Rita Oyier has defended the push for equitable development, affordable housing and the implementation of the Kenya Kwanza manifesto, arguing that Kenya must address long-standing disparities in infrastructure, education and access to economic opportunities. She has called for a development approach that lifts struggling communities without disadvantaging those who are already ahead, while insisting that government decisions must follow constitutional procedures and involve public participation.
Highlights
- Rita Oyier has called for more balanced development between regions, highlighting differences in schools and road infrastructure.
- She maintains that government decisions on taxation and budget cuts must follow established legal procedures.
- She has defended the Affordable Housing programme as part of a broader effort to expand property ownership.
- She says the Kenya Kwanza manifesto was shaped by public input and should guide the government’s development priorities.
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Rita Oyier Calls for Equal Development Across Kenya
Rita Oyier has called for deliberate efforts to address Kenya’s development inequalities, arguing that decades after independence, some communities continue to lag behind in basic infrastructure and access to essential services.
She pointed to differences in educational facilities between Central Kenya and Kabuoch, noting that some schools in Central Kenya have reportedly closed due to a lack of learners, while communities in Kabuoch continue to face shortages of classrooms.
Oyier also highlighted disparities in road infrastructure, observing that some residents have tarmac roads reaching their homes while others remain underserved.
She stressed that achieving equality should not involve taking opportunities away from those who already have them, but rather creating room for disadvantaged communities to catch up.
“You don’t have to bring someone down for another person to rise,” is the central message behind her argument.
According to Oyier, Kenya must pursue development policies that improve living standards across all regions and ensure that more citizens benefit from public investment.
Government Decisions Must Follow Due Process
Oyier has also emphasised the importance of following constitutional procedures when implementing government policies, particularly those involving taxation, budgeting and public expenditure.
She argued that while Kenyans expect roads, markets and other development projects to be completed quickly, such initiatives require proper planning, funding and compliance with established laws.
She maintained that any proposals to significantly reduce government expenditure, including suggestions to cut budgets by KSh 2 trillion, should involve public consultation and the appropriate legislative processes.
Her position is that citizens must have an opportunity to express their views before major decisions affecting public finances are made.
The argument places public participation at the centre of government accountability, especially when proposed changes could affect essential services and development programmes.
Affordable Housing and the Question of Wealth Distribution
Oyier has defended the government’s Affordable Housing programme, describing it as an avenue through which ordinary Kenyans can gain access to property ownership.
She said she had registered and paid deposits for her domestic workers and security personnel to help them secure homes under the initiative.
According to her, the programme reflects the Kenya Kwanza administration’s broader goal of expanding access to wealth and reducing the concentration of property ownership among a small section of society.
Oyier argued that political disagreements should not prevent Kenyans from benefiting from housing projects already developed using public resources.
She also criticised leaders who, despite having access to housing and mortgage benefits themselves, discourage ordinary citizens from purchasing homes through the programme.
In defending the initiative, she pointed to the long-term value of homeownership, including housing security, financial stability and the possibility of leaving property to future generations.
Her argument is that the benefits of acquiring a home should be assessed over time, even when the financial contributions required may initially feel burdensome.
Kenya Kwanza Manifesto and Government Promises
Oyier further defended the implementation of the Kenya Kwanza manifesto, arguing that electoral promises provide the foundation upon which citizens assess an administration’s performance.
She noted that the manifesto outlined priorities across several sectors, including agriculture, fertiliser access, healthcare, education, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), and affordable housing.
She also maintained that the manifesto incorporated public contributions gathered through consultations in different counties.
For Oyier, the government is expected to pursue the commitments presented to voters, although implementation must take place through the relevant planning, budgeting and legal processes.
The debate over manifesto delivery continues to raise questions about the balance between campaign promises, available resources, public participation and the everyday needs of Kenyans.
Ultimately, Oyier’s remarks centre on three interconnected issues: reducing regional inequalities, expanding economic opportunities and ensuring that public policies are implemented through transparent and lawful processes.
As Kenya continues to debate development priorities, the question remains: how can the country create opportunities for those left behind while ensuring that progress benefits citizens across every region?
