Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has called for a shift from aid dependency to policies that attract trade and investment.
He emphasized the need for immediate, radical, and aggressive policy changes to generate adequate resources for Kenya’s critical programs.
Mudavadi warned that the era of aid dependency is over and urged Kenya and Africa to seek sustainable alternatives for economic support.
He cited shifting global geopolitics as a clear sign that self-reliance is essential for future economic stability.
“We cannot afford to prevaricate. Other countries are making their moves; we must make ours now,” he stated.
Speaking at the conclusion of his official visit to Geneva, Mudavadi highlighted Kenya’s strategic position as a regional economic and financial hub, making it well-placed to advance economic self-sufficiency.
He called for swift decision-making by Parliament, county governments and the executive, stressing the importance of strong partnerships with the private sector across various industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, finance, and technology.
He noted that competition for investment opportunities is intensifying, leaving no room for hesitation.
Countries that have historically relied on foreign aid must now prepare for a future with reduced external support, particularly in light of changing policies in major donor nations like the United States.
Drawing historical parallels, Mudavadi remarked, “In the colonial days, they spoke of the scramble for Africa. Now, it is Africa’s turn to scramble for investments.”
He cited discussions with Peter Sands, Executive Director of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, as a wake-up call for Africa and Kenya.
He noted that the global health fund, which previously raised around $18 billion per funding cycle, is facing financial constraints. Major contributors, including the U.S., which previously provided up to a third of the fund’s resources, are scaling back their support.
Mudavadi stressed the urgency for Kenya and Africa to address financing gaps in the health sector.
He pointed out that the debate on Universal Health Care (UHC) must now be taken more seriously, as governments are increasingly responsible for funding their own health programs.
“What was once dismissed as unpopular must now be recognized as a crucial safeguard for Kenyan lives,” he said.
He urged Kenyans to support government policies, emphasizing that international signals indicate a shift toward self-sufficiency in healthcare.
With donor support dwindling, Kenya must find new ways to sustain critical health programs.
He highlighted that around 1.3 million Kenyans, particularly those relying on HIV treatment and ARVs, could be affected by global funding cuts.
“Kenya currently funds 40% of its health programs, with 60% coming from partners. If external support is withdrawn, what happens to those who depend on it?” he questioned.
Mudavadi called for financial restructuring within the UHC rollout to ensure sustainability.
He warned that even major health organizations, including the World Health Organization and USAID, are facing funding uncertainties, making it imperative for Kenya to take charge of its healthcare future.
