Azimio tells Kenyans to reject gov't plan to privatise loss-making parastatals

The Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition on Friday concluded a two-day Parliamentary Group meeting in Machakos where a raft of resolutions aimed at strengthening the party and keeping the government on its toes were agreed upon.

In a statement issued by Azimio party leader Raila Odinga’s spokesperson Dennis Onyango the coalition vowed to oppose various government plans among them the intention to privatise 18 loss-making parastatals through the National Securities Exchange

"These entities, some of which are critical to our nation security, must be allowed to continue serving public good rather than lining the pockets of individuals," read the statement.

"Further, these parastals are public property and cannot be sold without Parliamentary approval. The current attempt to amend the law so that these parastatals are sold at the whim of administration will be resisted by the people of Kenya."

Azimio also wants the Kenya Kwanza administration to move with haste and address the confusion surrounding the implementation of the Junior High School program.

"Azimio pays tribute to the late Prof. George Magoha whom we lay to rest tomorrow for his passion, vision and resolve that is now missing. Had this administration let Prof. Magoha stay, we are sure we would not have witnessed the confusion we see today.

"They refused to allow him to finish his work of implanting the new education system and instead elevated politics above the interests of the children of Kenya," said Azimio.

The coalition similarly wants Ruto's administration to fast-track the disbursement of HELB loans to university students owing to rising inflation being witnessed across the country.

"Azimio notes that inflation has wiped out the purchasing power of the current allowances given to university students and demands that the administration must also increase the amount available under HELB in light of the inflation," he said.

In this regard, Azimio urged President Ruto to reinstitute affordable catering services in all public universities to cushion students from the high cost of living.

The Odinga-led outfit further resolved to back devolved functions such as water, health and agriculture transferred to counties while urging the Kenya Kwanza administration to release funds set aside for county development which they claim the regime is withholding. .

"The Kenya Kwanza regime must immediately stop all lies and release the NG-CDF and NGAF monies to all constituencies to help ease the burden of people for whom these funds are a lifeline. Twice the regime has promised to release the money but failed to keep its word," read the statement.

In matters health, Azimio asked President Ruto to employ over 4,000 doctors who remain jobless despite their qualifications in a bid to shore up the country's Universal Health Care agenda.

"Kenya Kwanza must immediately make it possible for county governments to employ these doctors as part of the process to achieve UHC," said the coalition.

While noting that Azimio does not recognise Ruto's presidency, Odinga maintained that the outfit will not participate in the reconstitution of IEBC through the formula and process being proposed by the Kenya Kwanza regime.

Azimio also wants Kenya Kwanza to take steps to bring down the cost of goods and services and in addition also increase the minimum wage to keep it above inflation.

"The cost of living was supposed to come down immediately the administration took power but today the administration does not even mention it. Unga was supposed to be trading at 70 now," said Azimio.

"That with Azimio providing leadership, Kenya Kwanza be forced to restore and expand the social protection programs which guarantee a basic monthly income to the poor."