President spells out roadmap to better economy, political stability

By Peter Opiyo

Nairobi, Kenya: President Uhuru Kenyatta executed his first official duty in Parliament and capped it with a roadmap on how he plans to drive Kenya to greater prosperity, as well as economic and political stability.

On the day Uhuru inspected his first Guard of Honour, he also exuded confidence he would change Kenya and asked for support of both the Senate and National Assembly in executing his five-year agenda.

In a 40-minute address to a joint sitting of the National Assembly and Senate, he rallied members to unite for national good and promised a lean government.

“Although we may not agree from time to time, this should be in an atmosphere of mutual respect and consideration,” President Uhuru said alive to the reality of differences between his ruling Jubilee coalition and he opposition – Coalition for Reforms and Democracy. 

“We should be able to hold different viewpoints without being enemies,” he said.

The Head of State underscored his regime’s recognition of the importance of a vibrant Opposition in a democracy, apparently in response to disquiet the ruling coalition’s post-election coalition deals are intended to stifle dissent in the House. 

“The role of a vibrant Opposition is vital to the effective functioning of both Houses. I welcome and respect that role – and look forward to all the members here holding my Government to account,” he said.

Against the background of rising clamour for higher salaries by elected officials, President Uhuru drew attention to the spiraling public wage bill, which he declared had reached “unsustainable levels”, and was “squeezing out resources meant for development”.

He explained the Sh458 billion total estimated wage bill in the current financial year was slightly over 12 per cent of Gross Domestic Product, above the internationally accepted standard of seven per cent.

The figure accounted for almost half of the revenue collected by government which was “unsustainable and poses a serious threat to the funding of important development projects, and has the potential to severely affect the country’s economic prospects.”

Public wage bill

“We must keep the public wage bill in check. All arms of government must set the example and lead the way in bringing this wage bill down,” he advised.

The austerity measures to mitigate the high salary bill would also extend to the composition of the Cabinet, where the President said he was keen on a lean and effective team, away from the bloated Cabinet that Kenyans have been treated to.

The Constitution caps the number of Secretaries at 22, but Uhuru is said to have preferred 19.

“Our Constitution envisages lean and effective Government. This involves not just reducing the number of ministries but restructuring the entire government and changing how it works. We will streamline the agencies of government to end the confusing and wasteful overlap of responsibilities and create a Government that is fit for the 21st century,” said Uhuru, a warning that downsizing could be on his cards.

The president also pledged a shift from the “traditional diplomacy” to one that ensures the country’s economic interests were secured.

Earlier, the President had arrived at Parliament Buildings at 2:50 pm accompanied by First Lady Margaret, who wore a red dress.

The Guard of Honour he inspected was mounted by a detachment of the Kenya Army officers on Parliament Road, which was closed to the public far much earlier.

Deputy President William Ruto, who had arrived 20 minutes earlier, received the President at the presidential entrance into precincts of Parliament.

On hand to receive the President were National Assembly Speaker Mr Justin Muturi and his Senate counterpart Mr Ekwe Ethuro. The Majority Leader Aden Duale and Minority Leader Moses Wetangula also welcomed the President in a spirit of bipartisanship.

The two Speakers then escorted the Head of State – who is no longer a Member of Parliament  – into the Chamber at 3.13pm. They flanked the President on either side in the Chamber, with Speaker Muturi to his right. There were two maces – symbols of authority – placed before the Chamber, signifying the joint session of the Senate and National Assembly.

Rightful role

Ethuro said the role of the Opposition must be felt in the Eleventh Parliament. Muturi rallied members to put public interest first to ensure they play their rightful role in the renewal of the country.

The President also pledged to “act swiftly to end the scourge of corruption.” “Corruption makes our country less attractive as an investment destination. It limits access to much needed services, stifles efficiency and eats away at public values,” he added. He explained the need to spark an industrial revolution in the country through value addition to produce and manufacturing of finished goods used locally.

Apart from his earlier 100-day pledge to eliminate medical fees and facilitate ownership of laptops for children enrolling in class one, which he said are achievable, the President also gave a series of interesting promises:

• Open up at least one million acres of new land through irrigation to end food insecurity.

• Double the level of tourism to three million visitors a year by 2017.

• Create jobs for youth to lift 10 million out of poverty by 2017.

• Reduce the cost of the ordinary household’s basket of goods, including food, housing, energy and transport.

• Employ the youth to build dams and pans for water

His agenda contained the Bills that must be passed to implement the Constitution as well as the campaign promises packaged in the Jubilee Manifesto, saying his government is committed to submit the relevant Bills to the House for consideration.

Uhuru also promised to look into the Division of Revenue Bill and the County Allocation of Revenue Bill, which as per the Constitution must be approved by April 30. “I urge Parliament to act swiftly in their consideration of these measures so that we can meet our constitutional obligations,” he pleaded.

The other Bills include those to entrench civil liberties and protect the freedom of the media, support the County governments, public participation in decision-making at the County and National levels and Bills to reform campaign finance and ensure diversity and gender balance in the County Assemblies.

The Bills have a Constitutional timeline of August 27, as per the fifth schedule of the Constitution.

Uhuru stressed his government’s commitment to improving the welfare of every Kenyan, pointing his administration would focus on nine pillars contained in the Jubilee manifesto.

Fighting corruption

Thus, he said, he would run a transparent and honest government, fight corruption, promote human rights, create more jobs and improve the economy.

He also pledged an efficient transport system, food security, affordable provision of health care, provision of free education and provision of clean water and electricity to Kenyans.

At the expiry of 100 days in office, Uhuru promised to stock health centres and dispensaries with drugs and equipment, abolish fees charged at the health institutions and abolish maternity charges in public hospitals.

He also promised to submit a sessional paper to ensure that any child below the age of 18 does not stay out of school or college.

Uhuru also enticed the youth promising to develop a legal framework to enable them and women access interest free loans at the grassroots.

“If we implement the measures I have outlined, I am confident that we shall support our children and our families; I, therefore, urge all Parliamentarians to prepare themselves for the work that is ahead,” Uhuru said.