The Kenya Kwanza administration has been faulted for relying on foodstuff and tokenism politics to regain public support instead of establishing development and policies to address widespread economic hardship.

Deputy President Kindiki Kithure, the face of the ‘economic empowerment programmes’ has given out over Sh100 million in various counties but focusing on Mt Kenya region, where he has made about 40 trips in one month.

President William Ruto’s aid Farouk Kibet, Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi and National Majority leader Kimani Ichungwa have accompanied the DP visiting women groups, boda bodas and churches where they dish out millions of shillings and donate relief food.

Kindiki’s generosity that mirrors that of Ruto when he was DP, has seen him donate at least Sh2 million which he termed ‘personal donation’ and an extra Sh3 million from the President in his small-scale empowerment.

Residents have also got at least 2kg of beans, 2kg of maize flour and an extra Sh250 in what critics describe a ‘short-term media attention and localised goodwill’ implemented by a government facing public discontent and declining approval ratings.

Some of the incidents in which Kindiki donate millions include in Etagpo South Mugirango where he gave Sh2 million and another Sh5 million from Ruto, Embu where he donated Sh2 million in a boda boda Sacco event and in Kigumo where he gave Sh5 million.

In Naivasha, Kindiki and his allies donated Sh15 million and in Kirinyaga they donated Sh20 million for over 40 women groups. The attendees were also given foodstuff.

While the government has defended the economic programmes saying ‘they are here to stay’, critics say they do little to resolve the deeper socio-economic challenges facing the country, such as youth unemployment, rising cost of living and growing public debt even as they question the source of huge amounts not directed using official channels.

To Kindiki, the programmes are tailor-made for mama mbogas and boda boda riders. “Those criticising the empowerment programmes are used to hoodwinking the voters during campaigns but disappear when they are voted in,” said Kindiki.

He said the Kenya Kwanza administration has decided not to waste time on politics and focus towards improving the livelihoods and incomes of all citizens. “We will not waste time politicking because that is not the business of leaders. Our competition is for the livelihood, income and development of our citizens,” he said. Kindiki was reacting to former DP Rigathi Gachagua’s claim that the programmes have replaced development and service delivery and that monies have been diverted to strategic institutions from where they are accessed to finance the alleged empowerment programmes.

“There is no money for school capitation, our hospitals are mere shells, crippled by a failed healthcare system. So where is this empowerment millions coming from?” posed Gachagua.

Others opposed to the programme say it will not solve youth unemployment, rising cost of living and growing public debt. “It’s a clear indication that the government has lost the ground when administration result to using the gimmicks such as attending funerals, populist programmes, or promising subsidies to give the impression of responsiveness, without enacting meaningful policy changes,” said Prof Gitile Naituli.

According to the university don, the approach risks deepening public cynicism, as citizens begin to see through short-lived gestures.

Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba said such programmes should be conducted under a legal backing. “If it was an empowerment programme, this money should have been passed in Parliament and a structural way of carrying it out established,” she said.

Kitutu Chache MP Antony Kibagendi described the programme ‘a desperate attempt’ by the administration to regain the lost mojo.

“It shows the people in power are rudderless and plan less and as they think by bribing people in groups, they’ll be able to hoodwink people to join their bandwagon of people who have failed our country,” he said.