My government will reflect the face of Kenya - President Uhuru

Tuesday, April 9, 2013 BY LYDIA MATATA AND BRIAN OMINO

President Uhuru Kenyatta has called for unity among all Kenyans and asked citizens to hold his government to account.

Uhuru and his deputy William Ruto were sworn in today at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani as the fourth President of Kenya.

Speaking during his inauguration the newly sworn in President said politics should not be allowed to divide the country and urged all Kenyans to come together and work for the good of the country.

“The time has come has come not to ask what community we come from but rather what dreams we share,” he said.

He promised to lead all Kenyans including those who voted for his opponents towards prosperity and peace. He stated that his government will be an inclusive one reflecting the true face of Kenya.

The President also thanked his opponents in the March 4 general elections. He said each of the candidates helped make the country’s democracy stronger by providing voters with a real choice and an opportunity to exercise their sovereign will.

The President further stated that Kenya will strive to fulfill international obligations but only on the basis of mutual respect and reciprocity.

“We must remember that no one country or group of countries should have control or monopoly on institutions or the interpretations of international treaties.”

The President  said his government is fully committed to devolution and will support the county government to carry out their constitutional mandate and its pledges.

Uhuru pledged that his government will provide free maternal health care within his first 100 days in office. He also pledged to re-allocate the Sh6 billion set aside for a possible run-off after the March 4 general elections to a youth and women’s fund as well as provide laptops to all standard one pupils next year.

He said a new youth and women's fund will also be established and pledged to support the private sector in creating an enabling environment to create jobs.  

Uhuru promised to diversify the country's economic base and ensure that finished goods are produced using local labour and local material.

“We will support the manufacturing industry and support all enterprises both local and international that strive to create finished goods using local labour and materials. I also pledge, that this government , as the largest buyer of goods and services will take the lead in supporting local industry by buying Kenya first,”

On security, he said his government will not tolerate any threats to the country’s peace and security stating that “criminals, cattle rustlers, drug barons and agent of terror, who disrupt the peace of our society will be met with the full force of the law and Kenya’s security forces.” He said he will revive confidence in the government’s ability to protect its citizens.

Before introducing President Uhuru, Deputy President William Samoei Ruto, who was the master of ceremony,highlighted part of the Jubilee coalition’s manifesto- Ruto said, he is optimistic the country’s economy will be able to grow by double digits. “We are confident that by using our strong agricultural base, we shall expand food production and lower the cost of living,” said Ruto.

He assured Kenyans that their government will deal with pertinent issues while serving all Kenyans equally despite who they voted for during the March 4 poll.

“When Kenyatta and I decided to work together 3 years ago, it was not about winning an election but about unifying communities,” said Ruto.

Ruto expressed confidence in Kenyans’ zeal to work together citing past elections where Kenyans worked beyond their differences to vote beyond tribal lines. A virtue he says will play an integral role in building the nation.