Jamhuri Day 2018: 8 Issues President Kenyatta Addressed

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Wednesday delivered his Jamhuri Day speech donning the full Kenya Army ceremonial outfit at Nyayo stadium in Nairobi.

Marking the 55th year of the annual event, the day Kenya became an independent republic, Uhuru delved on eight issues giving the country's scorecard under his administration.

Focusing on the Big 4 Agenda, Uhuru urged Kenyans to unite to boost development of the country on all fronts.

1. Dealing with Corruption

Uhuru did not mince his words when addressing corruption in the country asking the Judiciary not to protect impunity in the fight against graft.

"Kenyan spirits are dampened when we witness suspects released on ridiculously low bail terms, interference in legislative processes, and the use of the court process to delay justice. All arms of government must work together to ensure our nation gets rid of this menace," he stated.

To those engaging in fraud and abuse of office, Uhuru warned that they would be hunted down and made to account for their actions.

"We will catch up with you, and make you pay dearly for every coin stolen from Kenyans. And to you, the people of Kenya listening to my address today, please, it is time for you to stop watching from the sidelines.

"It is time for you to become active participants in this war, it is time for you to say enough is enough, be it to a policeman or a governor, a clerk or a Cabinet Secretary, a judge or a politician," he added.

2. Enhancing of Trade

The President assured that the government was working on making Kenya easier for good, honest Kenyans and investors to do business in the country.

"My administration will continue to push the Buy Kenya Build Kenya philosophy, I expect all Kenyans to support this," he noted.

He conveyed that the government had reeled in the illicit trade practices in counterfeits adding that the private sector should also play its role efficiently and pay taxes.

3.Youth affairs

Uhuru further advised young people to work hard in unity avoiding the trappings of corruption and easy money.

He urged young people to view farming in a different life, to take it up as an activity that could generate income, tying it to the food security pillar of his Big 4 Agenda.

"You have acquired knowledge and have access to much useful information that can help transform the farms of your parents. In this regard, I urge our youth to seek support from various commercial banks such as the Kenya Commercial Bank Foundation programme, named, 2Jiajiri," he noted.

5. Service Delivery in Government institutions.

Uhuru pointed out that service delivery in Government institutions was not up to per. In this regard he directed regulatory agencies, at both national and county levels, to start shedding their gate-keeping mentality and embrace the role of being facilitators for business and trade.

"For those who continue to treat their public offices as toll-stations to harass wananchi, the broom that is sweeping across the nation, will soon find its way to your doorsteps," he warned.

5. International Relations

He assured that the country would continue supporting peace building and conflict resolution in South Sudan.

"We will work with every one of these countries to strengthen the peace, to eliminate any havens of terrorists and extremists, and to replace bullets and grenades with trade and investment," he stated.

6. Form One Selection and Education matters

Touching on education matters, the Head of State stated that the government would continue to improve the quality of teaching and the infrastructure of the learning institutions.

He added that all national and county government officials should shoulder full responsibility towards the achievement of Basic Education Policy Goals, especially the one hundred percent transition from primary to secondary schools.

"Following the conclusion of the selection of Form One students for 2019, I will hold education officials, Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs accountable for enforcing full compliance of this policy.

"Each of them must keep track of learners who sat for this year’s KCPE within their respective jurisdictions and ensure that all of them report to secondary schools," he directed.

7. Affordable Housing Agenda

The president observed that in the last 12 months, the government had laid an appropriate legal and policy foundation to transform the housing sector for the better.

He further thanked Members of Parliament,  trade unions and the Kenya Federation of Employers for their role in the establishment of the Kenya Housing Development Fund.

"To guarantee affordability and promote domestic industries, the government will further encourage construction companies to use locally produced building materials," he added.

8. Security

He maintained that the issue of security was the duty of every citizen calling for all to work together to flush out elements determined to cause harm.

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