Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro has unveiled an ambitious policy agenda he says could transform Kenya’s economy, create millions of jobs and improve access to education and healthcare without imposing additional taxes on Kenyans.

Nyoro, who recently announced his move from the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) to the People’s Party, said his proposals are informed by lessons he learnt from previous national political campaigns and his assessment of what Kenya needs beyond elections.

In a detailed statement, the Kiharu legislator said campaigning was easier than governing, arguing that effective leadership requires careful planning and long-term thinking.“In the long run, what gets fulfilled is what has been well thought out and planned,” Nyoro said.

Free Secondary Education by 2028

On education, Nyoro proposed the establishment of a national commission similar to the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to harmonise the employment and salaries of Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) teachers across the country.

He said the arrangement would allow ECDE teachers to transfer between counties without losing their jobs while also giving them a stronger national platform for negotiations.

Nyoro further proposed the introduction of free secondary education from January 2028, saying the programme could be financed through contributions from the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF), county governments and the national government.

According to his proposal, NG-CDF and counties would each contribute KSh10 billion, while the national government would provide KSh15 billion to support about 3.5 million learners in 9,500 senior secondary schools.

He also proposed a KSh10,000 subsidy for boarding students and greater flexibility in teacher transfers for those serving in their first posting.

The MP called for public universities to have their tax arrears waived, with the government taking responsibility for statutory obligations and debts.

He also said a new model was being considered to ensure all qualified students can access university education, with an estimated additional KSh80 billion required.

Healthcare Funding Reforms

In healthcare, Nyoro proposed that the system managing healthcare be owned by the government.

He suggested halving the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) contribution and redirecting about KSh40 billion towards healthcare, particularly the treatment of chronic illnesses that have left many families struggling with medical bills.

Part of the additional funding, he said, would be used to upgrade health facilities and improve the supply of medicines and other essential commodities.

Nyoro also proposed the creation of a Kenyan Doctors and Healthcare Workers Commission to manage employment and placement of health workers nationally rather than leaving the responsibility entirely to county governments.

Jobs to Become Government's Key Performance Measure

The legislator identified unemployment and the creation of sustainable jobs as Kenya's biggest economic challenge.

He proposed that every Cabinet Secretary should have specific employment-creation targets within their respective ministries, with the government releasing monthly or quarterly data showing the number of net jobs created.

Nyoro said every major government policy should ultimately contribute to employment creation and economic growth.

Manufacturing and Cheaper Power

To revive manufacturing, Nyoro called for cheaper and reliable electricity, including what he described as complete liberalisation of the power sector.

He proposed leveraging Kenya Electricity Generating Company's (KenGen) assets to raise close to KSh150 billion from a possible 35 per cent stake sale, with the proceeds reinvested in power generation.

He also called for a halt to Independent Power Producer (IPP) projects unless they are undertaken publicly.

Nyoro further proposed a revamped industrial policy focused on specific products, with progress reports submitted monthly to the Head of State.

He suggested designating large parts of the coastal counties, including Mombasa, Kwale and Lamu, as Special Economic Zones (SEZs) to attract export-oriented industries.

He said Kenya should develop a regional and globally connected industrial hub similar to Shenzhen.

Nyoro Targets 10 Million Tourists

On tourism, Nyoro said the sector currently employs about 1.1 million Kenyans directly but has the potential to create significantly more jobs.

He proposed increasing international tourist arrivals to approximately 10 million visitors annually, arguing that Kenya has enough attractions to compete with countries such as Morocco and Albania.

Nyoro said achieving the target could create about three million direct jobs, with additional employment generated indirectly in agriculture, transport, retail and other sectors.

He called for more aggressive marketing of Kenya, easier investment procedures and diversification of tourism products.

Agriculture at the Centre of Food Security

Nyoro also outlined wide-ranging reforms for agriculture, saying Kenya must increase production, productivity, value addition and access to markets.

He proposed improved access to quality seeds and subsidised fertiliser, cultivation of idle land and opening up areas such as Northern Kenya for agricultural production.

The MP urged farmers to move towards high-value crops and transform tea and coffee from commodity products into speciality products capable of commanding higher prices.

He also proposed model farms at village level where farmers could learn modern agricultural practices.

On value addition, Nyoro called for incentives for local processing and greater investment in affordable energy, particularly for agro-processing industries.

He identified edible oils as a major area for investment, saying Kenya should increase the production of crops that can provide raw materials for the sector.

Northern Kenya, Rural Areas to Get Greater Focus

Nyoro proposed a major development programme for rural Kenya, drawing lessons from South Korea's village development model.

He suggested using schools as market centres and increasing investment in rural infrastructure.

For Northern Kenya, he proposed expanding irrigation, developing green data centres powered by solar and wind energy, and exploiting the region's tourism potential.

Expanded Social Protection

On social protection, Nyoro proposed enrolling all Kenyans aged above 70 who are not currently covered under the Inua Jamii programme.

He wants the monthly support increased to KSh3,000 in the short term, with the amount eventually rising to KSh4,000 within three years.

He also proposed free first-degree university education for orphans and vulnerable students.

Judiciary and Digital Government

Nyoro said Kenya should double the capacity of the Judiciary within five years, arguing that an efficient justice system would improve economic transactions and investment.

He proposed increasing Judiciary funding to at least 1.5 per cent of gross national revenue.

On technology, Nyoro proposed the creation of Kenya Data and Systems Services (KDSS) to manage government digital systems, including healthcare systems and e-Citizen services.

He proposed that the government retain majority ownership while eventually listing the company and selling 49 per cent of its shares to the public.

Nyoro Confirms People's Party Move and Opposition Role

Politically, Nyoro confirmed that he and his colleagues have joined the People's Party and agreed that the party should immediately move into the opposition.

He said the party has already consulted several opposition figures, naming former Cabinet Secretaries JB Munya and JB Muturi, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, former Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Siaya Senator James Orengo and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, among others.

Nyoro said the party would embark on extensive training of its candidates across elective positions as it prepares for the next political contest.

He urged Kenyans to assess political leaders based on their ability to deliver a progressive and united country rather than focusing solely on campaign rhetoric.

“A progressive and growing Kenya serves all of us. A united Kenya pulls in the same direction. Let us all hold hands and move forward together,” Nyoro said.