State House spokesman Manoah Esipisu addresses the press in Nairobi
President Uhuru Kenyatta has moved to address the rising cost of living that has become a campaign agenda for the Opposition, as he hits the road seeking Kenyans’ support for his re-election.
A day after he was endorsed to defend his seat in the August 8 General Election, the President reiterated that funds would be sought to stabilize the prices.
“The President is concerned by the rising cost of essential commodities. He has settled on fresh measures through a supplementary budget to address the situation,” said State House Spokesperson Manoah Esipisu.
Mr Esipisu, who was addressing the media at State House, Nairobi, said Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich was finalizing the details of the supplementary budget before it is taken to Parliament. Top on the agenda is maize flour, which is the country’s staple, and sugar, whose prices have hit the roof as many retail outlets registered reduced stocks.
On Saturday, the President, while addressing the Jubilee Party National Delegates Conference at Bomas of Kenya, was categorical that Parliament must deliberate on how to cushion Kenyans from the increased cost of these products. “We are a government that believes in providing solutions and not talking about problems,” the president said, adding that the situation had been aggravated by prolonged drought. The cost of living is beyond reach for millions of our citizens. From price of unga, bread and milk, to bus fare to rent and paraffin.
