Drought and graft fight expected in Uhuru’s state of nation address

President Uhuru Kenyatta makes his remarks during a visit by France President Emmanuel Macron to Kenya on 13th March 2019. He will deliver State of the Nation Address March 4. [Edward Kiplimo,Standard]

President Uhuru Kenyatta will issue State of the Nation address on April 4, 2019, Parliament of Kenya has said on its Facebook page.

Amidst biting issues of national concerns ranging from hunger, fight against graft and implementing Agenda four projects; presidency is mandated by law to address the country on progress.

Uhuru is expected to deliver his speech before a joint sitting involving members of the National Assembly and the Senate.

“President Uhuru Kenyatta will deliver State of the Nation Address to Parliament on Thursday April 4th 2019 at 2.30pm. This is in pursuant to Article 132(1)(b) of the Constitution which empowers His Excellency the President of Kenya and Commander in Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces to perform such a function. During such a function both Houses-The National Assembly and The Senate hold a joint sitting to listen to the Presidential address,” reads a post by Parliament of Kenya.

Even though the details of his address remain scanty, the surging fight against graft and drought famine which has hit Turkana and Baringo could form part of the national address.

Deputy President William Ruto earlier this week played down the severity of the drought, asserting that ‘no deaths have been registered as a result of drought so far.’

His sentiments were echoed by Cabinet Secretary for Devolution Eugene Wamalwa who said that no evidence can be noticed to reveal drought-related deaths in Turkana.

 However, the Turkana locals and area leaders have disputed the position held by CS Wamalwa and DP Ruto, saying that people are dying of hunger and drought and the number could increase.