William Ruto: Education not a preserve of a few who can afford

Deputy President William Ruto has asked Schools management boards not to increase fees without the authority of the ministry of Education.

He said school heads who violate the guidelines set by the ministry regarding school fees would be held accountable.

“School management boards should not make education a preserve of the rich by increasing school fees to the disadvantage of children from poor families,” he said.

He added:” We want to make education affordable to all children regardless of their backgrounds.”

Mr. Ruto said the Government was committed to development of education, health and infrastructure across the country.

“We want to change the narratives of areas known for cattle rustling activities and transform the lives of the people through initiation of development projects,” he said.

He said a teachers training college and a technical training institute have been established in Kapenguria as part of the Government commitment to ensuring residents access to education.

The Deputy President who was speaking at Nasokol Girls secondary school and St. Paul’s Kitum High School, Entebbes in West Pokot and Trans Nzoia Counties respectively on Friday, appealed to Kenyans to focus on building a harmonious, prosperous nation through hard work.

Ruto said time was rife for leaders to focus on uniting Kenyans irrespective of ethnic or political backgrounds.

The Deputy President said politics of division and hatred could derail the initiation and implementation of development projects in the country.

“Let us say no to divisive politics that can slow the development efforts in the country,” the Deputy President said.

He added: “The time has come for all of us to put aside narrow interests and divisive politics and work with focus, for the good of our nation and for our prosperity.”

He emphasized on the need for pastoral communities to embrace peace and desist from activities, which may interfere with their peaceful co-existence.

“The Government’s transformative agenda is aimed at giving a new face to Kenya,” he said.

Senator Murkomen said cattle rustling were an archaic tradition that will only be wiped out through education and initiation of development projects.

“It is time national and county governments come up with programmes that can make the youths busy and there will be no room for acts of lawlessness,” said Mr. Murkomen.

Ms. Beatrice Elachi appealed to Pokot and Turkana residents to embrace peace among themselves and with their neighbours.

Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK), Kitale Diocese Bishop Stephen Nyorsok thanked the Government for the stand it has taken on the issue of homosexuality in the country.

He said homosexuality was against Kenyan culture and the Holy Bible.

Mr. Nyorsok said as a church they were not ready to be engaged in any talks regarding gay and lesbianism rights.

The Deputy President was also accompanied by West Pokot Governor Simon Kachapin, Trans Nzoia Governor Patrick Khaemba (Trans Nzoia), Kapenguria MP Samuel Moroto, Robert Pukose (Endebes), John Waluke (Sirisia) Ferdinand Waititu (Kabete) Rachel Shebesh (Nairobi)), Peter Shehe (Ganze), David Wafula (Saboti) and Jones Mlolwa (Voi).

Former cabinet ministers Fred Gumo and Noah Wekesa were also present.