The Big 4 Agenda is a strategic development blueprint launched by the Government of Kenya in 2017 to accelerate the country’s economic growth and improve the quality of life for its citizens.
The agenda focuses on four key pillars: Affordable Housing, Universal Health Coverage, Manufacturing, and Food Security. These areas were identified as critical drivers for socio-economic progress and are aligned with Kenya’s Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
1. Affordable Housing
The Affordable Housing pillar aims to bridge the housing deficit in Kenya, especially in urban areas where demand for decent shelter far outstrips supply.
The government, through initiatives like the Affordable Housing Programme (AHP), seeks to construct at least 500,000 affordable housing units.
This involves collaboration with private developers, provision of public land, and the development of financing mechanisms such as tenant purchase schemes and the Housing Fund. The goal is to make home ownership accessible to low- and middle-income earners while also spurring job creation in the construction sector.
2. Universal Health Coverage (UHC)
The UHC pillar focuses on ensuring all Kenyans have access to quality and affordable healthcare services without suffering financial hardship.
Key interventions include expanding the reach of the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF), equipping health facilities, recruiting more medical personnel, and digitizing health records. Pilot programs in counties like Kisumu, Isiolo, Nyeri, and Machakos paved the way for nationwide implementation, with an emphasis on preventive care, maternal health, and the management of non-communicable diseases.
3. Manufacturing
The manufacturing pillar is intended to grow the sector’s contribution to GDP from 9% to 15%, generating at least 1.3 million jobs. The strategy emphasizes the development of key value chains such as textiles and apparel, agro-processing, leather, construction materials, and pharmaceuticals.
To attract investment, the government has promoted industrial parks, reduced the cost of energy, and implemented policies to protect local industries. The goal is to boost exports, reduce imports, and position Kenya as a regional manufacturing hub.
4. Food Security and Nutrition
This pillar seeks to achieve 100% food and nutritional security for all Kenyans. Efforts are focused on increasing agricultural productivity, reducing food imports, and enhancing food safety.
Strategies include irrigating more land, subsidizing farm inputs, promoting mechanization, and investing in post-harvest technologies. Special attention is given to key staples like maize, rice, potatoes, and dairy.
By empowering farmers and reducing dependence on rain-fed agriculture, the government hopes to build resilience against climate change and market shocks.
While the Big 4 Agenda has made notable progress, it has also faced challenges, including funding constraints, policy implementation gaps, and external disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nevertheless, the agenda has laid a foundation for long-term development by targeting critical sectors that directly impact the daily lives of Kenyans. If sustained and effectively managed, the Big 4 Agenda could serve as a model for inclusive growth and national transformation.
