President Uhuru Kenyatta has assured Kenyans of the government’s focus on implementing projects that will boost their livelihoods.
Addressing thousands of Kirinyaga residents in Kerugoya town after he commissioned medical equipment installed at Kerugoya County Referral Hospital by the national government under the Managed Equipment Services (MES) programme, Uhuru said his administration decided to intervene by ensuring that all Kenyans have access to specialised healthcare when they need it.
“Unlike our opponents who engage in destructive politics, we are a Government that is keen on improving the lives of Kenyans. That is why we decided to implement the program that has seen hospitals in counties get the special equipment to provideICU, renal, imaging, radiology and other diagnostic services,” President Kenyatta said.
The President said the Government has invested Ksh 800 million in the provision of the special medical equipment in Kirinyaga county, saying the move has greatly reduced the burden of hefty medical bills that Kenyans used to incur before the equipment was installed in county hospitals.
He said his administration will not allow interference by the opposition to derail the projects it is implementing, citing the medical equipment installation which has seen public hospitals provide better services than private ones.
“With the installation of the equipment, the public health sector has witnessed a transformation where private hospitals are now referring patients to public hospitals for specialised treatment,” Uhuru said.
The President also announced that the government has waived a Sh2.4 billion debt owed by coffee farmers to boost production of the cash crop.
He urged coffee farmers to make good use of the debt waiver and increase production. “We are keen on improving all sectors of the economy and we urge you to use the debt waiver to increase coffee production,” he said.
Deputy President William Ruto, who accompanied Uhuru, said Kenyans support the Jubilee government because of its commitment to develop the country and ensure efficient service delivery.
The Deputy President cited implementation of projects in several sectors ranging from infrastructure, health and agriculture to education and energy.
He noted that in 2013, only 28,000 households were connected to electricity in Kirinyaga county but now the number has increased to over 70,000 thanks to the national Government’s effort.
The Deputy President disclosed that the Government has also set aside Sh250 million for electricity connection in Kirinyaga county this financial year.
Kirinyaga leaders including Governor Joseph Ndathi, Senator Daniel Karaba and Narc-Kenya leader Martha Karua led residents in affirming their support to President Uhuru, the Deputy President and the Jubilee Party.
--PSCU