The Jubilee government’s development agenda will not be derailed by sideshows, President Uhuru Kenyatta has said.
The President said his administration has embarked on fulfilling the promises it made and is determined to transform the country for the benefit of all Kenyans.
President Kenyatta said it was wrong for leaders to put the country in an endless state of politicking and protests at the expense of development.
“We are implementing development projects in all parts of the country because we want to improve the lives of Kenyans. We firmly believe that this is time for development projects not misplaced political competition,” President Kenyatta said.
The President was speaking at Matuu in Machakos County where he inspected the Yatta Canal being rehabilitated by the National Government at a cost of Sh2.2 billion.
President Kenyatta – who was accompanied by Deputy President William Ruto – affirmed the Government’s commitment to completing the reconstruction of the 59 kilometre canal.
He warned the contractor that he will be banned from undertaking any government project if he does not finish the canal job by December.
Over 500,000 people – who use water for domestic consumption and irrigation – are expected to benefit once the rehabilitation of the canal is completed.
Currently, farmers using the canal for irrigation earn Sh660 million per year but the amount will increase to Sh2 billion when the project is back to top shape.
The President emphasised that the main focus of his visit to the Lower Eastern region is development, particularly road and water projects.
“I am confident that if adequate water is provided, Ukambani has the potential to produce food for its consumption and surplus that can be sold to other regions,” President Kenyatta said.
The President said the Government is also implementing road projects to open up the region for rapid growth.
On health, President Kenyatta said his Government is working with the county government of Machakos to improve the health of residents.
He said the national Government spent Sh750 million to provide specialised medical equipment at Machakos Hospital under the National Government’s Medical Equipment Scheme while Kangundo Hospital will receive equipment worth Ksh400. The equipment includes theatre, kidney, X-ray and ICU machines.
Stressing the importance of unity, the President commended leaders from the region who are working closely with the government to implement projects that are improving the lives of the residents.
“Our focus is to see Kenyans living better lives not cheap politics,” President Kenyatta said.
Deputy President Ruto said the 2017 political competition will be between development conscious-leaders and those who focused on empty politics and demonstrations.
“In 2017, it will be upon you to decide whether you will elect those who specialised in street protests or those who implemented projects to improve your welfare,” the Deputy President told Ukambani residents.
The Deputy President said the Jubilee Coalition agreed to hold dialogue on the IEBC issue because it believes in peace but breaking the law will not be tolerated.
He cautioned Kenyans to be wary of politicians who are out to divide them on tribal and party lines.
President Kenyatta also launching the Sh2.2 billion Masinga water project at Masinga town and urged Kenyans to embrace patriotism to move the country forward.
Speaking at Masinga, Water and Irrigation Cabinet Minister Eugene Wamalwa disclosed that the government is in the process of securing funding to the tune of Sh2.9 billion for the implementation of a water project in Mavoko.
Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua condemned the demonstrations by the opposition, saying those clamouring for the disbandment of the IEBC through the backdoor do not have the interest of the country at heart.
The governor said he will not stop working with the government on development projects because he is keen to improve the lives of the people of Ukambani.
Over 10 Members of Parliament from the region accompanied the President and the Deputy President on the visit.
By PSCU.