President Uhuru Kenyatta has wrapped up his two-day tour of Western region with a pledge that, under Jubilee, no region will be left out in terms of development.
President Kenyatta said the Government has implemented health, agriculture, roads and water projects among others worth billions of shillings across the country – from Lower Eastern to Western, Coast to North Eastern, Rift Valley to Nyanza and Central regions – for the benefit of the people.
He termed as baseless and unfortunate claims by the opposition that the Jubilee Government has overlooked some regions in development.
“We have implemented more development in the short period we have been in office than any other regime. Our aim is to improve the lives of all Kenyans wherever they live in this Republic. That is why,” the President said.
President Kenyatta spoke in Mumias where he addressed residents and at Shianda where he launched the tarmacking of Ibokolo – Indangalasia – Shianda – Malaa road in Kakamega County.
The 26 kilometre road will be upgraded to bitumen standards at a cost of Sh1.17 billion.
He particularly took issue with some opposition leaders who have claimed that connecting electricity to the poor is a waste of public funds, saying the Jubilee Government is determined to ensure that Kenyans have equal access and enjoy the fruits of development.
“The way to defeat poverty is to empower our citizen by providing the necessary infrastructure including electricity that will enable them to engage in gainful activities,” President Kenyatta said.
President Kenyatta advised the youth to lead the way in fighting tribalism and shun politicians who only want to use them for political mileage.
He called on the youth and Kenyans at large to walk with Jubilee on the path of peace, unity and development.
“Our stand as Jubilee is one Kenya united in peace and development. Let us all walk together along this path that will lead us to progress,” President Kenyatta said.
Saying when the time comes he will venture out to seek votes from Kenyans peacefully, President Kenyatta asked the opposition to also avoid activities that could plunge the country into chaos.
President Kenyatta also assured that his administration will continue supporting sugarcane farming because it is the backbone of the economy of the Western region.
He said the Government injected Sh3.2 billion into Mumias Sugarcane to save it from collapse in a move to ensure cane farmers do not suffer.
Deputy President William Ruto said those who are claiming that the Jubilee Government has not done much in development do not know what they are saying.
The Deputy President pointed out that in 2013 only 27,000 households were connected to electricity in Kakamega County but now Jubilee has increased the number to 70,000 households, adding that 95 per cent of public schools are also connected to power in the county.
He said the Government is also building five technical training institute in the county which will cost Sh100 million each to equip the youth with relevant technical skills that will enable them earn a decent livelihood.
Deputy President Ruto cited the free maternity program that has benefitted thousands of expectant mothers, the supply of electricity, payment of exam fees by Government, road and water projects as the evidence of what Jubilee has done for the country and challenged the opposition to list what they have done for the people of Kenya.
“And yet our opponents have the guts to go around saying we have done nothing. What did they do for the country during the time they were in Government,” the Deputy President asked.
President Kenyatta and his deputy were accompanied by a host of leaders from Western Kenya including Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka and Mumias East MP Ben Washiali.
_PSCU