President William Ruto on Saturday, July 15, called for a national conversation following continued anti-government protests staged by Azimio la Umoja Coalition.
Speaking in Homa Bay where he graced the homecoming ceremony of Principal Secretary for Interior Raymond Omollo, the Head of State noted that the protests had led to wanton destruction of lives and property across the country.
He warned that the country risked sliding into anarchy if Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga continued on the same trajectory of mobilising people to protest against his government.
"Our friends have said that they will be staging demonstrations. It's okay for them to demonstrate because that is guaranteed in the Constitution.
"However, we must have a candid national conversation about the protests, especially, on what amounts to demonstration. We cannot use the excuse of demonstrations to destroy both public and private property of the people of Kenya," Ruto assured.
Ruto challenged Kenyans, and Raila in particular, to be part of the conversation that would guarantee better outcomes for the country, so that protests are not used to destabilise the nation.
According to Ruto, those calling for protests must take responsibility for any damaged incurred during the demonstrations.
"Peace is the foundation of progress. Building peace builds progress, undermining peace undermines our shared aspirations for a better Kenya," Ruto stated.
He affirmed that he was not going to back down from his responsibility as the Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces.
"I have a mandate that was given to me by the people of Kenya. Regardless of what the protesters think or do, I will have to exercise my mandate and ensure that lives are not lost and property is protected," Ruto assured.
He acknowledged the need for a national conversation that would ensure that ordinary Kenyans get the most out of his government, including lowering of the cost of living.
He also warned that the government will not spare anyone who deliberately stages violent protests against the government with a view of destabilising the state.
Meanwhile, Ruto also opened a government-sponsored multi-purpose digital technology laboratory which will be used by both students of Oriwo Boys' High School and local youth.
Strategically placed within the village, Jitume Digital Skills Laboratory is equipped with the latest technological applications which will help students and graduates access Information Communication and Technology (ICT) education.
While launching the programme, Ruto explained that Jitume Digital Skills Laboratory will be used by young people in the region to get online job opportunities from other countries.
"The facility which we have just opened will be used by young people in this region to help them acquire necessary skills and access the online job markets," President Ruto stated while at Oriwo Boys' High School.
The Head of State urged job seekers from Homa Bay County to take advantage of the digital skill programmes rolled out by the Kenya Kwanza administration in order to turn around their lives, noting that job opportunities are accessible anywhere including the internet.
Ruto also grabbed the chance to drum up support for his Digital Super Highway Programme, an initiative in which the Kenya Kwanza administration is seeking to expand the country's fibre optic network and increase e-government services.
The President explained his digital literacy and job programmes which were approved by Cabinet in 2022, aim to lay 100,000 kilometres of fibre optic cable across Kenya and create 25,000 public Wi-Fi hotspots.
Apart from Jitume Digital Skills Laboratory in Karachuonyo, Ruto revealed that his government will establish Digital Village Smart Hubs in each of Kenya's 1,450 wards.
"The project is expected to cost an estimated Ksh150 billion and will be funded by the government, the private sector, and international donors. It is scheduled to be completed by 2027," Ruto revealed.
Accordingly, he noted that the Kenyan Digital Superhighway Programme is expected to have a number of benefits, including increased access to high-speed internet for businesses and individuals and enhanced social inclusion, as more people have access to the internet.
He explained that the project is part of his government's efforts to create a digital economy that is expected to help the country to attract foreign investment, boost exports, and create new jobs.
"The Digital Superhighway Programme is an ambitious project, but it has the potential to transform the country's economy and society. If successful, it will help us to become a leader in the digital economy in Africa," Ruto stated while acknowledging CS Eliud Owalo's effort in the project.
The programme will complement the Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta's Ajira Digital which was started to provide training and employment opportunities for young people.
Ajira DIGITAL was started in 2016 and has already helped thousands of young people get training and employment in the technology sector.
Ajira Digital offers training in a variety of technology fields, including web design, software development, network management, and cyber security. The training is offered online and is provided free of charge to participants.
After completing the training, Ajira Digital participants are given the opportunity to find employment in various technology companies. The program also helps participants start their own businesses.
