How much traction has Big 4 Agenda gained in developing Kenya four years on?

Just over two years ago, Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta unveiled his ambitious development blueprint for the country, known as the Big 4 Agenda. The plan laid out four key pillars of development: food security, affordable housing, universal health care, and manufacturing. Now, with only about two and a half years left in his second term, the question arises - how much progress has the government made in achieving these goals? Journalist Joseph Bonyo provided insights on the current status of the agenda in a recent interview on CNBC Africa. Affordable housing was touted as one of the most ambitious plans within the Big 4 Agenda, with a target of delivering 500,000 houses in five years. However, the reality falls short of expectations, as only around 230 houses have been completed so far. The government claims to have plans in place for an additional 98,000 houses, but construction is yet to commence on the majority of these. Joseph Bonyo expressed disappointment in the slow progress of affordable housing, giving it a negative rating due to the missed targets and minimal achievements within the given timeframe. The challenges hindering the construction of affordable housing in Kenya are multifaceted. The competitive nature of the real estate sector, predominantly driven by private players, poses obstacles for government-led initiatives. Access to land, a crucial requirement for building housing units, has been a major hurdle as much of the land in urban areas is owned by private individuals. Additionally, issues related to selection criteria for beneficiaries and the failed implementation of a proposed housing tax have contributed to the sluggish pace of the affordable housing program. Bonyo suggested that rather than directly engaging in house construction, the government should focus on creating an enabling environment for private sector involvement to expedite progress. Shifting the focus to the health sector, the government's pledge to achieve universal health coverage has faced significant challenges. Public distrust in the healthcare system, frequent industrial strikes, and decentralization of healthcare management to county levels have impeded the effective implementation of the universal health coverage agenda. Pilot programs initiated in select counties have yet to yield the desired outcomes, highlighting the lack of uniformity and coordination in healthcare delivery across different regions. Financial constraints further exacerbate the situation, with Kenya struggling to meet revenue targets, adding to the complexities of funding comprehensive health coverage. As the clock ticks on President Kenyatta's term and the timeline for the Big 4 Agenda grows shorter, there is a pressing need for accelerated efforts and strategic interventions to realize the development goals set out in the blueprint. Addressing the gaps in affordable housing, healthcare, and other key sectors will require collaborative partnerships, innovative solutions, and a renewed commitment from both the government and private sector stakeholders. The journey towards a more prosperous and sustainable future for Kenya hinges on the effective execution of the Big 4 Agenda and the collective resolve to overcome the challenges impeding its progress.