Kenya’s change agenda is still on track despite the recent challenges the country has witnessed, President William Ruto has said.
The President pointed out that Kenya is on the right track, saying plans are underway to form a broad government to speed up efforts to unify the country.
He said the government is and will continue to be strong and decisive in the management of the country’s affairs.
“We will not allow this country to be destroyed. We cannot allow our country to be run by chaos and violence,” said President Ruto.
Speaking at the African Independent Pentecostal Church of Africa (AIPCA) Ndogino in Ndaragwa Constituency, Nyandarua County, on Sunday, the President asked Christians to pray for peace and unity among Kenyans.
He assured Kenyans that the next Cabinet will reflect the face of Kenya, asking the Church to pray for him to have men and women who have the interest of Kenyans in serving the country.
President Ruto explained that the biggest challenge facing Kenya is the repayment of large debts that were borrowed in recent years, saying it is setting back development efforts.
“This is why I recently created an independent task force to conduct a comprehensive review of our public debt,” he said.
At the same time, the President said the fight against illegal alcohol and drugs will be strengthened. He pointed out that the recent changes in the police force are part of efforts to ensure that the war against illegal alcohol and drugs ends without cessation.
“Regional leadership, starting from assistant governors to regional governors, should always be vigilant to ensure that there is no illegal alcohol and drugs in the areas under their jurisdiction,” the President said.
Furthermore, he put on notice those who sell drugs to Kenyans, saying their days are numbered.
He urged parents to take the lead in educating their children against evils such as the consumption of illegal alcohol and drugs.
“Parents should play a greater role in correcting the behavior of their children,” he said.
President Ruto also took the opportunity to mention development projects that have been initiated by the government in Nyandarua County.
Saying that the construction work in the Ndaragwa produce market has been completed, President Ruto explained that 200 million shillings have been allocated for the construction of four other markets in the county, including Shamata and Ndogino.
The President revealed that KSh1 billion has been allocated for the final plan to connect electricity targeting 3,000 houses in Nyandarua.
In order to improve the dairy sector and pay farmers better, President Ruto announced that the government has allocated KSh1 billion to the New KCC to enable paying KSh50 per liter of milk from KSh40.
He said the government will not allow the importation of goods and services produced in the country. Instead, local companies and producers will be helped to produce more for domestic consumption and export.
“We cannot allow this country to become a major market for other countries. We must encourage and support local producers so that they provide enough for consumption and export,” said President Ruto.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said he will not relent in the fight against illegal alcohol and drug use.
He claimed that some leaders were interrupting his efforts to eradicate the threat in the Central region.
“We must not allow a few people to poison our children by allowing the consumption of illegal alcohol and drugs,” he said.
He praised the President’s move to dissolve the Council of Ministers saying some leaders have been violent in the execution of their duties.
“We need a great team that will help President Ruto run the country and respect the people,” he said.
