ODM leader Raila Odinga has told off critics castigating his program dubbed ‘Raila Odinga’s ambitious KSh 6,000 monthly stipends to poor families to bridge the poverty gap in the country should he ascend to power.
Speaking at Kamukunji grounds in Nairobi on Wednesday, October 13, the former Prime Minister said the program targets to reach at least eight million vulnerable families to cushion them from harsh economic times partly caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
This is after critics said Raila Odinga’s ambitious plan which is estimated to cost at least Ksh 100 billion is unrealistic given the current Kenya’s economic situation and that it is only meant to hoodwink Kenyans into voting for him.
But Raila while assuring Kenyans that it is possible likened the program to the successful free primary education he started with retired President Mwai Kibaki after the 2002 General Election.
“Every family that has no income will receive KSh 6,000 every month. For those who say that it is a lie and that there is no money, I tell you to calm down and we will show you how it will be done,” Raila said.
Raila who met his economic experts later in the day said his government will set aside KSh 100 billion towards the program.
He further revealed that all ministries will have to take a 25 compulsory budget of their total budgets which would then be channeled towards the ambitious social welfare program.
Raila said to fully fund the project, his government will seal all corruption loopholes as well as cut government spending, and restructure the government to reduce unnecessary expenditure.
This is Raila’s plan to counter Deputy President William Ruto’s bottom-up economic model which also targets to uplift the ordinary Kenyan.
Ruto’splan promises to empower ordinary traders and vendors in a bid to help them grow their business as a means of empowering them financially.
