Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa has called for a review of the Bottom-up Transformation Agenda (BETA), which played a key role in President William Ruto’s rise to power.
In a statement on Saturday, August 10, 2024, the former Defense Cabinet Secretary emphasized that after three years of implementing the Bottom-up model, Kenyans are justified in questioning whether it has met its expectations or failed to deliver.
Wamalwa urged for a deep introspection and evaluation of the model, which primarily aimed to support the lower class, referred to as “Hustlers,” during the 2022 presidential campaigns. He added that it is now time for Kenyans to decide if Ruto and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua deserve another term in office.
“This 10th of August 2024 marks the beginning of the third year since Kenyans voted in the Chagua-Ruto regime. It is time to ask whether their BETA (Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda) Plan has improved our lives or made them worse, and whether you will Chagua-Ruto again on 10th August 2027,” Wamalwa stated.
According to President Ruto’s administration, BETA is designed as a transformation agenda aimed at economic recovery through a value chain approach. It was promoted as a plan targeting key sectors to stimulate economic growth and recovery by reducing the cost of living, eradicating hunger, creating jobs, expanding the tax base, improving foreign exchange balances, and promoting inclusive growth.
Additionally, the Bottom-up model was expected to ensure efficient resource allocation by minimizing waste caused by duplication, overlaps, fragmentation, and ineffective coordination in the implementation of various programs and projects.
“The government aims to transform agriculture by raising the productivity of key value chains that include leather and leather products, textile and apparel, dairy, tea, rice, edible oils, the blue economy, minerals including forestry, and construction/building materials,” the Kenya Kwanza stated during the launch of The Fourth Medium Term Plan.
Wamalwa argues that three years is sufficient for Kenyans to evaluate the Bottom-up Transformation Agenda and determine whether it has made a meaningful impact on their lives or if it’s time to seek alternatives ahead of the 2027 elections.
Wamalwa’s Ongoing Opposition
As a prominent critic of the Kenya Kwanza administration, Wamalwa has consistently voiced his opposition. He was part of the Azimio leaders who declined to sign the National Dialogue Committee report, citing its failure to address the rising cost of living.
In addition to refusing to endorse the report, Wamalwa has been vocal in criticizing the Kenya Kwanza administration for its handling of the anti-government protests. Recently, he joined forces with Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka to reject calls for dialogue aimed at resolving the ongoing protests.
For the avoidance of any doubt, we are not boarding. pic.twitter.com/hwFjHnp0LK
— Eugene L. Wamalwa (@EugeneLWamalwa) July 19, 2024
