Former US President Barack Obama, who has been on a two-day visit to Kenya lauded President Uhuru Kenyatta and NASA leader Raila Odinga on their unity pact.
However, speaking at Sauti Kuu Foundation centre in Kogelo on Monday, Obama asked Uhuru to rally the country in dealing with some of Kenya's most tenacious issues for the country to attain the envisioned prosperity.
"There has been real progress in this amazing country. It should inspire today's young Kenyans to demand even more progress," Obama noted.
[caption caption="Barack Obama being received by step-sister Auma Obama"]
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Terming the developments in Kenya as part of "an emergent more confident and self-reliant Africa", Obama indicated that there is a need to address the remaining challenges.
Particularly, Obama pointed out the need for the country to make more commitment to uproot the rampant corruption in the country.
Besides, Obama highlighted that economic progress needs to be felt at all strata of the economy and not exclusively to the upper tier of the economy or specific regions.
The third concern Obama raised was on the frequent tribal conflicts that are fuelled by politics and the electoral process.
Different ethnicities should not be seen as enemies and rivals. The tribal diversity should not be seen as a weakness but as a strength.
"Despite some of the tumultuous times that seem to attend every election, we now have a President and the major opposition leader who have pledged to build bridges and made specific commitments to work together."
[caption caption="Auma Obama, Barack Obama, Uhuru Kenyatta, William Ruto and CS Monica Juma at State House Nairobi"]
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Lastly, Obama noted the need to ensure equitable access to education both to the boys and girls across the country.
"A nation that gives our daughters the same opportunities as our sons is more likely to succeed," Obama concluding that giving an opportunity to young generation offers them to change their communities.
