like the Digital Superhighway program to enhance connectivity and drive innovation.
Kenya is phasing out the 8-4-4 education system in favor of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). The final Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams under the 8-4-4 system will be held in 2027, with significant milestones already achieved in the CBC transition.
Reforms include the construction of 14,500 classrooms, with plans for 7,290 more to accommodate growing enrollment. To address staffing needs, 76,000 teachers have already been hired, with an additional 6,000 planned. The government has also introduced mid-year KCSE exams starting in July 2025 to support students who need to retake exams or those who missed them due to hardships.
The Public Service Internship Programme (PSIP) has appointed 3,105 graduates to its seventh cohort, bringing the total beneficiaries to over 23,105 since its inception. This initiative equips young professionals with practical skills and hands-on experience in public service, bridging the gap between academia and real-world applications.
Dr. Mwaura reiterated the government’s commitment to promoting national unity, fostering innovation, and ensuring sustainable development. He concluded with a call for patriotism and collaboration:
“Kenya itainuka, Kenya itasimama, Kenya itanawiri, kwa Umoja na Uzalendo.”
As Kenya positions itself as a global leader in trade, innovation, and education, the government’s initiatives promise to deliver tangible benefits to all citizens, paving the way for a brighter, united future