Tag Archives: President kenyatta’s round table interview

Politics & Govt

President Kenyatta Asks Parliament To End Standoff Over Allocation For Counties

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President Uhuru Kenyatta has called on the National Assembly and the Senate to end the stalemate over the Division of Revenue Bill 2019 to allow release of funds to counties.

He said Members of Parliament should act quickly to ensure that counties get their share of the available funds because any further delay will deny Kenyans the services they need.

The President however reminded MPs that the Government does not have unlimited resources and should bear in mind that what the National Government has been allocating to counties is much more higher than the threshold set by the Constitution.

“The Constitution says we give a minimum of 15 percent to counties. Within one year I took it to over 30 percent,” said the President as he called on modesty and honesty in demands for more allocations for counties.

“Why can you not pass the Bill so that people can get services. Reach an agreement so that we can release funds to counties,” said the President.

The President said the country does not have unlimited resources and leaders should not act as if money flows freely and that Kenya’s “resources are unlimited.”

The Head of State said leaders also need to change their attitudes and understanding of devolution because the system of governance does not stand for competition between different levels of government.
“It is two systems of Government complementing each other to deliver services for the people,” said the President.

He said devolution as a system of government is working for Kenyans and what is needed is for leaders to change their approach to leadership.
“I want to acknowledge my believe that devolution is working. What we need now is to focus on the agenda of delivering for the people who put us in leadership,” said the President.

The Head of State spoke after he officially opened the Ugatuzi Plaza that houses the Nakuru County Assembly Chamber on Wednesday August 14, 2019.

He said elected leaders owe a debt to the electorate and the only way to repay them is to deliver services to them.
The President said he was impressed by the refurbishment and expansion of the Ugatuzi Plaza while also commending Nakuru MCAs for putting the interests of the people before theirs after revelations that the grassroots leaders had resolved not to use county funds on foreign travel.

President Kenyatta at the same time called on elected leaders to go slow on politics and concentrate on service delivery.

He said peace and unity are very important for the progress of the country because investors will put their money where there is safety.
“Help me to bring Kenyans together. In me you have a partner in development,” said the President who addressed MCAs during a session inside the County Assembly chamber.

The session was also addressed by Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui, Senator Susan Kihika and Nakuru Town West MP Samuel Arama among other leaders.

Politics & Govt

President kenyatta holds a round-table interview. Insists new curriculum will be rolled out, Borrowing to continue.

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President Uhuru Kenyatta has this evening held a live, televised, roundtable interview from State House, Mombasa. During the interview that lasted for over one hour, President Kenyatta discussed the progress of the Big 4 Agenda, the Building Bridges Initiative and the war against corruption, among other topics.

Here are the main highlights from tonight’s roundtable interview by President Uhuru kenyatta:

  • The President’s take on the War against corruption:

” The war against corruption is on course, the DPP (Director of Public Prosecutions) and DCI (Directorate of Criminal Investigations) are working towards bringing all culprits to book. It is my hope that the Judiciary will also deliver on it’s mandate. As the executive we have done our part. We have worked to make sure that all departments charged with investigating cases of corruption have all the support. We ask the judiciary to support this fight. It is the Judiciary to tell us now whether someone is guilty or not, that’s their jurisdiction. What we are saying is that Kenyans are tired of seeing cases take years to be resolved. The Judiciary needs to expedite these cases. I am calling upon the Judiciary to play its part, and do it expeditiously. For Kenyans to know the verdict on the cases before them, and to know why and how the verdict was arrived at.
Corruption is a national fight. A fight that belongs to every single citizen of Kenya regardless of gender or tribe. Anybody who desires a better Kenya is part of this fight.
I don’t look at particular office as the most important or least in this fight on corruption. Everybody has a role to play. Let everyone play their part, which will help us build and make a better Republic for the people of Kenya.”

  • The President’s explanation on the contentious housing scheme:

” Majority of Kenyans don’t have an opportunity to own a home. What we are trying to do is to ensure all Kenyans can own a home. We are living in a scenario where as a country, since independence, we have less than 500,000 people who have mortgages. This is why we have this programme to encourage a saving culture .
If we want Kenyans to be home owners we must develop products to enable them to own their own. That is why have the affordable housing programme.
It is not a tax, it is a saving, a contribution that ultimately if you don’t get a house, that money goes back to the individual. What we are saying is your contribution is helping you become a home owner.
What we’re doing is to enable as many Kenyans to move away from rentals and to become home-owners. What we’re trying to do is to encourage a saving instead of spending culture ”

  • President Uhuru’s account on the Universal health Cover (UHC):

” Health is a devolved function. As National Government we have decided to support county governments to roll out Universal Health Coverage (UHC). To achieve this we have joined together with development partners to make UHC a reality.
In implementing UHC, we can’t avoid a bit of try and error. It the Government’s hope that ultimately, we will have an efficient model that is good enough to be replicated in other countries.
There are many families in Kenya that have been devastated by huge medical bills of their relatives and friends. Its the intention of the Government to mitigate such incidences through Universal Health Coverage.
We are piloting UHC in four counties as a trial basis. This pilot will enable us learn great lessons prior to the scale up. We are partnering with Counties, and other stakeholders to implement the Universal Health Coverage program. As the National Government spearheads this, Counties also need to take a lead in ensuring the program succeeds.”

  • The President’s views on the spiraling National Debt and ‘Over borrowing’

” The issue of debt is not about incurring debt, it’s about how you use it. Are you using that debt for development? To expand your GDP? To open up your country? When we talk about debt it must be viewed in comparison with the GDP.
I am confident that Kenya’s debt is for infrastructure development, that will not only benefit the current generation but future generations too. In less than 6 years, since I came into office, we have implemented many projects.
The issue of the take over of Mombasa Port by China is pure propaganda. We are ahead of our payment schedule for the SGR (Standard Gauge Railway) loan and there is no cause of alarm.
People keep asking me why I go to China. China is opening their eyes and meeting Kenya, and indeed the rest of Africa at their point of need. They are offering financial packages which we can afford.

  • President Kenyatta gives an account of the origin of the Handshake, the Building Bridges Initiative, and the 2022 politics:

” If you look at Kenya, we were ahead of other countries in the 60s, but we lost it because of our politics. Every five years our country comes to a standstill, and we start over. We sat with my brother Raila Odinga and agreed we must engage to find out what is ailing our country. We agreed corruption is an issue, as well as issues of exclusion in governance among others. However we must begin by reaching out to Kenyans for lasting solutions. We started discussing with Raila Odinga on a variety of issues that affect Kenyans. And that’s how we came up with the Building Bridges Initiative. We started exploring how we can solve these issues together and on this we shall not stop. I believe I have a partner in Raila Odinga. We will continue to find ways to solve the issues that affect Kenyans, we will not turn back.

We must have a governance system that looks beyond us and onto our grandchildren. This is what Raila Odinga and I are engaged in, not 2022 politics. We are focusing on fixing Kenya for future generations.
At the end of the day, it is about will and desire. Kenyans want peace, prosperity, unity and development. We must focus on developing this country, I am not interested in talking about 2022 politics.

  • The President says all is set for roll out of the new Curriculum. Apologizes on behalf of the Education cabinet Secretary for causing confusion on the implementation of the new Curriculum:

” We want Kenyans to appreciate and understand that the competence based education we are pushing for is to prepare our children for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow. We need our children to have the necessary skills for the job market.
I want to personally apologize for the confusion that has been there concerning our new education curriculum. There have been many voices. We will sit and agree on one thing, the way forward. But for now, the curriculum will continue.”

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Politics & Govt

President Kenyatta Makes Extensive Tour Of Development Projects In South Coast

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resident Uhuru Kenyatta today made an extensive tour of several development projects in parts of Kwale County.

The President who was accompanied by Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Samson Mwathethe visited the Shimoni fish landing site which the government through the Kenya Ports Authority is in the process of upgrading into a modern fishing port.

The upgrading of the fish landing site into a fully operational port complete with cold storage facilities, new modern offices for the various state agencies and berths for light cargo vessels will be complete within eight months at a cost Shs 500 million.
Speaking to residents of the small fishing town, the President said the fishing port and supporting infrastructure will help spur economic activities in the area.

He said that as part of efforts to ensure that the local community benefits from the fishing port, the government will sponsor 150 youth from the area to attend coxswain training at the newly established Bandari Maritime Academy.

From Shimoni, the Head of State proceeded to Kibuyuni town where he inspected the ongoing construction of a 200 tonne per day fish processing factory by a Chinese investor.

Once complete, the factory will directly employ 500 Kenyans from the area and provide a ready market for hundreds of fishermen from Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, Somalia and Madagascar.
While in Kibuyuni, the President also visited the Kibuyuni Seaweed Farmers factory, a project by a local women group.

The government supported group is engaged in the commercial cultivation and export of seaweed as well as the processing of the crop to make soap.
The President assured area residents, who largely depend on sea fishing for their livelihood, that the government is working on resolving the challenge of illegal fishing so as to enable them earn more for their trade.

After Kibuyuni, the Head of State flew to Vigurungani in Kinango Constituency where he inspected the ongoing construction of the road from Samburu through Kinango to Kwale.

The Samburu to Kinango section of the road is now 78 percent complete with roadworks on the segment expected to be complete by December this year.
Once complete, the road will open up the southern region of the coastal belt to more trade and investments.

The President asked the contractor to speed up the works while ensuring that the agreed timelines and quality standards are strictly adhered to.

After visiting the road project, the President made a surprise appearance at the homecoming ceremony of Principal Secretary Safina Kwekwe at the nearby Mwangoni Primary School grounds.
While addressing thousands of enthusiastic residents of the area, the President said PS Kwekwe has distinguished herself as a diligent public servant.

The President, who promised an upgrade of the primary school at a cost of Shs 11 million, challenged young girls from the area to emulate PS Kwekwe and all other eminent Kenyan women leaders whom he termed as trailblazers.
“You young girls I see here, please put more effort in your education. Please see how you can go beyond being a Cabinet Secretary and become the first Woman President,” President Kenyatta said.

Politics & Govt

Government Commitment To Integrity In National Exams Is Stronger, Says President Kenyatta

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President Uhuru Kenyatta has said the Government’s commitment to integrity and honesty in national examinations is stronger than ever.

He said the reforms implemented by the Jubilee Administration to eradicate cheating and other malpractices in national examinations will be strengthened.

The President spoke when he hosted the 93rd Kenya Music Festival Winners’ State Concert at State House, Nakuru, on Wednesday August 14, 2019.

“I wish to reassure all of you that my government’s commitment continues in terms of upholding the values of fairness, integrity and quality in our examinations. That drive is stronger than ever,” said the President.

The President assured all those who will sit for national exams later in the year that they will be examined through a fair and secure process.

On the music festival, the President said the event is important in fostering unity and cohesion as it builds on the diversity of the nation.
He said the annual music festival brings out the beauty of the cultural diversity that makes Kenya unique and strong.
The President said the Government and people of Kenya appreciate the participation of Ugandan schools in the festival, adding that he would like to see participants from all East African Community member states.

“I would like to see all East African countries take part in this festival to make it a truly East African festival,” the President said adding that the festival builds bridges of friendship and fosters unity in Kenya as well as the region.

He said the festival is a display of remarkable talent and wonderful performances by energetic young people.

“This event has entertained, informed but also brought us together and the performances get better each year,” the President said.

On the Competence Based Curriculum (CBC) being rolled out, the President said the arts and music are no longer sideline subjects but are integral parts of the system.

Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha and the Chairman of the Kenya Music Festival Peter Wanjohi spoke at the event.

Politics & Govt

President Kenyatta to preside over the official opening of the 2019 Mombasa International Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK) Show.

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His Excellency the President will on Thursday this week, 5th September, join thousands of Kenyans, foreign traders and exhibitors at the ASK Jomo Kenyatta showground in Mkomani, Mombasa for the official opening of the 2019 Mombasa International Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK) Show.

As part of the official opening ceremonies, the President who is also the Patron of the Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK) will tour several exhibition stalls, deliver the key note address as well as award outstanding exhibitors.

The 2019 Mombasa ASK Show which will open its doors to the public on Wednesday, 4th September 2019 has attracted over 190 exhibitors from countries such as Uganda, Tanzania, Ukraine, China and Zanzibar.

Last week, His Excellency the President traveled to Yokohama, Japan for the Seventh Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 7).

During the conference, which Kenya previously hosted in 2016, the over 30 African Heads of State and Government present made a common call for increased Public Private Partnerships (PPP) between Japanese and African enterprises as the preferred model of delivering sustainable development on the continent.

In his opening address, Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe announced a new initiative by the Japanese Government that seeks to strengthen judicial and law enforcement systems in Africa.

The programme dubbed New Approach for Peace and Stability in Africa (NAPSA) has already admitted 6,076 police officers, public prosecutors and judges from 39 African countries into a capacity building initiative where they will be trained on criminal justice and crime prevention.

Prime Minister Abe further announced a pledge by his government to support the roll out of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programmes in Africa saying the initiative will benefit over three million recipients on the continent.

Through TICAD, PM Abe said Japan had invested over 20 billion dollars in Africa in the last 3 years.
On the sidelines of TICAD7, President Kenyatta and PM Abe led their respective delegations in bilateral talks during which the ongoing roll out of the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programme and the development of a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Dongo Kundu were the main subjects of their discussions.

Prime Minister Abe assured President Kenyatta of Japan’s continued support of Kenya’s ambition to achieve UHC through Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangements as part of the Asian country’s pledge to support UHC programmes in Africa.
On the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Dongo Kundu and the construction of the Likoni Gate bridge, the two leaders agreed that with the support of the Japanese Government, Kenya should fast-track the commencement of the two key infrastructure projects.

President Kenyatta thanked Prime Minister Abe for the decision to host TICAD6 in Kenya in 2016 saying the conference helped raise the country’s profile as an investment destination of choice on the African continent.

The President noted that in the last 3 years, the number of Japanese companies setting shop in Kenya significantly rose from 41 to 57, a feat he termed as a success indicator of the growing bilateral ties between Tokyo and Nairobi.

The leaders also discussed ongoing United Nations reforms with President Kenyatta asking his host for Japan’s support for Kenya’s bid to win a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council.

President Kenyatta concluded by inviting PM Abe to attend the 25th International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD 25) that will be held in Nairobi between 12th and 14th November this year.
While in Japan, the President also held meetings with the United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres, President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda and Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth of Mauritius.

With the UN Secretary General, the President discussed regional peace and security in the Eastern Africa region and invited Mr Guterres to the UN Oceans Conference that Kenya will co-host with Portugal in Lisbon next year.

Prime Minister Jugnauth assured President Kenyatta of his country’s support for Kenya’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council when elections are held in June 2020.

President Kenyatta and PM Jagnauth further agreed to conclude discussions on the “Avoidance of Double Tax Agreement” between Kenya and Mauritius by mid this month and sign a Memorandum of Understanding on Standards by end of September 2019.