Constraints will undermine Kenya’s ‘Big Four’ agenda

Subject

Kenya's Big Four development plan.

Significance

Upon starting his final term in office in late 2017, President Uhuru Kenyatta launched the ‘Big Four’, an ambitious plan to drive Kenya’s development through investment in four priority sectors: manufacturing, housing, food security and healthcare. However, over 18 months later, there is little sign of significant momentum on this signature initiative.

Impacts

• Big Four projects could become mired in corruption or politicised amid election rivalries, jeopardising donor and business support.
• The government may pursue populist policies with largely symbolic impact to manage expectations without really fulfilling Big Four targets.
• Amid scarce resources, choosing between infrastructure and Big Four priorities could see both short-changed while debt rises further.