You are welcome to share ideas but not government, Uhuru Kenyatta tells Opposition

President Uhuru Kenyatta addresses the nation during Madaraka Day celebrations at Nyayo Stadium. (Photo:Beverlyne Musili/Standard)

Nairobi, Kenya: Coalition for Reforms and Democracy’s ‘welcome’ rally for Raila Odinga ended with demand for national dialogue on July 7 that was quickly dismissed by Deputy President William Ruto in Narok on the same day.

But Sunday, during the national Madaraka Day celebrations, President Uhuru Kenyatta responded directly to the Opposition leader, who had listed Anglo Leasing payouts, rising insecurity, economic slowdown, corruption and tribalism as the major shortcomings of the ruling Jubilee coalition.

“Those in Opposition are called to offer the ideas that will help this nation leap the hurdles that block our path to the prosperity and unity we deserve,” Uhuru said in his response to Raila, but with a rider that sharing power with CORD was out of question.

“Hakuna mambo ya nusu mkate (There is no half loaf),” he said.

Nusu mkate is a term coined by Raila after he formed the Grand Coalition government with former President Mwai Kibaki in 2008.

He used the term to illustrate how his party was being treated as a junior partner by Kibaki’s Party of National Unity in running of government affairs.

But as Uhuru capped the celebration of freedom with a statement contradicting that of his deputy, particularly in its stately and conciliatory tone, Raila issued a statement clarifying that his alliance was not angling for a coalition with Jubilee, which is made up of mainly Kenyatta’s The National Alliance (TNA) and Ruto’s United Republican Party (URP).

“We wish to state that the CORD coalition has never contemplated and will never contemplate, joining the government,” Raila clarified.

At the national Madaraka Day fete at Nyayo National Stadium, the President cited the high public wage bill, terrorism, and insecurity among the challenges affecting Kenyans.

Ultimatums

President Kenyatta said he was ready to work with those who are willing to join government to implement programmes to improve the lives of Kenyans but asked CORD (Coalition for Reforms and Democracy) not to give ultimatums.

“I didn’t want to say this, but let me say it anyway. Our colleagues said Sunday that they want us to talk, and I am happy because this is what we have been waiting for.

 “We are ready to talk to all to discuss what affects Kenyans. There are several challenges that include the issues of wage bill and terrorism,” added the Head of State in his off-the-cuff remarks at Kenya’s 51st Madaraka Day.

“We welcome them and let’s work together, but don’t give us ultimatums. Our government is a government for all and we want to unite everyone; you should not insult, but be ready to give us your views,” said the President.

Uhuru’s acceptance came a day after Ruto rejected the call for national dialogue, arguing the Jubilee Government did not need CORD’s support in governing the country.

Sunday, Ruto, who spoke before the President, said: “We know that our adversaries are numerous and crafty but they cannot match our resolve and unity of purpose. We have one leader and one government and will work for those who voted for us and those who did not vote for us.”

Uhuru defended his record one year into office and declared, “…This is our year for action.”

He pledged that the country’s “first all-inclusive” budget for the 2014/2015 financial year would deliver “direct benefits in eight key areas to each Kenyan household in the months to come.” The President detailed interventions in the eight sectors; business, agriculture, trade, health, social welfare, education, devolution and security.

He cited reforms at the Lands registries and processing of business licences as intended to create a conducive environment for conducting business. On agriculture, more than Sh3 billion has been allocated this year for the Galana Irrigation Scheme launched last year to place a million acres under irrigation.

President Kenyatta said Sh4 billion would be set aside this year to strengthen maternal healthcare and a new fund set up for treatment of patients with rare conditions. To widen the social safety net, the President said Treasury had allocated Sh7 billion for vulnerable children and Sh4.9 billion for the elderly to cover 450,000 households.

Severe disabilities

“We also stretched our national social safety net to cover more than 230,000 households – our orphans and vulnerable children, our elderly, and Kenyans who live with severe disabilities.

“Families in the arid parts of our nation have not been forgotten: more than 100,000 households received cash transfers last year,” Uhuru said.

On infrastructure for schools, he explained the State had already begun a project to connect every primary school in the republic to the national electricity grid, which is expected to be completed by the end of the next fiscal year.

Funding for free primary and secondary education has been increased by 39 per cent and 33 per cent respectively in the 2014/2015 budget, President Kenyatta said, adding that within three years, “…we will have truly free primary and secondary education.”

On security, he announced Sh2.9 billion would be set aside to facilitate the recruitment of 10,000 police officers to add to the 8,000 who joined the disciplined forces this year.

To improve the welfare of officers, Sh1.6 billion has been allocated this year to the police medical insurance scheme.

“We have introduced CCTV cameras in major cities and towns, as well as broadband connectivity at border points. We have already provided at least 1,200 vehicles for police, which in time will also be equipped with CCTV cameras.”

He added: “Nearly 8,000 young men and women have already joined our disciplined services to strengthen them for the challenges to come; this year, we have set aside Sh2.9 billion shillings for the recruitment of 10,000 more police officers.”

President Uhuru said the Government would establish the national digital register in the coming financial year. Resources had been set aside to develop a full and comprehensive register of persons and property, enterprises and land.

“Contrary to the voices of controversy, our only aim is to unify the management of our information into a single, credible source of truth about matters of public concern.

“Each of us above the age of 12 should make sure that our details are captured in the new register.”

President Kenyatta said his government was committed to devolution, saying counties had received more than 42 per cent as their share of national revenue.

Sunday, Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero Kidero asked Uhuru’s Government to consider increasing the minimum revenue allocation to counties, noting that most Kenyans want resources taken back to rural areas.

“Majority of Kenyans live in rural areas. It is important that the minimum revenue allocated to counties be increased from a minimum of 15 per cent to 40 per cent.

“The Commission on Revenue Allocation has given 15 per cent but your Excellency majority of the people want 40 per cent,” noted Kidero.