Former US President Barack Obama Comments About Kenyatta-Raila Handshake [VIDEO]

Former US President Barack Obama has hailed Kenya for the progress it has made since the first time he toured the country in 1987.

Speaking during the official launch of Sauti Kuu Foundation’s projects in Kogelo, Siaya county on Monday, Obama termed Kenya’s development over the time as extraordinary and remarkable, but pointed out that much more could be realised if challenges such as corruption are addressed.

“Kenya has made extraordinary strides in recent decades. The barriers of progress that young Kenyans face today are not as rigid as the ones that might have faced previous generations. There has been real progress in this amazing country and it should inspire today’s young Kenyans to demand even more progress,” said Obama.

“But we know real progress lies in addressing the challenges that remain. It means rooting out the corruption to make a civic life. It means not seeing different ethnicities as enemies but rather as allies and seeing the diversity of tribes not as a weakness, but as a strength.”

Obama hailed the unity initiative brought about the March 9th handshake between political arch-rivals, President Kenyatta and Opposition leader Raila Odinga, terming it a step in the right path for the country.

“Despite some of the tumultuous times seen after elections, we now have a President and Opposition leader who have pledged to build bridges and have made specific commitments to work together.

“What we see here in Kenya is all part of an emergent, more confident and self-reliant Africa,” he said.

Sauti Kuu Foundation is an organization by his half sister Dr. Auma Obama. The foundation set up the Sports Centre as well as a Resource and Vocational Training Centre to help children and youth from the area explore their potentials.

“Sauti Kuu Foundation will not only help the youth not only find gainful employment but will also help them be potential job creators and dream makers. Here we are going to help achieve sustainable economic growth,” said Obama.

Here is Barack Obama’s speech during the Sauti Kuu Foundation launch (credits-Citizen Tv):