Big 4 Agenda: A Plot to Tighten the Nooses on the Necks of Kenyans
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
On 12 December 2017 at Kasarani Stadium, during the Jamhuri day celebrations, President Uhuru Kenyatta in his speech announced to the nation, his plan deemed as the Big 4 Agenda. The four areas of the agenda include Manufacturing, Food security, Affordable housing and Universal Healthcare Coverage. The Big 4 Agenda is not something new since the Manufacturing and Food security are sectors from the Economic Pillar of Vision 2030 and Affordable housing and Universal Healthcare Coverage are sectors from the Social Pillar of Vision 2030.
After the post-election violence of 2007-2008; a grand coalition government was formed and included the major parties of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) led by Raila Odinga, Party of National Unity (PNU) led by Mwai Kibaki and Orange Democratic Movement-Kenya (ODM-Kenya) led by Kalonzo Musyoka. The three leaders who from the different parties became Prime Minister, President and Vice President respectively in the aftermath political crisis on April 2008! The grand coalition government embarked on a harmonization of their parties’ pre-election manifestos and came up with the Vision 2030 that was officially launched on June 2008!
With keen scrutiny, the Big 4 Agenda is nothing but just another plot to tighten the nooses on the necks of Kenyans as exposed further by the following:
First, nothing new is expected from the current crop of leadership who have embraced the secular capitalist economic system and its policies, which have nothing other than enriching the capitalist elites (Western major nations), and their henchmen (Political class in the country). Critically, those championing the Big 4 Agenda are the same people from 2008 to date with the only difference in the occupation of positions of power. President Uhuru Kenyatta –who served in the grand coalition government as the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Deputy President William Ruto –who served in the grand coalition as the Minister for Agriculture. In addition, currently joined by Raila Odinga as a handshake partner to Uhuru Kenyatta!
Second, under the same leadership massive plunder was and continues to be witnessed from the numerous corruption scandals in Maize, Kazi kwa Vijana, NYS 1 & 2, Anglo Leasing, Ruaraka Land, Eurobond, SGR 1, NHIF, citizens death from dying from famine, increasing massive debts to Sh5.4 trillion amongst others!
Third, currently the government’s approach to realize the affordable housing agenda is heading to total collapse as it aims to further tightening the nooses on the necks of the citizens through the inconceivable housing levy taxed at 1.5% for the salaried employees in order to secure affordable housing whose ownership will be determined by a lottery system! How feasible will a government build 500,000 units by 2022? This is coming at a time where Kenyans are already choking with the 8% tax on fuel passed on September 2018!
Fourth, the food security agenda is heading to fully collapse, as the expected farm model entitled Galana Kulalu irrigation scheme did not end well as expected due to trading of accusations between the Kenyan government and the Israel Company, Green Arava who were given the contract to realize the project. Furthermore, there are numerous allegations of billions of funds earmarked for the project to have been embezzled!
Fifth, the universal healthcare coverage agenda is heading to collapse as the NHIF and the Health Sector in general, is reeling from huge financial corruption scandals!
Sixth, the manufacturing agenda is currently at least working from since we have the textile sector engaged in the realization of the making of the police uniforms amongst other assignments. Furthermore, it is still too early to conclude if it will end up successful as currently cartels from different quarters who were aiming to supply the government with imported police uniforms amongst other items are still jostling for the opportunity!
As long as the Kenyan government is anchored on the secular capitalist ideology, whose priority is benefit/interest; and the leadership is just determined to serve their colonial masters. Then we as Kenyans must not expect anything out of the current state of exorbitant cost of living and which furthers the gap between the rich and the poor!
Alternatively, we have Islam an ideology emanating from the Creator of man that was executed comprehensively and practical proven beyond reasonable doubt for the last almost 13 Centuries that it was able to solve all of humanity’s challenges. Islam under the Khilafah (Caliphate) established on the method of Prophethood its economic policy is anchored to ensure just distribution of wealth across its citizens. By guaranteeing all individuals, their basic needs: water, food, shelter, and clothing by providing a conducive environment for people/men (family heads) to work and earn a living. If working/not working does not meet the person’s basic needs then the relatives take the responsibility of meeting his basic needs if also they are not able to help him then the Khilafah (Caliphate) intervenes and provides for him and even enable him to meet his luxurious needs and at the same time meet the social needs: security, education and health etc. The Khilafah (Caliphate) will be able to provide from the collected Zakat whose distribution is predetermined to the eight categories of people only. In addition if there will be no enough Zakat; then it will utilize from the Baitul Mal and if not enough, wealthy Muslims will be requested to pay temporary taxes from their surplus wealth to meet any critical emergencies when the emergencies are lifted the taxes ceases immediately. Furthermore, Islam adopts gold and silver standard as the currency for its economic transactions and at the same time prohibits taxation and usury in all its forms, price-fixing, fraud, deceit and monopoly in trade and wealth hoarding amongst other vices. With such an economic policy in the Khilafah (Caliphate), citizens will be empowered to enjoy the blessings of their Creator since their livelihoods will be secured and so there will be genuine tranquility, development and prosperity.
In conclusion, Kenya and Africa in general needs to relook the Islamic ideology from the unbiased Western interpretation of Islam. It is beyond reasonable doubt that the Islamic ideology is the alternative and viable ideology capable to address the shortcomings and catastrophes caused by the failed invalid secular capitalist ideology, which emanates from the limited mind of man and its systems including capitalist economic system, democratic system and social liberal amongst others! Hence, Kenya and Africa must embrace the call for the resumption of the Islamic way of life via the reestablishment of the Islamic State of Khilafah based on the method of Prophethood.
Ali Nassoro Ali
Member of the Media Office of Hizb ut Tahrir in Kenya