Key Highlights from President Ruto’s Madaraka Day Speech in Bungoma.
The commemoration was hosted at the Masinde Muliro Stadium in Bungoma County, with the president and other dignitaries arriving by 9 AM. Thousands of Kenyans, eager to be part of the celebrations, thronged the venue from as early as 5 AM, filling the stadium to capacity.
Economic Growth and Job Creation for Kenyans
President Ruto’s speech focused on economic growth and job creation for millions of Kenyans by harnessing the potential of agriculture and investment.
“I am delighted that agriculture and food security are the chosen themes of this year’s Madaraka Day. Under the bottom-up economic transformation agenda, we will reduce hunger, fight poverty, and improve the health outcomes of Kenyans.”
“Our country has a thriving, competitive, and diversified economy. I am proud to commission the 18,000 agripreneurs in Kenya who will ensure that farming puts money in the pockets of our farmers,” stated the President.
He also shared that during his recent visit to the U.S., he negotiated the renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act, which has enhanced access to the US market for African exports.
Kenya to Stop Importing Shoes by 2027
The President announced that in the near future, Kenyans will wear shoes made in the country as a result of his administration’s investment in the leather industry and value addition.
“We will not be importing shoes; we will be wearing shoes made in Kenya from our own leather. In this connection, we have committed to implementing strategies aimed at increasing incomes from Ksh.15 billion to Ksh.120 billion a year, multiplying job opportunities from 17,000 to 100,000, and raising annual footwear production from the current 8 million to 36 million pairs worth Ksh.72 billion by 2027,” said President Ruto.
He also acknowledged that recent flooding across the country may have slowed down his administration but assured that the country is on course.
“We have witnessed the negative effects of climate change that challenge food security and economic recovery. The flooding and landslides experienced in the last six months may have slowed us down,” the President noted.
Corruption and Wastefulness in Government
The Head of State assured Kenyans that his administration will never embrace the politics of ethnicity, reiterating his commitment to fighting corruption.
“I promise Kenyans that we will never go back to the politics of ethnicity and personality. We will work hard to ensure our politics is focused on development and deal with corruption and wasteful spending of public resources,” the President added.
Article By Suzy Nyongesa.