EMPLOYERS will use the manifesto of the winning party to vet its government and demand that it incorporates the plan in the national economic development policy, they said yesterday.

Under the banner of Federation of Kenya Employers, the group expressed concern over the "glossy manifestos" that various political parties have unveiled ahead of the March 4 elections.

"We shall hold them accountable to their manifestos to ensure that the promises remain true," said FKE executive director Jacqueline Mugo yesterday.

According to the Cord coalition whose presidential candidate is Raila Odinga, pledges made include: set up of one major industry per county and establishment of a 24 hour economy in major urban centres; reintroduction of free agricultural extension services and introduction of a pension scheme for those aged above 65.

It has also promised to invest at least 10 per cent of GDP in development and introduce a modern integrated rail infrastructure that connects Kenyans among others.

The Jubilee Coalition's promises to allocate 2.5 per cent of national revenue per year towards a youth enterprise capital fund to give interest free business loans to young people without collateral; engage with economic powers like USA, Britain and other European countries to secure Kenya's economic and security priorities.

It also pledges to mould relationships with emerging players such as China, Brazil, India and Russia and to increase the police citizen ratio from one police for every 1,800 people to one police per 1,150 people.

"The new constitutions gives Kenyans power to hold elected officials and public servants accountable," said Mugo.