01/06/2026
RESTORING HOPE, BUILDING EQUITY: A REFLECTION ON KENYA’S JOURNEY AGAINST POVERTY, DISEASE & IGNORANCE
As Kenya reflects on 63 years since independence, Father Makewa Foundation joins the nation in examining the progress made in the fight against the three major enemies identified at independence: Poverty, Disease, and Ignorance.
On poverty, Kenya has made notable progress, but the journey is far from complete. Millions of Kenyans have been lifted from extreme poverty over the decades, yet many citizens still live below the poverty line. Poverty continues to affect households, young people, women, and vulnerable communities, limiting opportunities and slowing inclusive development.
On disease, the country has recorded significant achievements through expanded healthcare services, immunization programs, family planning, and improvements in life expectancy. However, disparities remain evident. Several underserved and arid regions still struggle with inadequate healthcare facilities, clean water access, sanitation, and essential medical services. The fight against disease must continue until quality healthcare becomes a reality for every Kenyan.
On ignorance and education, Kenya has made remarkable strides through expanded access to education, Free Primary Education, and improved school transition rates. Education remains one of the strongest tools in combating poverty and creating opportunity. However, challenges surrounding quality education, unemployment among graduates, and unequal access to learning opportunities still require urgent attention.
Father Makewa Foundation is particularly encouraged by the commitment made in today’s national address promising a university for the North Eastern region. This is a welcome and historic step toward expanding higher education opportunities, promoting regional inclusion, and empowering young people through knowledge and skills. Access to university education in the region has the potential to transform lives, stimulate local development, strengthen innovation, and reduce long-standing educational inequalities.
The Foundation also acknowledges the historical impact of Sessional Paper No. 10 of 1965 – African Socialism and its Application to Planning in Kenya. The policy promoted investment in areas expected to generate the highest economic output. While intended to accelerate national growth, this approach largely favored already productive regions and contributed to unequal development outcomes.
Regions such as North Eastern Kenya — Garissa, Wajir, and Mandera — experienced prolonged marginalization, with limited investment in roads, schools, healthcare, water, sanitation, and other essential infrastructure. As other parts of the country advanced, many communities in these regions continued to face development gaps and historical inequalities.
Father Makewa Foundation believes that true national progress must be anchored on equity, inclusion, justice, and equal opportunity for all. Development should not be determined by geography, climate, or historical disadvantage.
As a nation, we must continue strengthening efforts to reduce poverty, improve healthcare, expand quality education, and address inequalities affecting marginalized communities.
Father Makewa Foundation calls upon leaders, institutions, development partners, and citizens to work together toward a Kenya free from poverty, disease, ignorance, and exclusion.
Restoration of Hope begins when every Kenyan child can learn, every family can access healthcare, every youth can find opportunity, and every region can share equally in the promise of national development.
Fr.john w.makewa
Ceo fr.makewa foundation
