President Kenyatta delivered this year’s State of the Nation address before a joint Parliamentary sitting on Wednesday afternoon.
His speech was largely premised on the need for unity, where he went ahead to admit that he and other politicians contributed to divisions among Kenyans. He pleaded with Kenyans to forgive him if he offended anyone during last year’s presidential campaigns.
“It is quite clear that Kenya is safer, more prosperous and more united than when I last spoke to you…Kenyans twice cast their votes last year and the results, I believe, reflected their will. We also learnt a hard truth that neither peace nor unity are a given. We must work for them. If we don’t put an end to unrestrained political competition, it will put an end to us,” he said.
“Let us each apologize for our words, anger and malice. From Mandera to Maseno, from Mbita to Mvita, from Lodwar to Lunga Lunga and embrace our neighbours.”
He also highlighted the progress his administration has made in achieving national values, security and as well as Kenya’s international obligation.
Uhuru further outlined how he plans to implement campaign pledges and measures put in place in making his Big Four agenda namely; affordable housing, universal healthcare, manufacturing and food security, a reality.
He underscored the difference the devolution has made in the past five years, even though he mentioned corruption as a major impediment to the full realization of devolution’s potential.
“Five years of establishing the county governments have taught Kenyans what they want of devolution, and how to get it. Overall, the Government is becoming more responsive to the needs of Kenyans, as we all hoped it would when we passed the new law,”he said.
The head of state cautioned leaders against misuse of public resources and promised to step up the war against corruption.
“Most of Kenyans are honest to a fault and intolerant of graft. The Kenyan people are ahead of us, their leaders. Leaders at every level of government must demonstrate a desire to serve and maintain the highest level of integrity,” he said.
He mentioned free maternity services and the continued enrollment of more Kenyans into the NHIF programme as some of the key achievements in the attainment of universal healthcare.
“By providing universal healthcare we will save lives. Extensive work has been done to bring access to quality and affordable healthcare. We have increased health facilities from 9000 in 2013 to 11,000 in 2017,” he said.
