Kenyan poll campaign enters homestretch

NAIROBI－Kenya's campaign for the presidency has entered a decisive moment ahead of the country's general elections slated for Aug 9, with each of the four candidates outlining bold, ambitious albeit controversial blueprints to win the hearts and minds of 22.1 million registered voters.

For the first time in the country's history of multiparty politics, the candidates have focused primarily on the economic plight of citizens, saddled by inflationary pressures and unemployment.

So far, three of the four presidential candidates have launched their manifestos, outlining their key priorities including economic renewal, anti-graft war, youth and women empowerment if elected to the highest office in the land.

Raila Odinga, the 77-year-old veteran opposition leader who is vying for the presidency under the Azimio La Umoja (Resolution for Unity) One Kenya Coalition of 26 political parties, was the first to launch his manifesto on June 6, with a firm pledge to unite the country, hasten economic growth, improve governance and revamp provision of basic services like education, health, water and shelter.

Odinga, who is making his fifth stab at the presidency, has a clear advantage in the race with backing from President Uhuru Kenyatta and a large section of the country's economic and political elite.

Among the ambitious pledges Odinga made in his manifesto was that his administration would ensure that poor households will receive a monthly stipend of 6,000 shillings ($51) besides rolling out universal health insurance and free schooling up to the tertiary level.

Odinga's three rivals have also been traversing the country, making a strong pitch for economic empowerment in a bid to win more voters.

Local pollsters have placed Odinga neck and neck with his closest rival William Ruto, the 56-year-old deputy president who is eyeing the presidency under the Kenya Kwanza (Kenya First) alliance of more than 10 political parties.

Pundits noted that while Ruto and Odinga were fierce competitors in the race for the presidency, their point of convergence was the urgency to address the soaring cost of living and unemployment, which threatened Kenya's stability.

The two candidates have divergent views on how to reinvigorate economic growth, effective governance and fight graft, but are united in their call for people-centered growth, gender equity and universal access to basic services.

Agencies - Xinhua