Professionals and political leaders in the Rift Valley have urged Kenyans to focus on economic transformation instead of being distracted by propaganda and falsehoods.
They argue that a wider and performing economy will create jobs for the restless youth.
The professionals say Kenyans need to have mature discussions on how to unite and develop the country and avoid perpetuating harmful divisions.
They spoke during celebrations to mark seven years since the establishment of the Wareng Power House, which is one of the influential WhatsApp groups in the region.
Present were governors Jonathan Bii of Uasin Gishu and Elgeyo Marakwet’s Wesley Rotich, businessman David Lagat, Treasury PS Chris Kiptoo and Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi.
PS Kiptoo praised members of the group for always engaging in mature debates about the country.
“I’m a member of many forums but Wareng Power House is another class because members here set the standards on how best to use social media,” he said.
The PS said there is too much noise and negativity on social media, which usually dwarfs the good things the government has done.
Kiptoo said President William Ruto had done well in the last two years.
The PS said inflation had reduced to about 3.7 per cent from as high as 9.6 per cent.
He said the shilling has stabilised at Sh129 per dollar and foreign exchange reserves have increased from $6 billion to more than $11 billion.
Kiptoo said the country’s GDP has now grown to more than Sh18 trillion, making Kenya the sixth-largest economy in Africa.
“We have huge potential and can quickly grow our GDP if we focus on economic matters,” he said.
CS Wandayi said his ministry is keen to ensure effective use and growth of the energy sector for expanding the economy.
He said all sectors of the economy rely on energy to perform well, and there is a need for countries to up their game and come up with country energy plans to guide growth.
Governor Biii said the professionals should engage in deliberate campaigns to have many engage in the production of high-value crops.
Nominated Senator Margaret Kamar said it is time for Kenyans to think outside the box and consider investing in Africa instead of focusing on local opportunities.
Jubilee Insurance CEO Julius Kimngetich said that despite the changes in all sectors, the mindset of many people is still stuck in the past.
”Even our young people are troubled because they use the old mindset in which you just sit and expect to be employed,” he said.
Kimngetich called for a mindset change to help the country grow at more than 10 per cent to achieve the desired strong economy.
BY MATHEWS NDANYI
