The paternalistic ideolology that undermines Azimio's manifesto

Azimio-One Kenya Alliance Raila Odinga and his running mate Martha Karua walk onto the dais during the launch of Azimio-One Kenya's manifesto at Nyayo stadium on June 06, 2022. [Denish Ochieng, Standard]

Although the Azimio manifesto contains many positive ideas, it is undermined by a paternalistic ideology that sabotages its stated goal of delivering an economic revolution. On the upside, the strategy for reviving the textile industry and the blue economy is vintage supply side economics that can potentially jump-start marginalised rural economies. Equally commendable is the proposal to leverage the expanded East African Community to provide a bigger market for local goods.

On the downside, the social economic objectives in the manifesto are undermined by a paternalistic ideology that assumes that the relationship between government and its citizens is like that of a father and his dependents. Accordingly, the manifesto is full of proposals where Azimio proposes to introduce new social protection programmes. In its education and health pillar, Azimio promises to provide free education from primary to university and a comprehensive health insurance for all in the health pillar. Tellingly, the health insurance is dabbed Baba Care.

In the social pillar, Azimio proposes to extend a monthly stipend of Sh6,000 to two million poor citizens. Other vulnerable groups to enjoy special attention will be single mothers, widows and the disabled. Additionally, Azimio proposes to improve on social programmes started by the current government currently struggling due to funding challenges. They include the monthly stipend of Sh2,000 for the elderly and the affordable housing programme.