PRESIDENT UHURU KENYATA
SPEECH
BY H.E. HON. UHURU KENYATTA, C.G.H., PRESIDENT AND COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF
OF THE DEFENCE FORCES OF THE REPUBLIC OF KENYA DURING HIS INAUGURATION
AND SWEARING-IN CEREMONY ON TUESDAY, 9TH APRIL 2013 AT THE MOI
INTERNATIONAL SPORTS COMPLEX, NAIROBI.
o Your Excellency Hon.Mwai Kibaki, C.G.H., M.P.;
o Your Excellency Daniel arap Moi;
o Your Excellencies, Visiting Heads of State & Government;
o Chief Justice Willy Mutunga;
o All our Invited Guests;
o Fellow Kenyans,
Let
me begin by thanking all Heads of State present and the representatives
of Heads of State for choosing to be here as a symbol of your continued
support and goodwill towards Kenyans.
I
particularly note, with gratitude, the large presence of our brothers
and sisters from across the continent. This is a clear indication of
your commitment to the Pan-African agenda. You have bestowed a great
honor on me and our country by being here. On behalf of the Kenyan
people I welcome all of you to Kenya. Karibuni Sana!Let me also
acknowledge with gratitude and respect the distinguished service of my
predecessors. President Mwai Kibaki, a true statesman and a great leader
who over the past 10 years has laid a firm foundation for the future
prosperity of our country. Asante sana Mzee. Shukrani nyingi sana.
I
pay tribute also to former President Moi who is with us today and thank
him for his years of leadership and dedication to our nation. Asante
Mzee!
With
humility and respect, I acknowledge and pay tribute to the memory of my
father, the late founding father of our nation, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta. May
he and his fellow architects of liberation in Kenya and Africa as a
whole rest in peace with the knowledge that this generation is committed
to fulfilling their dreams of for our nation and our continent.
I
would like to thank all my worthy opponents in the recently completed
presidential election. Every one of you helped define and make stronger
our democracy. Because of you, Kenyans had real choices. Because of you,
Kenyans felt free to exercise their sovereign will. Thank you all.
In
an open and free democracy, there is a vital role for a vibrant
opposition that helps to hold the Government to account. Kenya is such a
democracy, and as President I will respect that role just as I will
champion the right of every Kenyan to speak their mind free of fear of
reprisal or condemnation.
Fellow Kenyans,
Our
nation has now successfully navigated the most complex general election
in our history. Our journey began three years ago, with the
promulgation of a new constitution, and ended eleven days ago, with a
landmark Supreme Court decision. Ours has been an unusual story. An
unconventional path. We have been praised and criticized in turn –
depending on who was telling our story. Yet while some watched the
unfolding national events with skepticism, resigned to what they
believed was the inevitability of chaos, others, the vast majority,
looked upon our nation with a tempered hope; cheering us on not only
because they believed in us but because they knew that if Kenya
succeeded they too would succeed. For all that has been said of our
nation, the records of history will attest to a number of undeniable
facts.
They
will outline the long queues we made, the long hours we waited to vote
and the historic voter turnout of these elections. They will detail the
decisions that the Kenyan media made – the professionalism and
responsibility with which they acted. They will remind us of the fact
that we embarked on a feat that few other countries have attempted,
holding six elections simultaneously. They will call our attention to
the fact that the youth were meaningfully engaged in the entire
electoral period and that the political consciousness of Kenyans was at
an all time high. They will list and honor the individuals, institutions
and service organizations that played a strong role in this defining
chapter of our nation’s history. They will contrast our accomplishments,
with the fact that Kenya ventured into multi-party politics only 20
years ago further strengthening and entrenching our democracy. When the
records remind us of these truths, we will recognize that at the end of
the day, it is the indomitable spirit of the Kenyan people; their
commitment to peace; their desire for progress and their respect for the
rule of law – that was the true headline of this election story.
Where
systems failed, Kenyans did not. Where decisions were delayed and
ambiguity prevailed, Kenyans were patient – seeking and waiting for
clarity. Where contentious issues arose to stir up dissent, Kenyans
exercised restraint; peacefully sought redress and submitted themselves
again to the constitution and the rule of law – united in the belief
that God’s judgment would guide that of men.
Today,
I am humbled and honouredhonoured to accept the mantle of leadership
that the people of Kenya have bestowed on me. I will lead all Kenyans –
those who voted for me – and those who voted for our competitors –
towards a national prosperity that is firmly rooted in a rich and
abiding peace in which unity can ultimately be realized. Peace is not
simply about the absence of violence. It is defined by the presence of
fundamental liberties and the prevalence of economic opportunities. We
will not settle for a perfunctory peace that is disrupted every five
years by an election cycle. Rather, we are calling and working towards a
permanent peace, through which democracy is glorified rather than
undermined. A peace that fosters unity.
Indeed,
national unity will only be possible if we deal decisively with some of
the issues that continue to hinder our progress. It will come through
job creation. It will be founded on economic growth. It will be
strengthened by a globally competitive education system: by the building
of more schools across the nation and by ensuring that we have well
thought out curricula that prepares our children for the challenges and
opportunities of the 21st century. It will be upheld when all citizens
are able to access affordable healthcare and protect themselves, and
their children, from preventable diseases that still wage war on our
populace.
It
will be strengthened through the promotion of public-private
partnerships and through the creation of a friendly and enabling
environment for business. It will be reflected in our men and women
working side by side as equals to move our country forward. It will be
realized when we become a food-secure nation by investing in and
modernizing the agricultural sector by equipping it with the relevant
information and technology that it needs to grow. It will be confirmed
when the rights of all citizens are protected through legislation that
upholds the spirit of our constitution. When women and young people are
both seen and heard at the decision-making table, at national as well as
devolved levels of government. When all communities in Kenya are
confident that they have a Government that listens to and addresses
their needs.
Achieving peace and strengthening unity will be the goal of my Government.
This work begins now. We welcome all Kenyans to hold us to account.
Within
the first one hundred days – we will ensure that maternity fees are
abolished and that all citizens of Kenya are able to access government
dispensaries and health centers free of charge. Within the first one
hundred days, we will develop a framework to direct the 6 billion Kenya
Shillings previously allocated for the election run-off towards
establishing a new Youth and Women Fund that will be open to the youth
and women from every part of this country. Within the first one hundred
days, we will put measures in place to ensure that all students, joining
class one next year, within the public school system receive a laptop.
We made a promise to our children and we will keep it because we believe
that early exposure to technology will inspire future innovation and be
a catalyst for growth and prosperity.
Fellow Kenyans,
My
government will immediately begin the process of supporting devolution
and enabling county leadership to carry out their constitutional mandate
and fulfill the pledges they made to the Kenyan people. Let us all be
clear – supporting devolution is not a choice, as some claim it to be –
it is a duty. A constitutional duty. One that I have sworn to uphold.
Our constitution does not suggest devolution, it demands it. I urge all
Kenyans to be persistent, pragmatic, patient and non-partisan, as we
pursue the promise of devolved governance.
Fellow Kenyans,
Dealing
with unemployment will be a priority for my government. We are
committed to creating jobs and opportunities for our people – especially
our young people. We will do this, by creating an enabling environment
for the private sector. We will harness the gifts and talents of our
youth, in order to enable sports and entertainment providers earn a
profitable livelihood and make Kenya a global leader in these areas. We
will make the procurement process faster, more accessible, and
transparent. We will simplify the process of starting and running a
business ,business, in order to make it friendly and cost-effective to
do business in Kenya. We will expand electricity generation, extend the
transmission network and ensure that electricity supply is more
consistent and reliable. We will build on the accomplishments of the
last administration in infrastructure, by increasing accessibility
through roads and rail networks, as well as increasing digital
connectivity. To the private sector, my promise to you is that we will
create an enabling environment, so that you can play your part in
creating employment and fostering economic growth.
Fellow Kenyans,
For
too long our nation has exported jobs that should rightly belong to our
citizens. We have focused on exporting primary products, instead of
promoting value addition and manufacturing finished goods thereby
creating jobs and improving our standard of living. Today, I pledge,
that my administration will work towards diversifying our economic base.
We will support the manufacturing industry and support all enterprises,
both local and international, that strive to create finished goods
using local labour and materials. I also pledge, that this Government,
as the largest buyer of goods and services will take the lead in
supporting local industry, by buying Kenyan first.
I
have consulted with Parliament and on the 16th of April, I will address
both Houses and announce a detailed government program and legislative
agenda.
Fellow Kenyans,
One
of the biggest challenges to national unity is the feeling of exclusion
in the decision making process, hence our desire and need for
devolution. That notwithstanding, my commitment to Kenya is that our
national Government shall and will reflect the true face of Kenya, with
the clear understanding that as we bring decision making and services
closer to the people, the integrity and solidarity that binds us as
citizens of one nation, must not only remain, but must be strengthened.
I
am equally committed to ensuring that interests of women and the
interests of young people are represented in my government. A department
in my office will be dedicated to ensuring that the interests of these
groups not only inform every decision I make as President, but also
those of every department and government ministry. Our doors will always
be open. We will never turn a deaf ear to the needs of any person or
group.
We will leave no community behind.
Fellow Kenyans
To
achieve these goals and to achieve Vision 2030, we must be responsible
stewards of our natural resources. In light of this – my commitment and
the commitment of the Government will be to support the National Land
Commission as they seek to provide the land answer. My government will
strive to work with all actors to ensure that the issue of land will
never again be a contentious or a divisive subject but rather that land
will be seen as what it truly is, a factor of production.
I
also promise that we will exploit our natural resources in a way that
benefits the current generation while safeguarding the interests of
generations to come. I want to assure all Kenyans that we shall use all
the money that comes from natural resources for development programs.
Fellow Kenyans
We
will ensure that the harmony we are striving for extends to the
environment. It is our heritage. It is our duty as guardians and
custodians of that heritage to protect it for future generations.
Indeed, my government will strike a decisive blow against all those that
threaten it. My fellow Kenyans, poaching and the destruction of our
environment has no future in this country. The responsibility to protect
our environment belongs not just to the Government, but to each and
every one of us. We will do all this, and more. Where there is
uncertainty, we will revive confidence in the government’s ability to
protect its citizens. Where there is disillusionment – we will restore
hope. Where there is opportunity denied – we will open new frontiers,
and through our actions, we will renew our faith in government as an
instrument of good.
Let
me reiterate that even as we work together to promote inclusion, open
new frontiers and create new opportunities, we will not tolerate those
who continue to threaten the peace and security of our citizens.
Criminals, cattle rustlers, drug barons and agents of terror, who
disrupt the peace of our society, will be met with the full force of the
law and the strength of Kenya’s Security Forces. On this matter, we are
resolute.
To our men and women in uniform, I say, this nation is indebted to you.
You
continue to lay down your lives in service, protecting Kenyans from
threats both external and internal. My government will continue to work
with you and do all that is in its power to support you as you continue
in your noble duty.
To
our sister countries in the region – we understand that our future is
joined to yours. Our peace is linked to the security and stability of
the region. We deployed our armed forces to Somalia because terrorism
and piracy affects all of us. Indeed in the last two decades, Kenya has
invested immense diplomatic energy and resources in the quest for a
stable Somalia. Our commitment to fight terrorism and eradicate piracy
will remain a central pillar of my government’s policy on peace and
security.
As
President, I will work with the international community to strengthen
its support for IGAD and the AU peace process in Somalia because a
stable and prosperous Somalia is in the interest of all nations.
My fellow Kenyans
The
future of Kenya depends not only on our National Unity but also on
deepening our bonds with our brothers and sisters in East Africa and
Africa as a whole. It is with this unity that we will prosper and truly
deliver on the promise of independence and liberation from our colonial
past. My administration is therefore committed to regional trade and
cooperation and will continue to strengthen ties through the free
movement of people, goods and investment, including the removal of
tariff and non-tariff barriers to trade within the EAC. My goal is to
see the continued growth of our community towards ultimate integration.
As
Kenya celebrates its Jubilee year of freedom and independence, Africa
too marks slightly over 50 years since the fall of colonialism. The
breakaway from colonialism has not been easy. Indeed it has been fraught
with great challenges and setbacks. Without fail however, the
trajectory of our recent history, in Kenya as in Africa, has been one of
great hope, renewed progress and palpable determination. Africa, Ladies
and Gentlemen, is on the rise. Kenya sees herself as an integral part
of this exciting awakening. The great renaissance spoken of a mere 20
years ago is upon us. Across the continent evidence of renewal and
growth is everywhere, built on the bedrock of rising self-confidence, a
growing educated, youthful population and God given abundance of natural
wealth and resources.
To
the Nations of Africa and The African Union – we assure you that in
Kenya, you will continue to have a partner and an ally. If we stand
together in solidarity I am confident that we will find the strength to
thrive and innovate solutions that work for us. Of course, we join you
in continuing to insist on relating with all nations as equals – not
juniors.
As
partners, not subordinates. In our history as nations, we have seen
some of the most ardent promoters of ideals of national sovereignty and
democracy sometimes fail to live by the principles they espouse, but let
us remember that their failure does not justify ours.
To
the nations of the world – we acknowledge that in this age of
globalization, all of us are interdependent. Our economies are
interconnected as indeed are our people. I pledge to continue
cultivating the relationships we have had with our traditional trade
partners and I say to all developing and developed nations who desire a
deeper and more mutually beneficial relationship with Kenya: we are
ready for partnerships, we are open for business and we invite you to
invest in our country. I also want to remind the International Community
that for the last fifty years, Kenya has been one of the most engaged
members and one of the most prolific co-authors of international
treaties and instruments.
I
assure you again that under my leadership, Kenya will strive to uphold
our international obligations, so long as these are founded on the
well-established principles of mutual respect and reciprocity.
Central
to our continued contribution to the international community, will be
the understanding that the world is made up of many countries, cultures,
political experiences and world-views. We must remember that no one
country or group of countries should have control or monopoly on
international institutions or the interpretation of international
treaties. While each state has a right to its own view, it must respect
the fact that it holds just one view amongst many in the community of
nations.
Fellow Kenyans,
Today,
work begins. The time has come, not to ask what community we come from
but rather what dreams we share. The time has come not to ask what
political party we belong to but rather what partnerships we can build.
The
time has come to ask, not who we voted for, but what future we are
devoted to. Fellow Kenyans we must move forward together. Let us
remember that although we are may not be bound together by ethnicity, or
cultural practices or religious conviction – our kinship rests solidly
upon the fact that we have all been adopted by Kenya’s borders; we are
all children of this nation, we are all bound to one constitution which
calls us to rise above our individual ideologies and march to our
national anthem.
That
anthem reminds us of the fundamental principles upon which our
prosperity must be built. It calls us to reflect on the power of peace;
to recall the supreme value of freedom; to believe, once more, in the
beauty of service and brotherhood; to aspire each day, to the dignity
that results from hard work, and to contend for the hope that justice
brings.
Brothers
and sisters; Fellow Kenyans – let us move forward, together, in the
spirit of our anthem and in the spirit of our constitution being
confident that if we turn neither to the left nor to the right of our
national values, we, as a people, will see the promised land of
prosperity that our forbearers set out for.
God bless you, God bless the Republic of Kenya and God bless Africa.
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