Uhuru Kenyatta leads Kenyans in marking Mashujaa Day

Personally, I think Uhuru Kenyatta would have made a very good president, but like his predecessor Mwai Kibaki, he seems to rely on the bad judgment of his advisers. PHOTO | PSCU 

By NATION REPORTER

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Monday led the country in marking the fifth Mashujaa Day celebrations with a promise of the country's potential to achieve the Vision 2030 by 2020 but only through politics of unity.

"Unfortunately, too many of our leaders are masters at shouting at one another, seeking headlines more than real development, and using every ethnic and religious difference to try and split us apart. The immense promise of Kenya will only be truly realised if we all insist that they change their ways and become masters of listening to one another," said Mr Kenyatta.

The President also said his administration would focus on empowering women and youth.

Deputy President William Ruto with his wife, Rachael Ruto (right), are received by Defence Principal Secretary Monica Juma and Chief of Defence Forces Gen Julius Karangi on arrival for Mashujaa Day celebrations at Nyayo National Stadium.

The President urged the public to embrace the Nyumba Kumi initiative that advocates for vigilance in neighbourhoods.

"We should also play our part by denying criminals space to operate. This will be achieved by our participating in the Nyumba Kumi program. Since its inception, numerous plans by extremists and terrorists have been foiled with the assistance of Kenyans. Our country will become safe neighbourhood by neighbourhood through the involvement of each and every one of us."

He also said the government would intensify efforts to clamp down on incitement of the public by politicians.

"My government will intensify efforts to stamp out incitement. We will insist with every legal tool at my disposal that the use of public pulpits by all leaders, teachers, preachers and imams be lawful and focused on building national cohesion."

DONOR FUNDS

He further admonished the "outsourcing of core government functions to donor-funded entities."

"We must refocus our efforts, and those of the entire world, on building effective governments whose services are accessible to all, accountable to all, accountable to all and that have the extra resources to respond to shocks and emergencies.

"This is the duty of government and must not be outsourced to donor-funded entities whose efforts are aimed at relief and not at the comprehensive scale it takes to transform lives or respond to crises."

Deputy President William Ruto said the government plans to waive examination fees for KCPE and KCSE to accord children equal opportunity to study, excel and become the heroes and heroines of tomorrow.

The DP added that the Government has also increased free primary education and subsidized secondary school funding from Sh10 – Sh14 billion and Sh20-Sh28 billion respectively.

Later, the President and the First Lady hosted a colourful garden party for senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps and other invited guests at State House in Nairobi.