“I will be President of all,” newly-sworn President Uhuru says

Uhuru Kenyatta taking an oath of office of Presidency. [Photo/Standard]

An elated President Uhuru Kenyatta delivered his speech to a capacity crowd at the Kasarani Stadium,  immediately after receiving the instruments of power. He is now faced with the difficult task of uniting Kenyans and healing the nation that has recently been divided along political and ethnic lines.

In his maiden speech, Uhuru expressed confidence of a democratic and free space for all Kenyans, irrespective of their communities, language barriers, ideas and religion.

Among his major pointers:

Peace and Stability

The President expressed optimism that his government would build a home for every Kenyan despite their differences in ideologies. He further urged every citizen to master the courage to embrace the future by freeing themselves from the baggage of past grievances and to keep to the rule of law, adding that however serious our grievances may be, the law must reign supreme.

Economic Development.

A proud Uhuru cited  the fruits of devolution that kicked off during his first term saying that this country was now at the center of economic development by building a firm foundation for economic takeoff. Consequently, Kenya had new businesses to show for its development over the last three years. However, he issued a stern warning to bureaucrats saying he will not allow them to sabotage the delivery of services.

Healthcare

President Uhuru promised that his administration would target one hundred percent universal healthcare coverage for all households. This, as he emphasized the investments and reforms that have already begun nationwide to transform healthcare delivery whilst mentioning the transformation of the NHIF medical scheme, which he promised to deliver to 13 million other Kenyans as he begins his second term.   

Education

He (Uhuru) said that his government had reformed the Kenyan education system and gave it a complete turn around. For instance by restoring the credibility of national exams which have had a negative reputation in previous years, removing exam fees and providing digital learning devices especially for lower classes.

Regional Co-existence

There was good news for members of the East Africa community who will from now henceforth only need a national identification card to work and live in Kenya. Consequently,  any African wishing to visit Kenya will be eligible to receive a visa at the entry ports, but to which shall be done on the basis of reciprocity.  He said this in the glare of African heads of state in attendance to widen the country’s diversification.

 Security

As a country that has been under security scrutiny, the president promised to continue fighting the war against terrorism while inviting on board the international community saying it was important for all nations to stick together in fighting a common enemy.

Meanwhile, deputy president William Ruto urged Kenyans to unite and work towards building the nation as the elections that he added were purely based on ideas were now over.