By Faith Chebotip
Kenya on Sunday celebrated its 62nd Madaraka Day in a colorful ceremony held at the Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay County, with President William Samoei Ruto leading the national event. The celebration marked the first time the county hosted the historic day since Kenya attained internal self-rule in June 1963.
President Ruto was joined by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, and other dignitaries. The President of Slovenia, Nataša Pirc Musar, was in attendance as the Chief Guest, symbolizing international friendship and cooperation.
A Celebration of Progress
In his speech, President Ruto highlighted the nation’s progress in key sectors, emphasizing his administration's focus on housing, health care, education, youth empowerment, and agriculture.
“We are building more affordable houses for Kenyans,” he said, noting that 1,080 units in Mukuru (Nairobi) and 110 homes in Homa Bay have already been completed and handed over to citizens.
On health care, the President announced that more than 23 million Kenyans have enrolled in the new Social Health Authority (SHA) scheme, with 4.5 million already fully covered. He said the plan is helping to bring affordable, accessible health care to millions across the country.
Support for Farmers and Youth
Ruto reassured sugarcane farmers and workers that the government would not privatize state-owned sugar factories.
“No sugar factory has been sold. We will protect farmers and workers,” he said, promising better management and timely payments in the sugar sector.
As part of his government’s commitment to youth empowerment, the President announced that the Kazi Mtaani program will resume next week, with 110,000 young people expected to benefit through temporary jobs and support to launch small businesses.
Education and Equality
The President underscored his administration’s efforts in education, revealing that 7,600 new teachers have been employed and over 23,000 classrooms built to support the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
For university students, especially from poor backgrounds, Ruto said the government is now paying up to 90% of tuition fees, easing access to higher education for all.
A Message of Unity and Vision
Concluding his address, President Ruto called for national unity and a collective commitment to building a better future for all Kenyans.
“Madaraka is not just about the past. It is about the present and the future—about building a better Kenya for all,” he said.
This year’s theme, "Harnessing Kenya’s Blue Economy for Sustainable Growth," aligns with Homa Bay's strategic location on the shores of Lake Victoria, emphasizing the county’s vital role in Kenya’s economic transformation.
0 $type={facebook}:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.