Analysts slam State empowerment programmes as signs of policy failure

The government’s economic empowerment programmes have come under sharp criticism, with Political Risk Analyst Dismas Mokua arguing they are a clear sign of failed state policies.

Speaking during an interview on Radio Generation, Mokua dismissed the initiatives, saying they expose the inability of the government to implement effective, long-term solutions.

“You cannot be the person who is supposed to come up with policies to alleviate poverty, to create wealth and to create employment and you’re the same person engaged in empowerment programmes. Essentially, you’re telling us that these policies have failed,” he said.

Mokua further argued that the empowerment programmes are politically driven, suggesting they serve as a short-term strategy to give the administration visibility.

“Are you not surprised that you are the Speaker of the National Assembly engaging in all these programmes, yet he is the one who is supposed to offer leadership in coming up with legislation to correct what the empowerment is correcting?” he posed.

Dr. Barrack Muluka, Director General of the Democratic National Alliance (DNA), echoed the sentiments, terming the empowerment programmes as compensation for failure.

“A working government does not need to go out campaigning robustly but instead focuses more on policies. It is a demonstration of failure and some level of compensation for that failure,” he said.

The empowerment programmes, often rolled out as distribution of equipment, start-up capital and training to youth and women groups, have stirred controversy across the country.

Critics argue they duplicate roles already assigned to government ministries and agencies, while supporters say they provide immediate relief to struggling communities.

The initiatives have been championed by senior leaders, including members of the National Assembly and Cabinet, sparking heated debate on their relevance and sustainability.