Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka has called for increased local manufacturing and value addition, saying Kenya must mobilise its domestic resources to drive economic growth and ensure its wealth benefits citizens.
In a statement following engagements with policymakers, investors, diplomats and development partners in London, Kalonzo said the country must reduce its reliance on exporting raw materials and importing finished goods.
Addressing the House of Commons, he argued that Kenya should prioritise local processing and manufacturing to create opportunities for farmers, manufacturers, entrepreneurs and young people.
Kalonzo maintained that Kenya was not seeking to be rescued by Britain or other international partners, but was instead looking to build mutually beneficial partnerships that support its development ambitions.
“We welcome investors, but investment is not extraction, and partnership is not patronage,” he said, insisting that Kenya’s resources, strategic assets and economic decisions should serve the interests of its people.
At Chatham House, Kalonzo presented his Kenya at a Cusp: Rescue, Restore, Renew agenda, which he described as the Komboa Kenya roadmap.
The proposed agenda focuses on reviving the economy, creating jobs, restoring constitutionalism, fighting corruption and rebuilding public trust in public institutions.
He urged Kenyans to mobilise domestic savings and capital to finance development, expand local industries and strengthen the country’s productive capacity.
Kalonzo said international partners were welcome to support Kenya’s development as equals, emphasising that their role should be to complement local efforts rather than determine the country’s future.
He added that Kenya had the wealth, talent and potential to achieve greater prosperity, arguing that leadership should focus on putting these resources to work for the benefit of citizens.
“Kenya’s best days are not behind her. They are waiting for us to claim them,” he said, concluding with a call for Kenyans to unite behind the Komboa Kenya agenda.
