How to navigate population growth, create enough opportunities for all

The future beckons responsibility. [iStockphoto]

The world's population has tripled within the last 70 years. In 1950, there were roughly 2.5 billion people. By November 15, 2022, the United Nations reported an epic milestone: 8 billion souls.

To make it clearer, in 1969 the year I was born, Kenya's population was about 10 million, today we have about 53.1 million. What implications does this hold globally? And, more crucially, what does it signify for Kenya? Two key points.

Firstly, we should continuously express gratitude for the gift of life. Despite childbirth appearing commonplace, it's an extraordinary occurrence we must thank God for. This perspective becomes clearer when considering the World Health Organisation's estimate that 1 in 6 individuals struggle with infertility.

Secondly, the necessity to prepare for this booming population is pressing. Most politicians, often preoccupied with short election cycles, emphasize immediate concerns at the expense of pressing long-term necessities. The future beckons responsibility.

Notably, Article 53 of our Constitution ensures every child enjoys rights including free, compulsory education, and access to basic nutrition, shelter and healthcare. Fulfilling these fundamental rights requires financial commitment.

To illustrate, the Ministry of Education allocated Sh89.4 billion for education for this financial year. Given projections estimating Kenya's population to surge to 60 million by 2030, proactive preparations are essential. From accommodating increasing school enrollments to managing the influx of college graduates - are our educational facilities sufficient? Can we maintain an optimal pupil-teacher ratio of 40:1? The same applies to other sectors.

Moreover, population growth invariably leads to urban expansion. As per UN Habitat forecasts, by 2030, half of Kenyans will reside in urban locales. Such predictions necessitate urban infrastructure development in tandem with this growth, especially in sectors like water and housing. Notably, Nairobi and Mombasa are grappling with these challenges.

Hence, it is of utmost importance that transformative initiatives, like President Ruto's affordable housing project, garner unwavering support. On his part, it would be prudent for the president to ensure this programme stands as a beacon of integrity, especially given the Kenyan populace's six decades of standing grievances with recurrent corruption.

Further, the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) has recently unveiled our economic performance, highlighting a modest surge in certain domains, notably the agricultural sector.

However, the manufacturing sector, alarmingly, has witnessed a decline. Given our mushrooming population, deliberately listening, and strengthening issues consistently raised by the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) is imperative to rejuvenate our faltering economy.

When harnessed correctly, population growth can be an invaluable asset. Just as China leveraged its population of 1.4 billion to become the world's second-largest economy, the country's success was driven by three pivotal words - long-term planning.

Their extensive labour pool, when utilised efficiently, has significantly boosted their economic growth. However, without strategic planning for our population surge, we risk it becoming a burden. A growing population without a robust middle class will strain, not sustain, the economy.

Recently, Kenya unveiled the Demographic Dividend model, offering a framework for the government to gauge socio-economic advantages derived from effective population management. Central to such strategic foresight is understanding our demographics. Remarkably, 75 per cent of Kenyans are below 30 years.

Recognising the profound potential of our youthful population and intentionally integrating them into the decision-making process can revolutionise our nation's trajectory. The defining challenge of our age rests upon this. With visionary strategies, our vibrant and growing youth can become the driving force that catapults our economy to unparalleled heights. Let's see them as our most valuable asset and solution, rather than a hurdle. Think green, act green!

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