Kibaki credits government for development

By Peter Opiyo

President Kibaki gave a scorecard of his ten-year tenure during the Jamhuri celebrations at Nyayo National Stadium.

Addressing the nation, the president enumerated how his ten years at the helm has seen transformation of the economy, expansion of education and the passage of the new Constitution.

In his short Swahili speech he later bragged that his government has tangible achievements and that he would not prevail upon anybody to appreciate what he has achieved.

“What we have achieved can be seen by all and we don’t have to do anything to force you to appreciate it,” Kibaki told the nation in his Swahili off-the-cuff speech.

The most memorable moment for Kibaki, he said was the promulgation of the new Charter that saw the country get a document that has been elusive for more than two decades.

“One of my most memorable moments during my ten-year tenure as your President was the promulgation of the our new Constitution. After more than 20 years, we were able to put in place a new Constitution developed and approved by Kenyans,” Kibaki said.

As he descended from his penultimate ride on the ceremonial Commander-in-Chief Landrover, the President was clear on his legacy which he said has laid the ground for an economic take-off to a middle income economy as envisioned in the economic, social and political blue print, Vision 2030.

The day, which is set aside to mark the day Kenya attained self-rule, Kibaki said was a suitable moment to outline how Kenya has fought poverty, ignorance and disease.

“When I reflect on our progress, I am happy of the achievements we have attained together.  Our development efforts have been guided by two main blueprints, the Economic Recovery Strategy for Wealth and Employment Creation, and the Kenya Vision 2030,” said Kibaki.

On the economic front, the President said his government’s main achievements have been in the areas of agriculture, infrastructure development, increased tax revenues, financial inclusivity and ICT development.

Free primary education, which was his brainchild, he said was a success with close to ten million children having access to basic education.