The inauguration of the second economic advisory council by President Kibaki on Monday marked an important chapter in the quest to lift the country from regression.

Coming at a time when the economy is recovering from a slump occasioned by political turmoil, the National Economic and Social Council has a tough job ahead.

For a start, it must seek ways to stabilise the economy. Secondly, it has to advise on ways of handling social, structural and political issues that impact on national development.

According to the latest Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, the economy is currently growing at 3.2 per cent, a rise from the negative figures recorded at the beginning of the year.

But that is less than half of what was achieved last year.

For Kenya to achieve an industrial nation status, it must achieve at least a 10 per cent annual growth rate for 10 years.

Realising that target goes beyond economics, for political stability and social harmony are equally important .

It is also not possible to realise economic advancement without good infrastructure. Good roads, reliable and affordable power, telecommunications and water are vital for the purpose.

Fortunately, the economic council is an amalgam of business, political and academic heavyweights, the right mix to guide the country to these heights.

It is expected that the council will provide homegrown, realistic ideas to catapult the nation to the next level.